Style Q&A: Eclectic Girls Room and Hallway with Jess

What prompted you to participate in the One Room Challenge in the Spring of 2017, and how/why did you choose to update your girls’ room?

I almost did not participate because I thought that it would be too much for me to handle and that I would not finish the space in time. Fortunately, it all worked out. I chose to work on my girls’ room because I already had all the furniture pieces. The hallway and door knobs were last minute additions. I figured I had to already tear the rug out and lay the flooring so why not do both. I am so happy I went with my gut on those decisions and took the plunge and made it happen.

You have a very distinct, creative design style. How do you incorporate this into your renovations?

Whenever I work on a project, I research and create a moodboard of what I want. I normally start off with what I already have and what I am capable of doing. Depending on the project and the difficulty level, I will get assistance from my husband. I love vintage decor so that is the base of all my projects. As much as I love vintage decor and all those old touches, I do not want to age my house. I try to have an even balance of old and new decor and features. For example: I love old homes with character so one way to enhance those features would be to offset it with modern/trendy art.

Where do you find your design inspiration?

I would say I get most of my design inspiration from my grandmother. She had a gaudy, over the top style…floral wallpaper, red velvet couches, moroccan decor, a ton of Chinoiserie, Persian rugs in every room, and a she lived in a stunning Craftsman style home. When I was a child I use to spend my summers at her house. I also love how bold and creative interior stylist are in the UK and Europe. They have a style that I can only dream about creating and the history to back it up.

How did you choose the hardware featured in your girls’ room and hallway? What attracted you to Nostalgic Warehouse?

I was first introduced to them when I was chosen to work with them on a project for Wayfair. I reached out to them for the ORC because I love their selection of door knobs. They have such a wide selection and I had so much fun working with them on the Wayfair campaign, I knew they would be a great fit for the ORC. I think Nostalgic Warehouse has something that most lovers of vintage decor and those with an eclectic style can appreciate. They even have modern and up-to-date collections that can cater to those who desire a more contemporary/transitional style.

Did you learn any tips and tricks about door hardware along the way that you think would be beneficial for others?

Yes, oh my wow, I learned so much from installing these door knobs. I use to think installing door knobs were hard…not any more! The one tip I would offer is to be patient. The barrel for the doorknob was longer than the ones that were previously on the door so I had to use a hole drill bit so the barrel could fit and I accidently drilled through the door. No worries, it was only a small hole and I fixed it right after I made it. Looking at it, you cannot tell where the hole was.

What’s next for you and your renovations?

Well, I plan to organize my home a bit throughout the summer. We have all this space and a plethora of built-ins and they aren’t really being used. At the moment my focus is on organization, but I hope to spruce up my laundry room before the year is over. I have been working on my plans for that space for sometime. I am just stumped at the moment in the direction I want to go with the space. I am not sure if I want to move some of the appliances around or keep it where they are at….old home, new problems.