A few years ago I was watching a well loved HGTV show (that I won't name here) and a young couple had just purchased a condo that desperately needed a new kitchen and bathroom. They couldn’t stretch the budget enough to renovate the bathroom, yet when it came time to decorate the space the designer insisted on a floor lamp that cost several hundred dollars. While several hundred dollars might not allow them to completely renovate the bathroom, it would've afforded them a re-design to make the space both livable and beautiful. I remember feeling so incredibly frustrated. Don’t these designers know that most people don’t buy $800 floor lamps??? Most people are trying to camouflage Ikea pieces, hand-me-downs, and that one real piece they saved for in an attempt to make it look intentional. Everyone deserves to enjoy their homes in their current state and on their current budget, while being inspired by their someday dreams.
I believe a home should represent the people who live there, and their reality. Whether that means working on a non-existent budget, dealing with kids toys, working around rules from your land-lord, etc. All spaces should and can be beautiful. I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I believe no two spaces should look the same. I believe a good designer never leaves evidence of his/her own taste, but rather helps a client discover their own.
I believe organized spaces are relaxing spaces. I'm not talking about those beautiful pantries and linen closets you see on Pinterest. You know which ones I'm talking about... where you're afraid to touch anything and everything must be in identical containers. I mean functionally organized spaces. There's a happy medium and it is within your reach. As long as I can remember I've been the kind of person to stay in on a Saturday night to reorganize a cabinet, drawer or closet.
I also believe that DIY isn't for everyone, myself included. There is no shortage of incredible DIY blogs, instagram accounts and pinterest boards. The people behind them are talented, patient, and meticulous individuals with beautiful transformations to show for their hard work. Every time I start a project that I can't finish in a day or two I end up frustrated and completely over it about half way through. I also end up texting at least a few friends begging them to stop me in my tracks next time! I fully appreciate the power of a good can of spray paint, but I personally prefer to leave the demos, rebuilds and renovations to the pros and self-taught diy-ers. It took me time to believe... that's okay! While I may not have the budget to do a complete kitchen renovation, or the guts and patience to do it myself, my kitchen can still be a beautiful and enjoyable space!
I believe a home should represent the people who live there, and their reality. Whether that means working on a non-existent budget, dealing with kids toys, working around rules from your land-lord, etc. All spaces should and can be beautiful. I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I believe no two spaces should look the same. I believe a good designer never leaves evidence of his/her own taste, but rather helps a client discover their own.
I believe organized spaces are relaxing spaces. I'm not talking about those beautiful pantries and linen closets you see on Pinterest. You know which ones I'm talking about... where you're afraid to touch anything and everything must be in identical containers. I mean functionally organized spaces. There's a happy medium and it is within your reach. As long as I can remember I've been the kind of person to stay in on a Saturday night to reorganize a cabinet, drawer or closet.
I also believe that DIY isn't for everyone, myself included. There is no shortage of incredible DIY blogs, instagram accounts and pinterest boards. The people behind them are talented, patient, and meticulous individuals with beautiful transformations to show for their hard work. Every time I start a project that I can't finish in a day or two I end up frustrated and completely over it about half way through. I also end up texting at least a few friends begging them to stop me in my tracks next time! I fully appreciate the power of a good can of spray paint, but I personally prefer to leave the demos, rebuilds and renovations to the pros and self-taught diy-ers. It took me time to believe... that's okay! While I may not have the budget to do a complete kitchen renovation, or the guts and patience to do it myself, my kitchen can still be a beautiful and enjoyable space!