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Bachelorette Pad Project Update

by habituallychic

05 . 27 . 09

A few readers and friends have asked me why I haven’t posted any client project updates lately. Since I just spent the day at the bachelorette pad, I thought it would be the perfect time to address them. Interior designers don’t just snap their fingers and make a pretty completed projects appear. A lot of hard work and time go into them and I chose to share with my blog readers all aspects of my projects and some of the “during” photos aren’t always styled to perfection. Of course, the projects you see in magazines are perfect because there is an army of workers who are paid to create them and professional photographers to shoot them. I have real clients with real budgets who need real solutions to their design needs. It’s very easy to create beautiful interiors with an unlimited budget but I think it’s actually more rewarding to try to work with what a client already owns and to try not to spend all their money if possible. Unless a designer steals a client from their old firm or knows someone willing to take a chance on them, most designers start with smaller projects.

The reason I mention this is because an anonymous nasty blog took photos of my work out of context and made disparaging remarks about them so for a while I decided not to give them any more ammunition. But then I realized that I don’t care what one petty clearly miserable person who hides behind a cloak of anonymity and doesn’t share any photos of their home or projects says about me. My clients like my work and that’s all that matters so here’s your update.

I just spent the day working on some projects so we can get the place wrapped up in a few weeks. Matthew Haley of The Furniture Joint picked up the plaid arm chair that we are having reupholstered and I ordered the fabric for new pillows, all of which should be ready in about 4 weeks and will really finish off the living room. I also hung more art including the new pieces that were bought at the Trowbridge Gallery for the living room and bedroom. We decided to hang the embroidered piece above the television and two other works above the bed. They really look great pull the bedroom together.

I also hung some other works in the bedroom which I can’t wait to share with you after the bachelorette gets back from her vacation. I don’t want to ruin the surprise! I also picked out some great family photos for a gallery style composition on the entry wall. I think it might need one more frame to complete it so after it’s finished, I’ll take more photos to show you next week. I also hung the entry mirror and need to go back on Friday to hang some plates on the kitchen wall. We did end up painting the kitchen a very dark blue. Since it is open and right off the entry, it needed something to make it more special and the color is perfect. She’s also having a lovely Asian work of art reframed for the entry.

All that’s really left is to finish off the apartment with a few accessories. I would love to have two topiaries on the entry table. There is no outlet on that side of the room for lamps and it still needs something. The bachelorette happens to be in Italy right now so I suggested she stop by Il Papiro for some desk accessories and I can’t wait to see what she bought. The apartment is really starting to come together and I’m happy that we were able to use much of what she already owned. It’s also a testament to the fact that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to create a lovely and inviting home. I’ll have more updates from this project and my other client’s baby room next week. Oh, and I have a really fun trip to tell you about soon! Take that nasty anonymous blogger!

Photo by moi that wasn’t staged or styled!

47 Comments
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  1. Anonymous May 27, 2009 | 3:45 am

    Your own work is my favorite reason to visit your site. I love your updates on the bachelorette project. The apartment is real, and something many can relate to. It is turning out beautifully.

    As for the uncalled for, negative remarks you were subjected to: I really can’t understand why people are mean. Really, the world does not need that.

    Keep up the good work Heather! I read you every day, and enjoy your posts tremendously.

    Colleen

  2. Wendy May 27, 2009 | 4:37 am

    I too enjoy your posts and visit your blog daily. I totally understand the “work in progress” mantra, and I think it is great that you acknowledge that aspect of the business. You obviously have a great eye for style and I admire your appreciation for other designers’ work. Don’t let the nasty blog get you down!

  3. M.Lane May 27, 2009 | 4:39 am

    It is such a shame that you had this sort of treatment, but you have just the right attitude about it. I guess any time you practice your art in public you take an artistic risk of fair, and unfair, criticism. But the risk must be taken anyhow or the art ends.

