What is the meaning behind the name of your blog?
Half minimal means that as much as I adore minimal aesthetics I will never fully commit to them. There always will be a part of me that enjoys vibrant, abstract modern paintings and/or a pop of color here and there at our house. The secret meaning is also that we are halfway done with the remodel.
How do you find time for blogging?
Finding time gets tricky with 2 kids and a full time job. I usually manage to write a post somewhere between: taking the train from the city where I work to the suburbia where I live, picking up the kids from school, making dinner, cleaning up, bathing the kids and putting them them to bed, taking a shower shower – as you can see I have plenty of time to blog – NOT. Ha. Usually at night, when its a dedicated ME time I find an hour or so to either edit photos or put some thoughts together for a post
Why did you decided to start blogging?
I have tossed the idea of starting a blog few times already. It seems that each time I got discouraged due to lack of time. There were always more important things I needed to take care of, so each time I gave up. Well I made a deal with myself that 2020 will be the year when I do more things for me. Not for the kids, not for the family – but me. We shall see how that goes. Bottom line is that I love remodeling, I enjoy DIY projects , scrolling through Pinterest looking for inspiration and documenting the progress. That’s what makes me happy – so I will do more of that and share with you!
Do you do project yourself?
I’m a huge fan of DIY project – I even requested a table saw for Mother’s Day (and I got it – Thanks babe)! I’ve done most of the remodel work at our house myself, including but not limited to: climbing wall for the kids, refinishing kitchen cabinets, remodeling and re-organizing built in closets at our home. Now with little baby is not as easy to find time for DIY, but we do have a big project coming up at home so will definitely put my skills to work.
Did you go to school for design?
I did, but I did not graduate with a design degree. I’ve studied architecture and structural engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. Working full time and studying double major turned out to be impossible. I did however went back to school and earn my BA at DePaul University, majoring in Project Management. Also, I’m a self taught Photoshop beginner, with a long way ahead of me.
What is your favorite room in your house?
Without any doubt it is the Master Bathroom.Why you ask? Its because i have designed it and overlooked the construction start to finish. Its functional, beautifully designed and executed. It’s been a year since we finished it and I couldn’t be happier.
How do you start your design process?
I usually have a good idea of what I want to accomplish, but let me tell you getting from the concept to execution is a long and bumpy road for me. I will be the first one to admit that I’m very indecisive and very, very picky. Finding things that I like and/or can afford is balancing on the verge or impossible. Once I overcome ME, then its Pinterest (ideas) / Photoshop (Mood Board) / Autocad (plans). Then the fun part begins – getting the crew! I’m the one who does bid walks and selects contractors and let me tell you – their faces. But falls more under execution of the design.