While interior design will always be my passion, there was a time I thought I would never take on another client. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled by my work; there had to be other ways to use my passions to serve others. These feelings spurred a search and propelled me into a time of reflection. I spent time with my boys, I painted, I worked on our home, I volunteered, I hung laundry on the line, I grew veggies, I taught... My saying for the season was “be still.”
Three years ago a page turned over coffee with a sweet friend. She told me details about her year-long house renovation with no end in site. In fact, while we were together, there was a bobcat inside her home digging 10 feet deep holes! I sensed her broken heart knowing she was overwhelmed and wanted so desperately to feel settled with her husband and two young boys. After leaving our time together, her story was on a constant loop in my head. Without thinking too long or hard, I called and said “I will help you with your home.” It just felt like the right thing to do. Her gratitude was more than I imagined; I could not believe how much my offer impacted my friend. She confessed that she wanted me to design her house for years, but respected my leave-of-absence from the design business. I found myself fulfilled in such a wonderful way, like being reunited with an old friend. My thoughts were consumed by the details of her project, dreaming of all the ways that I could make her home cozy and lovely for her family.
Although I had years of experience, my sabbatical made me feel like an imposter. I remember meeting the contractor for the first time, praying he did not notice my lack of confidence and rising anxiety. The creative part of design is like riding a bike, but the terminology and things I used to know so well were rusty.
I worked on my girlfriend’s home for a year. It was my greatest joy to see her love the completed project. Watching her cook food for her family in the kitchen, set the table in her new dining room, watching her boys read in the library and create battle scenes on the giant chalkboard, watching her husband enjoy the space he worked so hard for filled my heart to the brim. This project reminded me that interior design is fulfilling because it is a call to serve others. I now recognize that I can take my passion and talent to bless others.
Since I said “yes” to my girlfriends home 3 years ago I am back in business! Ross and I converted our basement into offices, I have an amazing, growing group of women working with me, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of transforming people’s lives.
Until now, I have kept my happenings very private. I intend to keep my clients private in the most respectful way while posting and sharing the things that make my heart sing. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I am grateful to be on this ride and can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds.
Cover photo: Jennie Corti PhotographyPhotos: Madie McKay Photography
During our road trip we stopped for the night at a friends who live on a ranch. I am not sure what to say about these photos except that our friends have the most beautiful house that I have ever seen. Not only was it full of history {it was moved by barge 100 years ago} but it was so beautifully decorated. After a couple glasses of wine I mustered up the guts to ask if I could walk around and take pictures {totally tacky} but I had to it was so amazing... I couldn't stop myself. By the way our friend has an acre of land that she harvests with her soon to be sister in law and Friday thru Sunday they have a road side farm stand. I know I know.... stop it! She is adorable and their house reflects her adorableness. enjoy...
First their kitchen. Perfection. And yes that is my son playing with the stove.
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