Choosing a name for her blog was an easy task for Chris. "I’m a wife, a mom, a professional, a student, a friend, and on and on and on. Essentially, however, I’m just a girl who loves to create, decorate, and inspire-ate." In her blog, Chris shares stories and adventures from her day to day life along with beautiful photos and tips from her charming home and her decorating projects. Reading her posts is a real joy as chris is a sweet and smart women with a great sense of humor.
We are delighted to introduce you today to Chris and her wonderful blog Just a Girl.


Please tell us about your "first meeting" with your house to be

We actually built this house 6 years ago, so I was able to make every decision from scratch. However, I've known since 1991 what my house was going to look like. I went to see Father of the Bride, and I fell in love. I knew from that moment that I would someday have that house--or something like it!

The biggest renovation challenge you faced

Since we built our house, I will say that my biggest challenge was not knowing what I really wanted in a house. I skipped out on a lot of wood detail and trimwork in the house that I wish I would have implemented at the time. Now, I've taken on the task myself. It's definitely a learning experience, but I sure wish I would have done it years ago!

Your favorite style and colors

If anyone reads my blog regularly, they know that I am a lover of neutrals. Oh sure, I like splashes of color here and there, but to paint a room red or orange would cause me great emotional distress. I love calming colors like creams, whites, and tans to be anchored with some black and rich wood tones. I would much rather decorate with texture than with color. I really don't think there's a term to describe my decorating style. I love bits and pieces of everything! Too much of any one style tends to narrow down my choices, so I consider myself a "diversified decorator". Yes, I made that up.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy

My mudroom--with all its snowy boots, sopping wet coats, and school papers to be signed--brings me the most joy. I love a space that is meant to be functional, yet is so stylish. We had cabinets built in the spring, and it's the best decision I've ever forced my husband to make.

Your precious accessory/furniture/art

My grandparents just gave us their entire dining room set. I'm refinishing every piece and placing them in various rooms, and it's been a ton of work. However, I just finished one of the dining chairs, and as soon as I sat in it, memories of a lifetime of Christmas Eve dinners came pouring back. I love that I've been able to integrate their furniture (and memories) into my home.

Your next house project

It might be easier to say what isn't next. I'm working to re-finish 6 dining room chairs from my grandparents. I'm also in the middle of painting and redecorating my guest bedroom. With any luck, Santa will bring me a finish nailer so I can start in on some much needed trimwork throughout the house.

5 things that houzz readers need to know about you and your blog

1. I try my very best to inspire people with ideas from either myself or from others.
2. I try to do it with a sense of humor.
3. Readers of my blog will never be under the delusion that I am a professional decorator. They will know that I have successes and failures when it comes to decorating.
4. My blog isn't just about projects and design. It's about life and how we, as women, do our very best to get through it.
5. I generally sacrifice a major household chore in order to blog. :)

Best tip for the remodeling beginner

My best piece of advice is not to be afraid. Whatever the project is, jump in head first. Of course things won't always go as planned, but that's the beauty of it. I feel compelled to add a second...develop a very good relationship with your paint specialist. He/she could very well save your life someday.

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, chris has chosen a Pottery Barn giveaway gift card to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about her house and interview.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Chris!

For your chance to win a $50 Pottery Barn gift card, comment on this interview by Sunday, December 27, at 5pm EST.