Interview with Shannon of AKA Design

    

I am so excited to introduce you all to to a new blog that I recently found, AKA Design. Shannon and Dean are the husband and wife team behind the blog who share their DIY projects and tips for repurposing thrifty finds. They are all about using what you've got on a budget, so immediately I liked them. (Also, I noticed that my stenciled dining room wall was a cousin of their bedroom wall.) Their bungalow is a dream and drew me right in. Shannon was kind enough to let me pick her brain recently about all things design related.

Q: You've used so many different textures and finishes in each room, but your space seems to have such a unique and cohesive feel. How did you manage that? 

I think because we haven't used any jarring textures or patterns it all blends well. For example in the living room we have leather, shag, board and batten, industrial metal, chippy wood and Ikea lacquer-look. But they are all in neutral colours that play nice together. I think that keeps the look both unique and cohesive and so very "us".
Q: You mentioned that your bungalow has 1,100 square feet but somehow you've made it seem so much larger. What suggestions do you have for someone working to decorate their small space? 

Our back room (the living and dining rooms) is one big 330 sq. foot box so that definitely helps. But we also keep the whole house simple by eliminating clutter and only keep things we really love. We are constantly giving things to the Goodwill and throwing out unnecessary things. Then we are free to decorate in colours and textures that make us comfortable. 

Q: The sliding doors in your son's room are incredible! Where did you find them, and what was it difficult to install them? 

We actually made those as part of a contest last fall. They are large sheets of plywood to which Dean added some 1"x6" wood pieces to make the Z. Since he's worked in sheet metal for 20 years, he had the skills and equipment to make the rails for the doors at his work. But if you do a google search, you will find several sources for barn door hardware online.

Q: Who or where do you look for design inspiration? 

Wow, everywhere. Really I think that there is inspiration where ever you look. Some of my favourite places are google image search, Pinterest and a handful of shelter mags. Another favourite is in shops - like Homesense (Homegoods), Restoration Hardware, Urban Barn, etc. 

Q: By looking at the pics you'd never know it, but please tell us that maybe you have had a project or idea that just didn't pan out? (I'm praying the answer is yes, so I can at least feel you guys are human!)

 Ha! We are SO human! I tend not to post the projects that don't work. They wouldn't be very inspiring to read about. We often have disagreements as to how a project should go too. That's been a huge learning curve! I tend to get very excited about my ideas, and very frustrated when Dean doesn't (he's way more "even keel" than I am!). More often than not these days, we let an idea percolate for a bit before diving in. Very different than in the beginning with this house and the blog, but it tends to deliver better results! Thank you for having us, Heather!!!!!!

Be sure and stop by their "place" and say hello. Also check out more pics of their cozy bungalow and great tutorials like this one that show you how to make a  Union Jack coffee table.
PS-If you love the pics of their home as much as I did and want to Pin them (which I'm sure you will) please click once HERE to head over to the home tour on AKA Design and Pin from the original source. I know Shannon and Dean will appreciate it!