A Look Behind the Curtains with Linda of Calling It Home

All I can say is that one of the great things about writing a blog, is meeting (cyberspace meeting) new friends. There are so many friendly bloggers out there is this community, and so kind.

Linda from Calling it Home has been so nice from the get go, and I am so grateful she has joined in with me for my Behind the Curtains series. I am so fond of her series One Room Challenge. It is the greatest thing. If you haven't heard about it or read them yet, go there right now! Okay, well not right now... I want you to finish reading this post first.

 

 

So Linda, where are you based?  Currently, I'm in New Jersey but we just found out that we will be moving to Florida in about a year! Somewhere around here.

How did you get into design? When I was little, I used to make my Barbie's clothes and decorate their home. The rooms were not as impressive as this Jonathan Adler room, but I would say I was hooked at an early age. 

When and why did you start your blog? I stared my blog two years ago. I had been reading blogs for about a year prior, and thought "I can do that". I really started my blog for the motivation to finish my home. 

Do you have any design education/ degree? When I dropped out of college, I became an Assistant Designer for a budget dress company. It was my responsibility to find the accessories for the dresses...belts, buttons, etc. After that, I went into costuming and worked on television and film projects. When the writers went on strike, I knew I needed to make a change. Eventually, I earned a degree in Nutrition.

How would you define your style? It's all over the place. I would say it's Coastal/Chinoiserie/Eclectic/Boho.

What was your favorite room to design and why? Whatever room bothers me the most at the moment. For now, it was my entry. It felt so dark and sad, and now it's bright and happy.

What is your favorite paint color to use? I am currently obsessed with BM White Dove. I know it's boring, but it is the perfect backdrop for everything.

What is your favorite local décor shop? There is a tiny little store a few miles from my home. It's called Antiques & Design. They sell all sorts of vintage and chic things. I bought this urn there.

What is your most go to online décor shop? Ebay, I am having a great run with this Turkish Rug seller. I think I'm on my third rug from him. 

What room in your house is your favorite and why? My kitchen, because it overlooks my backyard. I am sitting at the kitchen table as I type this. It doesn't look like this all the time, but it is almost never tidy.

Who inspires you? Everyone! Pinterest is the place to go for inspiration. There, the designers names are often lost and you are just studying composition, color, and design. 

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” Haha, who hasn't? In my current home, I would already do so many things differently if I could. For example, my friend told me to put a third bathroom upstairs. The thought of the additional expense prevented me from adding it. I should have. When a renovation is going on, it feels endless. However, the day will come when it is a distant memory and the results are what is left.

Best advice for new bloggers? Decide why you are doing it and what your goal is. It's alright if the answer is "just for fun". If we are being really honest, I would doubt that as the honest answer for most bloggers. Find a loyal group of bloggers and support each other. It is a big blogland and it can get really lonely at times. Be original and write in your own voice. If you are not formal and wordy, don't write that way. Besides, most people never read all of what you are writing, anyway. And, learn how to make your pictures BIG.

Best advice for someone decorating on their own? Have lots of inspiration pictures and find a blogger friend you can bounce your ideas off of. Also, take a photo of your room and look at it. Things look different on camera and you may be surprised at what you see. When in doubt, consult with an e-designer. They are super affordable compared to the costly mistakes you could make. 

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Thank you so much, Linda! I am so excited for your move to Florida. I know you'll find the perfect house, and make it yours in no time. I am also excited to follow along with you virtually.

 

Don't you love her kitchen ceiling? And I, too, am a huge white paint fan, so loving all of her house! White is not boring people! And those rugs!!!! Okay, okay, so now you can go over to her blog and check it out! Go now! What are you waiting for??!

And if you want to see my other Behind the Curtain posts, come on back and go here, here, here and here.

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A Look Behind the Curtains with Jill Hinson @ The Forever Cottage

Man, there are a LOT of blogs out there! Everyday I see or hear about new ones that I've never heard of or seen. It's fun to see what all is out there.
I'm sure plenty of you can agree there are many blogs out there that are good but they just don't click with you. You know what I mean right? Sort of like design, there are many designs and styles out there that I can appreciate, but I wouldn't do it in my own home sort of thing. The blogs that I choose to follow, speak to me in one way or another and they just click for me.
One in particular that really clicks for me is Forever Cottage, written by blogger and budding new interior designer Jill Hinson.  I believe we are around the same age, have girls the same ages, and maybe a little presumptuously of me but I believe if we lived in the same town we would be good friends. Jill is literally a true soccer mom, but with great style!
Anyway, Jill accepted to be apart of my Look Behind the Curtains series. To see my last two, please read here and here.
Without further ado, here we go.......

