mydecorati: Dear designer,

my·de·co·ra·ti [my-dek-uh-rah-tee] –plural noun:
‘fabulous people who create wonderful designs and have discussions in the forum’
Origin: 2007–11; b. mydeco and literati

Today we’re going on a journey with blogger, interior design, mydecorati and friend of mine DearDesigner. Trained at the KLC School of Design and now an Associate Member of the British Interior Design Association, DearDesigner has been creating designs at mydeco.com since 2008 and is one of the constant design inspirations for me. I met up with her to chat through her experience so far and what she has enjoyed the most.

mydeco: Now I’ve known you for a little while now, but for the benefit of our readers can you tell us about yourself. Who is DearDesigner?
DearDesigner: A design junkie! I trained as an interior designer a few years ago so it’s my second ‘career’. I still work in my ‘old job’ which is in a finance department of a media company a few days a week and the rest of the time I’m designing, blogging at DearDesigner.co.uk, going to trade shows, and generally keeping abreast of anything to do with interiors and design. I don’t relax much.

mydeco: You keep very busy then?
DearDesigner: Yes, always on the go with one project or another.

mydeco: So, why did you choose the name ‘DearDesigner’?
DearDesigner: This is a bit embarrassing. I originally had another name lined up for the blog, but I was on the tube one morning reading the paper over someone’s shoulder, as you do, and they were reading the Sun. And when they turned to the agony aunt page ‘Dear Diedre’ it was a light bulb moment. It just seemed to fit. I had originally wanted to encourage readers to write to me for advice (still do in fact) so it just made perfect sense.

mydeco: I never knew that was where your name came from. So, how would you describe your personal style for interiors?
DearDesigner: It’s constantly developing and evolving. At the moment I do like anything feminine and luxurious and I have a soft spot for pink. By feminine, I don’t mean girly, I quite like edgy too. That’s not how my home is decorated of course, I have one other to consider and I’m aware that I can tire of things quite quickly, so that is a bit more neutral and calm. Some more adventurous things are creeping in though! Of course, I can put what I like on the blog. I have no one to please but myself.

mydeco: Whilst you were studying did you have a favourite designer? Or someone that influenced your work?
DearDesigner: I have many. Kelly Hoppen, Helen Green, Abigail Ahern, Tara Bernerd, Kara Mann…

mydeco: And how did you discover mydeco.com?
DearDesigner: I was working for an interior designer who was involved with mydeco.com at the time of it’s launch nearly 3 years ago. The staff were all encouraged to have a look at it and I was soon hooked on the 3D planning tool.
mydeco: I was exactly the same, and it is so much more exciting now with the new tools!

mydeco: If you could share one tip with the mydecorati, what would it be?
DearDesigner: I once heard a quote from a famous designer who said that ‘every room should have something black in it’. I can’t remember who said this quote but I do remember the advice. I try to always adhere to this and it’s never more obviously right than when I am using the mydeco.com design tools.

mydeco: Which mydecorati do you follow the most?
DearDesigner: I really enjoy seeing the work created by SylviaAst, kitty, sanja, Rooooo and cerenimo. They are inspirational for me.

mydeco: Which is your favourite mydeco tool?
DearDesigner: It used to be the 3D room planner but I don’t have as much time these days. The moodboard tool is quicker = instant gratification.

Thank you DearDesigner, it’s always a pleasure to chat to you, and I love your blog too, which can now be found in its newly-designed home at DearDesigner.co.uk so be sure to check that out if you are as much of a design junkie!

If anyone would you like to be featured in our mydecorati series, please get in contact with us at community@mydeco.com