Friday Guest Blog Interview: Simplified Bee

The Friday Guest Blog Interview series is beginning to work its way back into the swing of things. It’s such a privilege and a pleasure to *meet* new bloggers through this once-every-month-ish series and then to introduce you to blogs that I think you’ll truly enjoy! If you’d like to check out past interviews (and there are a full year’s worth from some of my favorites, click here, or on the Guest Interview button in the right sidebar). It’s always inspiring to me to learn more about another blogger’s style, design aesthetic and how they ‘got to where they are today’.

This week, Cristin of Simplified Bee is sharing with us her design suggestions and tips, and introducing her beautiful blog! Cristin creates what she calls “functional” interior design with an expertise and love for home organization. As a professional organizer, she shares inspiring (and motivating!) solutions, tips and tricks to promote harmony and enable efficiency, all while adding style & beauty to the home.

I love the concept and make regular trips out to Simplified Bee to read Cristin’s daily posts on beautiful decor and great finds.

Read on to learn more about how Cristin started her blog and company, what motivates her and what she includes in her favorite trends. I couldn’t agree more with her three top design tips and love of block prints, either!

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{PDB Interview with Cristin of Simplified Bee}

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What inspires your design style?

Nature, textiles and color are typical inspiration points for me in design. Currently I am obsessed with textiles and in particular, Eastern hand block printed textiles from designers like John Robshaw. Developed in Asia centuries ago, the tradition of hand block printing continues today despite industrialization and computers. Perhaps it’s the human touch and imperfections in this primitive art form which make block printed textiles so esteemed.

What do you love most about what you do?

As a busy mother of young ones, I understand the desire for a home to be functional, yet beautiful. I saw a need for “functional” interior design and knew homes could be orderly without sacrificing style. As a result I launched Simplified Bee® in January 2009 offering residential style-savvy organization and design services in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In May of the same year, I started the Simplified Bee® Blog. With limited marketing funds, the blog was originally a placeholder for a website that would be developed later that year. To my surprise, the little blog grew and I grew to love writing about interiors, organizing and entertaining. “Meeting” new blogger friends has been a really neat part of blogging too.

My work allows me to be creative and I love that. Whether it be writing a blog article or working one-on-one with clients, I am putting my creativity to good use every day. I particularly love finding solutions for clients to help them organize and design their homes. I enjoy motivating, educating and guiding clients through the process of transforming once cluttered rooms into beautifully functional spaces.

What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?

{1.} Edit & Purge. Clutter is visually exhausting. Purge often. Keep and display only what you love. If you don’t use it, sell or donate it.

{2.} Mix it Up. My favorite interior designs are approachable, wabi-sabi {finding beauty in imperfection} and artfully blend old and new. It’s all about striking a balance. Don’t be afraid to mix period styles, patterns & textures and vintage or worldly pieces. I’m not a fan of interiors that are too matchy-matchy and look like a page out of a furniture catalog.

{3.} Seek out Bargains & Upcycle. I don’t believe good design needs to be expensive. Purchasing used furniture and décor items is not only eco-friendly, it can make for more interesting interiors. Search Craigslist, comb flea markets and seek out estate sales to find great pieces at incredible prices. Always have the measurements and fabric/paint swatches on hand to make sure the piece will work in your space. Don’t shy away from the condition – you’d be amazed at what a difference little paint, fresh fabric or new hardware can make.

Thank you, Cristin!

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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers!