I work with a lot of designers in my field. Before I began building relationships with designers I heard tons of horror stories about designers relationships with painters. Tales of mis-communication, furious tempers, colors off minutely and problems never fixed. This did leave me partially worried when reaching out to designers, but being a firm believer in letting the universe know what your looking for, so it can provide for you…I did just this… and one of the gems that I got in my wishing well has been such a gift, that I feel obligated to share such a talented soul with all of you. 
Her name is Erica Cooper, owner and designer for Your Style reDesigned. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing her vision first hand on many occasions. She is spunky, artful, and delightful. She has a keen eye for even the slightest of details, and calculates each and every more of her wonder rooms for her wide variety of clients and there homes.
*Erica, I have had the pleasure of working with you and have seen first hand the beauty and warmth that you create for your clients. But for those people out there who may not know about your Interior Design company Your Style ReDesigned, how can you best explain your services?*
I design spaces for real-life. Whether the homeowner needs a paint consultation, some window coverings, or a complete design plan- my services are designed to make life easier for my clients. I believe in starting with functionality first and then creating great design around that, because it doesn’t matter how pretty a room is… if it doesn’t work with your day-to-day life. I believe in celebrating home, embracing the daily, and living creatively.
*So do you have a particular style or does it vary from client to client?*
It’s all about my client’s style. I always start with my client’s belongings to springboard the design process, so it’s never about me or what I like… I can’t have a “signature style” if it’s all about them! I take my client’s wishes and desires for their room and make them happen within their budget, style, and time frame.
*I know how absolutely sweet and easy going you are from working with you in the past. I’m wondering what other traits a client can expect after calling you to potentially use your services?*
It’s all about the details. Making sure that they understand the process and all of the elements involved. I want to make sure I understand my client’s needs, so I do a very detailed interview, including planning a budget for the project. I like to make sure even the small details are taken care of… such as washing the sheets when making the bed; designating a space for the kid’s backpacks when they come in the door; or wallpapering the front closet for a wonderful surprise when they put a guest’s coat away. Most of my work comes from referrals and repeat clients… once I have provided that personalized service, they keep coming back!
*I have been fortunate enough to get ideas and be inspired by the designers that I work with, I’m wondering what would be some of the other reasons that someone would use a Interior Designer? What are the benefits? and what type of costs can a client expect to pay?*
Most of my client’s testimonials tell me that they are thrilled to have someone else do the legwork, find the merchandise, use the space in ways they would have never thought of, and narrow down the unlimited choices for them. I believe it is a stress-reliever to have someone who takes care of the details for them. I don’t cut my own hair, diagnosis my own car problems, or repair my computer…. I hire professionals to do what they do best. So I offer the same service to my clients.
Costs can vary quite a bit when working with a designer, traditional interior designers can range from $95-300 per hour. My services are arranged in several layers to allow my clients to choose what services they do need. If they are looking for a DIY Consultation to get a project started, a single window covering, or a complete design project, I can accommodate their needs. My hourly rate is $85 per hour for most projects. Consultations start at $150 and Redesigns can start as low as $350.
I have had the pleasure of working with you in Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and Minneapolis, where else can we find you designing away?*
I have worked in homes, offices, condos, and businesses all around the Twin City metropolitan area, throughout the greater state of MN, and across the U.S. I have even been privileged to travel to a client’s home in the Caribbean. I have also worked on several relocation projects where the homeowner is moving from one state to another.
What is the one thing that every home needs in your professional opinion?*
Personal items that bring us joy and remind us of special moments and people in our lives. Our homes are so much more than “stuff”, we need to be comforted, rejuvenated, and reminded of what really matters at the end of the day. I once read an article about a designer who said he never used family photos in a living room; he insisted that wasn’t the place for them. I couldn’t believe it! Why wouldn’t we use photos of our loved ones or special moments in our living spaces?
*When we were in Bloomington your clients chose the most unusual light fixture for there dining room, can you share with us a little about the piece and where it came from?*
The piece was a large chandelier that was covered in a form-fitting translucent paper and it resembled a large white seashell. When lit at night, it just glowed. It was brought with them from their home in Houston, TX. The homeowner had loved living in the Caribbean for many years and her home in Houston reflected that. Since she loved it, we incorporated it into her new home in Minnesota. It was her way of remembering where her heart was. 
*What are some of the other unusual things that you have had to use in one of your designs and were they hard to design around?
I have used a variety of things that have belonged to the homeowner and have not necessarily been a design element, but needed to be incorporated into the design. If it’s important to them, then we do our best to include it. Sometimes, it surprises us all by making a really fun contribution to the design overall. I have used a variety of antiques, including crib slats or industrial pieces; I have designed with family heirlooms and unique pieces that one of the children has created. It always works out and makes a special statement for that family.
Whats next for Your Style ReDesigned?
I am always thinking. I have always have an idea…or ten…floating around waiting to come to fruition. I love making my client’s lives easier, so most of my services are needs I see need to be met in my client’s homes. I have expanded my Relocation Services by starting to market for them separately. I have had a huge response to my Turn-key Relocation Service that reduces the stress factor for my clients during that stressful moving time.
In response to keeping my clients updated on all things home… I have added a blog and send out my newsletter more frequently. I relocated my office to allow for even more space to take care of all the details and have expanded my team to make sure I that can make it all happen on a daily basis. I am currently creating a few new programs that I hope to have out and ready to go in the next couple of months. It is an exciting time!
and finally, what are four things that you just cannot live without?
Besides my husband, two teenagers and our dog…
1. Travel… it inspires me and lets me see the world with new eyes.
2. The written word… from a good novel, to a décor magazine, to my bible. I am never far without one of them… food for my soul.
3. My ultra comfy bed… layered with duvets and pillows… the perfect place to read or snooze, a comfort that I couldn’t do without.
4. My hot water on tap… along with really some dark chocolate… there is nothing a good cup of hot tea can’t fix!
Erica you are positively a gem to the design world. Thanks so much for taking the time to interview with me, for all the fun projects, and more importantly for so very much inspiration! I’m sure we will be seeing each other soon!
For more info on the very talented Erica Cooper, Please visit her at any of her following websites or blogs:
Your Style reDesigned, Inc
www.yourstyleredesigned.com
763-441-6950
erica@yourstyleredesigned.com
Read Full Post »
Como se llama? Join us for bilingual yoga on Sat. 9:30-10:30 am.
see whats truly accepted and sticking in color trends, versus what may just be a fad. We were shown photos of futuristic looking suzikis with crimson hues and eco-friendly jeeps. Another “trend” mentioned as pulled from these inspirational vehicles are HIGH GLOSS finishes in bold solid colors.
Ecoluxe designer Linda Laudermilk was mentioned for her organic looking soft tones and innovation making all her garmets from eco fibers. View 
ulled from eco-friendly businesses and home owners for color influence from Brazil.
Steph is one of my most treasured clients. The reasons for this are endless…her great sense of style, keen eye for color, willingness to look beyond a project and take it to a whole other level. This is the client that when faced with a most ugly old metal heating and plumbing exposed pipe system in her front entry…smiled with excitement when I suggested we paint everything in a silver metallic in order to work beautifully with her clean white trim, slate floors, and organic tweed style wallpaper. Here you can see for yourself below on the right!
K Rau
LULu wanderlust 
