Let’s meet Elizabeth from the Little Black Door! I got to know her through the One Room Challenge last go round. I loved her style, and more importantly, I could tell this girl was fun. Her wittiness showed through her writing, and boy, was I right!

Read along to get to know this funny and crazy talented blogger!

Q. Tell me about you and what you did prior to writing The Little Black door blog.

I am a design consultant, freelance writer and blogger in St. Louis, MO. In my previous life I was a web development manager and road that tech bubble up and up until it popped. After working for several companies that went out of business, I realized that life is too short to not aim for your passion. I had done design consulting on the side, but after yet another layoff from a company closing its doors, I thought if not now, when? So I went full time with design and have been thrilled with every minute since.

Q. How would you describe your style to the readers?

That is always a hard question for me because there are aspects of each period of design that I love. I would say my style is certainly unique. I tend to lean towards a traditional base, but I can’t quit color, patterns and lots of layers. No matter what your style, I think if you fill a space with things that are meaningful and unique to you, you will always have a well designed room.

Q. I read recently that your Farm House Kitchen was in BHG Kitchen & Bath makeovers… congrats! How was that experience?

Thanks! That was a dream project from start to finish. The family and I got along so well right off the bat, it felt more like working with a friend. I learned so much through the project and managed it from concept thru construction right until the last light bulb was screwed in. Then to find out it had been selected to be published was icing on the cake. The whole photo shoot experience was one I’ll never forgot but certainly hope to repeat. I learned so much from the field editor and photographers I worked with and I’ve been lucky enough to work with them a few times sense. It certainly is an addictive process!

Image Credit: BHG Kitchen + Bath makeovers

When it comes to design for myself, my biggest challenge is the whole cobblers kids scenario. I see so many great pieces of furniture and fabric I want, and so many ideas I want to try for my home and just not enough time in the day or space in my house to make them all happen. I’ve mentally designed my next four houses already.

When it comes to design for others, my biggest challenge is always convincing people to pull the trigger on a piece or an idea. I tell clients in the beginning that I’m going to test them and try to stretch their comfort zone a bit and they are always game for the experience. But when the time comes to take that leap by buying that piece of furniture or bolt of fabric, that is when the doubts settle in. It is my job to ease those doubts and encourage them that it will turn out wonderfully but that first purchase is always the hardest.

Q. What has been your favorite project?

That’s a really hard question. I’ve got a few I’m working on now that I’m really stoked about, but as far as ‘finished’ projects (are they ever really finished?) the first one that comes to mind is the gallery wall in my hallway at home. This project has a special place in my heart because it is a space I struggled with for a long time and one day it finally just came to me. In a matter of minutes I was pulling old frames from the basement and in no time at all it was up. It has been up for a few years now and I never tire of it. We just add more frames and pictures to the mix and it keeps getting better and better. It was a great lesson in going with your gut and shopping your house before running out to get something new.

Q. Where do you go for inspiration?

Sundays are my inspiration day. I take a few kid free hours and wonder my favorite shops. I try not to look for anything in particular but rather just enjoy what there is to see. Without fail I always come home with a new idea or project brewing in my head. I also am addicted to my monthly stash of magazines and of course Instagram! The things I see each and everyday on Instagram always inspire me.

Q. Where do you go to find great pieces of furniture, accessories, etc?

I try my best to shop locally. I’ve got a long list of spots in town that I know I can go into and find accessories, furniture etc. I also go to auctions and estate sales a lot. On a retail/national level, I love Anthropologie, West Elm, Furbish Studio, Serena and Lily and Biscuit Home.

Q. What designer, celebrity or famous person would you love to have a few hours with to get to know?

As far as design goes, I would love a day with Sarah Richardson and Anna Spiro. I go crazy for anything and everything they create and I also really admire the incredibly successful design businesses they’ve built up from scratch. Otherwise, I’d love a lunch with Tina Fey and cocktails with Andy Cohen.

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

Oh god, that could be a can of worms for sure. 🙂 I had a radio show in college. I was a journalism major and I had to record my show each week for my professor to review. I still have the tape and it is mortifying. The only note I remember my professor giving me was to stop playing so much Beastie Boys.

Q. If I only had one day in St. Louis, where would you send me off to?

You’ve come to the right girl. I did the annual shopping guide for St. Louis AtHome magazine so I know a thing or two about where to go. I do have people email me with this very question and I always send them to Warson Woods Antique Gallery. I never have trouble finding a handful of things I want from there and they have items at every price range. A few other local favorites would be K. Hall Designs, The White Rabbit, Cherokee Street and South Jefferson Mid Century Modern. And after a busy day of shopping you’ll need a drink so go to Cyranos Cafe for the best gin & tonic you’ll find.

… See what I mean?? She is amazing! Join me next week to meet yet another amazing blogger and designer!! – Krystine