Meet the Blogger: Here In This House with Elise & Mae (Part 3)

We've learned a ton about Elise Marshall Jones and Mae Hacking, co-founders of design blog HereInThisHouse. Part of the DDB's Bloggers Lounge during Fall Market, this design duo is two of the several bloggers participating. Read on to learn even more about what they're each excited about at Fall Market 2011.

GDG: Were there any trends this summer that you especially loved—or didn't?

EM: This summer I have fallen in love with the global influence on fabrics that have added so much texture and flair to pillows and chairs! I also am a huge fan of vintage look used as a focal point and I fell hard for the vintage book covers in monotone colors.

One trend I really didn’t jump onto the bandwagon of was the Pantone color of the year: Honeysuckle. I think having two small girls has given me a case of pink overload and I have tried to contain it to their areas of our home and their wardrobe!

MH: I must admit that I am still a bit wary about this revival of the brass finish, perhaps because I have too many bad memories of it from my childhood! I have seen a few pieces that are beginning to convert me but I’m looking forward to seeing more great examples of how brass can be modernized and feel fresh and new.

GDG: What are you looking forward to seeing during the DDB's Fall Market?

MH: That's a very tough call! If I had to pick a favorite, I'd have to say that I'm particularly excited to see the fabrics and floor and wall coverings. More specifically, I'm excited to see what's new at Osborne & Little and Clarence House. I'm a lover of color, graphic patterns and reinterpretations of classic concepts so I'm sure there will be much to catch my eye!

EM: I really look forward to visiting Kravet; it was such a special treat to get to visit their design studio back in the spring and I can’t wait to see the fulfillment of some of the sneak peeks we had. I’ve also been in love with the unusual chair shapes that have been popping up lately; so I’ll be on the lookout for more, as well as traditional pieces that are used in unusual and multi-functional ways for small-scale living. New, beautiful fabrics and wallcoverings are always great to see too!

Check back with GoDesignGo to meet more of the DDB's Bloggers Lounge roster.

Meet the Blogger: Here In This House with Elise & Mae (Part 2 of 3)

Yesterday, we introduced you to Elise Marshall Jones and Mae Hacking, co-founders of design blog HereInThisHouse.  This design duo is two of the several bloggers participating in the DDB's Bloggers Lounge during Fall Market. We chatted with Elise and Mae to learn more about their personal style and interests.

GDG: What are a few fundamental elements to the style of your space?

EM: I come from the South (Natchez, MS) and I have many beautiful antiques and collectibles from my family. While many are not my style of choice, I try to figure out ways to incorporate them into my design aesthetic in order to give homage to my family’s heritage and lessen my environmental footprint by reusing these items. My design style of choice is contemporary: clean lines and clever use of everyday objects is crucial to decorating my home!

MH: When I'm considering my own home, I try to keep a balance between the new, the old and the repurposed. To minimize creating waste, I prefer to creatively reuse pieces that have outlived their original purpose. I absolutely adore pieces with history and a sense of story, such as my collection of heirloom antiques and paintings. They are true workhorses in creating that personal and unique touch in any space. When I do buy something new, I do my best to pick up pieces of the highest quality to be used for the long term and not something disposable.

GDG: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

MH: I enjoy a bit of needlework when time permits. I have family in England and force them to go to the local embroidery shop so I can pick up a new project. There is something peaceful and contemplative about stitching and I always feel productive creating something of beauty with my own hands. One day, I'd love to use favorite textiles as inspiration to create my own patterns!

I also have an intense passion for photography, particularly, as I say, for non-moving objects. Interiors and travel photography (even to such exotic locales as a local farm) are my greatest strengths. I have recently acquired two vintage (film) cameras and am wondering how I'm going to handle waiting three days for the film to be developed so I can see my images!

EM: I love old houses with character. Growing up in antebellum Natchez, MS, gave me an appreciation for beautifully kept homes and gardens. You’ll never find me in a new construction home; it just goes against my upbringing! I’m also a Francophile; growing up, my mom taught me French and I was determined to know as much about the culture as possible. Fast forward 20 years later and I married a French man!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to learn what Elise and Mae are most looking forward to at the DDB’s Fall Market.

Meet the Blogger: Here In This House with Elise & Mae (Part 1 of 3)

The DDB's Fall Market 2011 is weeks away and we're thrilled to be sharing the Bloggers Lounge roster. Co-sponsored by GoDesignGo and Editor at Large, the lounge will welcome 15 bloggers who will be covering market events throughout the week.

Today we want you to meet the duo behind Here In This House, Elise Marshall Jones and Mae Hacking. The design blog is known as a place "where design meets reality," focusing on the creative and artistic pursuits the two ladies bring to their own houses.

Elise, a wife and mom of two girls, also serves as the social media director for the mom-community, babybites. She performs in theater, cooks and travels as well as serves on her local public arts council and community theater board.

"My favorite thing about Here In This House is the writing and discovery of new products, people and places," said Elise. "I love to take pictures and to have a post inspire others to do something. The blog also helps me have a concrete and accountable place to chronicle my home renovations and design."

"I feel like I have to keep going in order to have great content and to stay true to the blog’s tagline: 'Where design meets reality,'" said Elise. "Here In This House has also made me appreciate how many great products there are out there as well as discover the unique stories behind them!"

Mae is a design and fashion enthusiast and a retail strategist specializing in creating new businesses and developing brand strategies for iconic American brands. She currently resides in the greater New York City area with her husband and two children.

"Most of all, I so enjoy meeting and engaging with other people who share a passion for design," Mae said. "On our blog, through social media and in person, I welcome every opportunity to share with and learn from people in all areas of the industry. I also love getting out into the marketplace, seeing first hand what the latest developments and trends are and talking with those who are responsible for these creations!"

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to learn more about Elise and Mae and what they are each excited for at the DDB’s Fall Market.