DESIGN BLOGGER INTERVIEW: Cristin Priest of Simplified Bee

As promised, today I am thrilled to be sharing some insights from the world of fellow blogger, Cristin Priest, of Simplified Bee! If you have never visited her fabulous blog site, please be sure to check it out. (To go directly to Cristin’s blog, click the link in the previous sentence.)

So, what’s so special about Cristin Priest and Simplified Bee? Well…. A LOT! Juggling a life as a busy mother, as well as a career as a professional organizer and designer, Cristin started her blog to share her passion and expertise for clutter control and functional design. Her blog personally – and frequently! – inspires me to  find the motivation to transform my cluttered spaces into efficient living areas. So, thank you, Cristin, for all of your “nuggets of knowledge” that you share via your inspiring blog each week!

Read my interview with Cristin (below) to learn more about her passion and motivation for beautifying her interior environment! She is truly a unique and fabulous individual!

GUEST DESIGN BLOGGER INTERVIEW: Christen Priest of Simplified Bee

{photo credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium}

What one animal is most like you, and why?

Perhaps a sea otter is most like me because I love the water. Also, sea otters appear happy-go-lucky and seem to have a good time – something I try to do every day!

If you had only 5 minutes to grab THREE possessions from your home, what would they be?

I would grab our artwork, photo albums and… hmmm, I can’t think of a third.

{photo credit: Jen Jacobson}

Who or what makes you laugh?

My husband and kids make me laugh. They are constantly goofing around and kids say the funniest things.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

TV is typically a big waste of time in my book, but I love watching American Idol and this season in particular. The talent is amazing and I like the new judges added.



{photo credit: Michael Bisbee}

Where are you most inspired?

Lake Tahoe… it is where I grew up. It is simply an amazingly beautiful place regardless of season. Above is an image taken in the heart of winter overlooking Emerald Bay at sunset. Incredible isn’t it?

In terms of interior design, what does “beautiful” mean to you?

Beautiful is when a space is inviting, always evolving and reflects the people who reside there. It is not cluttered, but carefully edited to showcase what is needed and treasured most. It feels harmonious.

{photo credit: Trina Turk}

How do you spoil yourself?

Go shopping – you can usually find me going through the sales racks at Trina Turk, JCrew or Kate Spade.

Who has most influenced your career, and how?

Martha Stewart has probably influenced my career the most. I enjoyed watching her show growing up and looked forward to her next project. Martha has tremendous style and I love that she takes pride in being organized. She has a wonderful “can do” spirit that is evident in her DIY crafts. She is the best.

What one accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being a mother. It is the toughest job, but the most rewarding.

{photo credit: Cristin Priest}

What one color best describes your personal style, and how?

Turquoise. I love the combination of blue and green. They are both psychologically cool temperature colors and represent sea & sky. It is also nostalgic because it was my grandmother’s favorite color. The turquoise Trojan horse oil painting was created by the same grandmother and is proudly displayed on our fireplace mantel. This is also one of the works of art I would grab from my home if I only had 5 minutes.

When you are no longer on earth, how do you hope people will describe you?

I can only hope people remember me as being a kind, generous and loving person.

A HUUUUGE WORD OF THANKS TO CRISTIN FOR TAKING THE TIME FROM HER BUSY SCHEDULE TO ALLOW US TO INTERVIEW HER! DON’T FORGET TO STOP BY HER BLOG AND CHECK OUT THE INTERESTING AND ENLIGHTENING CONTENT SHE PROVIDES EACH WEEK!