Aileen Allen is an interiors and lifestyle blogger sharing her daily posts on her blog At Home in Love. Aileen writes about home decor, doable DIYs, and design, with a particular penchant for fresh and approachable designs that inspire her. Her ultimate aim is to make her readers fall in love with fresh ideas that they can actually implement in their home. Aileen started At Home in Love in 2012 and has never looked back. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Aileen Allen.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Colorful, handmade, bright, and budget-friendly. I like a mix of things--store-bought splurges, DIY projects, and thrifted treasures all living together. Having items from a variety of sources ensures that your home looks layered and interesting, not one-dimensional. And I think every room needs something quirky and humorous! I don't like rooms that take themselves too seriously…
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I get a lot of inspiration from blogs and Pinterest, as well as just being out and about--shopping, at a restaurant, at a friend's house, etc. I'll often see something that will spark an idea, and I'll make a note on my phone. Later, when I'm planning out my week of blog posts or upcoming DIY projects, I'll look back through my list of ideas and see which ones are still interesting to me.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I haven’t actually worked (personally) with as many creatives as I would like. I’m pretty shy, and blogging is mostly solitary. But there are a lot of creative people that I respect and admire! I’m currently reading through an e-course written by the A Beautiful Mess team, and I’m finding it really helpful. Their story is so inspiring—they’ve done such a great job of building a successful creative business while staying true to their aesthetic and maintaining a down-to-earth vibe.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I have to admit I often get inspiration on Pinterest. There’s just such a wealth of beautiful photos there. But when I’m feeling stuck or when it seems like it’s all the same old thing regurgitated over and over, I’ll get out of the house and go for a walk. Moving around and getting fresh air helps my brain to process all the ideas bouncing around in there. I get a lot of my best ideas on walks (or right as I’m about to fall asleep!)
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
The best advice I can give is to stay true to what excites you, and *try* not to compare yourself with others. I really like the quote “Comparison is the thief of joy.” In the blogging world, it’s soo easy to compare your blog, your projects, and your life to others. I think that’s the root cause of all the “sameness” in the blog world. And beyond that, it just makes you jealous and unhappy. So don’t try to be like someone else—just keep your head down and just keep creating what makes you feel happy and excited!
