So excited to have a "neighbour" blog gal pal visiting this week!
Please give a warm welcome to...
She is
I met Jodi through my sister. The funny story is, Jodi was my garden plot neighbour when we were both members at a garden cooperative. We took turns watering our garden plots but hadn't met until about a year later my sister mentioned, "Oh, did you know Jodi has a blog?" I took a look at her blog and was blown away by her and her husband's talent. Sure helps to be married to an amazing photographer!
Jodi is one of those people who walk the talk. She and her husband truly live intentional lives, giving back to society in many ways. She is always involved in some charity work through her church and community. Truly a beautiful women inside and out!
The home Jodi shares with her husband Darryl from
Darryl Bueckert Photography is equally as gorgeous. While their family only lives in a townhome, they make use of every square inch, creating beauty in every corner but it feels like a mansion.
I have been in their home and am amazed at their handiwork, their home lovingly renovated and designed by both. It was thoroughly inviting, comfortable, beautifully styled and classy. I see a great future for Jodi and her design business.
Here are some snapshots of her amazing talent.
Her niece's bedroom makeover.
Darryl and Jodi know how to throw a party.
Ehem, cough, cough.. I make a mean sangria Jodi!
Homemade drumsticks at said party.
Mmm...did I ever tell you Jodi, how much I love ice cream?
Their living room library nook area. Can you believe these are Billy bookcases from Ikea?
Her gorgeously layered and styled living room.
Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood?
Design has always been in my blood. In grade school, while others were loving Hamlet, I was designing my own floor plans for homes I would build one day. It was always about creating homes with layouts that really flowed well, although I probably wouldn’t have used that terminology back then in Grade 4/5. You could find me at home day after day drawing, drawing, drawing...
Before becoming a Mom, I worked as a bakery manager and stayed in that field for about 9 years. Pastries, wedding cakes, were my creativity in those days, but the one thing it really taught me is the value of someone else’s Money. I was in charge of thousands dollars of product that wasn’t my own I felt it was still very important to treat the inventory and to control it wisely. The lessons back 9 years ago has really enforced values in my business today. I help and guide my clients with a variety of ways to spend their money in the best possible way for them and their situation.
I know you didn’t start out as a designer but how did you come to embracing design full - time?
I didn’t start as a designer full time. I knew I wanted to start a design business eventually, so at first I started my design blog as a way to get my design voice out there. When something that comes naturally to you and you want to share it with others, getting it across in coherent words is another task to master. I let you know when I get there.
Darryl (my husband) and I both share the responsibility of raising our kids while one of us is working. So I guess I’m part time Mom and Part time a designer. My little Man will be entering Kindergarten this fall so as much as I will miss my little buddy, that will open more opportunities, and a more balanced schedule I’m hoping!
How would you describe your design style?
My design style is first of all classic, uncluttered, fresh, and a bit of modern, traditionalism and mid century all mixed in. I think over the past few years my style has changed drastically, and will always evolve over time as I change and my family changes.
How long have you had your blog? What made you decide to start writing a blog and what have you enjoyed the most about blogging?
I have had my blog for about a year and a half. Although most of the time I really don’t see myself as a really great blogger, unlike you Barb. Like I said above, I started writing to just get used to talking about Design in a different way. Up till I started blogging and trying to write, design was all inside of my head. Most of my design ideas still haven’t really been brought out of me, and it’s only through clients and for my own home design do they really come about in the best way!
I really have loved meeting our group of Individuals that are a part of our
Design & Lifestyle Blogger West Group. Eventually my family and friends do tire of talking about all things Design, but in our group we could go on forever. I have You Barb to thank. It was you that invited me to the first luncheon and ever since I’ve grown friendships. Even though we don’t all see each other very often, there is a real common bond that can’t be described.
I love people coming to my blog when I do write. It makes me feel like I’m just not writing to no one and a part of something big, but in a small way!
Where do you see your design business heading? Where do you it to be in say, in next 5 years?
It really is my desire to create a business that is grounded in my Mission phrase. Intentional Design = Intentional Living. Design for me always has to have Intentionality to go with it and Intentional Living will always follow. I really stand behind that. I believe that our homes are a gift, and being intentional about the money that we spend in our homes will always result in a great life.
