Today I’m so thrilled to introduce you to Phoenix designer Capella Kincheloe! Capella had years of valuable experience before starting her own interior design firm in 2010. She has worked on design projects around the globe, and her worldliness certainly comes through in her beautiful yet functional designs.

When and why did you decide to become a designer?

I have always loved design, like many that choose this path.  As a kid I was rearranging furniture for optimal flow and analyzing ways to make a room look and function better.  It was always my intention to be a designer, but I got off course and finally after working in film and tv after college, I decided I wanted back into design and applied for a job with Michael Smith Inc.

What has been your greatest challenge as a designer?

The greatest challenge for me is learning about client psychology and how to communicate my value.  Like many creatives, my art is very personal and when someone isn’t responsive to my ideas, it can sting.

How would you characterize your style?

Does your personal home fit your design style?

My home does embody the description in the answer above.  I have a lot of sentimental items passed down from my family – an antique brass scale from my great-grandmother and my husband’s great-great grandfather’s bed, for example.  I have plants and woven chairs for the natural element.  For global culture, nothing beats textiles from around the world; we have Navajo blankets paired with woven tapestries from Iran and India.  But most of all I keep the things in my home to a minimum because it needs to be easy to clean and not feel cluttered.

How has living in Phoenix influenced the way you decorate?

What was your first paid design project?

When I started Capella Kincheloe Interior Design, I worked with a wonderful client in Atlanta. The budget was low, but it was satisfying because we created something really beautiful, and once the client started trusting my skills, she went out of her comfort zone and those elements became her favorite.  Because the budget was low and she was willing to be adventurous, there was nothing to lose!

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in travel and nature.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

Be who you are.

Who has been your greatest professional influence?

I worked four years for Michael Smith, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my interior design career.  Not many people get to work for clients at that level. When I started, I knew nothing.  I didn’t even know what COM meant or what a gimp was!  I had a good sense for design, but I was able to refine and learn about running a business by working for someone else.

What is your favorite design era?

Now!  I have access to more great furnishings than any designers of another era.  I can purchase a piece in France and can have it installed a few weeks later.  In the past it could have taken 6-12 months for that piece to arrive.

What is your go-to hostess gift?

I really want to say homemade jam or fresh limoncello, but usually it’s just a bottle of wine.

What do you have coming up next?

Right now I am working on a course for interior designers called Jumpstart! Business Training.  I see a lot of designers starting their own businesses and I want to help them get off on the right foot.  Most are creative and good with the design part, but the other 80% of business is actually business.  I realize that I can help more clients by helping their designers.  (To sign up to be notified when it launches, click here!)

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Today I want to introduce you to fellow NC blogger Cheryl from Dwell by Cheryl. In 2012, Cheryl opened up her own design business, Dwell by Cheryl Interiors. Y’all, this girl is the queen of multi-tasking…she juggles a full-time job, a blog, a design business, and design school. Whew, I’m exhausted just talking about it!!

Cheryl is on a mission to make interior design accessible and attainable to all of us common folks. Check out her site, I know you’ll love it!

When and why did you decide to become a designer?

I’d always wondered, of all of the young, professional and fabulous people I know, why none of them had never hired an interior designer. Was it because they were uninterested in creating a beautiful home? Did they prefer builder basic to custom designed, or did they view design assistance as a service reserved for the rich and famous?  In 2012 , I launched Dwell by Cheryl Interiors because I believe that everyone deserves to dwell in a space that they absolutely love and cannot wait to come home to.

What’s been your greatest challenge as a designer?

Working in a full-time career outside of design means that I can’t take on as many projects as I would like.  It’s become quite a challenge as my business continues to grow.  Adding to that the fact that I’m also a design student means that time and availability are without a doubt my greatest challenges.

How would you characterize your style?

Approachable traditional.

Does your personal home fit your design style?

Absolutely!

How did growing up in Mississippi influence the way you decorate?

In the South we LIVE in our homes. They are more than just places to reside, they are everything.  I want my clients to utilize every square foot of their homes.  The designs I create need to be functional and beautiful at the same time.

What was the focus of your first paid design project?

My very first project was for a minister at my church. She was looking to create a prayer room in her already beautiful home. She wanted a peaceful and serene retreat where should could spend time with The Lord.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Honestly, I get inspiration from pouring through design magazines, web resources, catalogs and social media.  I love seeing what other designers, manufacturers and brands are creating.

What is the best advice you’ve received? 

Be authentic.

Who has been your greatest professional influence?

Tobi Fairley. She’s such a wise business woman.  I admire the fact that she always seems to be moving forward.  She’s a true inspiration.

What is your go-to hostess gift?

A scented candle.

What is your dream design project?

I love projects where the client puts their complete trust in me.

What do you have coming up next?