Where are you based?

J: The best city evah - Portland, Oregon!

How did you get into interior design? How long have you been doing it?

J: I have been designing spaces for as long as I can remember - I was that kid that repainted by own bedroom and re-arranged my mom's living room. I was that 80's girl that painted clouds on her light blue bedroom walls.

When and why did you start your blog?

J: I started my blog in 2009 after our family relocated to Minnesota and the winters were cold and long and I did not know a soul.

Do you have any interior design education/ degree?

J: Nope. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing - went the practical route but am now following my passion.

How would you define your style?

J:  Collected, traditional with a bit unexpected.

What is your favorite room to design and why?

J; I thought long and hard about this question and I have to say I honestly like designing different rooms for different reasons. I love to do kitchens because I love to cook and I really believe it's a home's true gathering space but kids rooms are fun and living rooms offer so many opportunities!

What is your favorite paint color to use?

J: Oh, this changes - right now I am loving dark moody walls. Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe is a current fav.

What is your favorite local décor shop?

J: My favorite stores are antiques stores - Monticello and Stars are Portland favorites. I also like Manor Fine Wares in NW Portland- it's pricey but leaves me so inspired every time I visit.

What is your most go to online décor shop?

J: I love Etsy for throw pillows. One King's Land and Joss & Main have proven to be great sources for decor. Of course, I use West Elm, Pottery Barn and Ballard Design as well.

What room in your own house is your favorite and why?

J: I would say my formal living room/office. It's a room that everyone in my family loves too - and it doesn't have a television in it! My girls like it for a quiet place to read and my husband will leave his office and go there to take a business call. Everyone calls it "mommy's room" because it really reflect me and my personality and has so many thing I love in it - including the desk where I work from.

Who inspires you?

J: Anna Spiro, a designer from Australia - she mixes patterns brilliantly! Emily Henderson - she's from Portlandbut I love her use of flea market/thrift store finds in her spaces.

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?”

J: Just one? In my 20 years of marriage, my husband and I have owned and decorated 9 homes. I had someone wallpaper a dining room in a home we had purchased in New Jerseybefore we moved in. I knew immediately I hated it but lived with it for about 6 months. My husband left for a business trip and I started ripping that wallpaper off the wall. Let me just say, I think long and hard before I choose wallpaper these days!

Do you ever second guess your decisions?

J: All the time.

Best advice for someone starting an interior design career?

J: That would be me - if you hear any, can you send that advice my way?????

Best advice for new bloggers?

J: Stick with it! In the beginning you might question why you are doing it but keep going - an audience will find you. And also, be your self!

Best advice for someone decorating on their own?

J: Stay true to yourself! Don't be swayed by trends - they come and go - do what you LOVE and if that can be something classic, your spaces will never go out of style.


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This has been so fun doing this series! Thank you so much Jill for being apart of it.
I don't remember how I found Jill's blog but I think that super cute bench some how brought me to it. I don't think I could get sick of looking at the picture, super cute!
To see more of Jill's gorgeous home, hop on over and check it out. Tell her Hi from me! :)

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A Look Behind the Curtains With Sherry Hart @ Design Indulgence

Hello!

I'm so glad to be back with another post of Look Behind the Curtains with one of my favorite designers/blogger, Sherry Hart!
{If you didn't see my first post of this series, please go here to see my interview with Marianne Simon.}

If you have not read or follow Sherry's blog, Design Indulgence you definitely need to put this on your list! She has the greatest sense of humor and great sense of style. It is such a treat reading her posts.

Here's the results of my interview with Sherry.

Where are you based?

S: I LIVE IN ATLANTA GEORGIA

How did you get into interior design? How long have you been doing it? 

