The things that excite you are not random. They are connected to your purpose. Follow them.
That’s why we’re excited about decorator and beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger and photographer, Gemary Ermus. And why we follow her. You’ll want to, too.
1. What inspired you to become a designer? What has your journey been like?
The ability to envision something in your head and bring it to existence is something that I have always been fond of. I have always loved and been interested in anything that challenges me creatively, whether that be a photograph, a video, a drawing, or my home. It is something that keeps me on my toes and something that I am very passionate about.
As a kid, I would get different journals every other week and fill it with drawings, sketches, quotes and ideas. I would cut out magazines and make collages and mood boards before I even knew there was such a thing. Then I got a computer, taught myself some mediocre web design and started my own webpage. This was before I even knew what a blog was!
Later, I got a hold of my first camera and fell in love with capturing moments, which eventually made me start an actual blog. Anything and everything that allows me to express myself creatively is and always will be something that I’ve been drawn to since the very beginning.
My mom influenced me a bit in that area as well. Growing up, there was never a lack of compliments from visitors on my mother’s interior design choices. Her garden was always the talk of the block and everything she did, design-wise, was done so meticulously. This rubbed off on me at a very young age.
Even though interior design is not my profession, I recently became a homeowner of a 1970s fixer-upper, and my love for interior design has never been stronger. I like the challenge in bringing character and personality into a room or a home, especially one that desperately needs it. It’s like a blank canvas and you are the artist.
2. How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Classic, bright, and minimal but cozy. I find that that combination makes for a more timeless design. I try my best to stay away from anything that is too trendy. I love mixing mid-century modern with vintage pieces, so I guess my interior style is modern-vintage with a tiny hint of farmhouse.
3. What was your favorite project(s)? Why?
My favorite project so far has been our kitchen. Even though that is the only room in our house that is actually finished. I know I’m going to have a hard time topping it. The kitchen had to be completely remodeled, so essentially, we were able to build it from the ground up.
Each little detail was thought out and executed to my taste. Aside from all of the stress and hard work of completely re-doing a room, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you had such a big part in the design; you look around and you feel so at-home.
4. What’s your favorite trend right now?
This is really hard to narrow down because I love so many home decor trends at the moment, but if I HAD to pick just one, I would probably say open shelving in kitchens.
After using my kitchen for a couple of months now I have really learned to appreciate the simplicity of open shelving. Even though you want your shelves to look aesthetically pleasing, everything on there has to be practical. You have to force yourself to be quite minimal and only own what you absolutely need.
We’re thrilled that Gemary recently highlighted our Premier Woven Wood Shades in her new “Home Decor Haul” series! Check out how she’s styled these and other decor items she’s purchased over the last couple of months here:
