Stay With Me

If you follow blogs then I am sure you've heard that Google Reader will be obsolete starting tomorrow, July 1st. If you follow me through Google Reader, please switch over and follow me through either signing up for email delivery, or another rss source. I am so thankful and flattered for everyone that has pushed that follow button and would hate to loose anyone of you!
I have heard conflicting thoughts on if Google Friend Connect will be disappearing too, so on the safe side I would switch over to another source so you don't loose all your blog feeds that you follow.
I have switched over to Bloglovin myself. You can follow me here. It is very easy to use, and similar to Google Reader.
I have also heard Feedly is a good one as well.
Also, you can find me on any of the other social medias, listed on my side bar. When I am not posting, I am usually adding new photos onto Instagram the most. Would love to follow you on there as well.
Thank you so much and have a great Sunday!

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What am I doing?

My self-confidence has taken quite a hit this weekend. I never thought I was AMAZING at decorating. I like to think I do okay, and it is something that I have a huge passion for and think about quite a bit. After this weekend, I am sadly thinking maybe I am not good enough.
I bought these shelves for my dining room, and I absolutely love them! What I pictured in my head turned out a lot different once they were put in the room.
Maybe you can help a girl out?!

So originally, I wanted them flanking the window.

 

I still kind of like this layout, but didn't think about the drapes, and those will be behind the shelves and I think that will be little off. I could do a roman shade though. I posted these pictures on instagram, and was told these shelves looked too wide for this wall.

So, option #2.

 

I liked the idea of the shelves facing out as a focal piece, but put them on the left side to even things out. The only problem I have with this layout, is if I do drapes on the french doors, the drape on the right will go behind the buffet. Will that be wrong? I could do a roman shade on those, same fabric I choose for the window?

Or option #3, which I don't have a photo of but I could put buffet back on left wall where it was originally with mirror above it, and put the shelves flanking the french doors, but I would have to do roman shades on the french doors if I do that as well.

 

 

Here are my ideas for the rest of the room.

 

 

 Possibly, adding a smaller rug for a layered look about the natural fiber rug, I have in there now. To bring in color and pattern.

 Doing white linen curtains or oatmeal color.

Changing out the shades for these linen shades from Pottery Barn.

 

Bringing in blue/white ticking stripe slipcovers for either all 6 chairs or just four, with 2 of woven chairs like these for the end of the tables, to break up all the black and dark colors.

And adding white serving dishes/platters/bowls to the shelving, maybe my cookbook collection and other little knick knacks.

 

I know it will look better when all the elements are brought into the room, but right now I am freaking out a little. Please tell me that I am not the only one that has done something like this. I just imagine that all interior decorators know exactly the right thing to do at every moment, and they never get stuck on ideas. Please tell me even the more experienced of them still have moments like this, where they questions what they are doing!

What would you do?



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Happy First Birthday Blog!

Wow! How does time fly by so fast? It was one year ago on May 6th, that I started this little blog. I began writing to no one really, as I am guessing that is how most of us started out. Here is my first post and why I started in the first place.
I knew this blogging community was great before I started this blog, but I just never guessed on how sweet and supportive a lot of the other bloggers and readers have been to me.
I don't have a huge following and that's okay. Maybe I will gain some more as time goes on, and if I don't that's okay too. I am just SO appreciative of those that are following me, and for all of you that leave comments. You have no idea how it lightens up my day!
My goal for this year is to finish my course with Sheffield. Seriously it needs to be done like NOW. And I will try to very hard to be more consistent on my posts. I know I have been very sporadic with them.

In other news, I was contacted the other day by a designer/blogger that I met at the Design Camp in Seattle earlier this month, Courtney from Illustrated Kitchen and Bath.  She awarded me the Liebster Award. The Liebster award is something that new bloggers give out to other new bloggers to sort of share the love and maybe share some readers. Who doesn't love to be introduced to new blogs out there?
I was very honored that she included me. To be honest, I was actually given this award from Julie of Longhorns and Lilacs are few months back. I was super honored for her to include me as well, but sadly I just spaced off doing the post. Ugh, sorry Julie! Please go to Julie's blog and be sure to say hi.
Okay, so how this works is:
 

If the nominee decides to accept the award, he/she must:

1. Answer the 11 questions posed

2. Post 11 facts about themselves

3. Nominate 5-11 bloggers

4. Tell them they have been nominated

5. Create a list of 11 questions for the nominees to answer

 

 

So, here it goes:

 

11 Questions given to me:

1. What’s your favorite season? Fall
2. What’s your best advice for new bloggers? Don't be afraid to reach out to other bloggers for help or advice
3. Are you glass 1/2 full or glass 1/2 empty? I'd like to think I'm half full
4. Coffee or tea? Definitely coffee
5. What’s your favorite magazine? I have so many favorites, but Coastal Living the best
6. Pick four words to describe yourself. Introverted, loyal, open minded, giving
7. List your three favorite online shopping sites. Etsy, Pottery Barn, Joss & Main
8. Night owl or morning person? Night Owl
9. Which do you prefer: ocean or lake? Ocean
10. Where do you get your best blog inspiration? Life, other bloggers,  & Pinterest
11. PC or Mac? PC

