I’m so excited to share the latest installment of my Behind The Blog series because it features one of my favorite design and style bloggers, Kristin from Bliss At Home.
I started following Kristin shortly after she started her blog in 2012 and quickly became a fan and admirer of both the blog and Kristin’s design work. Over the last four years, Kristin has developed Bliss At Home into one of the more recognizable and followed design and lifestyle blogs out there. Her work has been featured in both print publications and online media outlets like Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, HGTV magazine, One Kings Lane, Style Me Pretty and Domino.
Most recently, Bliss At Home was named to Domino’s Top 10 Up & Coming Designers to watch which is an honor well deserved.
Recently I posed a few questions to Kristin to get an inside look at how she has grown the Bliss at Home brand and what inspires her. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this chat with Kristin.
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First let’s start by telling me a little about the Bliss at Home blog. When did you start blogging and what inspired you to start the blog?
I started B@H in June of 2012 to start to explore design more and connect with other creative.
Running a successful blog isn’t easy. Any advice you can share with someone wanting to build their blog into a business?
Be willing to go the extra mile. When you want to turn your blog into a business, you have to look at working with brands and publications as budding relationships. Only work with brands that you are 100% behind and make sure they are happy with the terms of your partnership.
Investing in a blogger is a really big deal for a brand as it is for you to work with them. Be selective. When you are working out the terms of your partnership, be transparent and honest about your stats, other companies that may be involved in the project, and what they will get out of working with you. Be willing to be an “over-sharer” on your blog and social media. Tag them and continue to cultivate that relationship. A lot of times, these partnerships become long-term relationships and lead to bigger projects. As the brand sees your quality of work and has the knowledge that they can trust you on a business level you will continue to work.
How would you describe your decorating style?
This is always such a hard question for me to answer, ha,ha! Well, does ever-evolving count? For the moment I would say I am a modern traditionalist who loves Mid-century, Parisian flair, and Chinoiserie touches.
Your home is beautifully decorated—how did you approach decorating and transforming your childhood home?
Carefully. We went room by room, but before we touched a space I knew the story I wanted to tell. I had my surfaces, colors, finishes, etc. all decided on before we started the remodel.
Many people are inspired by your design style—tell us five home decor essentials you can’t live without.
Books
Flowers
Pillows
Art
Something gold
Like me, I know you love to shop vintage. What vintage items are always on your shopping list?
Mid-century pieces, bamboo furniture, brass anything.
What is the most treasured piece in your home?
Probably the vintage Italian bar cart Dave surprised me with for Valentine’s day. **You can see how Kristin styled this gorgeous cart here.
When it comes to decorating with color, what’s your go-to color palette?
I always lean towards black and white foundations in my home. I’ve worked in grays, mustard, and blush into our home…but the next space I am working on has a huge emerald moment. I can’t wait to share that one!
Where you do you go to get new ideas and inspiration?
Travel is a big one. Old buildings, interesting restaurant design intrigues me. I also like to look to the past. Color schemes that seem out-dated always can cycle back in a new modern way.
If you could lunch with any famous woman, who would it be and what’s one burning question you’d ask her?
I’m obsessed with Jane Austen’s novels. I would love to meet her and ask her what her greatest love is.
Tell me one or two things that are on your bucket list?
I want to learn how to ski. I’ve only been once and I just want to do it and do it well. When we move out East, I am excited to learn. We are all going to learn as a family.
It’s time to share a few of your favorite things…
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Movie: It’s A Wonderful Life
Favorite Flower: Rose
Favorite Food: Seafood, lobster, crab, scallops, fish….all of it!
Favorite Summer Vacation Spot: Cape Cod
♦ Bliss At Home ♦
It’s been exciting see she Bliss at Home blossom over the years and I know that Kristin designs style will continue to inspire me and others.
Thank you Kristin for sharing your journey with me. I know you have exciting things planned for the future and I can’t wait to see how the new chapter unfolds.
You can follow Kristin at Bliss at Home and connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest for even more inspiration.
To see more of Kristin’s beautiful home check out her recent feature on The Everygirl.
