Andrew Joseph: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
Emily Ruff: I love the homes in every Nancy Myers movie, but particularly in “Home Again“. The older home with an eclectic mix of styles and lots of pink accents is so joyful and comforting at the same time.
This bright office offers inspiring and uplifting energy, with tons of natural light to put you in the right mindset for working.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
ER: I am loving projects that include all the primary living areas of the house – kitchen, dining, living and powder bathroom. It really gives me an opportunity to transform the way my clients live their day-to-day lives which is such a privilege. Powder rooms are always areas we get to have some fun with color, wallpaper and a bold mirror. My dream client is someone who fully trusts me and loves my aesthetic so my natural style inclinations work well with what they want.
AJ: What are you most proud of?
ER: I am most proud of leaving my corporate career to do interior design full time and exceeding my corporate salary in my first full year of business. It was a scary leap, especially because I just had a baby at the time and the pandemic had just begun. I couldn’t be happier that I get to do what I love and also design the life and business I want at the same time. It’s challenging and stressful, but totally worth it.
This cozy living room touches on lots of tactile senses, with woven chairs and a plethora of pillows. A geometric-tiled fireplace ties in the pattern work throughout.
AJ: Style (or design) icon?
ER: Cortney Bishop is my design icon. Her spaces feel so casual and comfortable but each project is also so special. I love the way she mixes patterns and color to create dreamy homes that feel fun and ready to really be lived in.
AJ: What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
ER:
- A Well Designed Business: I’ve listened to LuAnn since the beginning and she interviews interior designers and industry partners like nobody else. She really gets into the details with them and somehow asks the questions I am thinking about as I’m listening. It is very inspirational to hear so many success stories and also get tips and ideas on how to run my business.
- Giggly Squad: See the response about my Summer House obsession! This podcast is by Paige Desorbo and Hannah Berner and they are best friends who are hilarious. The topics are all over the place, but they always throw in some pop culture and celebrity gossip. I find myself laughing out loud while listening to this in the car.
- Deux U: If you’re not following the anonymous Instagram @deuxmoi go do it right now! I love celebrity pop culture and gossip and the information she gets is always surprising. So much of what she posts comes out as true later on. The podcast talks about all the information she doesn’t post on Instagram so it is very interesting to hear.
White shiplap walls and white marble countertop contrast with the gray stone shower and deep green-gray paint for the cabinetry. The cork-style mirror plays with the brass hardware and elevates this serene bathroom space.
AJ: Has there been a shift in what clients are requesting since COVID?
ER: The biggest change is clients wanting two offices in their homes. Home offices before tended to be spaces that were rarely used and now they are essential. I have several projects where we are doing two offices in the home because clients don’t see work from home ever fully going away. I’ve also gotten more requests for workout rooms. One of my long-time clients decided to convert their garage to a gym with a laundry room in the back. It turned out so great and really feels like it is part of the house and not a garage!
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