guest post | my friend staci - the "why" behind interior design

I love when real life relationships become blogging friendships! That's exactly what happened with me and Staci from My Friend Staci. We went to high school together and have since reconnected in the blogging world! After I guest posted on her blog last month, I knew that I wanted to have her as a guest on All Things Beautiful. Staci is so creative in ways that I really respect. She is a home design guru and her blog is my go-to source for all things DIY. I'm so happy that today she's giving my readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at why she loves interior design so much and how even design-challenged folks like myself can transform their living space into something fabulous. 

My Friend Staci

I have always had an interest in home design. I attribute it to my mother, who also has a passion for creating an inviting and attractive living space, so I can say that my "interior design radar" has been on overdrive for most of my life. I love watching HGTV and aspire to being a professional interior designer---to the point that I find myself frequently biting my tongue to keep from offering unsolicited advice every time someone brings up the topic of interior decor. This time, though, Alyssa asked me to share a bit about why I'm crazy about home design, so of course I have taken her up on it!

When my family moved in 1999, countless hours were spent walking through model homes--my parents trying to envision which of these options would fit our family best, and my sister and I imagining what our brand new rooms could look like. Once we moved in to our new house, we even duplicated a few ideas we had seen in the model! I didn't know it back then, but this is exactly what Pinterest is like! Pulling "likes" and "dislikes" from each space helps determine one's personal style. Once I moved out and was on my own, I really felt the freedom to start experimenting with decorating, and bringing home stray furniture--more on that in a moment!

Believe it or not, I can pinpoint why having an attractive interior is so important to me. There are two things about myself that influence this:

• I'm drawn to attractive, clean, well-designed things.
• I'm a total homebody.

The combination of these aspects results in me putting a lot of deliberate thought into how my home looks. Simply, the status of my surroundings takes a toll on my psyche. I love being at home, and I've got lots of stuff to keep me occupied at home. Like lots of folks, I've got books, clothes, DVDs, pretty knick-knacks, etc. that I can't bear the thought of parting with. I have to keep my stuff in check, though! If I am surrounded by chaos (if my house is out-of-control messy, for example) then I become irritable and distracted (and this takes a toll on my relationship with those I live with!). When everything is neat, well-ordered, and (okay, I'll say it) pretty, I am just plain in a better mood. I feel better about myself and take pride in myself and my home. All those times I was made to clean up my room as a kid---my parents were on to something!

My Friend Staci

Another aspect of myself that leads me toward interior design is my love for the past. I grew up reading historical fiction instead of The Baby-Sitter's Club and love the way museums preserve items from the past for the next generation to learn from. I try to reuse and recycle when possible, so saving and repairing castoff furniture from the side of the road or from thrift stores is so exciting to me. Not only is it cheaper than buying all-new stuff, but it leads to developing new skills (basic carpentry skills, painting, etc) that will definitely prove useful time and time again.

Do you want to improve your space, but aren't sure where to start? I have a couple of tips for you!

1.If you’re on Pinterest and you've pinned a board full of rooms or outfits, look at the big picture. What colors and textures are you drawn to over and over? Lots of layered neutrals? Huge, bold doses of color? If you aren't on Pinterest, flip through a few magazines you love, or check out the sets of your favorite TV show for inspiration.

2. If you’re trying to add interesting accessories to your home, splurge on a few larger statement items instead of amassing lots of tiny things. A large, 2’ x 3’ frame on your wall is going to command more attention than a couple of little frames. The same goes for large vases on a mantel, large pots on the porch, etc.

Overall, I consider the place I live to be an extension of myself. Whether it's the color scheme I go with, the combination of vintage and new items I use, or the neat and organized (but not sterile) way my "stuff" is put away, I want to be represented through my home. When guests come over, I want them to see "me" in my apartment. We are all gifted in different ways, and I'm gifted in envisioning spaces and bringing  that vision to life in a comfortable and beautiful home. Since it comes naturally, I want to help others show themselves through their homes too!

Staci knows what she's talking about! I mean, just look at the pictures....those are her own designs! Thank you Staci for sharing your wisdom with us! I know it will come in handy. 

Staci Jackson (@myfriendstaci) loves home design, world travel, and exploring the neighborhoods in her new home city of San Diego. She blogs about it all at www.myfriendstaci.com.