*gt interview: aphrochic

Name: Jeanine Hays
Url: aphrochic.blogspot.com
Years Blogging: 2 years
City: San Fransico, CA

With the stupefying amount of home decor blogs one wonders why there are so few from the perspective of women of color. Thankfully there’s Jeanine Hayes; a pioneer on the home decor blogging front. On to the interview….

Jeanine. In a nutshell could you share with Get Togetha readers what AphroChic is and the hows and why you got started?

I started AphroChic because I have a love for modern interiors and wanted to connect with others who shared my interests.  When I started AphroChic I saw a gap in the world of interior design blogs.  While there were many fantastic blogs out there, many did not discuss culture or ethnic style and almost none had regular features by people of color.  I wanted AphroChic to be a place where many people from different cultural backgrounds could have their voices heard in the world of interior design.  AphroChic fills a unique gap by blending modern and traditional style, and focuses on the integration of ethnic textiles and décor into the modern home – what I refer to as “modern, soulful style.”  The blog is an attempt to push people beyond fads, and to show that the modern home can and should reflect one’s own personal style.  

Who or What is your inspiration? What would you say are some of your passions?
Design is my passion.  I absolutely love finding that thing-that one thing that no one else has seen before, and sharing it with friends, family, and of course my AphroChic audience.  I love helping people make a space their own.  The look on someone’s face when they’ve found that perfect piece is something I live for.  I am inspired by so many things – but lately I find myself looking at the work of other designers.  Ilse Crawford is a real inspiration.  The way she creates spaces that tell a story is truly a gift.

What advice would you have for someone who is just beginning to decorate? 
Take your time.  Decorating your home takes time and patience.  It shouldn’t all be done in a day, a week, a month, or even a year.  Fill your home with what you love.  Collect items from your travels and family heirlooms, and layer them within your modern interior.  And then, after you think it’s all complete – edit, edit, edit.  Keep what you absolutely love, and save some items that can be changed seasonally and throughout the year.  Your home is a living space that will change over time.  Enjoy it.

Describe your home decor style.
It truly is modern, soulful style. At home I mix modern, traditional and cultural accessories.

Most Cherised home item…
My Philippe Starck Ghost Chair. It’s like my baby.

Never caught dead buying…
Bed in a Bag Sets and anything matchy matchy. Your home should be a creative individualized space.

Favorite Shops...
ABC Carpet & Home, Anthropologie, CB2, JCrew, Urban Outfitters, and West Elm. I also love intimate neighborhood boutiques.

I splurge on…
Modern Classics! The Saarinen Womb Chair is my current obsession.

Favorite reads…
Hoping that Domino Mag finds a way to come back in print (but I devour back issues), Living Etc, and Elle Decor UK. 

What is your ultimate lifestyle? City Living, A farm, Suburbia, Or your own island?
I love city living, but still have a dream of owning a farm one day.  A suburban girl, I can appreciate both city and rural life.  My ultimate lifestyle would be living in New York in a brownstone in Brooklyn.  A place with architectural detail and lots of space.  And then on the weekends, I would go up to my farmhouse, somewhere in upstate New York.  I would love the quiet and wide open spaces.  It would be the perfect place to write.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My husband is always encouraging me to relax.  It’s hard sometimes because I’m a type A personality, which means that I always need to be in control, and I’m always moving to the next thing.  But there is something fantastic about relaxation.  You actually enjoy the moment you’re in.  I’m finally starting to get it, and just enjoy the moment.

Share something that people would be surprised to know about you?
What most people in the blogging world don’t know is that blogging is not my full time job.  I actually have a J.D. and work for a non-profit organization in San Francisco.  But I love that people in the blog world only know the design side of me.  I think it reflects my true self.

If you could have anyone over alive or dead for dinner who would it be and what would you serve?
Pablo Neruda, Thomas Paul and Oprah.  They all have had a major influence on my life.  And of course, I would serve my famous barbecue chicken.  It’s a favorite at get togethers!

Posted by gt on May 5, 2009

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