I’m letting you all in on one of the best kept design secrets on the web today… a blog completely dedicated to finding style for less, and showcasing daily designer finds and their near comparison at a great discount!
Reichel of Copy Cat Chic is one of my favorite daily reads (I recommend subscribing ;)) and I always look forward to the latest steals. I’ve searched the archives more than once to seek out a rug or chair for a room, and it’s a happy day when that House Beautiful desk you spotted can be found for a 1/3 of the price!
A few examples of daily posts: expensive version on the left, equally stylish but much more wallet-friendly option on the right.
In addition, she’s a new mommy to adorable Arden who’s just a few months behind Liv (love the weekly photos she posts of her little one in her latest outfits) and Reichel creates beautiful style boards for complete rooms that are full of inspiration (an example after the jump).
I was delighted Reichel wanted to share a few of her own design secrets and tips today, and I think you’ll like the well-thought out interview answers that follow.
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{PDB Interview with Reichel of Copy Cat Chic}
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What inspires your design style?
I’m inspired by interiors that are completely personal. What strikes me is if I can see the person in a room. A room that looks “put together” is a total turn-off, I’m all about spaces that come together over time with layers and layers of style. I love minimalistic spaces as well, which is a complete 180 from my first statement. They tend to battle each other, it’s always a fine balance. I’ve learned that a room has to incorporate personal touches, but not too many – only items that a person truly loves and wants to be surrounded by all the time. And that makes it so these particular pieces are the stars of the space and the space in turn, stands out from your usual catalog-like rooms.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the freedom of working from home and for myself. If there’s something I don’t want to do…well, I just don’t do it! I also love the fact that I’m passionate about what I do. Who knew I could make a living doing what I love? That’s one of those statements everyone always tells you, but you never really believe ;) I was never one of those kids that knew what they wanted to be when the grew up. Even when I was “grown-up”, I still had no idea. I never started blogging with the intention of making money and now that I am? I feel so lucky to have fallen into this niche that was just waiting to be filled! Who would have guessed that I would be a professional blogger?
A style board and the beautiful finished space from Reichel’s portfolio
What are your favorite design trends?
One of my favorite design trends right now is upcycling. I’m loving the unique pieces that people find by garage-saling, thrift store shopping and flea market hunting, etc. By finding a vintage piece and updating it and making it your own by painting it, adding new hardware, repurposing it…all for a steal compared to what you’d find that piece for on sites like 1st Dibs or Anthropologie. The look of these pieces adds character to a space and retailers like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn spend so much money recreating these “vintage” looks and selling them to the masses. Why not find your own original piece for less? ;)
Bedroom of designer Kristan Cunningham and husband Scott Jarrell
What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
{1} Well the first thing I’d recommend to anyone designing a space in their home…is to not listen to anyone else (funny, right? Especially if you’re listening to me right now!) If there’s something you like but it’s not inline with current trends…ignore those standards and be your own trendsetter. If you see something beautiful in a piece, others will find value in that. Besides, it’s your home – what matters is that you love it, not what others think!
{2} Secondly make your space work for you. If you need a room to function a certain way then make that your priority and design the space around it. A room that’s beautiful, but not functional will never be used.
A mudroom that is both functional and beautiful.
{3} Last but not least, remember that a space is never “finished”. Like I referenced above…the best rooms have layers and layers of personality. The rooms in my house are ever changing and that’s what makes it new and exciting. A “finished” room is stagnant and boring, don’t fall into that trap.
A sneak peek of Arden’s in-process peacock-themed nursery
Thank you, Reichel!
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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers!
How come I haven’t seen that blog before?! This is just up my alley, and I am in love with some of the photos in this post! Another note: I definitely have to agree with the statement “A room that’s beautiful, but not functional will never be used”.
Terrific frugal tips here! I’m inspired again to try yard sales, etc. to see what great things I can find. Thanks for the budget-friendly inspiration!
I’m so glad for the introduction to her site. I’m off to check it out and sure I’m going to be in love with it.
One of my faves too!
Great interview!
Great interview. Reichel’s was one of the first blogs I discovered and she definitely has talent! Thanks.