Shannon's Holiday Gift Guide 2022
Here it is - my curated list of gifts from The Pep Line for Christmas 2022!
Happy gift - giving!
I love this time of year for a lot of reasons, but most of all I love choosing unique gifts for my loved ones. I’ve decided to pull together my top gift picks from our shoppe, The Pep Line, and boy was it hard to choose! I hope these gift ideas get you in the holiday spirit! Thank you for all the love you have shown The Pep Line shoppe this holiday season!
MARBLE LAZY SUSAN
I use this every single time I entertain!
GLASS MATCH HOLDER
Decorative yet useful - and in so many color options!
FANCY TAPER CANDLES
Our colorful taper candle collection is one of my favorites at the shoppe! The perfect gift for your decor-obsessed friend.
Available for local pick up at The Pep Line, at 201 Cedar Ave, Saint Charles, IL 60174
VALUE IN THE VISION
Did you know that hiring a designer at the beginning of your project or build can actually SAVE you money?
If you are like me, a quick scroll through your Instagram feed is an inspiring display of talented designers! I love to see the projects my industry friends are currently working on and what inspires their designs. From a client's perspective, I can imagine that choosing ONE of these designers would seem overwhelming. So I thought I would take the opportunity to answer frequently asked questions about Peppeard Design and what you can expect when working with us.
First and foremost, we are a FULL SERVICE interior design firm. This means we can take a project from concept all the way past delivery, to livable! For example, if we are helping a client with a ground up build, we will work hand in hand with the architect, contractor, and construction team to create a functional plan and utilize our construction knowledge to ensure the groundwork is laid for our overall design. From there we work with the client to choose each and every finish, from tiles to light fixtures, sinks to crown moldings. Once these steps are completed the project would be ready for client delivery, however our "livable" process takes the project one step further by adding all the items that make a house a home! We leverage our vendor relationships to secure just the right furniture, artwork, textiles, and more to create a space that is personal and timeless.
The value in this full service approach is in the comprehensive vision. Oftentimes we see homeowners using one designer for the selection process (trim, flooring, cabinetry, etc...) and a second designer to finish the space with furnishings. A comprehensive vision benefits the clients in a number of ways, including:
1. Time Saving - Since we work with our clients from day one, we know their desired aesthetic and outcome, and keep it forefront throughout the project. When you add a second designer to the mix to finish a space, chances are you'll spend double the amount of time in the exploratory stage, as well as in the site information gathering. For instance, we already know the measurements of each room and the placement of electrical outlets or sconce lights, because it was in our original scope. And we already know the daughter wants to incorporate pink and boho style to her room.
2. Single Point of Contact - Rather than juggling multiple designers and contracts, our full service approach means our clients will have a single point of contact throughout the entire project. We will create vision boards that not only show the flooring, paint color, and lighting, but also the couch, pillows, armoire, and more!
3. Save Money - Just like we save clients time, we also save them money! Again, because of our familiarity in your project we can more quickly source furnishings that not only fit spatially, but also aesthetically. The dining room table will accent the wallpaper which plays off the light fixture, or the living room sofa will fit the room and come with the appropriately sized rug-all while achieving the look and feel initially discussed
Our value is in the overall vision of your project. We can see the space designed down to every last detail even when it is just a blueprint!
We're now booking for the beginning of 2023, so if you're looking to build or renovate next year, reach out to us to learn even more about our process!
MOM KNOWS BEST!
A special Mother and Daughter story to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday, May 8, hint hint!) and our latest project reveal, Refined Traditional, couldn’t have coordinated to the holiday any better! You see, our client, Ellen, is the daughter of Peppeard Design’s very first client, Tara! Here’s a couple photos from the project, before I jump into the story.
15 years ago Tara helped me launch my career when she entrusted me with every single detail for her Chicago condo redesign. At the time when completing Tara’s home, I didn’t get professional photos taken, but I did go back to take pictures with my iPhone a couple years ago, and Tara hasn’t changed a thing! Not a pillow or throw, and it’s still very current. I love creating livable spaces, that have a timeless design, so that your space doesn’t go out of style. Stick with key quality pieces you love, and your home will always feel “current” to you. If you jump to every trend in the moment, it will feel dated sooner.
