When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer ? When my parents were building a house while I was in college . I loved looking at the architectural plans and gathering inspiration — they built a new house but made it look old , and I was fascinated by the whole process and the details — especially the finish work of carpentry throughout . Quality craftsmanship can really make a house ! It is so essential on any project — even now I am truly a detail girl !
How would you describe your interior design style ? I believe that my style is clean and airy but sophisticated and classic . I like to mix old and new . I believe in quality products that are timeless . I also truly believe that a home can never really be finished unless you collect some favorite items from the homeowner and really incorporate what they love or they have experienced . To me , a home is never finished . I like clients who keep adding and changing as their life evolves .
Can you tell us a little bit about your customer : Who are they , where are they from and generally what are they looking for ? My customers come from all over . I have clients in Dallas , Covington LA , New Orleans , Nashville , Atlanta , Washington D . C ., Houston and even in the Midwest , where I am from ! Most of my customers have become lifelong friends which is truly the best part of my job ! I believe people who work with me want a fresh look and they want quality products and attention to detail .
Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save ? Like I mentioned above , I am a detail girl so ensuring that a home is built with quality craftsmanship is essential . I also think that you need to have a good painter . Believe it or not , that makes a huge difference . In addition , I would say splurge on the pieces of furniture you want to last and splurge on quality linens , although I usually say you should be more practical with kids rooms and bunk rooms because we all know that those things won ’ t last forever and will eventually need replacing . I do believe in living in a house and using your furniture .
With that being said , I would recommend a quality sofa because it ’ s something you use every day !
Tell us a little about your home . Do you have any favorite collectables or pieces ? I have many favorite pieces and antiques — I like to collect . I have a collection of white milk glass that I love and add to all the time . It reminds me of my mother and all her Fenton glass pieces she had when I was growing up . I also go to estate sales quite a bit and some of my favorite pieces have come from those . Lastly , I try to pick up unique pieces when I travel so I can remember the trip !
Do you have “ go-to ” paint colors ? If so , which ones ? For white , I like “ Decorator White ”, by Benjamin Moore . I also love blues … my favorite navy is “ Hale Navy ”, by Benjamin Moore . Another favorite light blue / slightly grey is “ Glass Slipper ”, by Benjamin Moore — it looks great on a porch ceiling ! As far as grays , I like the classic gray colors by Benjamin Moore . My favorite color right now is Farrow and Ball “ Railings ” — It looks so great with brass . I painted my master bathroom cabinets in this color as well as the kitchen at my store in Grayton Beach — love it !
Fill in the blank . No room is complete without … Flowers !! That is my favorite accent in any room ... or a white orchid . What projects are you currently working on ? I am currently working on a remodel ( total gut ) of a house on the Gulf in Grayton Beach . I am also working on two Gulf-front new construction homes both on the east end of 30A — which will keep me busy for awhile since we have not broken ground yet !
Tell us about your storefront . When did you open and what ’ s your favorite thing about owning a shop ? I opened my store in Grayton Beach in 2012 . It ’ s hard to believe it has been that long ! I love creating beautiful spaces and meeting new people . I also love to go to High Point Market and get inspiration for the next vignette we are going to create at the shop !
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