Well hello there...

Hi there!  Thank you so much for dropping by.  I am stepping outside of my introverted comfort zone and putting my thoughts out there for the world to see. 

This blog is a way for me to showcase some of my work, but also, share what inspires me and any trends or products that I'm loving. I'm sure you will quickly learn that I lean towards more dark and moody rooms. I love how cozy and intimate they can make a space feel. I am also a sucker for any combo of black, white, and brass.

When I'm designing a space, whether it's for myself or a client, I strive to make them beautiful, and most importantly, functional.  Yes, all those shelter magazines are amazing, but those are not always a representation of reality.  Homes are lived in, they get dirty, and they need so much storage, especially if kids are involved.  I want to inspire and help you make your house into a livable lovely home that is true to your individual style and personality.  

Now, for a little introduction. My name is Stuart Cline and yes, I'm a girl. Growing up with this name has been both a blessing and a curse.  I am constantly mistaken for a male, which has been known to infuriate me and, on occasion, resulted in a few choice words (I have a bit of a potty mouth but I'm working on it!).  I recall being in 4th grade and telling my parents I hated them for naming me Stuart and I was going to change it when I turned 18.  I got over that and have come to love and appreciate the uniqueness of my name.  I have a built-in conversation starter whenever I introduce myself. 

I am an Interior Designer, wife to my amazing husband of almost 10 years and mother to a feisty three-year-old daughter. Our family just moved from Greensboro to Charlotte, NC so why not throw a little more chaos into the mix and start a blog, right?

So, in the true 'getting to know you' fashion here are a few things about me:

Sweet or salty junk food?

Sweet, all day long!  I have a terrible sweet tooth.  I have absolutely no self-control when it comes to anything sweet so I've learned that I just can't keep it in the house!

Beach or mountains?

Can I say both?  I love visiting both and feel very fortunate to live in a place that is close to both.  My dream is to have a place at the beach and a small cabin (not a tiny house because I value my marriage) with lots of land in the mountains.  

What would I be doing if I weren't a designer?

Growing up I loved art and design but I was really passionate about becoming a Veterinarian.  My first job was in a vet's office and I loved every minute of it, even the not so glamorous parts. I sometimes wonder what life would have been like if I went down that path.  Maybe I'd be the vet that designs doggie hotels!

What led me down the path of design?

I grew up in older homes.  My dad had his contractor's license and he and my mom were always taking on projects and renovations.  When I was a freshman in high school my parents bought and painstakingly restored a 1902 Queen Anne Victorian house and converted it into a bed & breakfast.  It was quite interesting having strangers in my house during those oh-so-fun high school years.  I am continually amazed that my parents were able to do this and that their marriage survived it.  I don't know that I could say the same for me!  While I fought that renovation tooth and nail it was pretty amazing to witness and be a part of.  If my parents could turn the nearly condemned shell of a house into a warm home for us and those that visited; I knew anything was possible through the power of good design. 

So why am I starting this blog?

There are two parts to this one.  First off, I am doing this for me.  I want to challenge myself and share my love of design with you all.  The second and equally important reason is that I am doing this for my daughter.   She is my 'why'.  I want to be the best mother I can to our little girl and lead by example.  At some point in your life you will need to push through the uncomfortableness and go after the things you want.  Nothing is going to be handed to you and nothing is owed to you. 

Now that I put myself out there I'd love for you to do the same. I want to get to know my readers and followers.  Introduce yourself, tell me something about you!

Since this is my first go-round at the whole blog thing I would LOVE your feedback. Are there topics I should cover, something that's working or not working...I'm all ears. 

I truly appreciate you stopping by and look forward to this blog journey.

-Stuart-