    AND, for what it is worth, if I were in a position to hire a designer it would be you from what I’ve seen [and read].

    Keep up the good work. Chin up.

    ML
    mlanesepic.blogspot.com

  4. An Aesthete's Lament May 27, 2009 | 5:04 am

    Bravo! Keep up the good work! And when are we going to see a Kips Bay room from you?!

  5. Suzy May 27, 2009 | 5:29 am

    Its looking fantastic – such a transformation already! Can’t wait to see the final remarks. I’m with what Colleen said, we love visiting because you actually are posting your own work. Forget what one person said.

  6. Bree Oliver May 27, 2009 | 7:20 am

    People who criticize do so for their own negative reasons. Critics make comments because they have none of their own talent. All of us real working designers know the difference
    profession photographers big budgets etc make. Please don’t let them get to you!

  7. the sweet life with olives May 27, 2009 | 8:20 am

    thanks for being brave and not letting some strangers negative input hold you back from sharing. taste is personal, so it’s fine if everyone isn’t a fan, but there is no need to get nasty about it. honestly it’s sad and upsetting and i understand why you felt like shielding yourself. i can’t understand why you and other bloggers like you, who do all of this for the fun and passion of it, in your own free time, with no pay, would be subject to such harsh criticism. if someone doesn’t like it they can easily type their way to another site, but please, no need for mudslinging. good on you for being transparent and not letting a hater keep you down.

  8. Blue May 27, 2009 | 11:18 am

    I read your blog all the time and have recommended it to my students many of whom are in a similar position to yours – or will be when they graduate.

    It astonishes us sometimes to know that someone is jealous of us and I think that is what happened to you – you are a very good blogger, you clearly network well, you work hard and you are young and cheerful. Therein lie a number of reasons to trigger jealousy and what a shock it can be.

    I wish you well!

  9. Anonymous May 27, 2009 | 11:35 am

    Keep up the great work. I love your sense of style. It is much harder to work with what a client already has, and be able to pull it all together. When it does come together it shows that you really have what it take to be a really great designer.

  10. Laura Casey Interiors May 27, 2009 | 12:02 pm

    This is such a good post and so true! The “nasty” blogger is jealous of you and your success. The rest of us will celebrate it with you, styled or not. I second seeing you at Kip’s Bay sooner than later. Keep up the great work!

  11. Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz May 27, 2009 | 12:13 pm

    I really enjoy reading your blog every morning. I think you are doing a great job on the Bachelorette project. I really admire you taking a chance and going out on your own – I know from experience how much work is involved – but also how rewarding it is.
    Whoever had nasty comments to say does not understand the process. Rooms evolve over time and to judge a project before it is complete – is really showing a lack of experience on their part- not to mention being very rude. Pay no attention and keep focused- you are a whirlwind of creativity and talent.
    Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz
    Kwinter and Company

  12. Blushing hostess May 27, 2009 | 12:40 pm

    Heather I’m so glad you were able to overcome this loser. Honestly, who would spend any part of their lives in that place not doing anything constructive, kind, or worthy of praise. Stay your course and the fact that you have a jealous and desperate critic is only the tribute of the talentless for the talented. Be well, The Hostess

  13. Musette May 27, 2009 | 1:10 pm

    Heather, I love your blog and I really like your work – and I am so happy that you feel comfortable and confident enough to share ‘during’ photos with us.

    Ignore that loser. Nothing to see there. Plenty to see here!:-)

    Thanks again for sharing your wonderful talent with us!

    xo

  14. Anonymous May 27, 2009 | 1:13 pm

    Amen! A long time ago I was given some wonderful guidance and it has to do with comments a person receives during h/h lifetime . . . always take the intelligence and perspective of the commentator into consideration to determine how much credence to give to a comment. Some people have nefarious motives, some are just trying to be polite and some really know about a subject and have your best interest in mind. Don’t waste any time on the bad apple you’ve encountered. Keep up the wonderful blog – you have something special going on here! – KBN

  15. Anonymous May 27, 2009 | 1:14 pm

    Heather you are an inspiration to me. I not only love your blog EVERYDAY! but I admire your work for “the budgeted” and cannot wait to see what you do with an unlimited budget as that day is surely coming to you!