Since Tara’s condo, I’ve helped her son with their Chicago home, and now her daughter in Glenview, plus many other friends she has referred me to over the years. I will forever be grateful for her support of Peppeard Design!
Obviously my favorite part about the Refined Traditional project was the full circle story working with Ellen, but if I had to pick a favorite room, I’d have to choose the entryway! I didn’t want people to focus on only the living room when they entered the home. Ellen’s entryway is gorgeous, and spacious, so it was important to me that we highlighted this space. The wallpaper itself creates such an amazing ambiance, and when paired with these beautiful leather settees and convex mirrors everything pops!
On the other side of the entry we “married the old with the new” by incorporating one of Ellen’s favorite furniture pieces. This is a great example of how mixing patterns can be done! The subtle bench pattern plays well with the stronger pattern of the wallpaper.
Design is a reflection of you and how you live, therefore incorporating items you love or that have special meaning to you is important in bringing a space to life.
If you’re looking at incorporating more traditional, sentimental decor into your home, like this entryway, our recent blog has a few tips! Just like Tara’s condo still felt current, selecting a variety of new + old pieces will keep your home feeling fresh.
So the moral of the story is alway’s listen to your mom! When she tells you to call Shannon to help with your new home, call Shannon!
THE BIG MOVE TO THE COLLINS HOUSE & WHY WE LOVE IT SO MUCH
We knew it was time for the Pep Line shoppe to move we just never could have imagined finding just the right space...until the Collins House. From the minute I walked in the door, I knew this was the home away from home PD needed. With it's true charm and individual character, it would not only bring our decor to life but also give us a place for our creative juices to flow.
If you've been following us on Instagram, you may have noticed that late last year Peppeard Design made a big move. Not only did we move our Pep Line shoppe from a shared co-op space, we also moved our interior design business outside of our home. What I thought would be a small part-time hobby where I worked at the dining room table, quickly grew and we had to expand a basement studio inside our home. After fifteen years of keeping Peppeard Design under our roof, we knew it was time to expand the studio.
While moving the shoppe inventory and setting up the retail space may have seemed liked the larger part of the move, it was actually moving Peppeard Design's interior business. After all, PD was where our business started. Clients took a chance on me, vendors built relationships with my business, I learned what it meant to be a business owner and all the decisions the job comes with, and most importantly, my family believed in me. Moving Peppeard Design was a culmination of all these things and so much more.
And while we knew it was time for the shoppe to move, never could we have imagined finding just the right space for both businesses...until the Collins House. From the minute I walked in the door, I knew this was the home away from home PD needed. With it's true charm and individual character, it would not only bring our decor to life but also give us a place for our creative juices to flow.
From it's beautiful limestone facade to it's architect-rich interior, The Collins House is special to us for so many reasons. St. Charles is rich in historic charm and The Collins House is quite possibly the beginning of it all. Built around 1836, it stands as one of the oldest buildings in our city. Thomas Collins and his family moved into the home in 1853 where they lived and also operated a tailoring business. While it is not confirmed, sources say it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. (When you pop into the shoppe ask us about the metal door in the basement!) The history is weaved deep in the walls of the Collins House.
We're commemorating our historic home, all that it has meant to so many people over the centuries, and how far PD has come with exclusive Collins House canvas bags and prints. We're so grateful for the opportunity to work with so many of you. I personally can't thank you enough for all the support and love you've shown both Peppeard Design and The Pep Line. Cheers to what is to come.
Photography by Margaret Rajic.
INCORPORATING TRADITIONAL DECOR INTO YOUR HOME
In one of my very first Pep Talks, I discussed mixing design styles. With so much more inspiration coming at us daily (hello Instagram feed!), it is only naturally that we find ourselves attracted to varying styles. Seeing how other people style their homes encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and incorporate items we love rather than just trying to match decor. For me, I’ve always incorporated elements of traditional decor in my installs…and in my own personal home! Here are a few reasons why and a couple tips for trying it yourself!