S: WHEN I MOVED TO ATLANTA IN 1989 MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT A HOME THAT NEEDED RENOVATING. I HAD ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN DESIGN SO I DECIDED TO GC THE PROJECT. WELL…I LOVED DOING IT! AFTER IT WAS DONE WHEN PEOPLE SAW IT THEY WERE SO POSITIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY THAT I WENT TO WORK PART TIME FOR A DESIGNER TO LEARN EVERYTHING I COULD. AFTER 5 YEARS SHE DECIDED TO RETIRE AND I WAS FORCED TO GO OUT ON MY OWN. THAT WAS ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO. I CONSIDER MYSELF "HOME SCHOOLED"!

 

When and why did you start your blog? 

S: MY BLOG WILL BE 3 YEARS OLD IN FEBRUARY….AMAZING I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT! I AM NOT EXACTLY SURE WHY I STARTED BUT I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A WAY TO SHARE PICTURES OF MY WORK. I REALLY ENJOYED THE WRITING PART SO MUCH MORE THAN I THOUGHT I WOULD…AND IT HAS HELPED ME IMPROVE MY WRITING SKILLS SO MUCH.

 

Do you have any interior design education/ degree? 

S: NOPE….IN FACT I ONLY COMPLETED 2 YEARS OF COLLAGE AND THEN I WAS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT FOR 20 YEARS [UNTIL I WAS 40]. I GOT INTO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY WHEN I WAS 30 SO AFTER RETIRING FROM FLYING I WORKED FOR A WHILE FULL TIME AS A TRAINER. I HAVE TO SAY THAT I LOVE DESIGN AND LOOK FORWARD TO DOING MY JOB EVERY DAY!

 

How would you define your style? 

S: I THINK MY PERSONAL STYLE IS PRETTY CLASSIC….BUT I DO LIKE TO ADD SOME MODERN IN WITH IT. LIVING IN THE SOUTH….MOST OF MY CLIENTS PREFER THAT LOOK ALSO. I DO LIKE TO ADD SOME PATINA TO A ROOM BY ADDING SOME VINTAGE….AND I TRY TO KEEP IT FROM LOOKING TOO "DECORATED" I AM ALWAYS THINKING HOW A ROOM WILL AGE…AND HOW CAN I MAKE IT SO THAT IT CAN BE UPDATED EASILY IN THE FUTURE.



Sherry's Living Room

 

What is your favorite room to design and why? 

S: I SEEM TO GET A LOT OF BEDROOMS! NOT SURE WHY BUT I HAVE DONE SO MANY THAT I CAN ALMOST DO THEM BLINDFOLDED :) IT SEEMS LIKE THAT IS THE LAST ROOM MOST PEOPLE DO SO I LOVE WHEN I CAN MAKE IT A NICE RETREAT FOR COUPLES.

 

What is your favorite paint color to use? 

S: THE LAST 5 YEARS I HAVE BEEN INTO NEUTRAL LIGHT COLORS. MY FAVORITE WHITE IS BEN MOORE WHITE DOVE. IT IS A VERY SOFT WHITE THAT CAST SUCH A PRETTY GLOW ALL THE TIME. OF COURSE I LOVE LIGHT BLUE. BEN MOORE ALASKAN HUSKY IS ANOTHER FAVORITE.

 

What is your favorite local décor shop? 

S: I USED POTTERY BARN A LOT FOR BEDDING…WORLD MARKET HAS ALSO STEPPED UP THEIR GAME THE LAST FEW YEARS. IKEA AND WEST ELM ARE CLOSE BY SO I CAN USUALLY FIND SOME THINGS THAT WILL WORK FROM BOTH OF THOSE. I LOVE MIXING HIGH AND LOW…SO TARGET GETS SOME OF MY MONEY:)

 

What is your most go to online décor shop? 

S: WISTERIA! LOVE THEIR LATEST CATALOG WITH ALL OF THE COLOR ON THE COVER. I JUST ORDERED A MIRROR FOR A CLIENT FROM THEM. ALSO BALLARDS COMES THROUGH FOR ME MANY TIMES.

 

What room in your own house is your favorite and why? 

S: HMMMM…..I WOULD HAVE TO SAY MY BEDROOM. IT IS ALL WHITE WITH AN ANTIQUE RUG IN SOFT BLUES AND BROWN. THE CATHEDRAL CEILING WAS A STAINED WOOD BUT I HAD IT PAINTED WHITE ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. I HAVE A CREAM LINEN PADDED HEADBOARD WHICH MAKES IT COMFY TO CRAWL IN WITH MY IPAD AND READ BLOGS AND PIN.

