Hey there, fabulous readers! Today, we’re taking a delightful and candid detour from our usual home decor inspiration to shine a spotlight on the often-unseen heroes behind the scenes: our husbands. As a blogger, my life, home, and creative process are intimately woven into the fabric of our shared existence, and it’s only fair that my better half, Jeff, gets his moment in the sun. This post is a fun, no-holds-barred interview where I grilled Jeff on everything from what it’s like to live with a home decor blogger to his thoughts on my wonderful blogging community, sprinkled with a few endearing (and perhaps slightly embarrassing!) revelations about me. You know me, I love to get the last word in, so I’ve added my own italicized commentary throughout. After many wonderful years of marriage, you’d think there’s nothing I don’t know about this man, but even I was surprised by some of his answers!
So, settle in, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready for a peek into the real dynamics of life with a home decor blogger, as told by the man who lives it daily. Let’s let Jeff take center stage and share his unique perspective on our life together.
When did you first meet Kris and what was your first impression?
I first met Kris on a blind date, orchestrated by a friend of mine who was dating her sister, during her Christmas break from college in the Washington D.C. area. Kris will often insist it wasn’t presented as a blind date to her, but from my end, it absolutely was! My first impression was immediate and profound: she was precisely the girl I had been hoping to find. I distinctly remember thinking, “Jeff, you need to take this seriously; this could genuinely turn into something incredibly special and lasting.”
Ah, the legendary “blind date”! What Jeff conveniently omits is that his friend had apparently painted a picture of a “tall, buxom blonde” – which, for the record, was entirely false, false, and false! My version of events is a bit different. I was told my sister, her boyfriend, and a group of their friends were planning a casual night out at a bar to play pool, and I was simply invited to join the fun. To facilitate my arrival, my sister’s boyfriend, who had just acquired a new two-seater convertible, offered me a ride with one of his friends (Jeff) since he wanted to give my sister a spin in his new car. Consequently, there was absolutely no primping, no elaborate hair styling, and certainly no carefully chosen “cute outfit” involved. I had absolutely NO IDEA this was meant to be a date, and certainly not with someone who was looking for “the one” that night! The surprise was truly on me.
Which one of you more aggressively pursued the other?
I believe we both initially played it quite cool. The circumstances of our meeting – her being home for the holidays and us not living in the same city – naturally led to a more cautious approach. However, when Kris returned to the Washington D.C. area the following summer, I think the pursuit became mutual. We quickly started dating, and from that point, things progressed quite naturally and steadily.
Jeff is only two and a half years my senior, but when we met, I was a junior in college, and he was already immersed in the “real world.” This meant we were at two very distinct stages of life. I genuinely liked him that first night; there was an undeniable connection. Yet, I remember a fleeting thought: “Too bad he’s so much older than me; I think we’d be a great match.” I then promptly dismissed the idea, assuming that was the end of it. So, you can imagine my shock (and my utter delight!) when he called me completely out of the blue a few weeks later. We spent a few months getting to know each other through phone conversations, building a connection across the distance. Then, when I was back in the area for the summer, we had our first real date: attending a semi-formal event for my sister’s (and his friend’s) workplace. After that night, as they say, the rest was history!
One of our very first dates, a moment captured in time.
How do you explain what Kris does for a living to your friends and coworkers?
I proudly tell them she’s a home decorating blogger. For the most part, people seem to have a general understanding of what that entails. However, I often find that most people significantly underestimate the true impact and scope of her work until I share details about her substantial number of monthly viewers and impressive Instagram followers. That’s usually the moment when their perception truly shifts; they become genuinely impressed and almost without fail, they’ll jot down her website or bookmark it so they can start following her work themselves. It’s always a gratifying moment to see their interest pique.
It’s actually incredibly sweet how proud Jeff is of my career. Before I transitioned into full-time blogging, I worked for 15 years in the field of genetics. What’s wonderful is that Jeff expresses just as much pride and enthusiasm when he tells people about my current role as a home decor blogger as he did when I was pursuing my genetics career. He genuinely values my passion and success, regardless of the field, which means the world to me. It’s a testament to his unwavering support and belief in what I do.
What are the best and worst parts of Kris’ job as a blogger?
Best: As someone who works in marketing myself, one of the absolute best parts of my wife’s job is that I’m incredibly interested in, and immensely proud of, what she’s doing. This shared professional ground means we have a lot in common to discuss, offering unique perspectives from each of our fields. It truly enriches our conversations and connection.