In one of my very first Pep Talks, I discussed mixing design styles. With so much more inspiration coming at us daily (hello Instagram feed!), it is only natural that we find ourselves attracted to varying styles. Seeing how other people style their homes encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and incorporate items we love rather than just trying to match decor. For me, I’ve always incorporated elements of traditional decor in my installs…and in my own personal home! Here are a few reasons why and a couple of tips on how to try it yourself!
It's special. Design is a reflection of you and how you live, therefore incorporating items you love or that have special meaning to you is important in bringing a space to life. Oftentimes these items are handed down from generation to generation. When a space already incorporates traditional decor, finding just the right spot for that treasured heirloom is easy.
This is my own personal kitchen. From the print on the wall to keepsake vases and cake platter, I’ve collected traditional pieces over the years and found a special place in my own home for them. Each of them are meaningful to me and make me smile each time I pass them.
It's not all or nothing anymore. Gone are the days where dining room chairs and a table must be bought in a set. Or coffee tables must match side and sofa tables. No longer does the whole room, or even the whole house, have to match! You can "dip your foot" into traditional decor...and it can be fun! This photo here is a great example of how traditional decor matches bright colors. The table pairs well with the custom upholstered striped chairs.
Another easy place to to apply the “it’s not all or nothing” rule is with mixing metals. I personally love to mix antique brass with black/wrought iron for a more traditional feel. Polished chrome is another favorite metal that can lean traditional, whereas brushed nickel doesn’t have that same characteristic. Try swapping out door hardware for a quick update to your space!
It adds layers. If you've been following my blog, you may remember one of our very first posts where we discussed texture. I mentioned how I love texture because it adds layers to a room. The same goes for incorporating various styles into your home, such as traditional. Remember those matching coffee tables I just mentioned? Sometimes they can leave a room feeling flat, or very "one note." In this picture we used a very traditional coffee table matched with a more modern glam side table.
This picture is also a great example of layering patterns. The butterfly pattern wallpaper makes a statement and mixing it with the dot throw pillow adds a modern touch.
Pillows are one place where I usually incorporate a trend. They are easy to swap out when you tire of the trend or want to change the feel of the room!
Bonus! Shopping traditional decor can save money. With Facebook Marketplace, local flea markets, and more, finding traditional decor that you like is easier than ever, and can save money. If there is a brand of furniture you like, try searching Marketplace for that brand. You may just be surprised as to what you can find locally.
THE PEP VAN IS COMING YOUR WAY
Do you love all of The Pep Line products, but have no idea how to style them in your home? Do you have shelves, counters & tables that are sitting empty because you are terrified of ‘doing it all wrong’? Would you love for Shannon from Peppeard Design to show up at your doorstep with a car full of pillows, furniture, rugs, baskets, art, pottery & lamps? Then the Pep Van Styling Sessions are for you!
Opening The Pep Line shoppe has been a dream of mine for a while now. I’ve always wanted to help people access one-of-a-kind decor for their home, but more so I’ve wanted to help people style that decor. I absolutely love when a client falls in love with their home. It’s such a rewarding process for everyone involved. So…we’re excited to announce the introduction of Pep Van Styling Sessions!
NEED HELP STYLING YOUR HOME?
Do you love all of The Pep Line products, but have no idea how to style them in your home?
Do you have shelves, counters & tables that are sitting empty because you are terrified of ‘doing it all wrong’? Or do you want to learn the ‘tricks of the trade’ for styling?
Would you love for Shannon from Peppeard Design to show up at your doorstep with a car full of pillows, furniture, rugs, baskets, art, pottery & lamps?
If you answered yes, and live within 25 miles of St. Charles, Illinois, then it is time to sign up for your very own Pep Style Session!
