"Moving Walls"

At five years old, Bethany’s design journey began. Doll houses were built out of cardboard and design elements from old clothes. The houses grew larger as she learned how to use tools. Thrift stores were combed for treasures to spray paint She was always busy creating something.

At 18, Bethany became a mother. With a strong desire to stay home and raise her son, jobs were done from the house. Sewing drapery and designing clothing for people were amongst the many things. Not wanting to stop there, she enrolled in college to study interior design. After starting the classes, Bethany knew she had found her calling. 

When her son started preschool, the decision was made to work for an upholstery shop. One of the best ways to learn how to create something is to see how it is built. Creating a design visual pleasing as well as comfortable was the ultimate goal. Working at the upholstery shop taught how specific fabrics would react to being pulled over a surface, tucked into tufts or gathered into ruching. Bethany’s time spent there, formed a basis for her designs and furthered her love of fabric. 

After watching furniture being built, she learned how to sell it. The process of understanding a person and getting to know what makes them tick was enjoyable. Not to mention, being able to have beautiful furniture and fabrics at her fingertips. Every day was exciting and new.

Bethany soon decided she was ready to take the plunge and open her own design firm. She made the decision and two weeks later, had her very own business! It was exciting and scary. There was a whirlwind of clients. It was a juggling act in which a multitude of hats had to be worn. But the process never stopped being rewarding. 

In 2007, Bethany had the rare opportunity to contract with Brand Architecture and work hand-in-hand with Wright Massey, the mastermind behind the design of the Disney store and Starbucks. She never could have imagined how much she would learn in that year! The process of making a brand story was one of the biggest takeaways. It was so fascinating, she was delighted to apply the knowledge to the residential side. What is your story? What is authentically you? Individuals are complex and multifaceted so there are many elements they can relate to. Narrowing things down is the fun part! The other takeaway was design is always moving, changing, evolving and adapting. Design is a living art form. Bethany was taught not to be married to her own ideas. It is about giving the client what they need and helping them to see what they want. It takes adjustments and changes to get to the final result.

As Bethany works with clients, she learns how their emotions are effected by design elements. She strives to understand what brings them joy. It is then, she can guide them through the design process. Going through the process can be stressful and exhausting but gratifying. There are many times breaks for conversation over coffee or food are needed. Her clients become very dear to her because there’s a certain amount of vulnerability that comes with allowing someone to dissect their home. It takes a lot of trust to believe together they will achieve the desired result. To this day, Bethany’s favorite compliment is “it feels like this is how my house would look if I knew how to design”. 

That is the goal for every client, to form a space visually pleasing and uniquely theirs. It is a process Bethany achieves with her clients rather than submitting a design they were not involved in. She wants them to fall in love with the colors, textures and patterns of each item. Every room should have something to draw a smile. If Bethany can bring sunshine and happiness to their home, she feels she has accomplished her job.