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.  

​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!

​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!  

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!!!

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

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/

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/

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!