Hi Everyone!
Happy Tuesday loves. Today is kind of a huge day for the blog, guys. Those of you who have been with me for good while now knows my love prefers to stay as far away from the blog as possible. She doesn’t even like taking pictures for fear they may pop up on IG…which one or two has, but that’s neither here nor there. The point is, she’s quiet, and private, and reserved, and an introvert, and pretty much my COMPLETE opposite. I love her for it, because really two Shavonda’s running around would be a disaster! I’ve asked her in the past to come on and do a guest post, but to no avail….until now! That’s right friends…my sweet Naomi has come out from hiding (no pun intended) and broken her silence about what its like to be married to all this crazy! (cue Scandal music)
When my awesome friend Cassie asked if Id like to be part of this fun Q & A series I was all over it…luckily Naomi was game too. I handed her over the questions and here’s what my better half had to say…(I’ve added my two cents in here or there, of course)
1. What is your favorite project Shavonda has done, and why?
-The backsplash in our last house because it took us FOREVER to find something we agreed on, but once we did it turned out really nice. It even helped land her in Better Homes & Gardens. It was a beautiful backsplash.
2. What is your least favorite, and why?
-The nightstand in the guest room of our last house. She painted this little nightstand an emerald-green color. I hated that thing.
*ummmm screw you very much! I loved that nightstand.
3. What is the one creative item or tool that Shavonda cannot live without?
-A measuring tape. It goes everywhere with her.
*this is true….you just never know when you’ll stumble upon “the piece”
4. What is your biggest pet peeve about Shavonda in the real world or the project and decorating realm?
-That she’s ALWAYS on her phone! She’s always researching or on Instagram
*yup, pretty much
5. If you could take Shavonda on a vacation anywhere, where would she want to go?
-Paris. I promise to take her someday.
*Oh I’m holding you to that one babe
6. Shavonda finds $100. What does she do with it?
-Spends a portion at Bath & Body Works, and the rest at Ikea and Home Depot.
*ummmmm notsomuch. That moolah would definitely be spent at either Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods, Craigslist, or West Elm.
7. What is YOUR favorite room in your house and why?
-My bedroom. It’s really relaxing and I love the French doors.
8. Creativity is messy, but for the most part blogs show the pretty picture. Can you tell us how Shavonda is a secret slob?
-She spends a lot of time at the computer so there’s always plates, cups, snacks and papers everywhere.
*this should be motivation for you to get going on my garage to studio conversion my love. #justsayin
9. Name a project or decorating adventure that you thought would be a flop but was fabulous?
-There are two, actually. One was the white cabinets in our last kitchen. I don’t like the country kitchen look and I was against it for a long time and really nervous, but once it was done, I LOVED it. The second is the butcher block in our current kitchen. Let’s just say I’ve learned to trust her.
-There are two, actually. One was the white cabinets in our last kitchen. I don’t like the country kitchen look and I was against it for a long time and really nervous, but once it was done, I LOVED it. The second is the butcher block in our current kitchen. Let’s just say I’ve learned to trust her.
10. Blogging takes a lot of time. Do you ever pass by Shavonda while she is on the computer and secretly feel neglected?
-Sometimes. Not often, though. She does most of her blogging while I’m at work.
-Sometimes. Not often, though. She does most of her blogging while I’m at work.
11. Before, during, and after photos are an important part of blogging, do you remember to do that while working on projects for Shavonda?
-She usually does it herself
-She usually does it herself
12. How often do you read Shavonda’s blog and do you have a favorite post?
-I read it often. My favorite post thus far is the 2014 recap. It brings back some great memories of the past year. We’ve had quite a few changes and I’ve enjoyed a lot of them. We’ve been truly blessed.
13. Before changing a piece of furniture, hanging new curtains, or planning a whole room redo, does Shavonda consult you or do you come home and it’s done?
-I used to wake up to changes that occurred while I was asleep, but now she’ll ask my opinion even though Ive given her 100% control over the designing of our home.
* im holding you to that one too
14. Does Shavonda discuss her blog with you, stories from other blogs or friendships with other bloggers?
-Yes, she discusses her blog and the blogs of those she follows often. Soon Ill know some of them by name myself.
15. Where do you think Shavonda gets most of her creative inspiration; tv, magazines, online, you, or was she just born that way?
-She was definitely born this way. She’s really talented and Im really proud of her. She’s following her dreams and its super admirable.
*thank you love. That means the word to me. Id also like to add that I get tons of inspiration from shelter mags, pinterest, and fellow designers/bloggers.
16. Do you know what Pantone’s color of the year is and how do you feel about so-called “girly” colors for your walls?
-Ive heard her mention the color, and that she doesn’t like it, but I couldn’t tell you what it is. Im not opposed to “girly” colors, for obvious reasons. I like lots of colors. Just not emerald green, lol!
*ok you know what…seriously with the emerald!? I’m a May baby for Pete’s sake. Emerald is my birthstone. It’s so so gorgeous. And Id like to thank my mother in law for scarring you for life from one of the most beautiful colors there is. Hey mom, that hunter green bedroom you painted haunts your daughter in her dreams and she’s taking it out on sofas, curtains and nightstands. Thanks for that.
17. If you could change one room or area of your home with no decorating advice from Shavonda, what area would you choose and why?
-It would definitely be our bathroom. I just don’t think its our style. It needs a makeover.
*funny you mention that. I’ve been scheming on that sucker for a couple of weeks now.:)
18. Are you ever worried Shavonda will share too much personal information or that blogging might invade your private life?
-No, she respects our home life too much to share too much.
19. Have you ever helped Shavonda style photos for her blog or offer input on how you think a vignette should look?
-No. Wait, what’s a vignette?! Just kidding. But seriously though she’s definitely a lot more talented in that area than me.
-No. Wait, what’s a vignette?! Just kidding. But seriously though she’s definitely a lot more talented in that area than me.
20. There is a saying “If walls could talk…”, what would yours say about the decorating in your bedroom?
-It would say “it’s getting there, but it’s not quite there yet”.
* Also it would say “a door would be nice”
So there you have it folks. I little slice of life with me according to the other Mrs. Gardner. Maybe I can convince her to come back and do it again sometime. If you’d like to see what life is like with other creatives through the eyes of their spouses, make sure you pay them a visit:
Until next time loves…..
Xo-Shavonda
Brandi says
This was such a fun post to read. I really enjoyed Naomi’s answers! I hope your Paris trip comes soon!!
Shavonda says
Thank you sweet friend. HA!! Im hoping sometime within the next 10 years!!
Kimberly Duran says
Ahhhh this is so awesome!! So great to hear from the ‘other half’ in this series and it’s so obvious that Naomi trusts and respects you (except for the hunter green thing which, okay, we all have our ‘erghh’ colours, right?! Wayne hates my mint green dressing room! lol) 😉 So nice she came out of hiding – we want MOAR MOAR MOAR DAMMIT. 😉 xxx
Shavonda says
Who doesn’t like mint green!? I mean, really!! Im working on her. Hopefully she’ll pop back on soon.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Well I for one love emerald green, especially on a campaign piece 😉 And I think Naomi might be the first spouse to know what a vignette is. She should get a prize.
Shavonda says
Hahahah!! And she didn’t assume Pantone was a shampoo so Im thinking two prizes!!
Beth of designPOST interiors says
Aw, she came out of hiding and had some really sweet answers. Don’t you love how our spouses try to have an opinion and then finally give up when they realize we are going to do what we want anyways?! 🙂
Shavonda says
Oh yeah, although its much harder with a woman…such opinionated beings they are!!
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
Wow all your projects turned out looking great! I love all the questions that they husbands have been answering!
Linda @ It All Started With Paint says
Okay, you’re decorating the house when she’s asleep! LOL! That just slays me!
And I have to say, I started my blog with my mission to “de-green” our home. But I’m a bit older than you and I lived through (and embraced) the hunter green invasion of the 90’s! It was everywhere! Kitchen counter tops. Bathrooms with wallpaper borders. Oh, and my hunter green couches! Green has been eradicated from our home!
😉 Linda
Shavonda says
Hahaha! Oh I completely agree with the hunter green takeover. It was about the same time as the burgundy revolution. Im in no rush to get back there for sure! BUT hints of emerald are different. I can totally do hints of emerald:)
Stacey says
I thoroughly enjoyed this! Hi Naomi! I loved Pantone’s Emerald Green btw:)
Shavonda says
Thank you Stacey! OMG wasn’t that such a great color. Probably one of my favs yet.
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
It’s so fun to finally hear from Naomi! She should come back here often! 🙂
Shavonda says
Thank you Kelly! I loved Andy’s answers too. Ill make her pop in from time to time:)
Corinna - For My Love Of says
Oh my goodness, Hi Naomi! And I’d really, really love to see that garage to studio transformation! Swoon!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
What a fun post! An too funny about the emerald green, you might need to change your birthday! 🙂
Brynne@TheGatheredHome says
So fun! You have your work cut out for you on converting her to be an emerald-lover!
Sounds like you guys are a great team despite the lack of consensus on the best color in the world though 😉
Shavonda says
Ha! Ive tried and tried and its just not working. Thank you so much. Shes the best for sure.
Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says
Love all the sly little insertions of warning that a future project is in the works! We are always scheming aren’t we? Gorgeous projects, I’d trust you too 🙂
Shavonda says
Always scheming!! Thank you so much and thanks for popping in today:)
Catherine says
Love it! I can tell that you and Naomi balance each other well, and I’m glad you get to take the decorating reigns :). I agree with her on emerald green… not my thing either!
Shavonda says
Nooooooooo not another one!! She’ll be happy to know she’s got company on the #teamnoemerald train:)
Kristin @ Bliss at Home says
Shavonda just by reading this I can tell how much Naomi respects and loves what you do to your home…except the emerald green. How can you hate emerald green Naomi!?? Don’t ever show her my house…green bar cabinet…green pillows…beverly leaf print…oh dear! xoxo
Shavonda says
I know right Kristin! I mean c’mon. Maybe I shoulda put that in our vows.. “Do you promise to love emerald in all its lovliness and Shavonda’s tendency to want to use it”?! Yeah your house would probably give her an anxiety attack….I love it though friend:)
Bliss says
Naomi, quick…….that bathroom makeover is on the horizon and Shavonda might have some emerald green up her sleeve. Stop her now while there is still time!
Shavonda says
Hahahahah! Ive got plans for sure. Thankfully for her they don’t involve emerald!
Debbie says
I can totally relate to plates, cups, snacks…laying around! My mind is usually on my next project, not trivial stuff like that 😉 Love your kitchen! So happy to meet you both!
xo
Debbie
Shavonda says
Hi Debbie! Thank you so so much for stopping by. And yes my friend…#aintnobodygottimeforthat trivial stuff. Im busy working here….
cassie says
oh my gosh i loved reading this! and i am SOOOOO happy naomi participated- thank her for me! and i think that you should start painting walls emerald today while she is at work.
Shavonda says
Thank you so much for including me Cassie! It was a lot of fun to hear what she had to say. If she came home to emerald walls I might soon be dishing on my impending divorce! 🙂
laura@top this top that says
i am chuckling over his comment about the color changing while he was sleeping. hilarious! this was fun to read.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Loved reading it. I’d thrown in a question through for her 😉 because I’d love to hear Naomi talk in depth about brass and gold in general.
Shavonda says
Ill make sure to ask her to come on and share about that Julia:)
kirby says
Love this! Y’all will need to come to some consensus on green, though. Relationships have broken up for less. 😉
Shavonda says
Hahahahah! Right!!