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The Design Dialogues {Amber Lewis}

She has a thriving design business, a so-good-you'll-laugh-out-loud blog, the cutest little girl you've ever seen, and, oh yeah, a rockstar husband (no, seriously). Is there anything Amber Lewis can't do? I'm so excited to have her as our latest guest for the Design Dialogues!
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I mean, seriously. Don't you already want to be her best friend?

Who you are:
Hi there! I'm Amber of Amber Interiors, the design firm and the blog.

What you do:
First and foremost, I am a mommy! I am also an interior designer and now I guess I am a blogger.

Where you do it:
I have the fortune of working from an office located in my house! Most days you can find me there or in the car... I spend a lot of time in the car.

Five words to describe yourself.
Driven, like a mo'fo. Passionate. Funny. Sarcastic. Misunderstood. Fortunate.


Her insanely gorgeous kitchen. How good is that light fixture?

How do you define your aesthetic?
I am a lover of layers and colors. I don't consider myself a one-trick pony — however I do favor a little bohemian and eclectic flair. So if you had to define my aesthetic, I would say boho glam?

Who are your style icons?
For interior design, I'd have to say good ole Kelly Wearstler. She has yet to let me down. I don't always love some of her furniture choices or color palettes but I always love her way of thinking. She's attracted to shapes and colors and that's where I find inspiration for my own work. In terms of fashion icons, I'd go with Anita Pallenberg. She had that whole 6os rocker thing which I obsess over. Plus I wish I had her hair...


How did you decide you wanted to be an interior designer?
I had always wanted to do something with houses — since I was like 6 or 7. My dad is a builder so he was always taking my brother and I to his job sites and it fascinated me. As I got older, I knew I wanted to do something creative, I just didn't know what. I got a job at this very high-end retail store renowned for its displays.  I kind of adopted  "displays" as my job there and would run around making beds and setting tables. It was so much fun! One thing led to another and I started going to people's homes and helping them decorate their own beds and tables. I got a side job designing and I guess the rest is history!

Amber's dining room. Would you not kill for that fluffy chair and tribal rug?

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives?
Immerse yourself in whatever it is that you're doing. When I was working for interior designer Kirsten Marie, I became a sponge; I listened to everything she said taking mental notes and applying them. I started reading blogs and reading books. I would collect images on my computer (before Pinterest) and study them, paying attention to every detail... literally. It really pays to dive head first into what you love, because if you love what you're doing you'll never think of it as work. 

Recycled lampshades breathe new life into this dreamy vignette in Amber's home.

Three items on your to do list.
Work. Spend time with my wee one. Work!

Where would you like your business to be in five years?
I dream big so I will project big. Gracing the covers of some of my favorite design mags is where my head and heart goes. Hey, House Beautiful, let's talk, shall we? No, but seriously, I feel so lucky to do what I love so I hope in five years I'm still able to make a living doing this fabulous job!

Amber and baby G in her home office. Fabric sample heaven!

Three items on your wishlist.
A vacation with my fam. A new coffee table. A new car!

Three tasks on your bucket list.
Do a 60 day juice fast. Haha! Live in another country for a while so my little monkey gets some culture. Retire at 40 and travel the rest of my days!

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Thank you so much for joining us, Amber! I love this quote in particular: "It really pays to dive head first into what you love, because if you love what you're doing you'll never think of it as work." Solid inspiration for my recent announcement, don't you think? Now go peep Amber's blog and tell her you love her as much as I do.

{all photos are Jessie Webster for Glitter Guide}

22 comments:

Chic Geek said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE her style! Great feature!
xx

Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

Love this feature!

Alex {Things That Sparkle} said...

So inspirational to see Amber's success, she is one talented lady!

Unknown said...

Her home is gorgeous!! Great interview Mackenzie! Amber is just fabulous :) xo

Allyson [Mimosas in the Morning] said...

Amazing! Can't wait to start reading her blog!

Amber Interiors said...

Thanks for havIng me over!!!!! Your so kind. Congrats to u for following your heart and jumping in to the creative world!
Xoxo

Chelsea said...

Loved seeing you over at vmac today. Love this interview. She is a daily read of mine and so inspirational. xo

Carly A. Heitlinger said...

Obsessed with her house! So pretty- also that baby is precious :)

katie carlin said...

Wow what a great sense of design! Love everything about her!

Katie Carlin-Daily Crush

Chic Coles said...

Great feature Mackenzie! I love her answers and her home!

Jordan - Queen of LA! said...

i am OBSESSED with amber's style, taste, home, everything! thanks for featuring her, mackenzie. and i agree - that tribal rug is INSANITY!

Unknown said...

Amber I didn't think it was possible to heart you more. You are adorable and hilarious! Love this post. Thank you Mackenzie!

Holly Gruszka said...

Amber is so talented and I enjoy learning a little bit more about her through your interview. I agree with her statement about submerging yourself with design and rooms and things that you're drawn to - the best way to learn!

Leslie said...

She looks like so much fun! Her house is beautiful. :)

Unknown said...

Adore Amber..she's stylish, charming and so funny...love her work and aesthetic!!!

hrck the herald said...

Ah, I LOVE her! Thanks for getting this guest post. I love it when people aren't afraid of color. :)

Nichole Loiacono said...

Amber is the stuff! I enjoy everything she does, and is always a "must read" for my daily inspiration itch. The girl is gonna be even bigger than she already is!

Marcus Design said...

LOVE Amber and LOVE her style, such a fab gal :) Her home is bananas isn't it? Hugs,
Nancy xo

L.A. in the bay said...

oh my goodness. Yes, I think I would Love to be her friend. LOL

Full House said...

I like Amber A LOT. I like you too Design Darling.

Affordable Insurance said...

She's stylish, charming and so funny...love her work and aesthetic!!!

Kelly said...

ADORE her style! The top photo does make me want to be her friend, haha - especially because it appears she's drinking my favorite tea! Love this series : )