JOURNAL 1 – CHILDHOOD VISIONS

A deeper dive into my design background at a young age…

As a Western NY native, performing arts and theater, more specifically dance, played an integral role in my early and young adult life, touring the country at national dance competitions and performances. 

While the physical arts were center to my world, I can remember two specific memories from my childhood that influenced my desire to reimagine the spaces around us. 

At twelve years old, my art teacher tasked us to create cover art for a calendar which later would be given to our families around the holidays.  I chose to draw the front exterior elevations of different architectural style homes that coincided with that given month. A black painted Victorian for the month of October while a Chalet ski home was used for December. 

The other memory was when my mother and I were house shopping. The home she ended up purchasing was the same home she didn’t want to view. We pulled up to the house and she looked at me, “Do you want to just skip this one?” My reply, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Upon entering the home, I fell in love and saw its potential. I believe this is why she ended up purchasing the home, but moreover she gave me a blank canvas, letting me select all the furnishings to outfit the new home. I was eleven at the time. 

Welcome to the 90’s! I was in my Victorian/Ornate era.

I’ve always thought dance was the nucleus of my being, but after some reflection, it’s apparent that being an interior designer was always in my soul. If I can create a space that is welcoming, balanced, and timeless, with a little edge, I feel as though I have succeeded! 

“Going against the grain isn’t just a choice – it’s a way of life. True growth, innovation, and fulfillment come from challenging the norm and forging your own path.”

— Claire