From early childhood I had an appreciation for beauty. I think it was in my genes. My mother was always busy with creative projects. She painted in several mediums, sewed amazing outfits for me (and my dolls) and brought her own sense of style to her home. I learned many skills from my mother – something I hope makes her smile. Ultimately I formed an admiration for form and detail and though my route to Interior Design was circuitous the urge to create beautiful spaces eventually became reality in 1990.
Many years were spent in the corporate world where I attained the level of Vice President. It was time well-loved and well-spent as I learned the importance of business skills such as budgeting, planning and of utmost importance – working with people.
When I founded The Whistling Elk in 1990 my imagination was running full steam ahead. We opened with 3 rooms featuring a lace & satin ribbon-adorned ceiling, upholstered walls and an amazing coppery metallic ceiling that was probably my first formal foray into mixing paint colors to create the desired effect.
It wasn’t long before I found myself in the homes of my customers designing window treatments, moving furniture and giving paint consultations.
I had found my place!
Formal education actually came later – an afterthought which I thoroughly enjoyed. My design philosophy is to create amazing spaces that surround you with all the things you love, embody fine details and style, and generally just make you happy to live in them!
Today, I still love The Whistling Elk, have survived a long winter and am in the throes of opening a new shop…
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and the kind comments! Like you, I have a profound appreciation for beauty..in all of her amazing forms, colors, style, textures…so yes, it is not about the quality of the pics, but the passion in the work. Keep up your amazing blog and work!
Kindest regards,
Stan