 

Sherry's Master Bedroom
 

Who inspires you? 

S: MRS. HOWARD, SUZANNE KASLER, VICTORIA HAGEN ARE A FEW OF THE DESIGNERS WHO'S WORK I REALLY ADMIRE. I LOVE A TAILORED CLEAN STYLE AND THEY HAVE IT.

 

"This room is by Mrs.Howard.The furniture is very classic but I love the brick wall and the softness of the window treatments" ~ Sherry



"Another gorgeous room by Mrs. Howard. Rustic console but a very traditional dining table. She mixes the styles so nicely."~Sherry

 



"Another gorgeous bedroom by Mrs. Howard. I love the neutral tones of this room. The wood bench and desk help warm up the space."~Sherry

 

 

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” 

S: OH YES! IN FACT I JUST MADE A MISTAKE WITH THE WINDOW TREATMENTS IN THE SHOW HOUSE I WAS DOING. I ALMOST ALWAYS DO CREAM LINEN CURTAINS AND DECIDED THAT MAYBE I SHOULD TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THEY WERE HORRIBLE! WE HAD 24 HOURS TO GET THEM REDONE! BACK WHEN I FIRST STARTED I TALKED A CLIENT INTO SOME CLUB CHAIRS….SHE WANTED A MORE MODERN LOOK AND I ASKED HER TO TRUST ME AND GO WITH A MORE TRADITIONAL STYLE. I ENDED UP WITH 2 NEW CHAIRS ;)

 

Do you ever second guess your decisions? 

S: YES…..AND BEFORE I ORDER FOR A CLIENT I AGONIZE OVER EVERY FABRIC AND PIECE OF FURNITURE. I WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY AND LOVE EVERYTHING SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO ME THAT I REALLY GIVE IT AS MUCH THOUGHT AS I CAN…TO PLAY DEVILS ADVOCATE AND MAKE SURE IT IS PERFECT FOR THEIR ROOM.

 

Best advice for someone starting an interior design career? 

S: IF YOU CAN SHADOW A DESIGNER A COUPLE OF DAYS A WEEK…..BE AN ASSISTANT YOU WILL LEARN SO MUCH WITH HANDS ON TRAINING. STUDY PICTURES YOU LIKE AND TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHY…..OR WHEN YOU SEE AN IMAGE IN A MAGAZINE LOOK AT THE FURNITURE PLACEMENT AND THE COLORS. I ALWAYS DO FLOOR PLAN WHEN I FIRST START ON A PROJECT BECAUSE IT'S THE ONLY WAY I CAN REALLY MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WILL FIT IN A ROOM PROPERLY.

 

Best advice for new bloggers? 

S: WELL….IT TAKES TIME BUT COMMENT AND GET TO KNOW OTHER BLOGGERS. I WAS SO OBSESSED WITH READING BLOGS THAT I WOULD GET UP REALLY EARLY SO I COULD READ THEM. OF COURSE I HAVE GOTTEN SO MUCH BUSINESS FROM MY BLOG I AM NOW BUSIER THAN EVER AND DON'T HAVE AS MUCH TIME FOR READING….BAD AND GOOD :)

 

Best advice for someone decorating on their own? 

S: GO SLOW. DON'T JUST BUY TO BUY. SAVE FOR WHAT YOU WANT AND MAKE WISE DECISIONS. DON'T ACCESSORIZE BEFORE YOU HAVE GOTTEN ALL THE FURNITURE, RUGS AND CURTAINS IN THE ROOM. TRY NOT TO SPREAD YOUR MONEY OUT…FINISH A ROOM.

 

 

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Thanks so much to Sherry! I got such a kick out of reading through your answers and getting to know you a little better. Thank you for the wonderful tips/advice! I am dying over your inspirational photos by Mrs. Howard! Love them too!!

Be sure to pop on over to Sherry's site if you haven't already and say "Hi".

 

 

 



 

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A Look Behind the Curtains With Marianne Simon

I am very excited about starting a fun little new series of posts, or at least I hope to continue them anyways, it's called A Look Behind the Curtains. I am calling it that because it will be a little insight into a designer/or blogger that I am fond of, and want to get to know a little better. I have done Blogs I Follow and Designer Spotlights before but this will be a little more insightful with the designer/blogger answering some questions for me.