HOW IT WORKS
After you purchase your session I will come and tour your home, or the spaces you’d like to style. We’ll chat about how you use the space, browse photos for inspiration, and get to know each other. We’ll also have a conversation about your budget so that I can best accommodate your needs. After our meeting, I’ll head back to the shoppe (plus utilize my network of vendors) to source the perfect items for your home. We will schedule a date for install and the Pep Van will arrive full of decor, furniture, artwork, and more. Over the course of the day, you’ll see your home transform into the space you’ve been dreaming about. Please note, Pep Van Styling Sessions are available on a limited basis each month, so make sure you sign up early if you’re preparing for an event or are looking to be done by a certain date.
I can’t wait to work with you!
PEP UP YOUR GIFT GIVING
We have compiled a few of our favorite gifts to give to help with your holiday shopping. Whether you are shopping for Mom, friend, or teacher, we can help you shop for everyone on your list.
We have compiled a few of our favorite gifts to help with your holiday shopping. Whether you are shopping for Mom, friend, or teacher, we can help you shop for everyone on your list.
Attending a gathering with family and friends is always a gift in itself, celebrate those special entertainers and host/hostesses in your life with a gift to make their passion for entertaining even more special.
TIMELESS CHARACTER PROJECT REVEAL
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this reveal for months and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! The pandemic pushed the pause button on photo shoots and finishing touches, but the Timeless Character Project is well worth the wait.
Our clients were the sweetest family who were looking for someone to tie in their personal style and we immediately clicked. So much so that what started as “just a few rooms” turned into working on every single room of the house, bathrooms included!
If you have ever built a home, you know how many decisions go into every single room- from choosing the height of baseboards to cabinet door styles, and even walking the framing to decide where each and every electric outlet should be! The thought of then having to choose paint colors, wallpapers, furniture, fixtures, and so much more can be daunting, to say the least. So my goal, as always, was to make this process fun and relaxing!
With the official launch of The Pep Line coinciding with this project, we were able to use a few of our own home goods. I’ve linked my favorites in the pictures below for you to browse!
There are so many Pep Line goods in the living room it is hard to pick a favorite. Maggie May is the ideal size and neutral colors to fit with any decor.
I love these Green Seagrass Baskets. Here we used them in the kitchen with the Willy Cutting Board, but I could see them in almost any room. They are the perfect size for an entry table as a “catch-all.”
One of our most versatile pieces is the Big Pep Pot. The size is perfect and the knobbed edge adds so much personality! Another versatile pot is the Rainy Pot seen here on both the nightstand and in the powder room.
STYLING YOUR LIVING ROOM: BTS OF OUR MODERN TRADITIONAL PROJECT
We recently revealed our Modern Traditional project on the PepTalk and on our IG. This project was an absolute dream to work on. We got to play with tons of color, pattern and texture, but needed to keep the overall style modern and somewhat traditional. One of the most frequently made comments we hear from friends and future clients is, “I don’t even know where to start!” Styling an entire room within your space can feel a bit daunting, especially if you have various design elements that you want to incorporate (ie: various colors, patterns, textures, etc).
Today, we are taking you behind the scenes of our Modern Traditional project and giving you a few design tips on how to style your living space and where to start.
RUGS
There are SO many ways to design a room, but here at PD we like to start everything off with the rug. Depending on the size, color and pattern, this will really dictate the rest of the room. As you will see in the photo above, we decided to go very colorful with the rug and then take it down a bit when we selected the furniture and pillows.
If a lot of pattern and color is too much for you when it comes to a rug, no problem! Start with a solid color or more neutral rug and then incorporate some pattern and color when selecting pillows and throws.
LIGHTING
Next up is lighting. Lighting is EVERYTHING! Not only does it need to be functional within the space, but it is a great way to make a bold statement. When we found these lamps (top left) we knew they were absolutely perfect for the space. They were just the right amount of eclectic with an unexpected modern twist.
ARTWORK
Artwork can be another tricky factor when it comes to designing your space. We believe it all comes down to 2 factors - it is either really personal and means a lot to you or it’s not and you just want it to look cohesive within your space. Once you have answered this question, the next step is to measure the size of your space and go from there. It is also important to make sure that when selecting artwork, the piece fits within the overall style of the room and it’s colors complement the space rather than compete with the space.
