Happy Friday! I’m delighted to share this special blogger with you today… her name is Bethany and she’s the inspiration behind b*spoke, a blog bringing “the personal writings, ponderings and ramblings on home, life and love” into the hearts of readers on a regular basis.
I fell in love with Emmy Lu Design Studio (her baby) because of this calendar, which I fully intend to frame and hang in my house in short time:
But it’s the wholehearted sharings of Bethany that keep me coming back to check in on b*spoke time and again. Whether she’s showing off gorgeous pictures of her favorite color palettes, offering a clever wrapping paper suggestion or sharing her favorite dinner recipe, her dialogue is engaging and intriguing.
It doesn’t hurt that she owns the cutest Cape Cod cottage this side of the Mississippi (see more after the jump) and that her musings are practical, amiable and often discerning (an especially appreciated bonus after a long day). b*spoke is a lovely morning read and I highly recommend it.
On to the interview! Follow the jump for inspiring design advice from a graphic designer and fabulous home decorator… I really love her three design suggestions for the last question of our interview, too.
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{PDB Interview with Bethany of b*spoke}
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What inspires your design style?
Without a doubt, I am inspired by the textures, patterns and colors I see in nature. I have always loved the outdoors, and I think this passion carries over to my design style. I gravitate toward cool colors and neutrals, which in not surprising since my favorite landscape is a beach or lake shore. I grew up on a lake in northern Minnesota, and to this day, I love the subtle blues of a summer lake, contrasting with the warm tones of a sandy or rocky shoreline. I also find myself inspired by vintage finds. I love the simple, clean lines of illustrations in old books, and I am enamored by antique typography and design details. I collect vintage cameras, and searching for them at flea markets and garage sales tends to lead to a discovery of many other inspiring things.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love that I get to create something from nothing. I believe that we all have a spark of our Creator within us. I love starting with a blank page, and finishing a design that is *something*, whether it’s a wedding invitation or a personal stationery design. I also love connecting with people across the globe. Blogging has given me an outlet for sharing my ideas and inspiration, but it has also given me a wonderful group of friends who truly are a blessing to my life!
What are your favorite design trends?
I love clean white space, both on the page and in the home. I love simplicity in the use of color, and monochromatic palettes are right up my alley. I love using textures that are subtle and organic.
What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
{1} Find your style, and stick to it. Don’t copy-cat and don’t jump around. If you don’t know your style, start by flipping through design magazines, and tear out pages that are appealing to you. Compile your clippings, and define what elements you seem to gravitate towards. Are you consistently drawn towards warm colors, or cool hues? Do you like eclectic rooms, or modern spaces? Defining your own personal taste will help you in your decorating and even in defining your sense of style in fashion, on paper, and otherwise.
{2.} Don’t be afraid to add unexpected items to your decor. One of my favorite things in my home is an antique plane propeller. My husband and I picked it up at an architectural antique shop during an anniversary getaway. I love it’s weight and the beauty of it… many people ask why I have a prop in my bedroom, but to me, it’s beautiful and it’s unique.
{3} Use multiples! When you are decorating a table-scape, a room, or even designing an invitation, using multiples of an object can have a great effect and give an interesting presentation. Whether it’s three mismatched white vases with the same flower, or three of the same mirror hung in a row above a bench, multiples are a great way to make an impact.
Thank you, Bethany!
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Credits for Images: All photos were taken by Bethany Hway of b*spoke.
Remember this neat project? A wonderful b*spoke inspiration crafted by Bethany!
