At Home in Arkansas: What are your 3 must have items for the new year?
Andrea Brooks: 1) Lafco scented candles – favorite scent is Penthouse Champagne – described as clean and sparkling; with notes of ginger, grapefruit, lemon, and raspberry. Once I’ve burned the whole candle, I save the gorgeous glass holder and use as a vase. Available at MertinsDykeHome. 2) Design books – Instantly add color, texture and a sense of chic to your coffee table. My faves of the moment are Designers At Home by Ronda Rice Carman, The Big Book of Chic by Miles Redd and I’m loving my signed copy of Alexa Hampton’s new book, Decorating in Detail, from her recent Little Rock book signing at Bear-Hill Interiors 3) My Whitney English “The Day Designer” planner. It not only keeps me on a tight schedule, but focuses on my dreams and goals for the year with work and family. It just makes planning more fun and dreaming a priority! Available on Etsy.
AHIA: What is your favorite paint color at the moment?
Andrea Brooks: I love a dark, moody wall – wonderful in a bedroom or cozy den or library. My favorite of the moment is Sherwin-Williams Gauntlet Gray.
AHIA: What is the last thing you purchased for a client? Andrea Brooks: I am having a bit of a lavender moment. On a shopping trip to Dallas I found a freshly-lacquered vintage desk in lavender with lovely brass accents. It can function as a console table or desk. Beautiful and functional? Hello, what’s not to love? I also picked up a little something for moi! A set of one-of-a-kind Ming dining chairs. I’m having them lacquered in a creamy white and adding a cotton velvet leopard print. Can’t wait for delivery next week! I’ll post the transformation pictures on Facebook and Instagram!
AHIA: Is there a design trend or product you are dying to try or purchase for a client in 2014?
Andrea Brooks: Quartzite countertops are really gaining in popularity. It is a natural stone and available in gorgeous whites, creams and grays that give you the look and feel of marble but without the maintenance. I am installing them in a kitchen project this Spring and can’t wait to see the finished space!
AHIA: What is one design secret you can share with our readers?
Andrea Brooks: As a huge proponent of original art in my clients’ homes, I have to be armed with the right hardware for hanging. I love using OOK drywall hangers. They come in different weights and barely make a pin hole in your drywall. Available at Home Depot and Lowe’s. Once they are hung and level, I also like to keep pictures in place, especially a gallery type arrangement, by using reusable poster tack on the back of the frame’s bottom corners. Thanks, Andrea! Andrea Brooks is the owner and interior designer behind Andrea Brooks Interiors. Find Andrea Brooks Interiors online and follow along on facebook and instagram for design inspiration, projects and behind-the-scenes photos.
{Stayed tuned! We’ll be sharing more fun interviews from Arkansas designers in the coming weeks.}
