What can I say about Danielle Oakey? It’s clear to me that I absolutely love her style as I have so many things that she likes and blogs about! What’s interesting about her is that she focuses on designing on a budget. We all know I am a sucker for good deals, so it was very fitting to ask her to be a part of my Guess Who’s Dropping in for Coffee series. I was THRILLED when she said yes.

So, let’s get to know Danielle!!

Q: I know that you went to school for Interior Design. What would you say was the most valuable thing you learned that you use in your designs?

Space Planning! It is almost impossible to teach good style, but understanding how to properly space plan is so important to achieve a good design. Although, I highly value my education for so many reasons, my ability to create a space that functions well is my most cherished skill.

Q: Where do you go for your inspirations? Magazines? Books? Bloggers? Interior Designers?

All of the above really. I do have a few design idols, and I find myself analyzing their work. This helps me stretch myself as an interior designer and look at design from a different view point.

Q: When styling a room, do you have a certain go to piece that’s somewhat a staple in your projects?

Art! I love large over-scaled pieces of art. Anything abstract and colorful is my cup of tea.

Q: What so far has been your most favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Oh this is a hard one! I spend the majority of my time working on e-designs. I recently finished a master bedroom/bathroom design that I would love to implement in my own home. I loved the clients style and she was great to work with.

Q: If I come over and am sitting near your coffee table what magazine would I find on it?

Oh, how I wish I had something other than sippy cups and cheerios on my coffee table! But if I did, Domino would be my #1.

Q: What’s your favorite color or your go to color?

Blue! Navy blue, turquoise, aqua, blue/gray…anything blue. I really can’t get enough.

Q: Tell me something your readers may not know about you.

I am messy! I keep my house quite clean, but don’t open a drawer…I just might be one of those shove and shut types. 🙂

Q: If I handed you a ticket to go anywhere in the world – where would it be?

Dubai! I have had a few friends travel there and heard great things. There is just something about that city that intrigues me.

Q. What has been your hardest project? What did you learn from it?

I have had a few clients that were impossible to please. No matter what; they were unhappy. I have now learned to read people a little better and know when to walk away from a potential “unhappy” client. This has saved me my sanity.

Q. What is it about your job that you love?

There is nothing better than seeing a design come to life. An after picture will put a skip in my step for weeks!

I just adore Daneille’s designs and love her work ethic! Thanks, Danielle, for sharing your cup of coffee with us today!!