1. What do you enjoy most about interior decorating?
I enjoy designing my home to be a unique space just for my family, and to create a comfortable environment perfect for a homebody. I like making a space that reflects who we are and what we love.
I aimed to create a cozy bedroom with architectural elements that reflect and accentuate the age of my 100-year-old house. I also made a point to incorporate things that had meaning to me - artwork made by women, lighting designed by a friend, natural bedding, handcrafted furniture, no VOC paint, and a vintage rug. It's a great representation of who I am and what I believe in, all in a room that I spend so many hours snoozing.
I've been admiring linen for ages but had yet to add the fabric to my home. When I had the chance to incorporate natural linen into the new bedroom, it was a no-brainer!
Plus, I'm passionate about using natural, sustainable, low-impact, and chemical free products in my home - especially where I spend so many hours each night. Now, I'm a linen convert and can't wait to add more Pom Pom at Home linens throughout my house. While I love the linen duvet cover, I can't put the Oversized Trestles Throw down. It's my favorite blanket to curl up under in the evenings.
4. How would you describe your style?
Oh this is always so hard to answer! My current style is so influenced by my house, which is a 1915 craftsman bungalow in San Diego, CA. So, I like to pay homage to the old architecture of the home while still infusing personal artwork, modern styling, and the things I love. If I lived in a mid-mod a-frame or a cabin or a mission revival home - all architecture I adore, my style would be so different!
I follow a bunch of home design blogs and interior designers that share endless inspiration. I like to follow DIY home design bloggers to get inspiration for accessible home improvement and then professional interior designers provide so much aspirational design to apply to my home, too. Also, I like to tour open houses in my neighborhood, keep an eye out for beautiful sets in movies/TV, design in new restaurants, and admire architecture during travels.
6. How would you sum up your aesthetic?
Currently, I like moody hues, classic aesthetics, simple lines, welcoming furnishings, and unique artwork.
I treasure the original woodwork of my old home. I love admiring the historic wood that a crew installed a century ago using handtools and quality craftsmanship. It's not something that can be easily created today, so I adore what we have.
Hmmm... Can I say bold neutrals?
I encourage folks to decorate for themselves and find meaning in their decor rather than styling according to trends or copying of what they see on HGTV. There are so many ways to infuse personal style through heirlooms, vintage pieces, family photos, travel souvenirs, meaningful artwork, mood-evoking colors, and items reminiscent of hobbies. Decor can also reflect personal passions like handcrafted furniture, artwork made by people of color or women, sustainably-made textiles, and so much more. I think our homes should reflect our identities and there are so many subtle or bold ways of doing so to make homes uniquely our own.
Thank you so much Ashley for giving us great advice and for some insight into your designer mind! We absolutely loved your One Room Challenge reveal!!