Welcome to a special Valentine’s Day feature that takes you behind the curtain of the blogging world, offering a candid glimpse into the lives of the often-unseen heroes – our amazing husbands! This delightful blog hop, thoughtfully orchestrated by my talented blogger friend Claire of Claire Brody Designs, turns the spotlight on the men who support our creative passions, live amidst our design projects, and patiently endure our endless photo shoots. For those of you accustomed to my usual interior design content, prepare for a playful deviation. Today, my husband steps into the interview hot seat, bravely answering a series of unfiltered and perhaps slightly embarrassing questions about my blogging habits and our life together. It’s a unique opportunity to hear his honest perspective, unfiltered and straight from the source. If you’re seeking pure design inspiration, feel free to bookmark this and return next week. But for the curious and the brave, eager for a dose of humor and genuine insight into a blogger’s domestic reality, you’ve come to the right place. Dive in with us!
As a bonus, I simply couldn’t resist adding my own two cents. You’ll find my personal comments and reactions intertwined with his responses, marked clearly in italics, adding another layer of fun to this revealing Q&A.
How involved are you with Kris’ blog? What role do you play in her creative process or the practical execution of her projects?
Honestly, I think my most significant contribution to Kris’s blog is a strategic one: staying as far away from her projects as possible to avoid messing them up! She’s a true perfectionist, with an incredible eye for detail and a knack for hands-on work that far surpasses my own. Consequently, I only get involved when I can genuinely be of help, which, admittedly, isn’t very often. Or, perhaps, it’s safer to say, almost never . . . I’ve learned that sometimes the best support is simply to clear the path and let the expert work her magic.
I have a sneaking suspicion (which is now not-so-secret) that he might have intentionally “messed up” a project or two in the past, just to ensure I’d stop asking for his help. And, I have to admit, it was a rather brilliant strategy – it definitely worked! Now, I mostly tackle things myself, only calling him in for heavy lifting or crucial second opinions, which he provides with a healthy dose of good humor.
How often do you read the blog? Are you an avid reader, or do you feel you see enough of her work at home?
I make it a point to read every single post Kris publishes. While I might not always get to them the moment they go live, I often find myself doing a bit of “binge reading,” catching up on several posts at once. My primary reason for reading isn’t necessarily to see the projects themselves – after all, I live with them and witness their evolution firsthand. Instead, I genuinely enjoy reading what she writes. Her candid, yet wonderfully humorous writing style truly captures her personality, and that’s one of the many things I adore about her. It’s like getting a perfectly distilled version of her thoughts and creativity, even when I’m already immersed in her world.
Describe Kris’ signature style. How would you characterize her approach to home decor and design?
Kris’s style is quite distinctive, and I’ve learned to appreciate its nuances over the years. I’d describe it as “affordable but expensive-looking” – she has this incredible talent for making budget-friendly finds appear high-end and luxurious. There’s also a definite “shabby chic” influence, but in a refined, elegant way, not overly rustic. Above all, she is undeniably the “neutrals queen!” Her ability to layer various shades of white, cream, gray, and beige to create warmth, depth, and sophistication is truly remarkable. She manages to make neutral palettes feel incredibly inviting and anything but boring.
Wow, I’m genuinely impressed! His description is incredibly spot-on. He definitely pays more attention than I thought, which is pretty endearing. “Neutrals queen” is a title I’ll happily embrace!
our dining room
Now, describe your own personal style. How does your fashion sense align or contrast with Kris’s design aesthetic?
My personal style is pretty straightforward and consistent. You’ll usually find me in a pair of comfortable jeans, often paired with a sharp blazer to elevate the look slightly, and my go-to footwear: Chuck Taylors. It’s a combination that’s casual, yet put-together enough for most occasions, and it’s certainly what I feel most comfortable in. It might not be as constantly evolving as Kris’s home decor, but it suits me perfectly.
What are Chuck Taylors? Oh, wait, he means those canvas sneakers he’s almost always wearing, right? Seriously, I had no idea they had a specific name beyond “his favorite shoes.” It just goes to show how much attention I pay to his footwear, despite his meticulous blazer choices!
How often does your home undergo transformations? Do you find the constant change invigorating or a bit overwhelming?