Worst: While the house undeniably looks fantastic due to her constant decorating and project work, it only maintains that pristine appearance *between* projects. During an active renovation, like the kitchen transformation she’s undertaking now, the house can frankly become quite a wreck. The project materials and tools seem to have a life of their own, spreading out and taking over all the adjoining rooms, creating a formidable obstacle course.
Guilty as charged! I freely admit I’ve never been one of those “clean-as-you-go” types when it comes to home projects. My method is more akin to “create-a-bigger-mess-every-day-and-clean-it-all-up-at-the-very-end.” Our current kitchen renovation is a perfect illustration of this approach. While our dining room, in its usual state, looks like this on a good day, inviting and meticulously arranged,
Dining room paint color and sources can be found {here}
this next image offers a rather dramatic glimpse into the utter chaos that reigned supreme in that room for months on end. Since it directly connected to the kitchen, it inevitably became the primary storage depot for virtually all the renovation tools, materials, and debris. Yikes is right! It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but somehow, the end result always makes the temporary upheaval worth it.
What is something we might not know about Kris?
Her favorite singer in the 1980s was Jermaine Jackson…
I have absolutely no words for this revelation, especially considering the vast musical landscape of the 80s. I suppose some things are best left in the past!
What does Kris do that drives you crazy? What would she say you do that drives her crazy?
In the throes of major home projects, there have been numerous occasions where I literally couldn’t walk in a straight line through the house without stumbling over something. It drives me absolutely crazy when simply navigating to the kitchen or another room transforms into an elaborate obstacle course, making everyday tasks surprisingly challenging. Interestingly, I suspect the thing that drives her most crazy about me is when I leave my belongings scattered around the house – clothes, mail, work items, and various other bits and pieces. So, perhaps it’s fair to say that we both experience a degree of madness when the house descends into disarray, albeit for slightly different reasons.
He absolutely nailed it! I am truly bothered by clutter, so it drives me completely nuts when he leaves all those little things — mail on the counter, a stray sock on the floor, his keys in a random spot — littered throughout the house. There’s something about that kind of scattered mess that grates on me. However, project chaos, to me, is a totally different beast. During a renovation, it feels like such a losing battle to try and keep everything perfectly in order. It’s a temporary state, a necessary evil, and I view it as part of the creative process rather than just plain untidiness. So, now we have two distinct answers from Jeff about his aversion to project chaos. I definitely get the not-so-subtle hint, babe! The kitchen renovation (and the glorious chaos surrounding it) is genuinely nearing its end. I promise! The pristine home you desire is just around the corner.
If you had an extra $10,000 that you could do anything you wanted with (no saving, investing, or donating allowed), what would you spend it on? Would your wife be on board?
I would wholeheartedly spend it on a vacation with Kris to Europe. Specifically, I’d love to go back to Sorrento, Italy, where we only had a brief visit previously. From there, we could possibly explore a few incredible places we’ve missed in the past, such as the vibrant cities of Budapest and Prague. It would be an unforgettable journey filled with culture, amazing food, and cherished memories.
I’m in! Without a shadow of a doubt, I’m absolutely on board with this plan! Europe sounds like a dream come true, and revisiting Sorrento while exploring new cities like Budapest and Prague would be an incredible adventure. Count me in for every single moment!
What’s your favorite trip you have taken with your wife/family?
My favorite trip before we had kids was a fantastic driving tour that Kris and I embarked on through France, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. This was back when we were dating, and I was fortunate enough to be living in Brussels for a year. It was an incredible adventure. As for my favorite family trip, it would have to be the Disney Mediterranean cruise we took. We traveled with Kris’s parents and her sister’s family, making stops in iconic cities like Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Capri, Pompeii, and Sorrento. It was the perfect blend of Disney magic and fun for the kids, coupled with truly memorable visits to each port of call for the adults.
That European trip we took together while we were dating was an incredibly lucky and truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Jeff had taken on a one-year role with his company in Brussels, Belgium. Recognizing the unique chance this presented, I made the bold decision to quit my job, give up my apartment, and pack my bags (my loyal dog in tow!) to join Jeff in Brussels for three glorious months. He had an amazing work arrangement where his gas expenses were fully covered, so we took the tiny little car his company had provided and made serious tracks all over Europe. Every single weekend, and for two full weeks when he took vacation, we explored new countries and cultures. We created so many wonderful, enduring memories from that expansive road trip, truly bonding and experiencing the world together. The family Disney cruise was also an absolute highlight, blending relaxation with adventure and creating cherished moments for all generations.
You get home from work and Kris is giving you “the look”. What have you most likely done to get yourself into trouble?
