Ronda Carman, author of Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living and blogger at “All the Best: Passport to Stylish Living,” was the guest recently on The Washington Post’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt:
Q: What tips did you pick up when writing the book Designers at Home? There must have been so many good ideas.
A: As I wrote, the French literary salon came to mind (a place to gather with like-minded individuals and increase knowledge). Similarly, I saw the book as a source of information, inspiration and exchanging of ideas (a modern-day version). What I learned was it’s the little things and the people that make a house a home (even for designers). Oh, and peonies are the favorite flower, hands down.
Q: Were you surprised by anything from the designers in your book? Do you have any favorites or favorite styles?
A: I loved learning that it was simple things designers love in their homes. As David Hicks wrote in his daughter India’s book, “Good taste is by no means dependent upon money.” David’s thoughts are a common theme in this book. Often it’s the little details that make the biggest difference in our day-to-day life. Designer Vicente Wolf counts lightly starched sheets, blooming orchids, sunshine and a surprise snack in the refrigerator among his favorite things. As for favorite designer, I love them all.
Q: What was your reason for looking at designers’ homes? Lessons learned?
A: In some ways I wrote it for myself, because I am curious. I wanted to know what kind of sheets designers used in their homes. It’s a little version of People magazine. Like Diana Vreeland once said, few things are more fascinating than how people live during their private hours.
Q: Was it hard to get access to designers’ personal spaces?
A: I am very lucky that I have gotten to know so many designers since starting my blog and have been invited into many homes. That really is what gave me the idea for the book. I loved seeing how they design for themselves. I am grateful that so many opened their doors to me.
Q: Where do you draw your interior design inspiration from? Do you hire a designer?
A: I have never hired a designer, but I always seek advice. It was one of my reasons for writing this book. I am always reading, clipping magazines, reading blogs and searching for things that I love and that inspire me. I’ve made many mistakes but have learned much more!
HomeStyle, Pages 42 on 09/21/2013