Our Behind the Blog series is kind of like reality TV for the blogging world. And I’m addicted. Especially to today’s ‘episode’ of lovely, a.k.a. getting to know the pretty lady behind Quentin & Co, Shauna Dean. I want to bottle up her modern-feminine style and sprinkle it all over my own home, and, I’ve read our interview with her at least three times today. Get to know her for yourself below and follow along here!
SMP: Some words you live by?
Shauna: Follow your heart. It sounds so cliche, but it’s never steered me wrong! I think we always know in our gut when something is the right move, whether it be quitting a job, taking a leap of faith with a new venture, or spending our free time with the people and activities that bring us true joy.
SMP: Any guilty pleasures?
Shauna: I drink an excessive amount of sparkling water. I love it with fresh lemon, frozen fruit, or even a drop of peppermint extract. I have my husband addicted too; we go through a case a week. We stock up whenever it’s on sale!
SMP: What is one piece of advice you would give to a blogger just starting out?
Shauna: Just go for it! I debated on whether or not to start a blog for so long, and it was wasted time. If you want to express yourself and your interests that way, just take the leap. I can be a perfectionist, so I kept thinking I needed to have a detailed plan in place and to have every aspect perfected before I even began. Blogging is a process, and there’s such a learning curve to it. You just have to get started!
SMP: What’s your best tip for balancing work and personal life?
Shauna: You have to commit to the moment! Whether it’s bed time with the baby, or settling in to work on my blog, I’m only at my best if I’m truly focused. It can be tough to put down the phone during the day, but I’m constantly reminding myself that everything else can wait until Cohen’s napping or in bed. He’ll only be this little once, and the thought that I might miss out on even a moment forces me to be totally present with him. Likewise, when it’s time to brainstorm for upcoming blog posts, or work on styling a shoot, I do everything in my power to get inspired for the task at hand.
SMP: What color do you think will stand the test of trend time?
Shauna: White, of course! I think that everyone wants their home to feel bright, clean, and calming; there’s just no colour does that quite as effectively as white does.
SMP: One thing every style savvy homeowner should have?
Shauna: Trays! They can be used in every room of the house to pull together items for an organized and styled look. Corralling coffee essentials in the kitchen creates in an instant hot beverage station, and on a coffee table trays turn books and candles into an instant vignette. There such a versatile piece, and they can be found at any price point! A must have.
SMP: Three things every home should have?
1. A comfortable sofa; the perfect spot for cuddling, complete with pillows and a cozy throw is key to family happiness!
2. Fresh flowers; every room needs something living, and flowers are the prettiest way to add colour and life to your space.
3. Baskets; there’s no better way to keep things tidy in the those high traffic zones where random items seem to accumulate. They also make the best storage for extra blankets and pillows!
SMP: Your most prized possession?
Shauna: A pair of pearl earrings my husband bought me on our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple. I’ve worn them pretty much every day since, including while my son was born. Everytime I put them on I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be surrounded by so much love.
SMP: One thing you can’t live without?
Shauna: Coffee! I actually look forward to getting up in the morning, because I know I get to have coffee when I do.
SMP: One small design change that can make a big impact?
Shauna: Rugs! They’re essential for grounding your space and they can instantly change up the feel of a space. I love bringing in a jute rug when a room is needing some natural warmth, and they’re especially beautiful layered with sheepskins.
SMP: Number one interior design tip?
Shauna: Trust your gut. You instinctively know what you love, and it’s important to stick to that in a world flooded with different style and design options. Your Pinterest board is a great starting point when shopping for your home. Take a look at any recurring themes; for me, it’s lots of white and texture, paired with minimalistic feminine details. Jot down the key elements of your dream home and don’t stray from it!
SMP: Your top 5 design tips?
1. There is no better fabric than belgian linen (preferably in white!). It’s so soft, and always looks effortlessly gorgeous. I love it for a shower curtain, bed linens, and drapery; I’m working it into every room in my house.
2. Don’t forget texture. I think a space always looks more sophisticated with a refined palette that focuses on incorporating different textures and materials instead of additional colors.
3. Splurge on lighting. It makes a huge impact, and lets you get away with more budget friendly purchases elsewhere.
4. Hang curtain rods as high as you possibly can, and buy your curtains long enough so that they pool slightly on the floor. It makes your ceilings look so much higher!
5. Invest in quality bedding. Your bed should be the softest, most comfortable place you know!
SMP: Best moment of your career so far?
Shauna: I’d say this feature and home tour on Style Me Pretty tops the list!
SMP: Your favourite instagrammer?
Shauna: Monika Hibbs! Her style is the perfect combination of pristine whites and warm rustic touches. And it doesn’t hurt that she seems totally sweet and genuine. I’m a huge fan.
SMP: Your go-to recipe?
Shauna: I’m obsessed with snacking, so energy bites are in constant rotation around here. They take 10 minutes to make and they’re perfect for grabbing on the go,
1 cup old fashioned oats
2/3 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup cacao nibs
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon maple syrup
Mix dry ingredients; stir in peanut butter, honey, and maple syrup. Mix well. Form into balls and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour before serving.
SMP: Your most memorable moment?
Shauna: Becoming a mom. It’s the craziest experience I’ve ever had; nothing can prepare you for that kind of love. It turns your world upside down in an instant. It’s the best thing ever.
SMP: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Shauna: Ideally, five years from now I’ll be decorating my dream home, and running a thriving business where I help others decorate their dream homes too! My aim is to still be living in the moment, staying inspired, and approaching life with the same sense of possibility that I do now.
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Photography: Manifesto Photography | Styling + Design: Shauna Dean Of Quentin & Co | Lighting: The Lighting Boutique | “Bonne Nuit” Print: SS Print Shop | Bedding: Hudson’s Bay Company | Clothing Racks: Ikea | Crib: Bratt Decor | Desk: IKEA | Dining Chairs: Modani | Dining Room Rug: Pier 1 | Dining Sideboard: Antique, restored | Dining Table: Essex Home Furnishings | Headboard: Hudson’s Bay Company | Nightstands: Homesense | Nursery Chandelier: Pottery Barn Kids | Nursery Rug: West Elm | Office/Living Room Rugs: Homesense | Sweets: Shelby’s Sweet Shoppe
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