I’m extremely excited about the launch of my website on January 1^st, my 3 year business anniversary. Up until this point it’s been all about the blog, but I felt after three years it was time to showcase my design work beyond the blog.  Stay tuned…

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All photos via Dwell By Cheryl.

To say that Hillary Thomas has an eye for beauty would be an understatement. Her website says it best: “Growing out of an LA-based traditional interior design business, Hillary Thomas Designs is an interior design, product and lifestyle firm that embodies a ‘Vintage Chic’ style.” Today I’m honored to share my interview with Hillary.

Stop by Hillary’s gorgeous site and say hello, and be sure to check out her shop too!

When and why did you decide to become a designer?

When I was 10 years old and redecorated my bedroom with Mario Buatta chintz and a brass bed.

What has been your greatest challenge as a designer?

Finding the time to get it all done!

How would you characterize your style?

My style is an eclectic mix of the high and the low, where inexpensive flea market finds and fine antiques can effortlessly coexist.

Does your personal home fit your design style?

Yes!

How has living in San Francisco influenced the way you decorate?

I wouldn’t say it has changed that much. But the architecture is so inspiring. The city is definitely more refined and elegant, so I find myself using more silk and velvet fabrics than I have in LA.

What was your first paid design project?

A bachelor pad for a screenplay writer in the Hollywood Hills.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere!  A lot of my inspiration comes from my travels.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

Always trust your instincts.

Who has been your greatest professional influence?

My very business savvy boyfriend!

What is your favorite design era?

1960s Old School WASP.

What is your go-to hostess gift?

One of my malachite bowls or a pair of my lamp finials! ;)

What do you have coming up next?

A fabulous project in Aspen, CO.

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All photos via Hillary Thomas Designs.

Today we’re starting the week off right with some fabulous eye candy from interior designer Ginger Brewton of Ginger Brewton Interiors.  Hailing from Charleston, SC, Ginger has received numerous accolades, including being named one of House Beautiful’s 2010 Top 20 Next Wave of Interior Designers to Watch and being featured in Garden & Gun, Coastal Living, and Southern Lady.

When and why did you decide to become a designer?

I’ve always had a love for homes. When I was little, my mom and I loved to drive around and look at homes. I still do it today. It’s lovely to see the different architectural styles that vary across the world, and how people live. I was a fashion merchandising major in my undergrad years, but once I graduated I still leaned towards interiors. I decided to go back to school to study interior design. Sold my belongings, packed up and headed for Manhattan.

What has been your greatest challenge as a designer?

I think it’s a challenge at times to educate a client on the value in a particular piece, or craft. There is a huge difference between a mass manufactured pieces, and a piece that has been crafted totally by hand. It goes back to the saying “You get what you pay for,” and it’s true.

How would you characterize your style?

I personally have a transitional style. Something I like to think of as a modern classic. I love cleaner lines, mixed in with antiques. I’ve always been big on balance, and I think the most beautiful design is mixing a little traditional in with modern. I love color, but there is also an edginess to me that I definitely express through my clothes, and it’s becoming more evident in my interiors.

Does your personal home fit your design style?

Yes, but I would say everyone’s style evolves as time goes on and you mature. My design style has had a common thread throughout the years, but it has definitely evolved into something more sophisticated.

How has living in Charleston influenced the way you decorate?

Charleston has a lot of history, and it is very artsy. There are a lot of different vibes and cultures, and the growth here is tremendous. The mix of tradition and modern is very similar to my own style. A little bit of the past with a dose of the present, with a little bit of edge.

What was the focus of your first paid design project?

My first paid design project was an office, which may not sound that exciting but this client wanted to make the office something spectacular and trusted me completely. It wasn’t a large space, but we did a couple of really beautiful custom pieces that made such a statement and reflected his personal style.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Traveling is my biggest source for inspiration. I love to travel and explore new places and cultures. It’s thrilling to fly somewhere or to just discover new places in a small town down the road. It clears my head, and opens my mind to new ideas.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

When I had just moved to NY, I was nervous and knew no one. I called my mom crying telling her I didn’t know if I could do it. She basically told me to put on my big girl panties, and follow through on the decision I had made. By far, the best advice and best decision ever.

Who has been your greatest professional influence?

There are so many, in different facets of design, it’s hard to name just one. Kara Mann is a favorite – super talented with an edgy style to her design. I love Roman and Williams, Peter Block and Bobby McAlpine. Tom Scheerer does beautiful work, and Kelly Wearstler has always been an inspiration (and she’s from SC). Also influenced by Coco Chanel and Diane von Furstenberg.

What is your favorite design era?

I love mid-century modern because of its simplicity, but I also love 18^th century. There is so much detail and history there. I want to know the stories behind the pieces.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

To spend the summer in Italy and speaking fluent Italian.

