I’ve been creating stuff since well, forever. Sometimes it’s meh, but most times it’s amazing. Not to toot my own horn, but I get excited about making things functional and pretty. I generally share way too many details in person with people who may or may not care. So, My Design Rules is a place where I can share my passion to make stuff, fix stuff and create any and everything that makes life beautiful and purposeful!
After years of designing events, bedrooms, business cards, books and even obituaries (yes!)…I’ve finally decided to chronicle my passion and teach people the how and why things I do turn out so well. I use the same principles over and over to turn lame into fame. The foundation came from the VERY basic page layout skills I picked up in high school. Next I learned the sociology of design and creating for the masses in college while studying for a degree in advertising/public relations. Then came 15 years in marketing and a desire to create order out of chaos in my own home. That all makes for a killer combo of great content for you to devour weekly.
My hubby of 14 years and 8-year-old kiddo deal with the mishaps and the mess along the way. But that comes with the territory. Right?
I love to teach and I’m all about breaking it down so it’s affordable and doable for the average Joe — er Jo Jo. I have blog heroes who can build a house and make everything Martha Stewart perfect. This is not that website. This is a place for a woman who has big dreams who’s willing to get her hands dirty and work hard to make it happen—even if it’s not Pinterest perfect. Because that’s who I am. I may not have all the answers but I promise you: I will figure it out.
I LIKE RULES. I ALWAYS HAVE.
I’m the person who hates when others break the rules. I think social norms exist for a reason. That’s just me. I’m not one of those people who like to even butt in line. I just can’t do that. For some reason, I find it more satisfying to wait my turn. Meanwhile, others who’ve cut in have devoured their plate of goodies before I even have a chance to sit down. I wait my turn patiently, yet I always get what I need.
A professor in college once told me that good design knows the rules and learns to break them masterfully. That’s not me. I color carefully within the lines but somehow achieve stunning results. I’m not the edgy designer that will grace pop magazines, but I’ve learned enough of the rules to make life beautiful. I’ve learned to be creative without going over the edge. I take everyday ideas, materials, and problems and make them functional and attractive.
I have a simple home and a simple budget.
My style is classic and refined, traditional. The only rule you’ll find me breaking is the one that says you have to spend a lot to get a lot. This is a website about applying simple rules that translate to several areas of life.
This website will help you make life beautiful. Follow me as I follow the rules
Learn how I use my “rules” here and then explore the rest of my site as you desire.