ACCESSORIES
For this project, our client wanted us to incorporate some decorative pieces that they already had. Luckily for us, our client had some amazing family heirlooms that had been passed down and worked great with the style of the space. Our biggest piece of advice when incorporating current pieces you have with new pieces is to really take inventory of what you have and make sure it can fit within the overall style and direction you have chosen to go. Don’t try to force something into your design if it is dated or too out of place. Sometimes what you have is NOT what you need.
Lastly, don’t be afraid of mixing and matching items. There are so many different kinds of styling accessories so play around and have fun with it! If you have any design questions or are looking for more help with your space, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@peppearddesign.com
ENTRYWAY STYLING
First impressions are everything and we believe it’s no different when it comes to your home. Today, we are giving you a few simple tips to create an entryway that is not only welcoming and inviting guests, but functional too.
ADD A FOCAL POINT
Entryways range in all different shapes and sizes, but no matter how big or small the space, creating a focal point is key. This can be a piece of art that reflects the style of your home or a mirror to brighten up and enlarge the space. Either option can work as long as it’s centered above your console and is proportional in size.
LIGHTING
We are big fans of incorporating lighting onto the console. Adding a table lamp not only provides you with some height to work with, but is a functional piece that can be used as a primary light source or an accent.
STORAGE / OTTOMANS
If your console has open space underneath, adding in some ottomans is a nice way to add some texture. These can also be used as additional seating and easily transported from one room to the next. If you don’t have enough space for ottomans under your console, another alternative is baskets. Again, not only do they bring a new texture to the space, but they can also serve as additional storage.
BALANCE
It is ok to add multiple pieces to your entryway, infact, we recommend it! Just make sure that when styling your items, that everything is balanced. For example, don’t group everything towards the middle or place heavy items on one side and smaller/lighter items on the left. Balance it out!
THE DETAILS
Now for the fun part… the details. There are various pieces you can use to style a console table, but some of our favorite go-to’s include - greenery, decorative objects and boxes, table lamps, stacked books, and more stacked books. Below are some of our favorite pieces you can use to style your console table.
Below are some of our go-to items for entryway styling!
SPRING REFRESH
It might not look too much like spring around here today, but we just couldn’t help ourselves and started pulling some of our favorite spring decor items.
If you know us, you know we LOVE color here at PD, but this spring we are all about the neutrals and incorporating a few pops of color and beautiful greenery.
Take a look at our Spring Decor Refresh below and let us know what your favorite spring pieces are!
Click below for individual product links
MODERN TRADITIONAL PROJECT REVEAL
We recently wrapped up our Modern Traditional project and it is one of our favorite projects to date! Located in Downers Grove, Illinois, this project was a complete remodel and every single item in this space was sourced by the Peppeard Design Team - furniture, rugs, accessories, you name it!
If you know us, you know how much we love working with color, wallpaper and different textures so to be able to do this for 17 ROOMS (yes, you read that correctly!), was a total dream come true.
We can’t forget about the exterior! We went with a fresh set of paint on the brick and added final touches with custom colors for all of the shutters and doors. This wrapped up the entire space perfectly and provided our clients with the complete home remodel they were looking for.
Comment below and let us know which space is your favorite!
HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR KITCHEN ONLY USING PAINT
Do you ever look at a room in your house and think, “I need to completely change this entire space and I need to do it now!” Well, I bring you our latest kitchen transformation…my personal kitchen!
I knew I wanted to freshen up the space, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. After going back and forth I finally decided to do a total kitchen cabinet paint remodel. Doing this would accomplish my two top priorities - give the space a brand new look and save a ton of money!
As you will see in the before pictures (below) all our cabinetry was bright and white. While I truly did love this look, the scuffs and marks were becoming more and more visible on the white. Since I had already decided to commit to painting everything, I figured why not go big and bold with Sherwin Williams Riverway 6222. It was the perfect blue for the space. I was able to keep the original hardware, lighting and appliances, but still making the space look completely different just with updating the paint.
Is there a space in your home that you are itching to update? Tell us in the comments below.
BEFORE
AFTER
BOHO CHIC BEDROOM TRANSFORMATION
We recently completed a bedroom makeover for a 15 year old girl who loves fashion, design and hanging out with her friends. Her previous room did not have a specific style - dark walls, off-white furniture, and a long couch as a space to hang out with friends.
She wanted a completely different look for her new space and decided to go with a boho chic style. You know over here at Peppeard Design we LOVE color and texture so this project was right up our alley.
Our first step was to brighten up the walls so that we could utilize pops of color with the furniture, decor and artwork.
For the bed we went with a beautiful, blue upholstered bed. The one we used for this project was from World Market and is no longer sold online, but we did fine this gorgeous bed that is another one of our favorites. We kept the bedding white so we could incorporate colored and patterned throw pillows to compliment the blue frame. Just because we wanted to keep it white doesn’t mean it had to be plain. We found this beautiful pom duvet from Target that added just the right amount of texture.
Now the rug. This was actually our main source of inspiration for the entire space and is one of our favorites. It is a gorgeous Loloi rug and perfectly frames the space, while adding just the right amount of color without feeling too busy.
For artwork, we wanted to keep it slightly youthful, but feminine and sophisticated. We chose pieces that still included color, but went on the lighter side to keep the walls bright and airy.
For some additional boho chic touches, we included a light fringe lamp shade and some decorative woven baskets (click here for similar basket).
This incredible green desk was a piece that was previously in the space that we decided to keep. We thought the color was so much fun and fit perfectly with all of the other pieces of furniture we selected.
Now, for our favorite part (and our client’s), the window seat area. Having a space where she could spend time with friends was very important so we knew we needed to elevate the area and do something a little different than just a couch. We chose these two hanging chairs (click here for similar chairs) and are in LOVE with how they completed the space.
WEEKLY ROUND-UP: LIGHT & AIRY NEUTRAL LIVING SPACE
For this Weekly Round-Up, we were inspired to create a light and airy neutral living space. We started with the primary furniture pieces and then incorporated some color and texture with a gorgeous rug and additional accessories. We love how the blue accents add just the right amount of color to the space, while still keeping the overall look light and neutral.
Click through the slideshow of product images below and create this look for your very own space!
EXTERIOR HOME TRANSFORMATION
This blog post is extra special to me because I finally get to share my very own exterior home transformation.
This blog post is extra special to me because I finally get to share my very own exterior home transformation!
As an interior designer, my own space is definitely lowest on the design priority list so when I decided to move forward with painting the exterior of my family’s house, I couldn’t have been more excited and ready for the challenge.
As you will see in the “Before” photo below, the exterior had a 70’s Tudor style and the brick was very dated with an orange undertone.
Our main goal was to brighten the exterior and create a more updated and fresh look. After sifting through various paint colors, we decided to go with Sherwin Williams Shoji White SW 7042. It is a beautiful, creamy white that has just the right amount of beige that we were looking for to brighten up our home.
Another huge bonus of using this paint color? It made our roof look brand new. We even had neighbors compliment us on how nice our new roof looked… which definitely was not the case!
I love exploring ways to add special and unique details wherever possible. When it came to the House Numbers/Letters, I took the opportunity to think outside the box. I reached out to a friend who is an amazing artist and asked if she would be willing to hand paint our address. It beyond exceeded my expectations and added the perfect amount of charm and personality I was looking for.
The PD Team knows that any paint job, especially the exterior, can seem a little daunting, so we have put together a few tips to help make your very own project run as smooth as possible.
Don’t overlook the little details - shutters, trim, gutters, doors, etc. Make sure that the shade of paint you choose for these accents matches the primary paint color of the house. It is also important to take into account the items you will not be changing on your house (shingles, brick, etc). This will also make a huge impact on your final paint color decision.
If you are planning on painting brick, like we did, it is important to choose the proper paint to ensure complete coverage. We recommend using 2 coats of primer over brick before your final coat of paint. This will allow for greater coverage and will completely seal the surface.
Do your research. There are so many paint colors out there to choose from and picking the right combination of paint can be tricky. If you are feeling stuck and can’t decide which color to move forward with, we recommend reaching out to an interior designer for a color consultation. It is worth the headache and worry of making a potential design (and financial) mistake.