11 Facts about Me:

 

1. I live in the city where I was born
2. I met my husband on a blind date set up by two of our close friends
3. I won a prize as a guest of Live with Regis & Kathie Lee, while visiting NYC and was on TV
4. After seeing Flashdance as a child, I wanted to live in a warehouse and become a dancer.
5. Had a HUGE crush on C. Thomas Howell growing up.
6. First time on a plane was to NYC and without my parents
7. First concert was Pearl Jam (I'm from Seattle, duh)
8. My favorite smells are peppermint, coffee and garlic
9. I have three daughters
10. In highschool I wrote a paper saying I wanted to be an interior designer for yachts and another year, I wrote I wanted to write a screenplay
11. Must visit Italy

Now, I would love to pass on the torch to the following bloggers: ( I thought I'd reach out to some of my blog followers that have had their blog for a year or less)

 

Andrea from The Glam Pad

Leslie from Pillow Love

Petie from Inspired Nesting

Sandy from You May be Wandering

Emily from Emily Charlotte May

 

 

Nominees, if you wish to accept this mission and continue to spread the love to new bloggers... Here are YOUR questions:

 

11 Questions about You:

 

1. Where were you born?

2. What is your biggest accomplishment?

3. If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

4. What did you want to be when you were young?

5. What movie had a huge impact on you?

6. What is your favorite tv sitcom?
7. Your first concert?
8. First job?9. Country or Pop or Rap?

10. Beach or Mountains?

11. Dream Vacation?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My Camping Trip (Design Camping)

It has been 2 weeks since I went to the Design Camp in Seattle, and I am just getting around to blogging about it. Can you say, slacker?? I can! Slacker! Oh, well 'tis my life.
I think the reason I haven't blogged about it yet, is because I'm still letting it all sink in. There was so much information being thrown at me that I almost wanted to crawl into my happy place, curl up in fetal position and start sucking my thumb.
Seriously, I learned a lot and it was a great experience. If you have a design company or a design student I highly recommend it. I am so grateful for winning my ticket. Thanks again Kim Hoegger!
I won't go into all the details today. I am going to try to organize my thoughts a little better and do separate posts on what I learned.
Here are just some highlights of Design Camp.
The Camp is put on by Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis. Both are highly talented, have a long list of incredible credentials and rub elbows with the best of the best in the design world. You'd think they would be stuffy, maybe a little intimidating but they couldn't have been more friendly, fun and high spirited.

At the Camp, things that were discussed were: trends for 2013, business strategies, branding, social media tips, the world of real estate staging, commercial design, bath and kitchen design, lighting, how to get published, and even how to get on television. Amazing stuff was covered.

I was thrilled to meet this guy!

Nathan Turner was fabulous of course, and very personable.When he mentioned he used BM Super White in his beach house and in lots of his work, I couldn't help but scream in my head, "that's what I used! We must be design soul mates!" Haha. But I did have something to tell my husband when I got home, since he's not so on board my Paint it All White mission. If Nathan uses it, it must be good.

I also met Ronda Rice Carman, of All the Best Blog.
I bought and had her sign her new book , Designers at Home. I haven't got a chance to dive into it yet, but can't wait.

Also, finally got the chance to meet a local designer/blogger Keri Petersen from KP Spaces.
She did a presentation on stagging, and she did a great job.

I got to meet alot of other bloggers, Jen from At Home in the Northwest (Jen, how did we not get a picture of us??), Melissa from Design Delights, Maggie from Maggie Rose Online, Molly Quinn, a designer from Louisiana, and Holly from Holly Holbrook Interior Design. I met many others but one thing I wish I could've done was socialize more. I am very shy when meeting new people at first and wished I had tried to connect more. That is my only downfall of these three great days.

Again, I will post more about what I've learned later, but just wanted to share this with you since I hadn't done so yet.

If you are interested in this camp, they still have more camps lined up in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Orange County.

Oh, and a little side note, since I tend to not post for awhile at times be sure to follow me on Instagram (instagram/stewardofdesign) to see what I am up to between posts. It's my new addiction! Are you on it? Let me know and I'll follow you too.

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A Look Behind the Curtains with Melaine Thompson @ My Sweet Savannah

Today, I'd like to introduce you to another local blogger to me, Melaine Thompson from My Sweet Savannah.
I have been a stalker follower of Melaine's for sometime now. I so envy her beautiful home on the lake. Her home just speaks comfort. She does her styling and decor with such ease, and everything is just beautiful.
If you have not checked out her blog, please do! She comes up with the most amazing DIY projects, that just blows me away. If her home, and creativity don't drive you to feel super inferior just wait for her soon to be released blog about fitness and health. This girl has some guns (biceps, I'm talking about) and the tiniest waist. Dang girl, it's hard not to hate you. But you can't hate her, because she is so sweet and gracious.
Anyway, enough brown nosing. Ha ha.

Here is Melaine's take on interior design.

