Behind the blogger...meet Amy from Maison Decor!

Hello and welcome to another Behind the blogger. Today we talk to Amy from the gorgeous and the ever so charming Maison Decor blog. Amy is truly talented and let me tell you she gets down to business and doesn't fool around! When she says she is going to do something, she gets the job done right away, a girl after my own heart! She has become a great "blog buddy" who offers great and sound advice as well. I am always in for a fun treat when I visit her blog, as she is always working on some wonderful and  beautiful project in her home, from her gardens to using milk paint to repainting a gorgeous chest.
 On top of her wonderful design talents, she, I will have you know, was her town hero by being the chairwoman of the Sign Review Board and helped to write the ordinance to improve the downtown. Talk about a doer! She also was the pioneer of the Holiday House Tour and if you aren't tired yet, she was also on the Historical Commission to create awareness of the beautiful old buildings in her community. Her own home projects are always fun and intriguing and highly inspirational. Much of what shes does looks like its right out of a magazine spread! Then you add to this creative talent, the fact that she is just a very nice person all around and you have a winning combination. Impressed and intrigued? So am I! If you aren't already familiar with Amy's blog, stop by and introduce yourself. You won't regret it, I promise. So lets get started.......
Thanks Amy for participating!Click on the header below to visit Maison Decor

So....... what inspired you to start blogging in the first place?

I discovered the whole world of blogging when I offered to do some design work on my son's girlfriend's blog last spring. That is when this incredible world opened up to me, and I just jumped right in, head first!

How did you come up with your blog name?

First of all, I love all things that are french inspired. While trying to come up with a blog at my computer, above my desk was a frenchy sign that said La Maison Rococo...and since I am a decorator, I just put Maison with Decor to indicate a house of decor. 

Do you have a favorite all time movie?

Out of Africa~it encompasses sweeping romance, great interior design and the tale of an inspirational woman who creates an amazing world for herself. My favorite quote in the movie is when Meryl Streep's character tells Robert Redford's character, "I like my things"....when he questions her as to why she lugged her fine china half way around the world. Yes, I like my things too!

You get to spend a month in the European  countryside.....is it Italy or France?  Has to be France!

Favorite meal? A great strip steak and a Caesar salad. And a nice glass of wine! Maybe some tiramasu at the end??

Tell us as little or as much as you want to about your family.

I came from a big family, one of 5 kids and we lived all over the world as my dad was designing water treatment plants for poor countries. What a great childhood and experience we had growing up! I married very young and had 3 sons, my youngest is now in college. Divorced after 20 years of marriage, and  am remarried now to my perfect match, who has a young son, and together with our dogs, we share a life that suits us both well. Happiness is not over-rated!

If you could have any career what would it be?

I love doing design work, but I would also love to have been an attorney.

Favorite design style?

French cottage~I like rustic, vintage and fancy lines all mixed together.

If you could only live in one color what would it be?

Winter white

Favorite season and why?

I love spring, for living in New England, we wait a long time to get these precious sunny days and signs of life in the garden.

Design icon?

I have a few, Phoebe Howard for a pretty room, Charlotte Moss for a collected over time look, Suzanne Kasler for a clean but feminine style, Bunny Williams for her garden style, and Rachel Ashwell for that wonderful cottage look that I am a fool for.

One place you haven't been that you want to visit-

Australia!

What's your number one pet peeve?

People who aren't straight forward. 

What are the two best things about blogging?

Design inspiration and friendships. 

You get to have a private dinner with any two people in the world, they can be from the fashion, design world, literary world, Hollywood, politics,etc....your choice. Who are the lucky two?

Rachel Ashwell and Oprah

Do you have a favorite saying or quote?

Wish it, Dream it, Do it!

Most overrated trend right now?

I have to say projects using burlap. The most uncomfortable fabric in the world!! Ugh!

Reading anything interesting that you want to share? I just picked up a large book by Home Depot at a used book store this weekend. It is filled with all kinds of projects from patios, walks, arbors and sheds. My bookshelves are lined with selections from Oprah's old book club...but these days I am about hands on projects. I also have a pile of books by Betty Lou Phillips who writes the most wonderful books on French style.

You are 18 again. What do you do?

I would probably go to law school!

What are your plans for the summer?

We will spend some time at a lake cottage with the dogs and our little guy and then hit Martha's Vineyard and visit with my parents and my youngest son who is working there this summer. In the middle of all that, my biggest hope is to build a charming garden shed out of old windows.

In ten years I will be....................

Moving into an old farmhouse somewhere in New Hampshire and gutting the kitchen.

If you could live anywhere on earth and money was no object where would you go?

I would live on the seacoast in New Hampshire with an ocean view, a big yard with a country garden and a great big white clapboard house with a porch...with a tall flagpole out front.

Best tip or two for any new bloggers reading this.......

Write for yourself. Don't worry about stats and followers, just make real connections. 

Blogging to me is  exciting and inspiring.

Give me four words that describe your personality. Straight forward,determined, helpful and impulsive (especially with paint)! 

Thank you Amy and now a little recap on all about Amy.....

Thanks again Amy! I read through her interview nodding in agreement at so much of what she said, its no wonder I like her!  Do stop by Maison Decor....you will be happy you did! Enjoy your day.