If you’re new to the blog, there’s really only one name you need to know when it comes to our home – Amelia Canham Eaton. For the past two years, we’ve worked closely with this phenomenal Chicago interior designer to completely redesign our home from top to bottom. Also, she’s a dear friend!
In fact, I’ve known Amelia for more than 15 years. True story! I used to meet up with her at events and for cocktails. Funny enough, I also used to pitch for her to feature some of our clients on her old site, The CHICago Life blog.
Over the past couple years, we’ve loved working with her to redesign every space in our home, from our kitchen to family room, living room to dining room, primary bedroom, powder room, and closet. Next up? Our home office and basement. Plus, we have to fix the water damage that took place this winter. We have a lot coming up!
Meet Amelia Canham Eaton
Amelia is one of the sweetest, kindest and most wonderful people you’ll get to know. She’s also very easygoing, but very attentive to your projects and needs. Over time, I’ve loved seeing her grow her brand, Amelia Canham Eaton Inc., into a thriving interior design and creative business. She’s also the co-founder of Shop Anecdote, the furniture, art, décor company and La Grange, Illinois-based showroom.
Today, I wanted to share a Q&A with her about some of her favorite interior design trends, details on her business and what’s next for Anecdote!
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My personal style is very layered and eclectic. A mix of modern and vintage, with lots of textures and patina incorporated.
How do you separate your personal style from those of your interior design clients?
When working on a client’s home I’m 100% focused on their desired aesthetic. It’s my job to create a space that will make them happy everyday and speak to their sense of style, and I have a lot of fun working with all different design styles. It keeps things fresh and interesting.
Your home is stunning! What’s your favorite room in your own home right now?
Thank you! Probably my living room. It gets great natural light and we all tend to gather in there.
How do you balance the two businesses and being a mom? I’m always amazed at how you seemingly do it with the utmost poise and grace!
That’s so kind. I have a lot of really great help around me. My husband and family are incredibly supportive, my design assistant, Anne, is always ready to go above and beyond, and we have a really great team at Anecdote.
What interior design trends do you expect to be popular in the years ahead? Any design trends you feel are tired and need to retire?
I think as we all become more environmentally conscious there will be continued enthusiasm around incorporating vintage furniture, along with more sustainably made pieces. As for trends to retire- I think the days of buying “furniture sets” are over. Especially when it comes to the bedroom.
What are three easy ways to elevate your home design right now?
- Plants
- Vintage Pieces
- Original Artwork
You’re an expert home stylist! What are a few quick tricks (you’ve taught me so many).
That’s so sweet. I always like to see a plant or flowers in every space. When creating vignettes I play with heights and tend to favor odd numbers. Also you can never have enough books around!
Tell me about Anecdote!
The idea for Anecdote came about over wine with friends. We decided to pull together our various areas of expertise and one thing quickly led to another until we were opening the shop and launching our ecommerce site. It’s been a really nice way to make some items that are generally only available through designers more easily shopible to the general public. You can visit our storefront in La Grange, or shop online at www.shopanecdote.com.
What’s in-store for Anecdote in the coming months?
We’ve always got great new pieces coming in, both online and in store. Look for new artists, great accessories, interesting furniture, and hopefully some fun events as it becomes safe to gather people together again.
Anything new for Amelia Canham Eaton Interiors?
I’m working on a few new builds that are multi-year projects, built from the ground up, as well as a number of renovations and great kitchen projects. We’re also hoping to photograph a number of completed projects from the past couple of years coming up. Things are busy- but very exciting!
I love how you explain “good, better, best” in home design. Will you explain it a bit more for readers?
Haha, I’m a realist and in most projects there comes a time when it’s important to be conscientious of the budget and we look for ways to value engineer. In those scenarios I’ll frequently present a “good, better, best”. The “best” will be the top of the line option, while the “good” and “better” are usually value engineered solutions aimed at achieving that top of the line look without blowing the budget.
Where should you never skimp on things in the home? In other words, when is “best” the only option?
Every home and project is so different, but in renovations I like to encourage splurging on timeless fixtures and materials. Oftentimes I think lighting and art are nice things to splurge on as they really enhance a home, but can also move through life with you. At the end of the day I like to see my clients splurge on the things that are most important to them, and I’m happy to help them pull everything together in support of that vision.
What’s your best advice for picking an interior designer?
Finding someone who will be respectful of your time, lifestyle, vision and budget. Also someone who comes with a great rolodex of sources and trades.
Lastly, how can clients make things easier/better for their interior designer?
I’ve been really fortunate to work with incredible clients over the past 8-9 years. I’m always appreciative when people are respectful of my time and ideas, and I always aim to do the same.
In Closing
Special thanks to Amelia for answering these questions! Lastly, be sure to checkout her website and follow her on social media! Also, you can support Shop Anecdote by shopping their website and visiting their store in La Grange.