Thank you for stopping by!
If you are interested in a custom color consultation, the Peppeard Design Team would love to help. Please feel free to contact us at hello@peppearddesign.com
If you have recently completed your own exterior home transformation, we would love to see it! Tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #peppearddesignliving
JOIN THE PEPPEARD DESIGN TEAM
The PD Team is hiring and we are looking for a Design Assistant to join our growing team! If you are interested, please click through and read the job description. We look forward to hearing from you!
The PD Team is hiring and we are looking for a Design Assistant to join our growing team! If you are interested, please review the job description below. We look forward to hearing from you!
PART-TIME DESIGN ASSISTANT
JOB DUTIES
Manage design projects from start to finish with oversight from principal designer, including the following types of projects:
Entire or partial home renovation/remodel projects, specifically daily oversight of contractors and vendors to create and meet timelines, and efficiently communicating status of project with client.
Entire or partial home design projects, including sourcing, ordering, tracking and arranging delivery and installation.
Communicate effectively with vendors, track orders, diligently follow up on backordered items, be on top of pricing discrepancies and triple check all pricing sent to client. Create relationships with vendors that will allow you to be successful in your daily duties.
Communicate with clients regarding updates on all aspects of projects in a highly organized, professional and concise manner.
Understand and efficiently utilize Ivy, our project management software, to create proposals, invoices, and presentations for clients.
Organize and oversee all delivery logistics.
Assist with social media posting.
Take initiative to follow up on all active project elements without specific management direction.
All other general duties necessary to complete jobs for clients. We are a boutique design firm, and depend on our employees to be go-getters and collaborative in sharing responsibilities to provide exceptional service to our clients.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be graduate of or enrolled in an academic Interior Design program.
Must be highly motivated and extremely organized.
Must be detail-oriented.
Must be creative, professional, and personable.
Must be able to carry at least 25 lbs.
Familiarity with Ivy, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop.
JOB DETAILS
Part Time (20-24 hours/week). Office Hours 9am-3pm Mon-Thurs.
Competitive hourly pay, depending on candidate and experience.
Friendly, collaborative work environment.
Local to St. Charles, Illinois.
If you believe you are a great fit for this opportunity, we’re excited to meet you! Please email an introduction letter, resume, and a mood board with your favorite products to hello@peppearddesign.com, with subject line “Design Assistant”, and we will be in touch.
LET'S TALK: SHELF STYLING
Hands down, the number one area my clients lack "design confidence" is with shelf styling...and with good reason. Even for interior designers, shelf styling can be hard. The good thing is, we've already covered a lot of the basics in our past Pep Talks. The same rules we apply to mixing styles and using texture in rooms, we apply to styling shelfs.
Hands down, the number one area my clients lack "design confidence" is with shelf styling, and with good reason. Even for interior designers, shelf styling can be hard. The good thing is, we have covered a lot of the basics in our past Pep Talks. The same rules we apply to mixing styles and using texture in rooms, we apply to styling shelves. With these fireplace built-ins, I used the raised patterns on the vases, the soft greenery, and the wicker mirror to create an array of textures.
Another secret to shelf styling I always incorporate into my designs is layers, both in height and in depth! Here are a couple easy tips to add layers to your shelves:
1. Rather than just set a picture frame on the shelf, add stacks of books or a tiny box below the frame to add layers.
2. Add depth into your layers by leaning objects against the wall and placing vases in front of it. This will really add to the depth of the display.
3. To really set the stage, consider a wallpaper like this metallic brushed one. It immediately adds a statement layer to the shelves.
So for this week's Pep Talk: I encourage you to incorporate layers to your shelf displays.
Lastly, I can't talk about styling shelves without suggesting to include things you love! This may seem like a no brainer, but often times we get swept up trying to pair perfect shapes, sizes, and colors that we don't include things that speak to us. For me, it's picture frames and fun quotes. Both remind me to stop and enjoy life! On these floating shelves in my own bedroom I have a "Can't stop won't stop" quote that reminds me to hustle everyday. "Time to drink champagne and dance on the table" is framed on this side table, because who doesn't like champagne?!
