I have a question for you…
WHAT DEFINES A LUXURY DESIGNER?
While working on my One Room Challenge project, I’m reminded of something an interior design business coach told me. She said that I was sending “mixed messages” by being so hands-on. That basically, I wasn’t a “luxury designer” and would never be one because I was showing HOW to do stuff.
OUCH.
Believe me when I tell you that those words stuck hard with me. They even created a pretty serious impostor syndrome and I began suppressing my inner drive to share what I’ve learned over the years.
But I’m OVER that ridiculousness now thanks to a Mastermind with my coach Kim Kuhtebul to unravel this tangly knot and embrace my inner Dirty Diva. I LOVE to teach and share. It’s my joy.
(Side note: If you’re an interior designer and you NEED to work with someone who can help you get your mindset right and you're willing to question everything you thought you knew- without judgment? Check out Kim’s new Smartcuts program! This has been business and life changing for me) LINK HERE
Look, I’m not into crafty crap and I’m not saying that a DIY project will polish a turd. Experience doing things the RIGHT way has taught me that some trending “quick fixes” are just a really bad idea (ahem. Painted Upholstery is a really, really bad idea)
And really…is a “quick fix” EVER a GOOD idea???
I love to create and build. I really enjoy with every once of my little being putting my hands on stuff. I like a little drywall dust in my hair – it gives it some much-needed volume.
But those words still ring in my ears.
What does it mean to be a “Luxury Designer?” Can I call myself luxury if I like schlepping wallpaper paste? I don’t do stuff myself because I have to…I do stuff myself because I CHOOSE to do them. To me, the freedom to choose is the definition of luxury. I like having choices. I like having knowledge. I enjoy feeling powerful and yes, maybe it’s true, I probably do in fact have some control issues in my own home projects. I’m certain The Hubbs will confer.
But not everyone has the freedom to choose to leave the heavy lifting to a professional. I get that. Everyone deserves to live in a home that is beautiful and pleasing to THEIR eye. There are so many studies showing the positive effects of an aesthetically pleasing, well-organized, and easy functioning home, and if I can encourage someone to feel empowered to TRY making a few small changes themselves because they see this 95lbs, 5’ tall middle aged woman do something they didn’t think THEY could do?? Then I’ve achieved my goal. (OMG…did I just say MIDDLE-AGED out loud??)
Another thing I can tell you for certain, doing these projects myself certainly deepens my respect and consideration for those individuals who make it their life’s profession to hang drywall, lay tile, and paint walls and trim. I know for a FACT that I’m not cut out for that job in and out every single day! Just like those of us who have been a waitress, or ever worked retail…it humbles you. It teaches you respect for the effort involved in service to others. I absolutely do not believe that being a “Luxury Designer” means that I’m somehow above those highly skilled tradespeople.
It takes a team with mutual respect to create a beautiful space.
So what then defines Luxury Design? Is it using only the highest-priced, newest, and most exclusive products? I’m sure there must be some element of aspiration involved or everyone would be doing it, right? My personal definition of “Luxury Interior Design” goes back to that freedom of choice concept.
To choose the newest technology - or not.
To choose the most exquisite materials - or not.
To choose the most hard-wearing and enduring surfaces - or not.
I’m reminded of the movie How to Marry a Millionaire (one of my favorites btw) If you haven’t seen it, you totally should! It’s a Hollywood classic with a terrific set design staring Lauren Bacall, Merry Anders, and Marilyn Monroe. Three young women move into a fancy New York apartment with the intent to marry a rich man (ok - I totally understand its an outdated theme and women are doing it for themselves, but bear with me) The women have no problem finding rich men but the trouble is none of them are happy marriage material. They have to decide if a life of “luxury” is more important than happiness and true love. In the last scene, Lauren Bacall finally gives in to her suitor, who by all outward appearances is a jobless bum who can’t even pay for a cheeseburger. She chose truth and integrity over flash and lack of substance. But guess what? He was a millionaire who chose his old pickup truck. He liked his threadbare jacket and he didn’t care what anyone else thought about it.
Being true to oneself and not giving a flying rat’s butt about who thinks what about anything.
To me? THAT’S LUXURY, my friends.
If you too enjoy beautiful things, have a curious and open viewpoint on life, value people over things, gravitate toward quality over quantity – then we might make a terrific team to build your home together.
But no. I won’t be personally hanging drywall for your project.