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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I'm Feeling Lucky..

I have to say I'm feeling a little lucky lately. In the last few months I've won 3 giveaways from other blogs.
I one a betwixt lumber size pillow cover in indigo that I had my eye on for a long time from Jill @ Forever Cottage and Spark Modern.

Doesn't it look good with my new bedding?

I also won a pink throw from Charmaine @ My Best Friend Craig and Land's End. I gave it to my youngest daughter, and by the way it is super cozy!

She's next in line for a bedroom makeover but the blanket will still work in the new scheme of things.

And just recently, I won a Sunday Set Up Plan (product of Kathy Kaehler) from Melanie @ My Sweet Savannah and Janette Mallory. I am SO excited to do this plan. It is an online club that gives you access to Kathy's plan of setting up, prepping and storing food for the week. Healthy meal recipes, shopping lists and fitness advice. Who couldn't use a little help getting meal ideas and learning how to prep for the week, so meals are easy to prepare and also healthy? I know I sure could. Thinking of what to make each night is sometimes a big downer.
As soon as I get access to this plan and give it a whirl, I will definitely post about it. If you'd like to check it out for yourself, you can go here.

Now, I don't want you to forget I'm doing a little giveaway myself. It's not the traditional giveaway, you do need to purchase something to be entered. But it's for a good cause. My middle daughter is going on an educational trip to China this summer and it's to raise money for the trip. To see my fundraiser and giveaway, please go here. You have one more week to enter, it closes February 14th.
Thanks so much and good luck!

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