  16. Anonymous May 27, 2009 | 1:21 pm

    I agree. I’m a young stylish woman as well, and your blog is one of my daily reads. I’ve been missing your upates!

    Actually, in a world of super-slick magazine presentations (pre-shelter mag meltdown!) I enjoy seeing real design projects. It gives me courage and inspiration for my own attempts.

    B.

  17. sophiedahydesigns May 27, 2009 | 1:21 pm

    I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog and admire your work immensely. Awful to have one nasty person shake your confidence!

  18. Heidi May 27, 2009 | 1:43 pm

    If you stay true to yourself, you will keep your self respect and people will love you for it. Yours is the first blog I ever got hooked on, and I still have it on my reader and look forward to every entry. Thank you for your consistent and entertaining posts. I always look forward to them!

  19. Carol Ann May 27, 2009 | 1:44 pm

    I loved you saying this “”Interior designers don’t just snap their fingers and make a pretty completed projects appear. A lot of hard work and time go into them”” Heather Clawson statement…
    Sooo trruue…I tell people all the time “it’s not a hgtv show”… I can’t tell you to put the sofa there…I have to measure and do a floor plan and work out the best space planning for the room, it can take 2 to 3 hours to work it out…but interesting space planning happens in those few hours…
    I will tell you truthfully…the words “habitually chic” in my inbox makes my heart jump with joy…I love your blog and your designing, never listen to crap comments…they have not been in the rooms and have not interviewed the client…that thing they do not like just might be the clients favorite thing and you have fit in into the design the best you can…in design real rooms belong to the client!

  20. Susan's Snippets May 27, 2009 | 1:46 pm

    HC –

    I would not give the TIME OF DAY, not even with a mention in your blog, to the idiots out there that you cannot control!!

    you just roll girl roll

  21. So Haute May 27, 2009 | 1:55 pm

    The Bachelorette pad is looking great!! Can’t wait to see more! And regarding the nasty blogger, just remember that Karma always comes back to you. People who are mean and vindictive will never get ahead. You’re doing an amazing job with your blog and design career and you have such a positive attitude and a ton of enthusiasm and passion for design. Just ignore the negativity and focus on YOU! You’ll go far and all of us who read and love your blog will be watching along as you progress in your career and will continue to support and applaud successes! xo

  22. Jennifer May 27, 2009 | 2:37 pm

    I hate to hear that someone was being ugly. If that person took even one minute to get to know you, he would find a kind person who works very hard to please her clients on many levels. So what if every inch isn’t to his liking? A. design is VERY subjective and B. guess what — real life isn’t always styled perfectly!

    sorry to get on a soapbox, all I really wanted to say is there are plenty of us out here who love you work and admire what you do. we’re glad you’re not letting one nit wit get you down!

  23. Habitually Chic May 27, 2009 | 2:44 pm

    I have to run to an appointment but I wanted to thank everyone for their encouraging and supportive comments and emails! I really appreciate it!

    The nasty blogger didn’t just attack my work but also attacked me personally which was very sad coming from someone who doesn’t know me at all. And I find it surprising that someone would put such negativity out in the world because it doesn’t accomplish anything and can lead to bad karma as one person suggested. I wish more people would think about that before they say or do things to hurt other people.

    I made a point to be positive on my blog because I know how hard designers work and they deserve to be supported and encouraged just as you support and encourage me! As Justin says, what goes around comes around 😉

  24. mary May 27, 2009 | 3:36 pm

    Yes, the only really important person in any project or purchase is the client. Right on.

