10 Questions with a Designer: Emily Foxley
I am so excited to share an extremely talented designer with you, meet Emily Foxley! Emily is based out of Salt Lake City and, besides being absolutely gorgeous herself, she has a design portfolio that is breathtaking. Get ready to dive into these 10 design questions and learn something new today…….
1. I love your philosophy of a "collected space", why is that so important in a home?
I feel like your home should be a reflection of the people and things you love! It requires purposeful design, instead of buying things just to buy "things." I also think it helps tell a story, where you've been and what's important to you. Just like my wardrobe, my house is decorated with items in every price point. I will hunt high and low until I find the perfect piece at a price point I’m comfortable with. I typically try to avoid impulse buying, which means there are empty walls and spaces until I find exactly what I’m looking for. I also try and invest in key pieces that are versatile yet timeless. I give my clients the same advice and encourage them to be patient as they build their collection! A home is not intended to be furnished overnight. Live in a space, get a feel for it, and tackle one room, or project at a time. For starters, it's expensive! Equally important, it's where you live so your home should feel like you and not a page out of a magazine!
2. Do you have a favorite room you like to design?
I really love designing kitchens! Obviously, it's the heart of the home and where many families spend a lot of time so it is an important space to get right! From a design standpoint, you really get to flex your design muscles! You have to problem solve and determine the best use of space, budget, and materials. I also love that you work with so many finishes (cabinetry, counters, plumbing fixtures, tile, light fixtures, appliances, etc.). Heavy consideration of form and function happens in the design and planning of a kitchen and I love striking the balance between the two.
3. Is there a design trend you are loving right now?
I love seeing more natural wood cabinetry incorporated in design. It adds warmth and texture, plus, it can be very durable too!
4. When working with a tight budget, what items do you believe are worth splurging on?
If you're doing a remodel or new construction, make sure you think through the flow and layout of the new space. While most things are never really permanent, splurge on finishes that are expensive to change, i.e. windows, exterior doors, cabinets, flooring, etc. Invest in quality and do things right the first time so you’re not repairing or replacing later. It may mean doing some simple and inexpensive projects until you can afford to move that wall or totally gut your bathroom. Like fashion, there will always be home trends—for those items, I look at places like Target or Home Goods where I can find something I may have for a season, but wouldn't feel bad donating next year if I changed my mind. One thing worth the splurge, a great couch!
5. What is one thing you can't work without?
My tape measurer!
6. Your favorite place to shop for your own home?
I love to buy small things for my home when I travel. Street art, ceramics, or even a rug! Otherwise, I'm typically scouring the internet or taking advantage of my trade accounts- I love a good deal! I'm also not opposed to shopping at the usual suspects, like Restoration Hardware or Crate and Barrel. A lot of their in stock options are really versatile. We are currently living in one of my husband's rental properties while we work on our next home project, so I haven't been buying much for my own home lately!
7. What is the most worn outfit in your closet?
It really depends on my mood and what meetings I have scheduled on any given day. But, jeans and a nice top is what you will usually find me in! I do try to make the outfit feel pulled together with fun shoes or statement earrings.
8. The most common decorating mistake you see?
Worrying too much or what I refer to as analysis paralysis! With so much excellent (and overwhelming) content available via Social Media and the Internet as a whole, I see so much second guessing and lack of confidence when making a decision. Obviously, that is where a designer can be very useful, but if you want a white kitchen, don't worry if it's "too boring" or "trendy" or... fill in the blank. Do what you love!
9. Do you have a favorite moment or favorite project in your career so far?
A favorite project in my career was actually the renovation I did on my first home. The project gave me the confidence to do what I love, design, for other people. It was essentially the catalyst to leave my "day job" to pursue design full time.
10. If you have a free weekend, what are you most likely doing?
My weekends are really focused on family and recharging. Running a business is a lot of work, so the weekend is when I try to turn my work brain off and spend time with my favorite people! Ideally, sneaking in some time to read a book, take a nap, and clean the house.
