A couple of my favorite magazines (the ones I still subscribe to and love to devour in Kevin’s big leather smoking chair – don’t worry, it’s called that by name only in this casa) include favorites like House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart.
One that I absolutely adore in the virtual format because it reminds me in bits and pieces of Domino (sigh) and other favorite shelter magazines that have gone the way of the dinosaur, is Lonny. Oh what a wonderful read it is! And what a void these very talented, soon-to-be-mentioned editors have filled! When the little Lonny icon pops up in my email inbox on a monthly basis, I flag it, wait for a quiet morning moment with a cup of coffee and a proverbial smoking chair (okay, my office chair) and ‘flip’ through it page by page. While I can’t dog ear my favorite living room or rip out a great recipe, I can pin, save a favorite pillow find (a quick click away) and easily track down an image or entire article that inspires me. It’s a nice trade off.
It’s no surprise then that I am totally over the moon to feature Michelle Adams, cofounder and editor-in-chief of Lonny, and her answers to PDB’s four usual Friday Guest Interview questions today! And with a holiday spin.
I am particularly fond of women who mean business – and Michelle’s accomplishments and goals (more in question 2), not to mention the magazine that she has built from the ground up, are inspiring.
Michelle and her photographer partner Patrick Cline launched the online magazine in October of 2009 and I still recall that very first issue! It has since moved on to a monthly virtual publication with a regular line up of all star authors and designers. A textile designer at heart, Michelle is also the brainchild behind Rubie Green, a fabric company that I actually featured here back in 2010 without realizing the wonderful connection at the time.
Let’s talk about Lonny for a moment, because this is a gem that offers quite a few resources that are helpful in the home design department. Their blog features fun articles like this one on Interior Design Rules You Should Break and their photos tab brings you to all archived magazine photos that have been included in previous issues. Talk about a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, perusing by style or room and trying not to get lost in the dreamy inspiration! Be sure to check out the ideas section, too.
Alright, on to the interview. Follow the jump to learn more about Michelle, her favorite trends, holiday decor tips and where all of this crazy inspiration stems from.
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{PDB Interview with the Michelle of Lonny Magazine}
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What inspires your design style?
So many things! I’m inspired on a daily basis- especially living in New York- by people I see on the street, new shops that I pass, flea markets, homes that we shoot, blogs, architecture- you name it! I work hard to constantly evolve my own personal style so that it’s reflective of the experiences I’ve had. At the moment, I’m into 1920’s Parisian decor and modern art.
What do you love most about what you do?
I feel really lucky to have a job that allows me to meet people that I admire, and to share their stories with our readers. In college, I wrote a paper about six of my favorite designers, and within the first year of starting Lonny I had met all of them! It’s mind-boggling! I also feel incredibly fortunate to have a job that requires so much travel. We have done photo shoots everywhere from the souks in Marrakech to a yacht in Heidelberg. It has opened my eyes to the way people live around the world, and it couldn’t be more inspiring.
What are your favorite design trends?
In general, I try to stay away from trends in interior design because I feel that a home should reflect the personal style of the people living in it. However, I am loving the chintz fabrics that are currently making a comeback, and I especially love juxtaposing them with masculine pieces.
Here’s a room I designed in our current issue, with a pop of chintz on the sofa to soften up the masculine stag head and industrial lighting.
And again here in my bedroom I paired a floral chintz with a masculine burlwood headboard to soften the look. It happens to be “on trend,” but is still very much me.
What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
When decorating for the holidays, approach your decor in the same way you’d approach any decorating project: start by deciding upon a style and color palette. Rather than aimlessly picking up every Frosty the Snowman globe and reindeer figurine that crosses your path, try to incorporate holiday decor that resembles your existing decor. We spotted a perfect example of this when we photographed publicist Susan Becher’s home last December. Her simple red and green floral arrangements and pared down tree fit seamlessly into her minimalist Scandinavian style home.
Thank you, Michelle!
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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers, designers and authors.