Our home changes daily, weekly – honestly, it feels like all the time! Just when I get used to a particular arrangement or color scheme, Kris is already envisioning the next evolution. Walls might get a fresh coat of paint, furniture might be rearranged, or new decor pieces appear as if by magic. While some might find the constant flux a bit disorienting, I’ve genuinely come to love it. It means our home is always evolving, always fresh, and always a reflection of Kris’s incredible creativity and passion. There’s never a dull moment, and it truly keeps the living space dynamic and exciting.
How many different sofas have you owned since marrying Kris? Can you recall the journey of each piece?
Oh, the sofas! That’s a classic Kris question. I count eight different sofas that have graced our home since we got married. It’s quite a collection, considering the lifespan of some of them. There have been sectional sofas, traditional three-seaters, loveseats, and even a few experimental pieces. Each one has had its moment, its unique story, and its eventual replacement or relocation as Kris’s design vision evolved. It’s certainly a testament to her dedication to finding the perfect comfort and aesthetic for every living space.
Hmm, I’m actually counting seven in my head right now. What’s the eighth one? I’m genuinely curious! We actually still have five of those – a large sectional, two traditional sofas, and two cozy loveseats – all cleverly integrated into different areas of our home. It’s a bit crazy that we’ve managed to fit so many comfortable seating options into one house, but hey, a girl needs options, right?
How often do you offer decorating advice to Kris? And more importantly, does she actually consider your opinion?
I offer quite a bit of advice, almost on a regular basis, especially when Kris is in the midst of a new project or contemplating a significant change. However, I’ve learned through experience that less than 10% of my suggestions will ever actually be put into practice! I sometimes think she asks for my opinion from time to time purely to zero in on what *not* to do. My ideas often serve as the perfect counter-point to her own, clarifying her vision by eliminating the alternatives. It’s a subtle dance, but I’ve come to understand my role in the creative process.
Hmm… no comment. Just kidding! #busted. He’s not entirely wrong, but sometimes a fresh perspective, even if it’s the opposite of what I’m thinking, helps solidify my own design choices. It’s a collaborative, if sometimes unconventional, process!
What’s your absolute favorite room in the house and why? Is there a particular design element that stands out to you?
Without a doubt, my favorite room in the house is the fireplace room. It holds a special appeal for me. I absolutely love the fireplace that Kris redesigned; it’s a stunning focal point that brings so much character to the space. Beyond that, I genuinely appreciate all of the furniture she’s chosen for the room. It all comes together to create an atmosphere that feels incredibly comfortable and relaxing, yet at the same time, impressively stylish and sophisticated. It’s the perfect blend of coziness and elegance, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a long day.
What does the house really look like behind the camera? Is it always picture-perfect, or are there hidden truths?
While Kris does an incredible job of maintaining a beautiful home, and most of it genuinely looks as lovely behind the camera as it does in front of it, there’s always a hidden truth or two. The reality is that Kris is perpetually working on at least five different projects at any given time. This means there’s almost always one or two rooms undergoing some form of “minor construction” or in a state of creative chaos. It might be a paint swatch testing area, a stack of textiles, or tools temporarily spread out. It’s part of the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of living with a passionate blogger.
Absolutely guilty as charged! My creative process often involves a certain level of delightful disarray, which I affectionately refer to as “organized chaos.” It’s all part of bringing the next blog post to life!
Is there a specific project Kris has completed that you secretly (or not so secretly) dislike? What is it, and why?
Oh, there’s definitely one project that comes to mind, and I haven’t always been silent about my feelings! It’s the office. Specifically, it’s the desk chair. It’s just too low for the desk, it can’t be adjusted to a comfortable height for me, and frankly, it’s uncomfortable to sit in for extended periods. I appreciate that it looks fantastic and fits the aesthetic of the room perfectly, but from a purely functional standpoint, it’s my least favorite piece of furniture. Form over function, in this case, has led to some minor ergonomic frustration.
OK, the moment I saw this question, I KNEW the office chair was going to be his answer! I absolutely adore its stylish design, and I think it looks fantastic in the space. He, on the other hand, vehemently hates it. I do admit that it’s a bit too low for the desk, and putting casters on it is, in fact, on my ever-growing to-do list to make it more functional. But where the “uncomfortable” comment comes from, I have absolutely no clue – I find it totally comfy! Perhaps it’s just a matter of perspective, or maybe I don’t spend quite as many hours perched on it as he does.
Do you know any of Kris’ blogger friends? If so, who among them is your favorite, and why?