What do you have coming up next?

Several exciting things are in the works, but I am really excited to renovate and design my own house!

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All photos via Ginger Brewton Interiors.

There are so many talented designers that I absolutely love, but none have captured my exact tastes like Philip Mitchell.  Like a lot of other design friends, I first discovered Philip on Instagram and was immediately smitten.  His combinations of neutrals and color, modern and classic styles, formal and casual…it’s just perfect. It was nearly impossible to narrow down my favorite photos, so be sure to hop on over to Philip’s website to see all his talent!

When and why did you become a designer?

Ever since I can remember, I have been drawing and expressing myself creatively from a young age. I have been blessed with the ability to conceptualize and visualize space and what can be done with it and inherited a great sense of confidence and style from my mother. Simply put, I can’t imagine not being a designer or not being able to continue to do so for the rest of my life.

What has been your greatest challenge as a designer?

Educating clients on the value that a great designer or design team brings to a project.

How would you characterize your style?

Classic, timeless, comfortable, and personal.

Does your personal home fit your design style?

Completely. My husband and I have two residences allowing us the flexibility to express a variety of design ideas and develop our own personal design style further.

What was the focus of your first paid design project?

The same focus for my current collection of projects: to collaborate with my clients to develop their own personal styles to the next level while providing appropriate, individual and comfortable homes for them.

Where do you find your inspiration?

From a number of different sources that range from history, travel, experiences, my husband Mark, my staff, my mother, and clients. You can find inspiration in almost anything.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Have a confident, definite, clear opinion and never be afraid to express it in a professional manner.

Who have been your greatest professional influences?

My husband, Mark, and my mother.

What is your favorite design era?

Now, without a doubt. I love that we are able to draw upon so many previous eras, historical styles and influences and apply them to design today. There seems to be a current freshness and freedom in design that is very inspirational to me at the moment.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

Travel to as many new destinations as possible. My father once said to travel to as many places as possible at every opportunity you can while you’re young and in good health.

What is your favorite rule to break?

Design rules exist for a reason. Once they are truly understood, you can then bend or break them (obviously with the help of a professional).

What do you have coming up next?

My office is very privileged to have a number of exciting projects starting up in a number of different locations throughout North America and the Caribbean for some really amazing clients!

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All photos via Philip Mitchell Design Inc.

I first discovered Krystine Edwards on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her style! Her use of bright and neutral colors together plus her appreciation for fun patterns is unquestionably a winning combination.  Today, I’m so delighted to introduce you!

Krystine is a Northeast native, but after 20 years in the South, we’ll count her as one of our own! As if being a super talented designer and furniture restorer weren’t enough, Krystine is also in the real estate business in the Charleston, SC area. If you’re looking for some delicious eye candy, be sure to follow her!

When and why did you decide to become a designer?

I just started my design business less than a year ago. My husband has a construction company and we, for the past 9 years, have bought, remodeled and sold several homes. Our friends saw what we were doing and they began to reach out to me a lot on the design and decor side of things. I would happily step in and give them direction on projects that Ryan’s company Sceltas would take on. When the requests started coming in I realized I could start a business of my own.

What has been your greatest challenge as a designer?

The greatest challenge for me is helping the clients understand their style and what they want.

How would you characterize your style?

My style is eclectic and polished. My home has antiques and modern pieces, and it has high end, DIY and thrift store finds. Things have a place in my home and have a certain way to be displayed.

Does your personal home fit your design style?

It’s getting there now that my husband has given me full reign to do what I want!

How has living in Charleston influenced the way you decorate?

I have to say I don’t really think Charleston per se has influenced me as much as being married to a southern guy whose father is an antiques dealer. I do love my southern antiques!

Where do you find your inspiration?

I love coffee table books and magazines, and I also find inspiration through designers I follow. I get inspired on our travels as well.

What was your first paid design project?

My first paid project was my downtown Lilac Den project.   It has been my favorite so far.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

Be confident in who you are and trust your gut. Every time I’ve second-guessed myself it turned out wrong. (I’ve made that mistake only twice.)

Who has been your greatest professional influence?

The oldies but goodies like Dorothy Draper, then newer ones like Kelly Wearstler and my friends at Parker Kennedy Living. I love all their styles and how they are so different but all so fabulous!

What is your favorite design era?

I really love Mid Century, Art Deco and even Victorian. I love so many eras and different aspects of it. It’s hard for me to choose one. There’s too much beauty in all of those eras.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

Travel over to Europe and finish seeing the countries that I haven’t seen. Then move over to Asia and just travel to see the history, I love history.

What do you have coming up next?

I have some exciting projects coming up next, my anxiety level is at a high! I’m not allowed to share, but I promise I will do my best not to disappoint.

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All photos via Krystine Edwards.