What drew you to interior styling? How’d you enter the industry?
I studied interior design at the University of Minnesota and started out as a commercial interior designer. In search of more work/life balance, I eventually moved to the product side of the industry and repped fabric, wallcovering, furniture to the trade in Minneapolis. During this time, I started a DIY and styling blog, Francois et Moi, as a creative outlet. Over time, blogging has led to some fantastic styling opportunities with brands.
Has the pandemic changed how you design and DIY?
Being out and about less during the pandemic, I’m craving color and pattern at home in a way I haven’t before. I also find myself drawn to authenticity of materials and methods—quality made over quick projects.
How has work from home changed your design ideas?
Open floor plans have been popular for so long, but with more time spent at home, we’re seeing a shift toward more partitioned spaces, as our need for privacy increases.
What are some Spring trends that you think will be relevant in 2022?
More so than ever, repurposed and vintage materials. Supply chain issues are causing us to look at secondhand in a more serious way. Everything from reupholstering furniture to repurposing architectural elements like doors and fireplace mantels.
What are the design principles you believe are most important?
I don’t necessarily see any one design principle as being more important than another. They all have to work together, but certain principles come forward more in different scenarios, such as contrast in a neutral color palette for visual interest, or symmetrical balance in a formal space.
How do you try and inject personality into the spaces you design?
My favorite way to inject personality is with vintage and antiques. They’re a wonderful way to bring the uncommon and a soulful sense of grounding to our homes.
What is the proudest you’ve ever been over a DIY project?
My husband Ken and I renovated two kitchens simultaneously when we first moved into our South Minneapolis duplex. By tackling two at once, we saved a lot in labor and materials and were able to repurpose the downstairs kitchen cabinets in the upstairs unit to round out the bare bones kitchen. It was a huge undertaking, and I’m really proud of the two functional spaces we created, preserving and reusing as much of the home’s 1930’s charm while on a budget.
Do you have any inspirations for your home styles and looks?
The style of our home is Tudor, so paying homage to the bones of the home is always top of mind. I don’t adhere too strongly to any one particular style though. I think there’s magic in mixing aesthetics, price-points, and new + old pieces. If I’m drawn to a certain piece, regardless of style, I’ll find a way to make it work.
In terms of interior/prop styling, I’m inspired by warm, lived-in, imperfect spaces. A burning candle, washed/wrinkled linen kitchen towels, a pair of slippers and cup of tea beside a reading chair, as if you’d just walked out of the frame when the moment was captured. It’s a sense of hygge, the practice of celebrating simple pleasures, shaped by my Scandinavian heritage.
Has living in Minneapolis helped shape your tastes and work in any major way?
The twin cities are full of homes and buildings from the Pre-war Era. Living in and amongst them has given me a great appreciation for their charm, craftsmanship and quality materials.
What are you working on right now?
House hunting for our next home and project!