Occasionally, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to some pretty cool places for work – certainly more often in my old jobs than I do now. Sometimes, when I walk through the door after one of these trips, I’m met with “the look.” It’s a very specific look that clearly conveys she’s been busting her butt, single-handedly taking care of everything at home, while I’ve been off in some beautiful location, likely being wined and dined. While this perception is sometimes true, it’s definitely not as often as she probably thinks!
This scenario used to play out a whole lot more frequently when our girls were young, navigating the chaos of childhood with a busy blogger mom and a traveling dad. Thankfully, it’s become less common these days. However, Jeff definitely received “the look” of all looks just a few months back. He was away on a work trip in a sunny, comfortable hotel, while I was stuck at home during a major winter storm. To make matters worse, our kitchen renovation had just begun, so the entire space was torn out and unusable, and we endured days without any power. Imagine, no kitchen, no heat, just a deep freeze and total darkness, all while he was enjoying a perfectly pleasant business trip. I am quite certain I delivered “the look” of a lifetime when he finally walked back through that door from his sunny escape! LOL, indeed.
Do you have a “man cave” ? If so, where?
In our old house, we had a fantastic home office that essentially served as my dedicated “man cave,” a space tailored to my needs and preferences. However, once we moved to our current house and Kris’s blogging career truly took off, she gradually and somewhat subtly took over our shared home office space for her burgeoning business. Now, when I’m working from home, I typically find myself either settled on the comfortable living room couch or at the desk space nestled between the bookcases in our family room. It’s actually a beautiful spot, offering a lovely view out the window and filled with natural light, so there’s nothing particularly “cave-like” about it, which I quite appreciate. Sometimes I’m on work video calls from that desk, and people are always a bit puzzled, wondering where on earth I am. A few weeks ago, someone even paused mid-conversation and asked me, “Is that… a llama in the background?” Why yes, yes it is!
Ha! In case you’re not intimately familiar with the layout and decor of our family room, this is precisely the desk space that Jeff is referring to. It’s truly a bright and inviting corner, a far cry from a traditional dark “man cave”:
The area between those windows used to be an empty, somewhat awkward space. But when we undertook the ambitious remodel of the room, I decided to add this simple yet incredibly functional built-in desk, which has worked out exceptionally well for both of us (you can see the “before” pictures and the full transformation details on my family room makeover post {here}). Directly across the room from this desk is our impressive TV and art wall, and this, my friends, is the infamous llama in question, often making a surprise appearance in Jeff’s video calls! This piece of art adds such a quirky, unexpected touch to the room, and it clearly sparks a lot of curiosity.
All sources for our family room can be found {here}
What’s one thing that Kris is super “picky”/particular about?
Definitely how she folds towels. Without fail, any towels that I attempt to fold inevitably get refolded by her. It’s a guaranteed outcome.
It’s true, I confess! Our linen closet has incredibly narrow shelving, which necessitates a very specific, almost architectural way of folding towels so that they fit precisely and stack perfectly without toppling over or looking messy. I admit, I have a “thing” about putting away freshly washed, beautifully clean towels into messy, haphazard stacks. It genuinely bugs me. A perfectly folded and organized linen closet brings me an inexplicable amount of joy, and it’s a small detail that contributes to the overall sense of calm and order I strive for in our home, especially as a home decor enthusiast.
What’s your favorite dinner that Kris makes? What’s your specialty?
Without a doubt, it’s her taco dinner, especially when it’s generously heavy on the cilantro. It’s consistently delicious. As for my own specialty, I’m not entirely sure I have one that’s particularly unique, but I do genuinely enjoy grilling steaks or hamburgers, often accompanied by a few fresh vegetables. It’s a simple pleasure that I take pride in getting just right.
My family is wonderfully easy to please in the meal department. In fact, some of the quickest and easiest dinners I whip up tend to be their absolute favorites – simple, fresh, and satisfying. And yes, I can wholeheartedly confirm that the man truly grills a mean steak. There’s something about his grilling technique that elevates a simple steak into a delicious, restaurant-quality meal, making it a highly anticipated treat in our household.
What do you think about Kris’ blogger friends? Who do you hear about the most? Have you met any of them?
Kris talks about a whole bunch of her blogger friends, which is great. I probably hear about Kelley the most frequently. From what I gather, they seem like a fantastic group of fun-loving friends, but also an incredibly sharp and professional collective. They’re always sharing meaningful tips and insights that genuinely help each other to grow and develop their individual blogging businesses. I haven’t had the opportunity to meet any of them in person yet, but I would absolutely love to – they sound like a truly inspiring and supportive community.
