Barbara Matson is a design obsessed, DIY blogger sharing her creative projects on her Hodge Podge blog from the suburbs of Vancouver. Barbara is always crafting using paint, fabric, thread or glue. She is passionate about the colour red and is obsessed with stripes too. She has a lifelong love of design, and has been designing from a young age, as she was always decorating and rearranging her bedroom. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Barbara Matson.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I would describe my style as traditional with an eclectic twist. I am drawn to reds, blues and black, and even better if it is chinoiserie!
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Since I don’t work in the design field professionally but dabble in it with my own home or friend’s and family’s homes (if they let me), I usually start with how I can re-use and re-purpose what already exists. Giving things new life, whether it is with a coat of paint or fabric gets my creative juices flowing!
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Being a blogger has opened up many doors and has brought many creative people into my life. One blogger and creative soul who has become a good friend is Michelle Mollinga from I dream of chairs and Meeshworks. She has such a creative eye and talent yet is so incredibly humble! I admire her greatly. I have also become friends with an amazingly talented photographer, whose talent is now gracing design publications here in Canada, Tracey Ayton. I have also had the pleasure of once working behind the scenes with Karla Amadatsu, a local designer here, she has impeccable taste, a keen eye for design and a sharp business sense!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I find inspiration just hits me. I love to look at fabrics, patterns and textures to get the creative juices flowing.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Since I don’t work in the design field but rather blog about it, or dabble in it for personal projects, I would recommend that one just follows their heart and to take risks. Design and blogging is all that…taking risks and following what you love!
