Design Diaries: Amanda Carol Interiors

Happy Monday!!  I thought I'd start the week off on a high note by sharing my latest Design Diaries entry, Amanda Carol Interiors.  Amanda and I met by chance at the Design Bloggers Conference in LA this past March, and she just so happens to be a fellow Houstonian (or Woodland-ian... if that's a thing??) When we met, she was in a gorgeous ensemble with a fab statement necklace and pumps and I suddenly felt inadequate.  However, her sweet disposition put me at ease and I began to think... is there anything this designer can't do?!

What are 5 words to describe your style?

  chic, glamourous, eclectic, new traditional 

 How would you define your aesthetic?

 I love mixing textures- something organic and rustic with something chic and modern. i.e. weathered wood pieces with mirrored ones, sisal rugs with zebra cowhides, soft lush velvets with woven linens.   

What does your typical day look like? 

 I have three young kiddos so my day begins getting them up and out the door for school & pre-school (which is no small feat).  I then settle myself down for a few minutes to check emails and have my tea latte- I never like to rush around when I'm having my tea, so I try and find time to sit and enjoy, even if its for a few short minutes.  The rest of my day is either spent visiting clients, running to the Design Center to pull fabrics or source furniture, or finishing up one of the million un-finished projects in my own home.  

 How did you decide you wanted to become an interior designer?  

 Like a lot of designers at an early age I was hit with the design-bug.  I decorated and re-decorated my room constantly and had a mother who highly encouraged it.  I was painting my room at the age of 14 and was wallpapering it at the age of 16.  I bought new bedding every few months with my babysitting money and would rearrange furniture when I got bored.  

What is your favorite part of your job, and what do you feel is the least glamorous? 

My favorite part is of course the design and planning phase.  I love playing with fabrics more than anything!! The least glamourous is the paperwork---especially quarterly sales tax--blah!

 What is the best piece of advice you have gotten regarding your career?  

Learn to charge what your worth.  In the beginning I was afraid to ask for much money and worried if I gave them a number they would freak out and not hire me.  I also have learned that it is ok to say "no" to a potential client who is not a good fit and to listen to my inner voice when it comes to red flags. 

 Do you have any advice for aspiring designers? 

Never stop learning.  Look to other designers that you can gleam advice from.  And if you are planning to venture out on your own, learn the business side of it (the non-pretty stuff).  The business side is my biggest challenge and weakness and I continue to learn something new everyday (many times from making mistakes).  

What are 3 items currently on your "bucket list"?

1.) We went to Paris last year for a very short stay and I want to return for a longer period and rent a townhouse right across the street from the Eiffel Tower.  I want to shop the antique markets for treasures and ship them back home for myself and clients.  

2.) I want to see my work published in a magazine someday.

3.) I want to have my own fabric line. 

Thank you for your thoughtful answers, Amanda!  I can definitely relate with you on the taxes- ugh!  I don't think we'll be waiting too long to see your work gracing the pages of Elle Decor ;)