So I Married a Creative…An Interview With the Man Behind the Blogger!

What is your favorite project Jen has done, and why?

 

Reupholstering our couch.  We purchased a couch right before we got married from Jennifer Leathers and paid a lot of money for a warranty on the leather.  Within the first two years a couple of cushions started to tear.  When we called to have it repaired we were told they no longer honored the warranty.  Needless to say we never shopped Jennifer Leathers again but Jen saved the day when she decided to reupholster the couch herself.  In the end we kept a lot of money in our pocket and were left with a better looking couch then the one we originally purchased.  (Sofa project details HERE, HERE and HERE.)

 

What is your least favorite, and why?

 

Any room that is decorated more then once.  In the early years I thought it was poltergeists moving things around in our house but came to find out there was a more concerning force at work.  The serial (re)decorator that is my wife.  I started having to check before I sat down to make sure the furniture was still where I remembered it.  (Drama queen.)  I typically love Jen’s finished product the first time and rarely understand the reason it has to be changed.  (Personal style is a never-ending journey.)

 

What is the one creative item or tool that Jen cannot live without?

 

The internet.  While many of my friends curse me when Jen’s blog projects make their way across the internet and into their homes, it is often online where she hatches and finds ways to bring to life those ideas in the first place. (Also, a sewing machine and a miter saw.)

 

What is your biggest pet peeve about Jen in the real world or the project and decorating realm?

I sort of answered this in question two but can be more specific.  Pillows! Jen makes them, buys them, and inherits them from family and friends.  I honestly believe a new pillow enters our house every 30 seconds while another one leaves or gets put in storage.  In a way our home has become a halfway house for pillows.  When they arrive I do my best to take care of them but try not to get too attached.  (I can’t even deny this one.  Except for the 30 seconds remark.  Please.)

 

If you could take Jen on a vacation anywhere, where would she want to go?

 

Right now it would be anywhere south of Boston.  We would settle for Hartford, CT at the moment.  (Gahhhhhh…yes.  From now until June 1st I’m acutely aware of not being a native New Englander with the chops to handle shoveling roofs and ice skating to get your mail.)

 

Jen finds $100.  What does she do with it?

 

Hopefully puts it back in my wallet as that is typically where unspent money is found in our house.  (Pillows.  Duh.  Actually new tall UGG boots to help my feet and calves survive the rest of this winter.)

 

What is YOUR favorite room in your house and why?

 

The kitchen.  Family meals, gathering with friends, and Frozen dance parties with our girls.  Also, in addition to her DIY skills Jen is a great cook.  (Aw, shucks…)

 

Creativity is messy, but for the most part blogs show the pretty picture.  Can you tell us how Jen is a secret slob?

 

Between the two of us I have a much higher tolerance for disorder so it would be hard for me to point to any slob tendencies in Jen.  I will say though that the realities of our lives do not make the photographs on the blog.  If that ever becomes the case then the girls and I have likely been kicked out.  Behind the camera are typically piles of laundry, dishes, toys, a half dressed little girl, and many of my things left about.  (#truth)

 

Name a project or decorating adventure that you thought would be a flop but was fabulous? 

 

There were many in the early days but Jen pretty much has my trust now.  (One year ago – transom windows ;)

 

Blogging takes a lot of time.  Do you ever pass by Jen while she is on the computer and secretly feel neglected?

 

Only outside of football season.  

 

Before, during, and after photos are an important part of blogging, do you remember to do that while working on projects for Jen?

 

I have not had the privilege.  Jen truly does her own projects.

 

How often do you read Jen’s blog and do you have a favorite post?

 

Most days I read it.  This has to be my favorite post though as I know Jen is a bit nervous about what I will come up with.  I am enjoying that.  

 

Before changing a piece of furniture, hanging new curtains, or planning a whole room redo, does Jen consult you or do you come home and it’s done?

 

I am often consulted for the bigger things, especially when money is needed.  “Consulting” is really when the sales campaign starts.  (Current “consulting” projects include a new stove and a new sofa.)

 

Does Jen discuss her blog with you,  stories from other blogs, or friendships with other bloggers?

 

Yes.  I know all your secrets.

 

Where do you think Jen gets most of her creative inspiration; tv, magazines, online, you, or was she just born that way?

 

She was born with the creativity (Are you kissing up to me?) and finds inspiration in all of the above.  

 

Do you know what Pantone’s color of the year is and how do you feel about so called “girly” colors for your walls?

 

You mean Marsala…love it!  Actually I thought you were talking about tequila until I googled it.  Not a fan of girly colors but Jen is not big on them either.  (Except for our pink hallway rugs, pink dining room chairs, and peacock bathroom ;)

 

If you could change one room or area of your home with no decorating advice from Jen, what area would you choose and why?

 

Definitely the basement.  That is coming.  Big plans.  Check www.chroniclesofamancave.com in a couple of years.   (Veto.)

 

Are you ever worried Jen will share too much personal information or that blogging might invade your private life?

 

I am not that concerned.  I am usually the one to overshare.  

 

Have you ever helped Jen style photos for her blog or offer input on how you think a vignette should look?  

 

Never helped.  Isn’t vignette what she makes our salad dressings out of?  Cant really comment here.

 

There is a saying “If walls could talk…”, what would yours say about the decorating in your bedroom?

 

They would probably say something like “Not only are you a great decorator but how on earth did you give us the ability to speak!  JEN, YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING!!”

Well.  I have to admit, that wasn’t as bad as I thought.  The man knows me!

I hope you were amused by this little candid peek.  You can read the other stories behind the bloggers by following the links below.  I can’t wait to read what the other husbands and wives had to say!