Mollie and her blog, Design Loves Detail, are simply adorable! Her style is flawless, and she dreams in floor plans! How incredible is that? Here’s a little bit more about Mollie Openshaw.
1. What inspired you to become a designer? What has your journey been like?
When I was about 12 years old, I started really visualizing spaces. I was very into art and created a perspective drawing of my room. The style for the space was a vision that just kind of came to life in my mind, and I had to get it all down on paper so I could make it a reality. My mom even let me paint flowers on the walls! That’s when I first realized that interior design was in my DNA. I continued to develop art talents through high school, and my mom let me decorate our house. I went to college for interior design and after a year or two, my dad called me one day to say that he thought it wasn’t the most practical career choice if you’re not going to live in a metropolitan area. I realize now that my cute dad was hoping I wouldn’t move far away to a big city, haha. Heeding his advice, I actually switched my major but continued taking design and art courses on the side. After graduating college, I ended up starting a graphic design company and loved it, but still found myself being drawn to interiors. I always had some form of interior design project going on for myself and/or others and came to realize it was my calling and true passion in life. A few years ago, I made a commitment to run at my dream with everything I have, and I’ve been designing interiors for clients full-time ever since and love it. And I didn’t even have to move from my home state of Utah. 🙂
2. How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Sometimes that’s hard to put into words! But overall, I’d say contemporary coastal eclectic. I am a lover of bright, airy spaces full of natural light. I love pure white and fresh color equally and play with both in my designs. I love blending styles together for a unique mix. I also love incorporating mid-century modern and vintage pieces just to add a “collected” feel to a space. I try to use at least one vintage or antique item in each space I design. I love the history, comfort, and “worn-in” look that it lends to a new room. I also love using elements from nature.
There’s just something about wood grain, stone, plants, etc. I think we as humans connect with those kind of raw elements from nature, and bringing them indoors feels natural and kind of zen.
3. What was your favorite project(s)? Why?
Back in 2013 I had a dream of a floor plan. I woke up and drew it all out on paper. Within a year from that time, we had sold our first home, found a piece of land, and built the home that I had dreamed up. Definitely my favorite project because my husband and I worked together to create a completely unique vision all our own, and now we get to live in it! My brother-in-law was the general contractor for the project, my husband did finish work, like tile, finish carpentry, etc., and I designed everything.
4. What’s your favorite trend right now?
I love global/vintage textiles right now. Great texture, patterns, and that vintage feel I was describing. That’s also why I’m loving the natural texture roman shades from SelectBlinds.com. Raw, natural elements are some of my favorite to work with!
Photo Credit – Jessie Alexis Photography and Travis J Photography