  25. The Antiques Diva™ May 27, 2009 | 3:49 pm

    Way to go, standing up to the Anon Blogger! I’m with you – “Take that nasty anonymous blogger!”
    Toma

  26. greavesdesign May 27, 2009 | 4:27 pm

    You said it all really well in your post. I don’t know what the nasty blogger said but can only imagine…

    It’s just like comparing a photo of a fashion model in a magazine v.s. a ‘normal’ person. We don’t have all the stylists working on us and photographers to capture our best angle…

    I love finding deals for people and using what they have by editing their decor so it shows better. All things that require a keen eye and not necessarily gobs of money!

    Love your blog btw!

  27. Solange May 27, 2009 | 5:13 pm

    wow, what a great room! it’s true that you don’t need tons of money, but the result is great 🙂

  28. Rebecca June May 27, 2009 | 5:30 pm

    Heather – you are wonderful and the reason someone was tearing you down was obviously out of jealousy!
    I adore you, your blog, and all of your work! Full steam ahead!

    BTW, I love Trowbridge! We just ordered a beaded textile piece for my client and it was gorgeous! Which one did you use?

    xoxo

    Rebecca June

  29. Mimi May 27, 2009 | 6:07 pm

    Heather – So sorry about the rude anonymous blogger…Thank you for addressing how hard designers work and what the process is truly about. I tune in to you because of your sincerity and originality. You work very hard to keep your readers well informed. Good job at addressing a negative situation! You go with your BAD self!

  30. Fermina May 27, 2009 | 6:38 pm

    Honey, don’t pay any attention to negativity! Take care of you and your Clients, following your heart, and never mind what they say.

  31. maison21 May 27, 2009 | 7:03 pm

    fer reals, heather- anyone who criticizes your work anonymously doesn’t deserve your attention for one minute. doesn’t deserve anyone’s attention, for that matter.

    we all know that the that design process involves blood, sweat and tears and what you see in a magazine ever so prettily styled, represents about .001% of design projects- the creme de la creme. to think that every design project turns out that way is ridiculous and boorishly naive. while most of us interior designers are perfectly capable of turning out magazine worthy work, the reality is that we often work with minuscule budgets and constraints like having to work with client’s existing less-than-photo-worthy furniture, rugs, existing paint, etc.- all kinds of conditions that no one would ever know about- so sometimes the projects are not so exciting to an outside observer, but they are real, and the clients are happy, and at the end of the day, that’s who we are trying to please- the client- not some bitchy, talentless wannabe decorator blogger(s), who think it’s amusing to denigrate others, while posting safely behind a mask of anonymity. screw ’em.

    so go on with your badself, heather, and keep up the good work! hundreds and hundreds of people are inspired by your blog everyday, and to deprive them of that wouldn’t be fair. in the immortal words of donny osmond: “don’t let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch, girl!” 😉

  32. OceanDreams May 27, 2009 | 7:19 pm

    Love the way the apartment is turning out! I am considering become an interior designer and your blog is full of inspiration! Thanks for the encouragement that those with a low budget can create the apt. of their dreams. Also, good for you for staying positive and keeping your head held high. There will always be people out there wanting to steal your joy. Don’t let them and stay happy you! Oh, and enjoy your vaca. Sounds like you deserve it!!

  33. caroline May 27, 2009 | 7:20 pm

    Your work is beautiful. I love your blog. And I also love your posts about your projects. My husband and I are thinking of moving back to Manhattan — and I keep telling him that I’d like to hire you if we do! Know that you are very talented!

  34. j9 May 27, 2009 | 7:28 pm

    Keep up the good work Heather and ignore the negativity! I have done some residential work (I mostly do commercial and hospitality projects now) and was always shocked by the waste and excess that was involved.

    I enjoy seeing you work with the existing furniture and the progress you are making, to me design on a budget seems more real. Residential work is extremely slow and personal and I’m sure people don’t take the negative blog postings seriously.

