I wanted to take a moment to have a chat with you all, so we recently put up an Instastory asking for questions. For those of you who aren’t on social media, feel free to ask me anything in the comments for next time! We received a mix of personal and design-related questions, and I truly appreciate all the engagement. Let’s dive right in, starting with some personal questions:
Personal/Life Questions:
How do you find the courage to move out of the state you’ve lived in for a long time?
Life is all about trade-offs. There’s no perfect place to live, perfect school, perfect neighborhood, perfect partner, or perfect job. It’s about identifying what’s most important to you and aligning yourself with those values. Moving from Portland to Los Angeles was a tough decision for us, but we realized we needed to simplify, slow down, and be closer to nature and family. While the move was challenging, it was the right choice for us in the long run.
What activities do you enjoy with your 12-year-old son besides watching TV?
Spending quality time with my son involves a lot of snuggling, comforting, and meaningful conversations. We have our special “cuddle puddle” by the fireplace where we watch TV together, and we also share 30-second hugs that help us bond. Engaging him in conversations about my own experiences from junior high years has been a great way to connect with him.
Do you keep in touch with Orlando, and do you plan to collaborate in the future?
I frequently communicate with Orlando through texts and calls, and we share updates about our lives. We have a strong bond from the years we spent working together, and I’m always a fan of his work. Make sure to subscribe to his Substack for some great content!
How have you managed the transition from California to Oregon in terms of mental health? Do you experience seasonal depression, and what are your coping strategies?
The transition from California to Oregon was challenging, especially during the rainy season. However, spending time in nature and engaging in various activities like working out, reading, and organizing the house has been beneficial for my mental health. Planning sunny getaways and embracing outdoor activities have helped me combat seasonal affective disorder.
Design-Related Questions:
How do you handle trendy color schemes that you may not personally like?
Embracing new color trends can be challenging, especially when they’re outside your comfort zone. While it may take some time to appreciate certain color palettes, being open to experimentation can lead to surprising outcomes. I believe in exploring new trends and adapting them to suit my personal style.
What was your journey to gaining confidence as a designer?
Confidence as a designer comes with experience, learning from mistakes, and celebrating successes. Design is subjective, but seeing positive reactions from clients and a well-executed room can boost your confidence. Embrace the process of trial and error, and remember that failures are essential for growth.
How do you prioritize home projects when you have young children?
Completing home projects with young kids requires careful planning, determination, and a willingness to embrace imperfection. Scheduling projects in advance, setting realistic expectations, and making the process enjoyable can help you balance parenthood and home improvement.
Are painted accent walls still in trend, and how do you approach them?
Painted accent walls have become less common, but there are exceptions where they can work well. Consider the architectural layout of the room and whether a painted accent wall enhances the space or feels out of place. Experiment with different approaches to see what suits your style.
How can you prioritize home improvement projects and explore funding options?
Identify the most pressing issues in your home and prioritize them based on how they impact your daily life. Addressing persistent frustrations first can significantly improve your living space. Explore various funding options such as budgeting, DIY projects, or seeking professional assistance based on your needs.
What was your process in developing your unique design style, and did you encounter any setbacks along the way?
Developing a personal design style involves exposure to different aesthetics and observing patterns in what resonates with you. Embrace a diverse range of styles while curating within a cohesive color palette to create a harmonious look. Remember that evolving your style is a continuous journey with room for experimentation and growth.
Feel free to ask more questions in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Image Credits: Kaitlin Green