First off, let’s start with the subject and its pronunciation! How many of you readers use the word “passementerie”? Pronounced pas-men-tree, it is the wonderful and ancient tradition of embellishments. Tassels, fringe, braids and cords have been around for centuries, and there is record of The Guild of Passementiers created in the 16th century in France. It took an apprentice 7 years to become a master in one of the subdivisions of the guild. I can’t help but reflect on a world devoted to arts and craft with such a level of detail. And, in my profession of interiors, the one thing that I am absolutely in love with is textiles and fine craftsmanship.

“I’ve owned more sofas’ than I’ve had husbands. Both sag in the end, but I generally fall out of love with the furniture quicker than the men.” – Janet Street-Porter

As I reflect on my 25 years in interior design, there are some things that have remained very consistent in terms of the majority of my clients. My clients tend to be older; they may be retired or soon to be, and they have traveled the world and collected art. They want a stylish, updated modern home for their last years to enjoy their family and friends. The aesthetic of the home is very important, and they want it beautiful and accessible for their lifestyle.

When it comes to home technology, how much tech is too much tech? Home designs and smart features have been around for decades, and it is unsurprising that the new additions to make a home efficient become outdated quickly. Especially these days!

Jennifer Bright is a local interior designer with whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for over 20 years. Her first business was Confetti, a fun company she established with her business partner, Laurel Walters back in the early 2000’s. They created and designed fun party favors for weddings, birthdays, and other special events. The look was so fresh and unique that they were quickly discovered and published in national home and garden magazines. They are stylish, entrepreneurial women who were creating their destiny, and bringing a new product to market never seen before.

Now that I have been in the design biz 25 plus years, I think I can confidently say I have my 10,000 hours of practice! And although I have designed hundreds of living rooms, no two are alike. There is a style that is inherently mine as a creative, but my passion is in taking each client’s personality, applying some solid rules and structure, and then the creative spin that makes each room unique!

For several years I’ve been writing about design tips and styling ideas for Southern Oregon Magazine.  For well over two decades now I’ve been honored to design spaces in hundreds of homes in the Rogue Valley and throughout the West Coast. I have designed too many rooms to keep track of!  It’s always a new learning experience each time I design a space and I have honed my skills to always look at a project from a unique, one-of-a-kind perspective.  But what I’m trying to say is: I really love my profession! If you have ever wondered what it is I do, read on and I will share with you some aspects on how I like to design spaces. But first…