INTERVIEWING FOR THE STORY…

We all have a story.  I haven’t been able to write recently as my most recent chapter included a health scare, surgery, and 8 weeks of recovery.  I’m doing fantastic and glad that chapter is over! Happy to be back writing my Sunday afternoon blog!

When I interview with a potential client I try to gage how involved they want to be.  Some people just want me to listen carefully to them, then have me reflect back to them their vision through visual aids and flowery descriptions.  Then boom! I get to run with it, and am usually referred to as ‘boss’.  They see their project at the big reveal, with weak knees and tears.  I love it! And then there are clients who know what they like, or have a good idea, and need me to fine tune their style with my guidance and to handle all of the logistics.  They are more passionate and much more involved.  I love that I get to collaborate with them, and see them excited as the project begins to reveal itself.  The final result is just as exciting for them, as their involvement has them more anxious.  So, whether I solely write the story, or edit one’s own rough draft, the end result will be equally as fabulous, as my goal is always to have an ecstatic client!

Until Next Time,

Cindy

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Writing The Story….

So now is the time to determine what type of story we want to write for you.  Possibly, your real life’s story is playing out as an intense drama, and you love it and want it expressed in your home’s décor; your travels, your passions, your collections.  Or, on the flip side, you need a peaceful, tranquil retreat to escape your crazy, hectic life. Perhaps you’ve come to realize you love all things modern; your wardrobe is hip and cool, and you are drawn to modern art over renaissance paintings.  Your home could have a waterfront setting, or a view of the mountains and you are your happiest there and want to bring nature indoors. The stories go on and on and no two should be alike. From a cabin in the woods, to honoring family heirlooms in a timeless antebellum, allow the time, thought, and effort to create the most special place where, when you open the door you know your story has been written well.  Next time, I want to get you thinking about whether this story is best written as an autobiography or a biography by…yours truly.

Until then,

Cindy

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A Love Affair...

When you’ve found the pieces you love, with or without your designer’s help, it’s important to know why you love them.  Is it because you saw a piece in a magazine or on TV, or your best friend just redid a room and has a piece that looks great, so you need it too?  Was it priced too good to pass up?  These are all good reasons to like something, but these are not reasons to commit.  The piece needs to cause you to react emotionally, like selecting that cheesecake over all of the other scrumptious desserts because it was the one that made your mouth water!  Let it speak to you, as if to say, “you will absolutely love me every time you see me!” A designer can, at this point, take those pieces that you’ve genuinely fallen in love with, and begin to build a story, perhaps a fairy tale, whose main characters are those things that love you.  Next week, I’ll write about, well, writing the story.  Until then, remember, everyone can’t play the main characters.

Happy Hunting,

Cindy

Photograph by Laurey Glenn

AUTHENTIC STYLE...

As I toss around ideas to share with you, there are so many, but one fundamental element of the very best design for you always comes to the forefront.  Keep your style authentic. Don’t borrow your style from a picture of a room you love, or a room you’ve been in. Yes, be inspired, but be mostly aware of your soul.  Imagine how lovely it would be to get a basket and a pair of garden shears and walk through the most beautiful garden and select all of the stems that tantalize your soul.  Then bring your basket inside and ‘gently’ work them into an arrangement, custom made just for you. Herein lies the challenging part, how to arrange the flowers to create the perfect look.  That’s when you find your designer. Let the designer see what you love first. It doesn’t need to be within a realm of any sort, not style, not color, not scale. Even if your style is all white and minimalist, the pieces you love can be showcased beautifully.  If you’re not sure which flowers you love, be sure to read my next week’s blog as I share how to know if the flowers love you.

 

HAPPY SNIPPING,

CINDY