Exciting Times at The Design Sheppard!

I have been looking forward to writing this post for a couple of weeks now as I have some really huge news that I want to share with you all. In fact, it’s a couple of bits of news all rolled up into one big celebratory blog post so get the champagne on ice and share a tipple with me!

Firstly, I kind of missed it as I was all wrapped up in trying to balance motherhood with the world of work now that my maternity leave has ended, but The Design Sheppard turned five last month. Hurrah!! I can barely believe it myself, five whole years. It feels like only yesterday that I started The Design Sheppard having left an editorial job at a design magazine but wanting to keep my hand in the world of interior design. Back then it was a lonely old world as I blogged seemingly for nobody but myself, but overtime this blog has become something far more enjoyable and important to me than I ever could have imagined. I have made so many lovely friends through blogging, some I’ve only “met” online but many others who have become great friends in real life too. In fact, now I find it hard to imagine my life without my blog, it really is a passion for me and I do sincerely hope that I am able to convey that in my posts and inspire anyone who reads it with that passion.

Secondly, I have just realised that in those five years I have published over 500 posts here on the blog. In fact, this post is number 501! I’m desperately trying to keep up with my editorial calendar which means posting three times a week on a Monday, Wednesday and a Friday. If I’m super organised and forego sleep this is just about manageable. One day I’m hoping to be able to post daily, lord knows I have more ideas for post than I could ever get written. I currently have 30 posts in my drafts folder and another 30 odd in my ideas notebook. I just can’t find the time to write them all.

Thirdly, I have just surpassed 10k followers on Twitter!! I have teetered on the verge for what seems like forever but at the end of last week it finally happened. Twitter is such a great platform for The Design Sheppard and I love having the opportunity to connect with my readers and reach out to those who are not yet regulars here at the blog. If you’re not already following me come and say hi @StaceyJSheppard.

And finally and most importantly I wanted to let you all know that you can expect some really exciting new developments here on The Design Sheppard starting from, well now actually. As you all know, photography is not my strong point and since I started blogging I have always felt that this is one of the things that really holds me back. So many bloggers are super talented not only with words but also with images and I have always wished that I could improve my photography and graphic design skills. But now that I have Matylda I really do not have the time to dedicate to learning these new skills. I’ve often thought about the possibility of teaming up with someone who has these visual skills but I just didn’t know anyone who shared my passion enough to come and work with me on the blog. That was until a few weeks ago when a chance conversation led to a whole new outlook for The Design Sheppard.

I have known Ruth for just over a year as we have been working together on a completely unrelated project. However I didn’t really get to know her all that well since I have been on maternity leave for most of the year. I knew that she had recently bought her first flat and when I asked her how she was settling in and what plans she had for decoration I was totally bowled over to hear her describe the way she intended to decorate. It was completely my style. And not only that, she reeled off a list products by designers and brands that only someone who is as obsessed with interiors as me would know. I was totally stunned as I have only ever been able to have such geeky conversations with interior designers, journalists, PR people who work in interiors, and other bloggers. And the best thing about this is that Ruth has all the skills that I currently lack. She is an experienced photographer and has some great graphic design skills too. I wasted no time and asked her how she would feel about joining The Design Sheppard team. Luckily for me she said yes! I am so excited about what this means for the future of the blog. There will be so many more things that we can do now and I can’t wait to start sharing them with you. So without further ado I’d like to introduce you all to the extremely talented Ruth Adams!

1) Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m from Devon and I’m currently living in Teignmouth. I studied Editorial and Advertising Photography at the University of Gloucestershire and on completion of my degree moved to London where I worked for a number of years as a producer for the fashion industry. I love to travel and one of my favourite experiences so far was travelling around Africa photographing the indigenous tribes. This was something that was on my bucket list and when I left London I decided to take time out and do it as I might not have had the opportunity later in life. Although I’m determined to make time to go back! I’m also a bit of an adrenaline junkie and recently jumped out of an airplane much to the bewilderment of my colleagues. I’m also into running and I’m just about to do my first half marathon. Oh and I’m rather obsessed with beautiful interiors, but who here isn’t?

2) How did you first become interested in interiors and design?

I never really became interested in interiors and design at a particular age, it was just always really a part of who I was. Even as a child I never really read, I was more interested in the pictures and would spend hours looking at them.

3) Can you describe your interior design style?

I love Art Deco, Industrial, Modern, Minimalist, and Scandinavian design. I remember visiting the Bauhaus gallery in Berlin as a teenager and just loving all of the clean lines and functionality.

4) What is your favourite interior trend at the moment?

Metallic finishes. I’m obsessed with copper! I love the light reflecting qualities and warm tones it can bring to a room. The look is simple to achieve as well, you don’t need to go all out on huge pieces just one or two key elements can really stand out in a room.

Image via Remodelista. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Workstead.

5) What one product for the home are you lusting after right now?

Having just bought my first home, picking only one is tough. I’d have to say a Jean Prouvé Potence lamp though, I love how lighting can instanly change the atmosphere of a room and this piece is a classic.

6) What are your favourite colours to use in interiors?

I love greys with an undertone of blue, and I particularly like ‘Plummett’ and ‘Downpipe’ by Farrow & Ball. I have recently decorated my front room in ‘Warm Pewter’ by Dulux with yellow accents throughout the room for an added splash of colour.

7) What will you be able to bring to the Design Sheppard and what can readers expect going forward?

With any luck I’ll be bringing lots of lovely pictures and maybe the odd idea on how to upcycle an existing piece of furniture.

8) What are you most looking forward to about working on The Design Sheppard?

I’m most excited about being exposed to new designers and products that I absolutely can’t live without.