Today we are excited to welcome and announce two talented additions to our design team! We couldn't be happier with the designers we have found and look forward to working on many great projects with them.
Erika Blank is based in Sun Valley, Idaho. Erin Ebert is working in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Enjoy this Question & Answer to get to know Erika and Erin a little better. Make sure to read their full bios on our new About page.
question & answer with erika
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What do you love about designing?
I love “the reveal” when the client sees the finished project. As a designer sometimes it is easier to imagine what the space will look like, but it is always surprising for the client. Seeing a project complete, is so rewarding.
Is your house perfectly designed?
No, not even close. I think great design is always evolving, so I don’t think I will ever consider my house “perfect” or complete. I love to mix antiques into my home, so for me it’s about the fun of the hunt, when I find the perfect piece for me I just know. I take a lot of time to decide what furnishings to use because I want them to be timeless and last forever.
What is the hardest part about being a designer?
Having expensive taste, and all of the paperwork! Somehow I always end up liking the most expensive pieces I see. I have learned to live with that, but I don’t think I’ll ever enjoy all of the record keeping. Most people don’t realize how much paperwork actually goes into designing even the smallest of spaces.
Where does your inspiration come from?
New York City. When I was in design school, I had the amazing opportunity to intern for Jamie Drake for four months. Living in Manhattan opened my eyes to so many different design styles and cultures. I love the history and the architecture that the city has, and all of the design centers are a huge inspiration.
If you could pin your style what would it be?
I love classic lines, natural woods, and neutral, soft pallets. I would say my style is very eclectic because I love to mix antiques with new pieces.
Do you have any design pet peeves?
Microfiber sofas and their matching pillows. At some point in the last 10 years they became popular, just think about it, if you haven’t owned one yourself I bet you know someone who has. It’s really easy to get stuck in a design bubble, and this is one bubble I wish would just burst.
QUESTION & ANSWER WITH ERIN
What do you love about designing?
I love the fact that design is ever changing. There are always new products, materials and finishes to work with and the combinations are endless! I also love the relationship I develop with clients over the course of a job. It feels so rewarding to have a client trust me with their home (which is often their most important investment) and I take the responsibility very seriously.
Is your house perfectly designed?
People ask me that all the time, and I always say I love my home! But it isn’t perfect by any means. I still have to live in it… with my husband, two children and a dog mind you. I try not to put anything in my home that I don’t really enjoy, which means it’s a work in progress.
What are some of the challenges of being a designer?
Designers need a lot of ‘stuff’ (fabric swatches, paint chips, tile samples, etc.), and I’m a person who does not function well with clutter. It is always a challenge to keep everything organized, up to date and edited. The alternative is to become buried in samples!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Travelling abroad and experiencing various cultures is where I gain most of my inspiration. I am heavily influenced by my surroundings. Having lived in both Washington D.C. and Arizona before settling in Utah, I enjoy so much of what the east coast has to offer and also appreciate the beauty of the west. I love large cities (especially New York… I know every designer loves New York) and small towns and everything in between.
If you could pin your style what would it be?
Although I enjoy incorporating new ideas and fresh products into my work, all of my designs remain rooted in classic elements. So I guess my style would be classic meets current. I tend to use clean but subtle lines, organic materials and muted color pallets.
Do you have any design pet peeves?
Now I don’t want to offend anyone, but I really get bugged with rooms that are too “matchy-matchy” – meaning a person just buys a ‘five piece set’ of furniture from a big box retailer and calls it good. I think people can be more creative than that, so mix it up a little!
