Howdy! Hi! Heeeyyy there! It’s Cristy – the chic in the above photo and your new favorite interior designer (you’re welcome)! I thought I’d take a minute to two to help you get to know me – so here goes!
Personal Stuff
Okay, let’s get the juicy personal life stuff out of the way first. Sorry to disappoint – but I’m fairly basic. See for yourself:
Q: What has your path in life looked like?
A: I’m an upper Midwest, girl with a love of all things big city. I was born and raised in a small(ish) Wisconsin city, went to University of Minnesota for college (Go Gophers!), moved back to a different medium(ish) Wisconsin city – and have stayed there ever since! I still try to travel as often as I can to get my city fix though.
Q: Husband? Kids? Pets?
A: Yep, Yep, and Yep! My husband Scott and I married in 2005 and we have two amazing sons – Jackson and Cooper.
We also have an sweet, loving chocolate lab named Max, who is my shadow and everyone’s best bud!
Q: Personality type?
A: Multiple! Kidding no, but seriously – I do tend to be a bit of a chameleon in my personality. I have a strong business and professional background and know how to communicate and work well with a variety of different people in the “working world.” I’m pretty good at reading people and can adjust my work style to help facilitate good working relationships. On a personal side, I’m conversational, sarcastic, analytical, silly (I love a good laugh), and loyal. This all tends to come out as you get to know me more…which I highly suggest!
Q: So an extrovert then?
A: Not necessarily! I would say I’m an ambivert- which is in the middle (like many of us)! I like being social with people, but need my alone/down time to recharge too.
Work(ish) Stuff
Let’s get to know “Work Cristy,” shall we?
Q: What is your role at Trait Design
A: I’m the Owner and Principal Designer. As owner I handle finances, marketing, business development, and so on, and so on…and so on. As Principal Designer I lead the design aesthetic for the company as a whole, and manage client design projects from concept to completion.
Q: So you decorate spaces for people?
A: Yes…but there’s so much more! Trait Design does help clients with furnishings and decor (the decorating part, if you will), however we are primarily an interior architecture studio. We help clients through the design phases of new construction, whole home renovations, kitchen and bath renovations, basement completions, and other major project! We can even offer 3D renderings of a space if you need to get a visual of what it will look like!
Q: What is your favorite space to design?
A: I have a love affair with designing kitchens. I spend a lot of time in my kitchen, and I know the importance of making it both a functional and beautiful space to be in. I stay up to date on National Kitchen and Bath planning standards for functional purposes, and constantly strive to make each space I design fresh and unique for my clients.
Q: When is the best time to connect with you on a new build, remodel or other interior project?
A: Immediately when you decided you want to do a project! Of course we’ll always be here for you, at any phase of your project, to help you pick out the pretty stuff – we’re pretty darn good at that. But, if you are looking to take on one of the major projects I mentioned above – getting in touch with us first could be the key to helping your project start and continue on the right path.
We help our clients navigate through what can sometimes be a complicated and overwhelming process. It might be as simple as a review of a floor plan to ensure it will work best for current and future lifestyle needs, or as complex as developing a whole set of plans from scratch. Our new build or renovation pre-construction services allow our clients the freedom and flexibility to develop their home/space prior to selecting a contractor, so they’re able to seek out multiple bids and choose the builder or contractor that works best for them. We’re then available to stay on the project in a variety of capacities to help bring the vision and the space to reality!
Q: Okay, but in terms of the pretty stuff – what is your personal design style?
A: I don’t love to define my style in design terminology because I do love so many different elements of design – however, I generally gravitate toward a mix of contemporary and traditional design. Some may refer to this as transitional design – which often describes a style that meets in the middle. However, personally I do tend to lean a bit more contemporary with traditional elements there to ground the space. If all this is jibbity-jabber to you…here’s a visual to help:
Q: Do your clients have to have this type of style as well?
A: Absolutely NOT! Personal style is just that – personal. I work closely with each client to help capture their vision and make their wants and needs come to life in the most beautiful way possible.
Completely and Utterly Non-Important Fun Stuff
Enough boring work stuff, now for the fun stuff:
Q: Favorite TV Shows?
A: Guilty pleasure reality TV = Real Housewives – current favorites are New York & Beverly Hills; and Big Brother. Out of Production Series (mindless binge TV) : Veronica Mars; The Office, Seinfeld, Happy Endings
Other: Any murder mystery documentary or series along with a host of other random Netflix shows that might be capturing my attention at that moment (until I have to wait a year for the next season).
Q: Favorite place to travel to?
A: Anywhere and everywhere I can get to! Current top of the list favorite is Scottsdale and Sedona, AZ.
Q: Favorite wine or cocktail?
A: I pretty much rotate between three options – Sauvignon Blanc – from New Zealand only (I’m a snob, I know); Vodka, seltzer with lime; or my new poison- Blanco Tequila with seltzer and lime (hello, Casamigos my dear friend)!
Q: Favorite Season?
A: Summer (in Wisconsin).
Q: Favorite Foods?
A: Street Tacos with Chips and Guacamole. Yummmmmmy! I could probably eat Mexican food every night!
There you have it – a hard hitting exposé. If there’s anything else you are dying to know about me, drop me a note in the comments or in the contact form!
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