Barbara Phillips
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Designing for a Contractor

9/30/2019

 
Every client is unique and brings with them different design challenges related to style, color, lighting, accessorizing and a whole host of other Interior Design elements. I am fortunate enough that I have all types of clients. Those with small projects and those with large projects. Those looking to refresh their environment, those looking to change their surroundings, and those starting from scratch.
 
In my experience some of the most interesting, and challenging, design engagements are when I work for a building contractor - since they know so much about the architectural spaces and have seen so many different layouts and design styles.
 
I recently completed a Sitting Room project with a wonderful couple, Katie and Chip Eibye.  Here are some photos of their completed sitting room, but I can only take credit for the draperies, pillows, and the piano bench seat. Everything else in the room was designed, selected, and constructed by Chip and Katie themselves.  
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​Chip is the Manager of Eibye & Lynch Construction out of Walpole, MA and is a fantastic general contractor – as you can see his by impeccable workmanship in the built-in shelves, fireplace, and the whole room in general. I’ve had the pleasure of working on several projects with Chip, and I highly recommend him - in the stratosphere actually!
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​It is indeed a pleasure to provide decorating help to contractors on their own homes. One, you know they'll have everything exactly plumb and square.  Two, they appreciate detail and fine craftsmanship because that is what they provide their clients every day.  Three, they get it - beautiful homes contribute to making people happy, comfortable and serene. 
 
Thanks to Katie and Chip for selecting me to help them deck out their house!  
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Blogs I Like and Follow

9/26/2019

 
Blogs, Pinterest, Houzz, On-line magazines…...  The on-line collection of inspirational home décor resources is astounding.  And, many of my clients tell me, overwhelming. Sometimes that’s precisely why clients hire me - because in this digital age, information overload is a constant tax on our attention, time, and psyche – and they want a professional to help them sort the wheat from the chaff.
 
I’ve discussed this before in my blog…the dizzying array of home décor products and our impetus to track down “just the right one,” which sometimes leads to delay, procrastination, and sadly, not getting it done - except when you get that phone call that you are having out-of-town company for Thanksgiving, and  now you really need to get it done. 
 
So, in today’s post, I’d like to share some of my favorite sources of on-line inspiration, specifically other bloggers who I follow (in no particular order, they are all wonderful).  The blogs of these four interior designers are my absolute favorites:

  • Erin Gates
  • Tobi Fairley
  • Sarah Richardson
  • Laurel Bern
 
All of these women are talented designers and successful entrepreneurs.  Enjoy!!!

Erin Gates, Elements of Style
You have heard me enthusiastically compliment Erin Gates, a fellow Boston area designer, for her creativity, design style, authorship of books, entrepreneurial style and all around terrific blog. What an inspirational success story on her life and her work.  Anyway, check out her blog and her review of the new Serena and Lily store in Boston.
                            http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/​
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Erin Gates - photo by Bob O’Connor - from Boston Magazine
Yes!! the West-coast “go-to” furniture source has just opened a showroom in Chestnut Hill (220 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-795-5999, serenaandlily.com)  I’m looking forward to checking it out very soon myself.  
          http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2019/09/the-new-boston-area-serena-lily-store.html
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Tobi Fairley, Designer, Entrepreneur, Southern Style Aficionado
Tobi Fairley is one of my favorite designers and I love that she is also an entrepreneur dedicated to helping other designers find a profitable and creatively meaningful place in this digital age which has literally rocked the interior design business, good and bad.
 
So, we are now seeing famous designers like Tobi reaching out to help other designers through podcasts and coaching.  You’ll want to check out her blog, it’s divine!
                             ​https://tobifairley.com/blog/
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Tobi Fairley – photo from Traditional Home Magazine

Sarah Richardson, TV show host, an all-around talented designer, and inspirational interior design professional
I have spoken before on this blog about my admiration for Sarah Richardson, and I have collected all of her design books now.   I saw Sarah speak at a Design Conference about 8 years ago, when she was the keynote speaker, and I was struck by how genuine and inspirational she was.   Her revamped website and blog are terrific, and she provides the sources of the products she recommends.   Just lovely, all around!
                            http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/
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Sarah Richardson - photo of her books

Laurel Bern, Laurel Bern Interiors
No presentation of “favorite blogs” would be complete without my absolute favorite, the master, Laurel Bern! You will find Laurel’s wit, design style, and helpful advice right on target.  She’s terrific, and I look forward to getting her blogs in my in-box several times per week.   I especially love how she combines traditional styling (including historic art) into her posts.  
                            ​​https://laurelberninteriors.com/interior-design-blog/

You all know how much I love window treatments, and it appears Laurel does too.  I am spot on with all her perspectives on what to do, and what not to do.  Here’s a post she wrote that I totally resonate with:
                          https://laurelberninteriors.com/2019/06/26/window-treatment-styles-type-pattern-color/
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Laurel Bern – from Westchester Magazine

What do all these designers/bloggers have in common? They are generous with their advice, they have all published multiple books, they are excellent designers, and they are truly inspirational. Check them out! 

​And if you follow other bloggers and want to compare notes personally with me, please email me from my "Contact" page.  I don’t have a “comments” section on this blog, but I do respond to email inquiries, just reach out.  And of course, keep reading my blog too!
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    Barbara Phillips

    Barbara Phillips, interior designer and owner of Center Stage Interior Designs, has delivered impeccable window treatments and design services to both residential and commercial clients in Massachusetts since 2001.

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