What other tips do you have for styling shelves? What are your favorite items to incorporate?
RETAIL THERAPY: BOHEMIAN BEACH
After all these Pep Talks, I thought a break for some "retail therapy" was in order. As an interior designer we have a lot more vendors to source product from than the general public, but if you follow me on Instagram you know I have a deep love for Target. Their new Opalhouse line had some great pieces for our Indiana beach house project.
After all these Pep Talks, I thought a break for some "retail therapy" was in order. As an interior designer, we have a lot more vendors to source product from than the general public, but if you follow me on Instagram you know I have a deep love for Target. I was able to source some insanely affordable pieces from Target’s new Opalhouse line. This woven cotton throw in pink and these medallion melamine plates worked perfectly in our beach house project. To my surprise Opalhouse offers bedding, furniture, lighting, and more. I paired a couple of my Opalhouse LOVES with products from World Market for the ultimate “Bohemian Beach” shopping list.
Create your very own Bohemian Beach retreat with these three simple steps:
C O N T R A S T - this is the secret ingredient here! Check out the dark colored rug paired with the light rattan chair. This is my definition of contrast. Layering in the Kiera pillow from our very own Pepline carries the contrast from the ground up. Did you notice a pattern? We went from dark (rug) to light (chair) and back to dark again (pillow). When in doubt, use a pattern to layer contrast.
Next up in terms of pulling this together is S T Y L I N G. Blending styles to create a curated look is one of our signature moves. The gold lanterns bring a more traditional look into this bohemian space, while the rug definitely reads southwestern. Aim to include 3-5 styles in each room..
Embrace M I X I N G M E T A L S. The trim on the chandelier and lanterns is antique brass, while the legs of the chair are black. Look out for a Pep Talk on this very topic soon!
Are you ready for some retail therapy? Let me know what your latest shopping "find" is with a comment below.
PILLOW TALK
With the launch of the Pep Line, I couldn’t think of a better Pep Talk than pillows! As a designer, I love throw pillows. They can instantly change a room and not only serve as décor, but also functionality. However, with the abundant number of options on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed shopping for the perfect pillows. Here are a couple rules of thumb I tend to shop by.
With the launch of the Pep Line, I couldn’t think of a better Pep Talk than pillows! As a designer, I love throw pillows. They can instantly change a room and not only serve as décor, but also functionality.
However, with the abundant number of options on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed shopping for the perfect pillows. Here are a couple rules of thumb I tend to shop by:
First, and with good reason, let’s talk inserts. Often times big box department stores carry foam or poly-fill throw pillows. While it is easy to get distracted with the pretty patterns and textures, pillows with poly-fill inserts simply don’t have the same look as down or synthetic down. We can’t apply our beloved karate chop (creating an indent in the top of the pillow for a finished look) to poly-fill inserts. Not to mention, they’re not comfortable…and we’re talking about pillows here, so comfort is of the necessity. Eliminating poly-fill inserts from our shopping cart will immediately reduce more than half the pillow options on the market.
Second, shop for a variety of pillow shapes and sizes. Just like texture adds layers to a room, various pillow sizes keep the eye moving. The Pep Line pillows come in five sizes making it easy to style your sofa: 12x20, 14x20, 16x22, 20x20, 18x18. Furthermore, our pillows have generous inserts that allow them to maintain their shape and fullness. If you happen to purchase cases and inserts from other retailers, we always recommend sizing up 2” on the insert (choose a 20x20 insert for an 18x18 case).
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about patterns! The Pep Line pillows are created from a variety of one of a kind African textiles. They are made to work together, but each has the capability of standing out on its own. I find that mixing patterns is where most of my clients find frustration, so let’s stop for a Pep Talk: choose one bold pattern, one simple pattern, and one solid pillow in coordinating colors. A great example of this would be to choose the Kelli pillow (bold pattern), the Coco pillow (simple pattern), and incorporate a solid white or navy pillow of your choosing.
I love some good pillow talk, so post a comment or question below with your throw pillow design dilemmas.