Hello Castle Friends!
Let’s give a loving welcome as Hannah sits down with our February Featured Designer of the Month: Elizabeth Bland!
Elizabeth why don’t we start with you telling us a little bit about yourself…
E: Let me start by saying how excited I am about being featured on Castle’s blog! I’m a huge blog-fan and blogger myself (check out my blog: My Other House is in London), so this is really fun for me!
I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design in Chicago. My education was very career-focused, so I learned hand-drafting, CAD and had a couple systems classes to learn about how buildings are built. By far my most favorite class was Architectural Drafting & Details — which focused on creating a working set of drawings. I’ve been working at Castle for 2 1/2 years now and I can’t believe how much I’ve learned about remodeling. I love old houses and am detail-orientated, so this a great fit for me! I also enjoy working with clients and being creative.
In my free time I enjoy: watching Downton Abbey or basically anything British, practicing yoga, trying new restaurants and antique shopping!
Well we are happy to feature you this month! What do having going on this month – how many projects are you currently working on?
E: I have 10 projects in design and 5 under-construction. I’m definitely keeping busy! 2013 seems to be the year of the house. Everyone tells me this is the year they are finally tackling the project they’ve been thinking about for, oh, 7 years. It’s great to help people re-design their spaces – both to make them more functional and more aesthetically-pleasing … to bring their dream home to life.
What types of projects are they?
E: This month I am mostly working on kitchen and bathrooms, and, one basement remodel. Most are complete remodels, including a fairly extensive kitchen, two baths and back entry remodel in a gorgeous 1940’s house. I do have a couple jobs that are makeovers, too.
Elizabeth, what are your current favorite design trends for 2013?
E: I love the industrial design elements we are seeing everywhere — Tolix stools, industrial lights, stainless steel. Also, the use of natural materials, like soapstone and weathered wood. I also like that contrast is popular now (i.e. dark cabinets with light countertops or dark-stained wood floors with white cabinets, etc). Follow my Pinterest board to see more (I’m officially addicted!).
Stay tuned next week as we talk more Pinterest, trends, and design favorites with Elizabeth!
In the meantime don’t forget to check out Elizabeth’s personal blog:
