Guest Blogger: Carolina Eclectic

I had the pleasure of asking Carolina of Carolina Eclectic Interior Design some questions. She has a colorful/cunning/clever blog, that consistently inspires me. (my alliteration for the day)

When did you realize you wanted to be an interior decorator?
Growing up my parents owned a series of rental properties. When they first started they could only afford to have one house, which was the one we lived in. They would buy rundown houses and would remodel them while we lived in it. As soon as it was done, they would rent it and we would move into another rundown house. Needless, to say I had an early exposure to construction and redecorating. Also, I always knew I wanted to work in a career that would allow me to be creative. I thought about being a fashion designer, graphic designer, photographer, even a singer. (Not that I'm that great of a singer). When I was 15 or 16 years old, a woman my mom worked for brought in an amazing designer to completely remodel her house. The designer was also an artist. Besides making an amazing modern home, he also added cool handpainted touches throughout the house. The instant I walked in and saw the finished product, I thought "This is it! This is what I'm going to do!"

Favorite neighborhood restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is a place called Brasil Cafe here in Houston. Its the most inspiring place in Houston! Any time I'm stressed or need some time to get inspired, I go over there and sit for as long as I need. I'm completely addicted to it! I included a link to some of my photos of it. Even the light is perfect there, so I take many, many photos there



How do you know when it's time to redecorate in your own home?
I know its time to redecorate when something is driving me crazy! I always examine every space whenever I walk by it. In other words, EVERY time I look at it, I'm thinking it over. It can be insane. So when I no longer enjoy the way a room is put together, I get to moving it around.

Best decorating tip you've ever been given?
I would say the best piece of decorating advice I have ever received is collect any image of a room that grabs your attention. I love to tell people to do this. I find that our subconscious has a clear image of what appeals to each of us. When you collect photos that catch your eye, you quickly set up a pattern. Its a great way decide what sort of look works for you.

Most Cherished piece?
Funny enough, as much as I love furniture; I can be very unsentimental about objects. At any given moment I can be ready to to trade anything in my house! I think if there were something I would not want to trade it would be my Midcentury desk that I work on every day. Its a beautiful piece! It reminds me of a cool building and it I love its woodgrain. I found it about 8 years ago at a garage sale. They were selling it for $30.00. I convinced them to sell it to me for $20 and they even delivered it! My husband and I laughed about that for a long time:)
Here is a picture of it: