Life | Risk Aversion

Happy New Year!  Ok, I know it's not January first but in my mind August will always represent the beginning of a new year.  Resolutions are usually associated with a new year so it's funny that the events that happened in the last week in July left me questioning my future. This past year has been a difficult one...my boyfriend of 9 years moved to DC in October, I graduated from interior design school and started my own business...all of this while continuing to work full-time as a financial analyst.   I've spread myself thin for fear of making the wrong choice. 

You see, when I graduated from school I interviewed for several interior design internships where they basically wanted me to work for free for 6 months and at the end of that there would be no guarantee that I would be offered a full-time position.  Seriously?  I have a B.S. in Finance, 5 years work experience and an A.A.S in Interior Design and you want me to work for free? I know that the experience is invaluable but I'm 27, my parents do not/will not financially support me and I have rent and bills to pay!  So how do you step away from a full-time job that pays extremely well, matches your 401k and has amazing benefit? I still don't know.

So when Sara posted this quote on Instagram a few weeks ago it immediately struck a chord with me and got me thinking.  Over the past year I have been my own worst enemy.  I have held myself back from experiencing amazing opportunities because I'm a perfectionist.  Several major websites have asked to feature my apartment but for some odd reason I continually put it off because I fear it won't be good enough.  Ah, seriously Kristin, wtf.  I know if I had the time I could do great things and grow my business but I'm risk averse (catch that finance lingo?) and fear not knowing the future.

I'm telling you this because I constantly receive emails from people asking for career advice and telling me that they're inspired by my story (read my About section).  I don't feel qualified to give advice but I hope that by sharing my story and struggles in this new year I can continue to carve my own path because, honestly, I need to stop waiting and start doing!

Smitten | Julie Hillman

If you're in need of a mid-week pick me up then I suggest you head over to designer Julie Hillman's website and check out her portfolio.  Some of her designs are a little too modern for my taste but this Pound Ridge home is all kinds of good.  The mixture of collected antiques and modern pieces is perfection. Every room feels tailored yet comfortable - a look that is hard to achieve.  And although the home has a very limited color palette it doesn't feel cold because it's balanced out with scrumptious fabrics, warm woods and relaxed upholstery.  Soft saddle leather caterpillar sofa placed under rustic wood beams? Genius. The kitchen knocks my sandals off, too.  I'm smitten, are you?

Inspired Interior | Club Monaco

I may have gasp when Club Monaco revealed the interior of their new Belgian store yesterday.  The intricate dental moldings, beautiful wood floors and loads of antique furniture make this space feel more like an apartment -- I litterally want to move in!  The sawhorse table in the back of the store reminded me of the Vika desk, so for today's inspired interior I'm thinking office space.  To get the look, we'll pull elements from every area of the store.  To start we'll paint the walls a soft grey then layer a vintage-feeling rug over a sisal rug rich in texture.  Touches of brass, a hutch for storage, and a classic Elbow chair that compliments the store's wood floors complete the look.  I don't know about you but I think I could get a lot done in an office space like this.

Noir Colonial Hutch | Benjamin Moor Horizon paint | Circa Lighting Boston Functional Library Light | Carl Hansen Elbow Chair | Oly Studio Jonathan Stool | Home Decorators Amelia rug | Sisal rug with black border | Ikea Vika Lilleby desk

Smitten | French Chandeliers

Last night, while sourcing lighting options for a client, I stopped by one of my favorite websites, Design Sponge, where I found a fascinating post on the history of French chandeliers.  I could look at pretty pictures all day but I strongly believe that in order to truly appreciate the beauty in something you need to understand its history. Did you know that the word chandelier comes from the French Chandelle, which is the word for candle? The word chandelier literally takes on a whole new meaning, right?

So many of the lighting options available in stores today reference vintage and antique French designs. Two of my favorite reproductions come from Restoration Hardware and Circa Lighting.  Serena and Lily also has one that would look great in a kids room.  Which chandelier or room pictured above is your favorite?  I still can't get over the juxtaposition of the rustic wood table and classic French Empire chandelier in Jenna Lyons' former dining room.  Perfection.  Le sigh.

One Singular Sensation!

J. Crew Bridal Boutique

J.Crew Bridal Boutique

Chairloom charcoal striped chair spotted on Elements of Style

Urban Farmhouse

Batik striped settee from Haven

French chairs in the One Penny Blue office via Matchbook Magazine

Sometimes less is more.  In this case, one striking stripe is definitely more! When I was in New York last month I made sure to stop in the J. Crew bridal boutique to check out the decor -- I loved ever last detail, especially the bold striped settee.  Since returning I've been scouring Craigslist in search of the perfect piece to reupholster in this sensational striped style (say that three times).  I'm thinking chair BUT a headboard like Mr. and Mrs Spade's would create a fabulous point of interest in my bedroom.  Wide or thin, centered or off-set, I'm totally digging this trend....are you?

(Images one + two by Kristin Kerr for Simply Smitten)