In the future I see a team that works with/for me to provide home owners with outstanding and creative design. I also see working from the ground up (new builds) when it comes to projects. Building has been in my blood for 9 years now and it’s not going away anytime soon. This will take sometime to get there, but with hard work, PATIENCE... hopefully I will reach my Goal. If not, then at least I tried. Better to try, then to sit and watch the world go by.
Giving back to people is always important to me. I really want to create a successful design Business that is always available for projects in need. There are so many deserving opportunities out there, and if I can bring joy/help to someone with my talents then thats made my day. Designing helps put Food on the table for my kids, but my job is not only about making money.
What tips do you have for anyone thinking of taking that brave step to start their own design business?
Whether it’s a design business or really any business I would want them to know how much work is involved. Both of us work every night on something to grow our business and I we love it. The art of starting your own design business is by creating rooms from start to finish with all the elements in between. If you can show that in a photo portfolio then you’re on your way. Lastly be really patient with yourself. It all takes time, and I still have to tell myself that everyday.
If you could meet anyone or do anything who or what would it be?
I really would love to meet Tommy Smythe and Sarah Richardson. They are a dynamo pairing. They are the masters of working in high end and low end that’s for sure!
You and your husband, the talented photographer, Darryl Bueckert, make a great design team. Is it always smooth sailing? Who makes the design decisions in your home? Any tips for couples for work together?
While Darryl is indeed a really talented photographer, he has such a great design sense when it come to building as well. We’ve been doing major renovations in our home from tearing down walls, installing hardwood, building tables, to the outdoor kitchen that we installed about 3 years ago. We’ve really worked hard in our home together and we make a great team. What one lacks the other makes up for. Darryl is obviously the builder, and I provide the design ideas, while Darryl’s the one to tell me if something isn’t going to work structurally. Fortunately for us, we both Love Design the same amount and we rarely tire talking about it, although there are moments that Design takes a back seat for Darryl next to Photos. We make the decisions in the home together and Darryl speaks up when he feels he needs to.
Tips for couples who work together? I would say that to work under the same roof, or even in the same room you need to have patience with one another, and always RESPECT what the other person is trying to create or do. Darryl has been been my biggest fan when it comes to my Design business. He knows that it is a fuel that I need for my soul and he helps around the house (and with the kids) so much even though he is crazy Busy too! We also rely (and expect) on our kids to help around the house. This is their home too and they are responsible to keep it as orderly as one can among our crazy life. I always tell my kids that if they pick up after themselves and do their part, then that’s more moments that we can spend as a family instead of cleaning. Even though I love to clean!
I think life is also about Balance and that is something that we both still struggle with, so I let you know when I get there.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Hmmm free time? Well, with kids (7 year old and a four year old) + life + 2 home based businesses we don’t really have too much. If you were to peek into my life on the weekend you would us on the couch with a cup of Joe looking at books with our kids, you probably would find us working in our yard with the kids, trying to take up tennis at the moment, and starting the next “project” in our home that will eventually need completion. We love camping and hiking in the summer with our kids, and Sunday Movie night is always encouraged!
How do you manage to balance your life and blogging, or is that something you have yet to master?
I have yet to really master it. I doubt I ever will. Even though my blog is an extension of my business, I can’t let it hold guilt over me. I want so badly to be able to post 4 times a week, comment on everyones blogs, but with my life right now it’s just now feasible . That sounds like an excuse, but I’m first a Mom, Wife, and a designer for my clients. As soon as you feel guilt, then you know you’re not heading in the right direction.
What are your views on the role of Canadian design? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style, the way we design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us apart?
I think Canadian family Homes are really trying to bring Family together instead of apart. Lasting relationships, Great eating areas to accommodate Family Dinners, and so forth. It’s about great design that works and not just Great design. Great rooms to accommodate cooking, and dining, instead of shoving your family or guests into a separate dining room while you cook.
Thank you So Much Barb for including me in your Series!
Very Honored!
Jodi
Thanks Jodi. I am truly honoured to have met you! You and Darryl are an inspiration to me!
I am so looking forward to seeing you unveil your next project! As always you don't disappoint.
Hugs.
XO Barbara