This Wednesday, I had the pleasure of hearing interior designer Victoria Price, Vincent Price’s daughter, speak on staying inspired. Her lecture was titled “Tell Me, What Do You Have in Your House?”, but it could have easily been titled “Be Yourself and the Design Will Follow”.

One of the things she said which resonated most was, “don’t be afraid to be yourself with your clients.”. She didn’t mean show up to a meeting dressed in torn yoga pants, scarfing a bag of salt and vinegar chips (not that I ever do either of those things – ahem). What she was trying to get across was how important it was to embrace the style and sensibilities that are authentically you, and then express your enthusiasm for them to your clients.

I’m certainly more myself in my work every day, but I believe I could be even better with a little more contemplation, so I will be working on a list of things that I truly love in design and sharing them on down the road with you.

Meanwhile, what would be on you list?

Rachel

So, I’ve gone and done this…

That’s right, I’m able to meet with clients online now.  So excited!  I love helping clients solve problems and find ways to incorporate sustainable design principles into their projects, and this will allow me to reach out to even more people.

To celebrate this latest endeavor, I’m giving away two Hulan Design online consultations!  All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below, or send a tweet to @RachelHulan by  this coming Sunday, February 26th.  It’s that simple!  I’ll announce the winners on Monday.

Good luck, and thanks for visiting!

Rachel

Why do I say that?  After all, this is a classic 1950 pink bathroom, right?  Kinda cute, and in great shape for its age.  Sure the toilet seat is the wrong color, and the laminate countertop looks out of place, but nothing unusual about that.  Well, let’s look at things from a different angle…

See the weird fix yet?  Hint, they “updated” the cabinets at some point, but apparently didn’t know how to put screws into tile.  Now do you see it?

Yep, the geniuses behind this “update” built the cabinet extra long so it would PURPOSEFULLY rest on top of the toilet tank lid for support.  And then,… they GLUED the cabinet to the wall!  I’m not kidding.  The only way to access the toilet tank would be to rip apart the cabinetry.  Which is exactly what the current homeowners are going to have to do.

Sometimes, you really do just have to wonder what people were thinking…

Here is a terrific project I am working on in Corona del Mar (Newport Beach), California.  It is USGBC registered, and slated to be LEED Platinum when completed.

Here is the link to the home’s website where you can follow the progress and learn more about the other great team members - Newport Beach Green Home.

Rachel Hulan, ASID, CID - sustainable interior designer

Hulan Design provides interior design consulting services for projects including kitchen remodels

interior designer Rachel Hulan in the studio

sustainable interior designer Rachel Hulan

“I love helping others plan and prepare their projects. As a consultant I provide my clients with years of experience and knowledge that will help them successfully reach their sustainable design goals.”