  35. Dobbygirl May 27, 2009 | 7:33 pm

    I love your updates and your blog, your’s was the first I followed regularly and continue to follow. I really admire you and wish you nothing but the best. As a textile designer who is contemplating moving over to interior design you inspire me. Keep up the great work!

  36. Alicia May 27, 2009 | 8:02 pm

    Thumper put it best…
    “If you don’t have anything nice to say. Don’t say anything at all.”
    You’d think if a cartoon rabbit knows better than a grown up human would too.

  37. A Stylish Presence May 27, 2009 | 8:06 pm

    Heather,
    Your blog is a wonderful source of inspiration and I’m so glad you’ve chosen not to listen to these negative comments. As a fashion stylist I can completely relate to the reward you get from using what your clients already have, rather than running out and buying an entire new wardrobe (or furniture, etc).
    Keep up all of the good work!
    A Stylish Presence

  38. annechovie May 27, 2009 | 9:41 pm

    Heather, your work is great and it’s the fact that you are open and vulnerable that makes your blog such a worthwhile read. If you’re going to open up your work and world, there will always be sour grapes out there who have to put in their bitter 2 cents. They are probably just threatened by your talent!
    Not too long ago, I had posted a photo of my weekend that had my feet in it and some nasty person told me I had the ugliest feet and was making them sick! LOL. No one forces anyone to read their blog – if they don’t like the content, let them go elsewhere!

  39. The Countess of Nassau County May 28, 2009 | 12:01 am

    As one of the devoted fans who asked for more project posts, I was saddened to learn that what I think is the single strongest part of the blog was the subject of ridicule. Ignore these mean spirited, shadowy figures and focus on clients squealing with glee over the wonderful homes they are living in because you are talented enough to bring their dreams and desires and needs to life.

    Rock on Heather.

  40. SuSu May 28, 2009 | 1:24 am

    “Who needs those clowns?” – a quote from a lovely man I used to work with and it still rings true. You do a wonderful job and I now see more than one book resulting from your blog and your talents! I subscribe to your feed and look forward to reading it every day. Keep on going, Heather and *&^%% to the clowns!

  41. Anonymous May 28, 2009 | 2:23 am

    Having asshole critics just means you’re a success. Your blog is popular, you have a great writing voice, and you are well-admired by other bloggers. (Trust me.)

    I echo M21: go on with your bad self, and go on confidently.

  42. jojo May 28, 2009 | 11:37 am

    Just remember it takes hard work, courage and creativity to create anything of beauty and all you need to criticize something is a mouth (or access to a computer.)

  43. CashmereLibrarian May 28, 2009 | 4:08 pm

    Just wanted to add to this long list of supporters that I admire your work and your blog and look forward to seeing much, much more!

  44. The People's Business May 28, 2009 | 6:10 pm

    Heather,

    In Washington, you’re no one if someone isn’t ripping you.

    Take the criticism as a sign that you’re on the right track professionally. For every one critic, you’ve got about 500 people cheering you on.

    DCLawyer

  45. tzd May 29, 2009 | 3:24 am

    You are the best! You are sooo right about everything. Working in the real world is a completely different thing than the world of unlimited budgets and professionally styled rooms. I loved how you said “real clients with real budgets who need real solutions to their design needs.” It is incredibly rewarding to see a room transformed in a way that is realistic for a real person! Thanks for what you write and what you do … and don’t let those nasty comments get you down. I can’t believe the nerve of some people!!

  46. sketch42 June 1, 2009 | 4:55 pm

    I googled you after reading this post and I have to say, I didn’t see one bad word written about you on the entire internet. Your work, and especially your blog, is among the most praised and highly regarded in the entire blogosphere! Not to mention, everyone loves you personally as well! You must be a really sweet woman if only one person in the entire design industry has something mean to say about you!!!

    Good luck with everything!!

  47. Kelly June 5, 2009 | 11:05 pm

    as everyone has said – love your blog, don’t let one ninny get you down! you rock!