My Journey to Becoming an Interior Designer

My passion for interior design was ignited at a young age, thanks to the influence of my mother and godmother. As a little girl, I accompanied my mother to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase and was captivated by the intricate details in each room. Our afternoons were often spent exploring homes throughout Marin and San Francisco, where she taught me the art of creating ambiance, from subtle touches throughout the home to setting the perfect tone for a dinner party.

I was always drawn to the idea of curating spaces, and would often rearrange the furniture in my room or experiment with different styles. My travels around the world further fueled my inspiration and appreciation for a curated look with pieces borrowed from an array of styles.

Another important influence was my godmother, who shared my passion for antiquing and collectibles. I would always meet her at flea markets or even have her take me to her warehouse to look through her collected pieces. She would show me the latest and greatest finds, always encouraging me to seek out unique pieces that would add character to my designs.

Through these experiences, I developed a deep love and appreciation for interior design, which eventually led me to establish a successful interior design business.

Since high school, I have been actively involved with architecture firms while pursuing my education. My passion for interior design was ignited when I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, and participate in an interior design course during my college years. After working at various architecture firms I found my interest in interior architecture and design had been solidified. Eventually, I decided to pivot toward this field and began collaborating with interior design firms.

In this class, I was able to focus on the intricate details of interior design, and it was then that I made the decision to shift my focus toward the interiors of buildings. As I continued to hone my skills, I found myself working on a variety of projects, from commercial spaces and lobbies to hotels and resorts. In fact, one of my projects led me to live in Bali, where I worked on a resort.

Through these experiences, I discovered my true passion for interior design and found myself drawn to working at interior design firms, where I could fully immerse myself in creating beautiful and functional spaces for clients.

My passion for design has always been fueled by new experiences and adventures - finding patterns and textures in nature or getting lost in the streets and cultures of a new place helps me as I constantly seek out fresh inspiration. As a highly visual person, I crave new visual stimulation in order to stay inspired and avoid feeling stagnant. I also love experimenting with color and patterns to create exciting and unexpected combinations.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the joy on my client's faces when they walk into their newly designed homes during the "Big Reveal." I always encourage them to take the day off or head to the spa so that they can return to a fully turnkey home that's ready for them to enjoy.

Above all, I am passionate about creating spaces that enable people to thrive in ways they never thought possible. For me, life is all about connection and making memories with loved ones. I take pride in designing spaces that enhance these connections and contribute to a life well-lived.

The decision to start Maison Blanc Design was a long time in the making. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I was embedded with the spirit to pursue my own passions and create my own path. After spending over 15 years working at various architecture and interior design firms, and learning invaluable lessons through my travels and education, I finally felt ready to take the leap and establish my own business. This was an exciting new chapter in my life, one that would allow me to bring my unique vision and creative approach to the forefront, and to make a lasting impact on those who want to create connections and lasting memories.

The path to a career in design or architecture is as diverse as the individuals who pursue it. For me, my own unique life journey played a significant role in shaping my passion and drive for this field. I believe that surrounding oneself with like-minded, driven individuals who inspire and challenge you is essential to growth and success in this industry. It is through these connections and relationships that we are able to push our boundaries, elevate our work, and ultimately make a meaningful impact in the world of design and architecture.

I would love to learn more about your needs and how we can help to elevate your space and allow you to thrive - let's connect!

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