Welcome back to another installment of...
This week's talented Canadian calls United States home. I stumbled across her blog over Christmas and realized she was Canadian as she blogged about her visit to the Real Canadian Superstore, a dead giveaway that she was Canadian! It was a store I missed visiting when I lived in the US, I could relate for her need to visit and take it all in.
Her blog is one of my daily reads, always inspiring as she knows how to make a room look fabulous while hardly spending a cent!
I admire her daring sense of style, her use of colour, fabric and thrifty finds. She knows how think outside of the box. Her talent is awe-inspiring, I believe she is a designer to watch as I think there are great things for her in the future.
Please give a warm welcome to....
Danielle Oakey from Danielle Oakey Interiors.
Some of my favourite DIY projects Danielle tackled...
Tell us a bit about yourself? What is your background? Your education?
Hi, I am Danielle from Danielle Oakey Interiors. I am a 26-year-old, full-time, stay-at-home mom of one. I am also a part-time designer and blogger. I was born and raised in Calgary, Canada. I moved to Idaho just after graduation to start my education in interior design.
I graduated with my Bachelors in interior design in 2007. Prior to that I interned for a variety of interior design firms whose focus ranged from hospitality to corporate to residential design. After graduating, I worked for a small architecture firm as the head interior designer.
Now I balance my days between mom, designer, and blogger!
What made you decide to start blogging?
Blogging seemed like the perfect outlet to release my built-up creativity. I was looking for a way to document my love for interiors, and I have definitely found it.
What have you enjoyed about blogging and what has surprised you along the way?
I love the daily interaction that blogging provides. Comments are really what keep me going! I feel like I have a million more friends than before I started.
I am surprised at how addictive it can be or how much of my time it would consume. Posting daily is not always an easy task but I still love it.
As a homeowner who lives in a small space and lives modestly, what tips do you have to inject style into your home despite the size?
Living in a small space, on a tight budget, is very challenging. It has tested my creative abilities to the max.
Here are a couple tips I have learned:
1. Every item counts. There is no room for “fillers” in a small space. Pick your pieces carefully, and make sure they pack enough punch. If you only get one side chair in your whole home, it better be good!
2. Form follows function. This popular saying in interior design is very important in a small space. Make sure all furniture pieces are functional.
3. Take a risk: Condo living can be architecturally mundane. Taking risks with textiles, furniture, and color can take a space from standard to unique.
You are known for some fantastic frugal design and DIY projects on your blog, where do you go for inspiration?
I gather almost all of my inspiration from magazines and blogs. Since my budget is limited, I have no choice but to re-create for less. When I find something I love, I am determined to find a way to create it.
As a designer, what are your goals and your dreams for your design business? What tips would you have for aspiring designers?
I dream of owning a small residential design firm with a store front. I am years away from obtaining this goal but I am passionate about achieving it.
Aspiring designers? I am one, I’ll let you know my tips in a few years…
Are there any accomplishments that you are proud of?
As silly as this may sound, maintaining and growing a blog is a big accomplishment for me. It has really challenged my organization and creative skills.
If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone or do anything, what would it be and why?
I would love to work for Vincente Wolf. I have admired his work since I was first introduced to him in interior design school. His designs are crisp, clean, and simple.
{images via here}
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time {that is if you have any!}?
Right now I am on an exercise kick. The best part of my week is attending a weight lifting class (body pump) at my local 24-hour fitness. It is brutally hard but SO addicting.
{image via here}
As a mother of adorable Emory, how do you stay sane and balance life, your design work and blogging?
I do most of my blogging and designing late at night and early in the morning. Although I am not always consistent, I try my best. I also keep my clientele small and manageable. I don’t accept more work than I can handle. That way both my clients and Emory get me at my best.
As a Canadian living in the US, what are your views on the role, if any, Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart?
{image via here}
Many of my favorite designers, magazines, and bloggers are based out of Canada. Even though I get a lot of inspiration from Canadians, I haven’t seen a recognizable difference in styles.
Thanks for stopping by up here in the Great White North Danielle! Looking forward to following more fabulousness from your blog! I love the way you create and design, always looking for a stylish yet cheaper alternative to get that fantastic designer look!
XO Barbara
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