I’ve actually never had the pleasure of meeting any of Kris’s blogger friends in person, which is a shame! However, I know there are a few who live relatively nearby, and Kris meets up with them every now and then for coffee, lunch, or creative brainstorming sessions. I hear about their gatherings and projects, and it sounds like a wonderful community. So while I can’t pick a favorite from personal interaction, I’m glad she has such a supportive network.
Yep, he’s right! I’m incredibly fortunate to live near a fantastic group of bloggers who are not only super talented but also the nicest and most fun girls to hang out with. This incredible circle includes Annie of Most Lovely Things, Brooke of Nesting with Grace, Charlotte of Ciburbanity, and Terri of Our Sweet Journey. My dear buddy Lisa of Shine Your Light lives a few hours away, but we make sure to meet up whenever we can. I suppose we really should organize an outing with all our husbands one of these days… On second thought, nah! They might conspire against our endless projects!
What’s your favorite aspect of Kris being a blogger? What about your least favorite?
There are several aspects of Kris being a blogger that I truly appreciate. Firstly, I absolutely love the way our house looks. Her passion translates into a consistently beautiful and inviting home environment that we both enjoy. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, I love the fact that my wife is doing something that she truly loves and is incredibly passionate about. Seeing her thrive creatively is a joy. And thirdly, I admire that she is her own boss, setting her own schedule and pursuing her vision independently. My least favorite aspect, though, is that occasionally the “in progress” projects tend to get in the way of life in the house. There might be a temporary obstacle course of tools, materials, or furniture awaiting its next stage. But, in the grand scheme of things, it’s a small price to pay, and I can certainly live with it for the sake of her happiness and our beautiful home.
What are your primary household chores or responsibilities around the house?
Kris would probably playfully claim that I have none, but I do take care of all the landscaping outside the house. That’s my domain, and I put a lot of effort into keeping it pristine. Beyond that, I often wash the dishes after most meals, especially when I’m home. And, perhaps most consistently, I do whatever she asks of me, whenever she asks! It’s a pretty good system, and it keeps things running smoothly, even if my visible chore list might seem short to some.
Yep, his official household chores might seem pretty limited on paper, but I have to give credit where credit is due: the man shapes a mean boxwood! Seriously, his dedication to the landscaping is incredible. I’ve actually had several people ask me who our landscaper is after seeing these perfectly manicured babies. He takes immense pride in it, and the results are truly stunning – a key part of our home’s curb appeal!
What’s something unique about Kris that her readers might not know, but you’re comfortable sharing?
Something about Kris that her readers might not realize is how much she absolutely LOVES reality TV. And I’m not talking about the critically acclaimed documentaries or well-produced series; I mean even the worst of the worst, the most outlandish and bizarre reality shows you can imagine. She has a real soft spot for them, and it’s a complete contrast to her otherwise sophisticated design aesthetic. It’s her ultimate guilty pleasure, a perfect way to unwind and completely disengage from the world of perfectly curated interiors.
Guilty as charged, once again! I have to partially throw my sister under the bus for this one. She’s the queen of finding the most hilariously terrible reality TV shows and then texting me at 10 PM with something like, “Turn on channel XX right now and check out this show about people who are addicted to eating bricks!” She consistently finds the crappiest of the crap reality TV, and without fail, she totally gets me sucked in. It’s an undeniable, albeit slightly embarrassing, secret passion of mine!
What does Kris REALLY want for Valentine’s Day, and what are you getting her this year?
That’s always a great question, and to be honest, Kris can be quite hard to figure out when it comes to gifts. Most items, even ones she’s picked out herself, sometimes end up going back to the store. This year, after careful consideration and many years of practice, I think I’ve finally cracked the code. What she truly wants is a nice, intimate dinner out, beautiful flowers (but definitely not red roses – she’s made that clear over the years!), and a thoughtful, heartfelt card. Beyond the tangible, I believe she also appreciates a little proactive helping out around the house, without even having to be asked. It’s about genuine gestures, not just grand presents.
Ha! It may have taken nearly 18 years of marriage, but he’s finally got me completely figured out – including my strong preference for anything but traditional red roses! This sounds like the absolute perfect Valentine’s Day. He truly understands that sometimes the simplest, most thoughtful gestures mean the most. I couldn’t ask for anything more!
18 years & two kids later….
Wishing you all a wonderful President’s Day weekend – hopefully, a long one filled with relaxation and joy! And of course, a very Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone celebrating love in all its forms. Thank you for joining us on this fun journey; I look forward to seeing you back here next week for more design inspiration!