I am incredibly fortunate to have so many amazing blogging friends whom I truly love to pieces, including every single one of the talented women participating in this blog hop! They are some of the smartest, most supportive, and genuinely kind women I know. This photo captures a moment from when many of us first met in person at a blogging conference a few years ago. It feels like we’ve all known each other for much longer than we actually have – that’s just how strong our connection is. They truly are the best!
The “Kelley” that Jeff is referring to is Kelley Nan, and she is truly the best! She has come through for me after countless “I’m having a crisis” calls and texts, especially during the often-stressful and overwhelming course of my recent kitchen remodel. Her unwavering support, practical advice, and genuine friendship have been invaluable, proving just how vital a strong community is in the blogging world.
Has Kris ever done a project that you secretly didn’t love but you never told her?
I can honestly say I genuinely love all of the projects she’s undertaken in our current house, where we’ve happily resided for the past five years. However, if I’m being completely truthful, there were quite a few projects she tackled in our first two houses that I didn’t particularly care for. I actually think that one of the underlying reasons she eventually started blogging was to enable her to spend more time researching various options, thoroughly defining her personal style, and really honing her design aesthetic. Now, with the benefit of that dedicated process, I sincerely believe everything she creates and implements is absolutely amazing.
It’s so incredibly true that it took me a significant amount of trial and error, coupled with a lot of exploration and learning, to truly figure out my own distinct style and how to effectively put elements together to create a cohesive, beautiful space. Looking back, it’s a journey I’m thankful for, even with the missteps. For instance, this is a photo of our master bedroom from one of our old houses. I remember being so incredibly proud of it at the time, thinking it was the epitome of style and comfort. But now, when I look back at it… well, let’s just say “yikes!” My style has definitely evolved significantly since then, embracing a more refined and enduring aesthetic. It’s a valuable lesson in the continuous nature of personal and design growth!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Would Kris agree?
I’m a huge lover of the outdoors, so there are a few places I’ve always dreamed of living, such as the vibrant energy of San Diego or the majestic mountains of Colorado. However, those locations are simply too far from our extended family in Virginia and North Carolina, and family proximity is very important to us. So, considering locations closer to our loved ones, I truly believe Kris and I are in full agreement on Wilmington, North Carolina. We’ve been visiting there for over 20 years to see Kris’s parents, so it already feels very much like a second home to us. It boasts beautiful weather year-round, a plethora of fantastic restaurants, and critically, it would be significantly closer to both of our families, offering the perfect blend of lifestyle and connection.
Yes!!! Absolutely, yes! We constantly joke that the very day our youngest daughter graduates from high school, we’ll be putting the “For Sale” sign right up in our front yard! After enduring five brutal Connecticut winters, I am more than ready to pack up and move back south to warmer climates and closer family. Update: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I am thrilled to report that we are officially Wilmington-ites! The dream is now a beautiful reality, and we couldn’t be happier in our new home, enjoying the fantastic weather and family proximity we’ve always desired.
What’s your idea of the perfect Father’s Day?
My ideal Father’s Day would begin with a short, invigorating bike ride with my cycling group in the early morning, enjoying the peace of the quiet roads. Following that, a delicious breakfast lovingly prepared by our girls would be a perfect treat. The daytime would involve doing something active outdoors – perhaps another bike ride with Kris and the girls, a round of golf, or kayaking on the water. Later in the afternoon, I’d love to watch the last hour of the US Open golf tournament on TV, soaking in the tension and excitement. Finally, the day would culminate with dinner at one of my favorite local restaurants, either Bar Taco or Valencia Luncheria. It’s a simple, yet perfectly balanced day celebrating family, personal passions, and good food.
Done! Seriously, if you couldn’t tell by now, he’s an absolute keeper! Our bustling, female-dominated family (yes, our dog included in that count!) definitely gives him a run for his money on a daily basis, constantly keeping him on his toes. So, without a doubt, he absolutely deserves the most perfect Father’s Day celebration tailored exactly to his wishes. He truly earns it!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this lighthearted yet insightful glimpse into life with a blogger, as seen through my husband Jeff’s eyes. It’s always fun to pull back the curtain and share a bit more of our personal lives, especially when it involves his charming (and sometimes comical) perspective. We truly hope you all have a wonderful weekend celebrating with the Dads in your lives too, cherishing those special family moments!
And for those of you who are new around here (a warm welcome to you!), if you’re curious to explore more of my home and decor style, please feel free to check out my comprehensive home tour {here}. If you’d like to stay updated on all my latest projects, design tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks, consider subscribing to receive notifications of new posts (we typically send them out only twice a week, and you can easily unsubscribe at any time!) {here}. We’d love to have you join our community!
XOXO,
