Diva Style: :Design Party of Two ~ Diva Style Interviews Erinn Valencich:

Happy New Year, Diva Style Readers! I hope that your 2011 is off to a FABULOUS start! Mine is, as I recently had the opportunity to interview one of my design idols, Erinn Valencich. It was a dream and a real pleasure! Read on to discover more about her extraordinary talents and a few of her favorite things!

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DS: Where do you get your inspiration from when working on design projects or any other type of creative endeavor?

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Erinn: I find inspiration from many sources- but mostly I have a large binder of magazine images that I've collected over the years. I start going through that with my clients to see what they respond to, what they like, what they don't like. Even small details like nail heads, animal print, stripes, etc....things that they are into or not make it easier to start the process. I'm constantly adding and removing images from that 4" binder....and it's a big hodge-podge of styles.

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DS: How did you get your start in this field?

Erinn: I decorated my first apartment on the cheap. Mostly flea market finds, something old, something new, something borrowed, something....wait. Haha. After that friends were coming over, saying "you should be a designer- your place is great!" Then I got my first client as a referral from a friend, and then the rest is history. That was 6 years ago.

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DS: You're definitely a renaissance woman in the field of design because you encompass so many niches from entertaining to prop styling to actual interior design...Is this something that you always dreamed of doing and pursued academically or did you just find that you had a natural talent for it and and fall into it?

Erinn: I always loved homes and real estate. Grew up the granddaughter of a contractor, and the daughter of a renaissance woman! my mother owned a painting company for 30 years, we always lived in fixer-uppers. She was "flipping" apartment buildings before that was even a term.

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DS: Will you be hosting any upcoming design specials for the holiday season? Do you have any tips for Diva Style readers when it comes to making their homes more festive!?

Erinn: I think HGTV is re-running a few of my shows, which they often do. I haven't shot anything new for them, but I am partnering with a new site that will be launching in about a week, called ThePeppermintReindeer.com. It's a resource for all things holiday. A place to get inspiration, shop for decorations, and get tips from your favorite designers on the top holiday looks.

As far as tips for the season, yes! Keep your decorations pared down to just two or three colors per room. Remember, just because it happens once a year, doesn't mean you have to use everything you own!

Coordinate your gift wrap with the color in your tree, that makes for a much more cohesive look.

Think about scent- although a fresh tree smells great, if you use an artificial one, as many people do, you may want to supplement with a great scent that pairs well with your design. After all, scent is the first thing people notice when they enter your home. Glade Sense & Spray is a favorite of mine. Try the Apple Cinnamon for holiday. The subtle design hides away into any design scheme which is nice.

As far as other holiday tips- I love to re-use christmas cards and make them into ornaments. Check out ThePeppermintReindeer.com for my tips on ways to re-use cards.

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DS: As far as your work goes, what has been your dream job thus far?

Erinn: I would have to say that I just completed a home in the Venice canals area- and the client was a dream. We had a nice budget, which always helps, and she was very adventurous. She wanted something fun and different! It's really more about the 'Dream Client' than it is about the dream job. The client can make the job awesome or a nightmare, regardless of the end result of the home.

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DS: What general design advice can you offer the readers of Diva Style?

Erinn: Have fun with your designs! Your home should reflect you, and that personality may change through the years. Pick your colors and have a few rooms to start with as your inspiration. This will help narrow down the choices. And remember- if you love the look of a room, really spend the time to pick it apart. Design is in the details.

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DS: Do you have a favorite place to shop for design accessories, etc., when working on projects?

Erinn: I shop all over the place! I love Home Goods, Jonathan Adler, Pottery Barn, West Elm and Z Gallerie. For local shops I stop into Barclay Butera. I shop a lot through my wholesale catalogs, which is why I will be launching a home decor website as part of ErinnV.com early next year.

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DS: Now for a few non-design related questions....What is your favorite beauty product--one that you just can't live without?

Erinn: Nars eyeshadows. Amazing. And I love their stick coverup.

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DS: What's your favorite retailer in general?

Erinn: Bloomingdales is pretty great. Especially the one in New York. Or the Macy's in San Francisco.

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DS: What's your favorite food/type of cuisine?

Erinn: I love all food! But, ummmm....probably Italian. I'm dying to go back to Italy this coming year.

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DS: What is the one thing (or things) that you absolutely cannot live without?!

Erinn: My SUV. I love it. I'm always happy to return home from a trip and hop inside. I pack that thing with so much for work it's insane.