Transforming a house into a home isn’t easy, but this week’s featured blogger, Jennifer, makes it look like a piece of cake. Her blog, Brave New Home, focuses on all the tangible and intangible elements that create a home, while providing creative inspiration and DIY projects for readers to transform their own houses. Here’s what Jennifer had to say about her design and DIY projects.
How did you get your start blogging? Tell us your story.
My husband signed up to join the military, so I knew I’d suddenly have lots of free time once he left for boot camp. Wanting to keep myself busy (and from missing him too much) I launched my blog, Brave New Home, the day after he left for four months. I had been reading home design blogs for years, and was ready to join a community of others as enthusiastic about creating a home as me!
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
My blog was born of decorating paralysis. In the beginning, I was so scared of making a mistake it stopped me from even trying! Posting your progress on the Internet for all to see proved to be a great motivator to get started. The “brave” of Brave New Home was a little reminder to myself to be courageous. “New” because we are first time homeowners and “home” because transforming a house into a home is my ultimate goal.
Do you have a signature home style? If so, what is it?
I’m working on it! Home design is a process of getting to know yourself and evolving with your family’s needs. I believe in owning only what you love or use; I like to keep it simple. I try creating a neutral backdrop to set the stage for bursts of color. It also makes displaying art and keepsakes that much easier. You can see an example of this in the image above when I updated the entryway in my home.
Do you prefer to go on a shopping spree, or DIY, and why?
I’d prefer to go on a shopping spree (who wouldn’t!) but since I’m budget conscious I have a tendency to DIY. Not only does DIYing save money, you can often upcycle used items so it’s environmentally friendly. Since DIYing is often less expensive than buying something first hand, you’re more inclined to take style risks, too! And sometimes it’s easier too, like the bar stools (pictured above) I upcycled.
If you could have dinner with any home ‘celebrity’, living or dead, who would you choose?
Ina Garten! Most people recognize the Barefoot Contessa as a food show host but she has a great sense of style, too—her home has even been featured in House Beautiful a couple of times. While I don’t share her home design aesthetic, I absolutely agree with her design philosophy: your home should be simple and inviting.
Jennifer lives in San Diego with her husband and child. She works in Administration at a university, and blogs in her free time. Her other passions include: traveling, reality TV, trying new foods, zombies, stripes, and reciting DJ Lance Rock quotes.
You can follow Brave New Home on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
[…] it Out: Brave New Home is Pfister’s Featured Interior Design Blog of the week! I see a giveaway in your near future…. ; […]
I loved your interview, especially how you came up with your blog name! I’m also a big fan of Ina’s, food and home!
Take care,
Kara
I’m so glad I stumbled across this feature. I can’t wait to checkout your blog and see your ideas:>)
Thanks, Rony! I appreciate your comment.
Jennifer, Its such a motivational story that the way you started blogging..!!
Thanks, Elisa!
What a fun feature! Love hearing about your back story. I had no idea! It’s great to see how things come about.