 It will be a little like looking behind the curtain of the Wizard of Oz, where we get to pull back the curtains a little and see who is behind the pretty pictures and designs, and see how they got to where they are now.

Especially for someone like me that is just starting out blogging and trying to learn a little more about design, I thought what else would be better than to ask people whom I admire their work for a little advice.

So graciously, my first designer that has agreed to answer my questions is Marianne Simon of Marianne Simon Design. She is actually a local designer to me, just a short 30 minute drive away. (If you ever want to meet up for coffee sometime Marianne, just let me know!)

Here is what Marianne told me:

 

Where are you based?  Bellevue, WA (right next to Seattle)

How did you get into interior design? How long have you been doing it?  I started my design business in 2005 while I was working full time in pharmaceutical sales.  I guess you could say I moonlighted in design until I could afford to take a leap of faith and quit my lucrative sales job.  I finally kissed corporate America goodbye a few years ago and now exclusively run my design business full time.  Design has always been in my blood, I've been doing it since I was a child.

When and why did you start your blog?  I started my blog 3 years ago as an extension to my design business.  I thought blogging would be a great way to communicate with potential/current clients and other people who share the same passion.  I had no idea what an amazing network of talented people bloggers are, many I have even met in person.

Do you have any interior design education/ degree?  While I don't have a formal degree in design, I did graduate from the University of Washington.  I don't think you can be taught great design.  I think you either have it, or you don't.  I considered going back to school years ago for a design degree, but then I thought about all of the great designers I admire, not a single one of them has a design degree!

How would you define your style?  My style is timeless, classic and clean lined with a mix of antique and modern elements.
 

 {Marianne Simon Design}

 

What is your favorite room to design and why?  I'm not sure I have a favorite room to design.  I truly get excited about each new project and the possibilities each one holds.
 

 {Marianne Simon Design}

 

What is your favorite paint color to use?  My go-to color is Navajo White by Benjamin Moore.  It's the perfect neutral shade and pretty much goes with any décor.

 

What is your favorite local décor shop?  I have a few local favorite décor shops that I frequent… Veritables, Great Jones Home and Haystack.

What is your most go to online décor shop?  Jayson Home is always a favorite.

What room in your own house is your favorite and why?  I love my kitchen.  I remodeled it almost 5 years ago and since I love to cook, it really brings me a lot of joy to be in there.  Plus, the kitchen is always the heartbeat to any home!  Everyone wants to hang out in the kitchen.

 

{Marianne Simon Design}

 

Who inspires you?   Darryl Carter and Steven Gambrel.  I was lucky to meet Darryl last May in New York, truly a dream come true!

 {Traci Zeller, Darryl Carter and me in NYC}

 

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?”  I once used an upholsterer that came recommended and used them for a piece I was having reupholstered for a client. It turned out to be a major disaster!!!  I think a child could have done a better job.  It was awful and I didn't want to tell the client about what had happened.  Luckily, I was able to get my money back for the labor, but had to eat the cost of the fabric.  I took it to another upholsterer, reordered the fabric at my own expense and never told the client about it.  The piece turned out beautifully and exactly how it should have.  Lesson learned.

Best advice for someone starting an interior design career?   You must be passionate about design.  Gain as much knowledge as you can about the industry, intern at a design firm if you can afford not to be paid, read as many design books and magazines you can get your hands on and if you're switching careers or venturing out on your own, make sure you have money in the bank.  It takes time to grow your business and it doesn't happen overnight.

Best advice for new bloggers?  Post at least 3-4 times a week, leave comments on blogs you like so people know you're out there and don't worry about the followers.  Just because they 'follow' doesn't mean they're reading.  There are so many people that will read your blog on a daily basis that will never hit the 'follow' button.

Best advice for someone decorating on their own?  Buy the best quality pieces you can afford, even if it means you'll have fewer things, and never, ever buy a matching set of anything, i.e. matching sofa, loveseat, chair or bed, dresser, bedside tables.  

Thank you so much, Stacey for including me in your series!

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Thank you Marianne! You are so kind! It was so fun reading all your answers, and getting your wonderful advice. How lucky are you to have met Darryl Carter? Very cool. I am also excited to check out those local stores you mentioned above! Maybe I'll bump into you there sometime.

Be sure to visit Marianne's website and blog to see more of her work.

Have a great weekend!

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