Where are you based? I live near Seattle Washington.

How did you get into interior design? I've always been into interiors ever since I was little. Things really took off for me after we purchased our first home.



Melaine's cute dining table



Her chalk wall where she stenciled from using this source.



Washing dishes would be so much more easier with a lake view like that!

 

I love her little coffee bar area here.

 

How long have you been doing it? Around 12 years.

When and why did you start your blog? I started my blog about 6-7 years ago as a place to showcase my hand painted furniture and signs to clients.

Do you have any interior design education/ degree? Nope, I do not, self taught :)

How would you define your style? Traditional with a cottage/vintage twist. I like mixing old and new.

What is your favorite room to design and why? I'd say kids rooms. Kids rooms are just plain FUN! And, they are the easiest to please!



Melaine's son's and daughter's rooms

What is your favorite paint color to use? It used to be Ben Moore Teepee Brown, but I am drawn more to grey's now. Dark Grey in particular. Seal by Martha Stewart is a good one. I LOVE Ralph Lauren Oatmeal, it's a warm off white, a good neutral.

What is your favorite local décor shop? I have several, but in Kirkland, Haley's Cottage, and in Snohomish, Joyworks, Ruffles and Rust, and Faded Elegance.

What is your most “go to” online décor shop? I love Ballard Designs for pillows and accessories and I also love Joss and Main. There's some really great deals there.

What room in your own house is your favorite and why? Our living room. It has a lot of light and a big comfy sectional. It has a fireplace and a giant tv. It's a great family gathering spot.

 

 

Who inspires you? The list is long. Currently, Holly Mathis, Jill Hinson, {blogging girls} I love Nate Berkus and Sara Richardson.

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” Yes, but do I have to tell? :)

Best advice for someone starting an interior design career? Go with your gut. Try not to follow trends, because trends will change.

Best advice for new bloggers? Keep going and don't give up. It may take a while to get your blog "out there" but just post, post, post.

Best design advice for someone decorating on their own? Buy what you love, no matter what. If you love it, you'll find a spot for it! Don't buy something if it's not LOVE at first sight!

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Thank you so much Melaine for being apart of my series! Your home is gorgeous, and I'm sure it's even better in person. (hint, hint)
We have the same inspirational designers, and I couldn't agree with you more when you say to stay away from trends (unless you love something) and go with your gut. I can't tell you how many times, I let other peoples' voices get in my head and lead me to something I didn't really want, and I have since had to change it or want to change it now.
Please hop on over to Melaine's blog and see more of her house tour and see all her great recipes, entertaining ideas, and diy projects.

*If you'd like to see my other posts in this series please go here, here and here.*

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What's Your Road Block?

I am in no way thinking I am a decorating genius. Far from it actually, but it's my passion and I hope that people like what I do to my own house. I am trying to learn more, and hopefully someday someone will ask me for my help to decorate their house!
I think I am ok with picking colors,  (though, I have made a couple mistakes which I'll share at a later time), picking coordinating patterns, and picking furniture pieces (again, not all aces though).
What I really seem to stumble upon and find a road block on is vignettes. I don't know why this simple decorating area seems to stump me but it does.
For example, this is what my new entry looks like.

 See the lonely candles? I know I want to add either a little bench or 2 little seats to tuck under the table to fill that open space and for function to put on shoes. But what to add to the table top? Totally stumped. I want to add something that makes sense and is also pretty. I see in a lot of photos of vignettes styled with a lamp, a plant, books, etc.
I have the overhead light, so a lamp would just seem overkill to me and wouldn't ever be turned on.
A plant? Yes, I could definitely put a plant there. Books? While it looks really great in photos, it doesn't seem practical to me. I mean if I want to go look for a book, one of the few last places I would go look for one would be in my entry. Does that make sense?
Ugh! Maybe I am over thinking this too much.
Then I have another console table to worry about. A new purchase that is sitting bare and naked. Waiting to be prettied up.

I can't add a lamp here because of the sconces. Here I could definitely put some books, or a plant or both, and I will most likely add some sort of bowl for keys since this is near the door where actually we come and go- not the main entry. I really want to add things that are special and meaningful too. So the search goes on.

What do you have on your entry table or other console tables? Am I making this more of a big deal than it should be?
What are your biggest road blocks when decorating?

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Design Camp

I am beyond excited this morning as I just found out I won a free ticket to go to The Design Camp in Seattle this May! I have never gone to anything like this before and am super excited to learn!
Thank you to Kim Hoegger, for this great giveaway and opportunity!

 

 

The Design Camp is led by HGTV celebrity designers, Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis, and there will be many other high profile speakers including, local blogger Cassandra La Valle of Coco+Kelley, blogger Ronda Carman of All the Best, Decoration Editor of Veranda Magazine, Leslie Newsome Rascoe and Nathan Turner!

If you are interested in going to the Design Camp, you can maybe win a free ticket like I did. Hop on over to Kim's blog, she is giving away two more tickets until March 15th or you can order tickets here.

I swear with the luck I have been having lately I should buy a lottery ticket!!

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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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