Good morning! I’m excited to introduce Abby Manchesky from Abby M Interiors. Abby was actually one of the first designers I followed when I joined Instagram. I cannot remember how I discovered her, but I was glad I did. She has a great eye, and I enjoyed seeing her projects! One of my non-design “likes” about this woman is that she does it all with two boys in tow! (Ha, sounds like me.)

So, grab your cup of joe, and join me for a fun read!

Q: Did you study Interior Design? If not, what did you do previously, and how did you get started doing design?

I did not study Interior Design. My degree is actually in Foreign Policy. I was just sure I wanted to go to law school, and that was the undergrad degree I needed to do that. I quickly learned that this area of study really wasn’t for me. Before my work in interior design, I worked in event planning and fundraising for non-profits. They were very fun and a ton of hard work.

Q. Describe your design style? Do you tend to lean towards traditional, eclectic or something else?

Hmmm… this is tough because I love every style! I really tailor my designs to my clients, but in general terms, I’d say that when you work with me, be prepared for plenty of fabric, interesting lighting and a mix of pieces. There has to be at least one unexpected element. For me, personally, I love mixing vintage and modern pieces together for a new traditional vibe.

Q. What has been your most challenging project?

I think it would have to be a home that I designed plans for the majority of the rooms. After my clients took nearly a year off from the project, we came back to it. So many of the items were out-of-stock, and it was tricky to jump right back in. But now we’re nearly finished with the house, and it’s exciting to see it come together.

Q. What has been your favorite project?

Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite. Because every time I finish a project I think, “This is my best one yet.” But my favorite clients are the ones who trust me and ask questions if they’re not sure why I selected a certain piece. If you’re nervous, tell your designer. If you hate it, tell your designer. But if you love all of their work prior to working with you, then you should trust that they’re going to do their best work on your home as well. The best clients trust; the worst clients shop around you and then say you designed the room when you really didn’t.

Q. What items are your obsession? Such as your favorite things that you cannot wait to pick out for a project (i.e. mine are lights and seating.)

Lighting. Hands down. Then fabric, because that really makes the room. If I can add one more, depending on the space, I’d say art. It’s so inspiring to find an original piece by an up-and-coming artist and make the room come to life with their work.

Q. You are a mom of two boys. How do you balance all of this work and blogging?

I don’t. In fact, I heard somewhere that balancing it all is a lie. Really, we’re juggling work and family. I will say that I have help. My youngest goes to “school” 2-3 days a week and my oldest is going into fourth grade. So I do have specific work days. I also work for my clients and my blog after the dishes are done and the kids are in bed. That’s why it’s so important to love your work, because I’m working all the time, but it doesn’t feel like a job. And the boys know that while Daddy actually leaves the house and does his work in his office, that Mommy’s work is on the computer, and it’s fine for them to see me working. I believe that interior design is my calling. That God created me to be creative and help create beauty in the lives of others. I use my gifts (even though it took me 30 years to get it right.) I want my boys to discover what their calling is and go after that with all their might. I’m not sure I’ve got the balancing part down pat. But, I’m juggling all the moving parts the best I can.

Q. What is the biggest project on your home that you have yet to do? What do you plan to do?

Oh my word. That’s a tough one. Possibly our master bathroom. It needs to be gutted. Like new walls, everything ripped out, totally re-done. But, our basement and kitchen also need to be done, so it’s really hard to say. Our master bath is next. I’m basing the whole bathroom on this piece of art.

Q. Your perfect Saturday?

Are we talking summer or winter? Because if it’s winter, I’m spending the day in the kitchen with the kids bugging me every now and then and playing music in the background while I cook. Then we’d have friends over for a dinner party. If it’s summer, then I’m out on the water all day in a boat with friends, kids and cocktails. 😉

Q. Your favorite meal?

I love to cook, and I love to eat. I could never pick a favorite meal. But, one of my go-to dishes that I love every single time I make it is Pioneer Woman’s Butter Chicken. I roast some extra veggies and add that to the sauce. So yummy.

Q. Tell me something readers don’t know about you.

That I dream of building my own modern farmhouse on the water. Something like this.

Or this.



And especially this.



Thanks for dropping-in and joining Abby and me! Come back next week to meet another amazing guest!