As an interior design service, Havenly creates designs in a wide variety of aesthetics for our clients’ rooms across the United States. Design is a creative process—and we also seek inspiration from talented designers from the traditional interiors space. Today, we had the opportunity to sit down with Mary Jo Bochner of Bochner Design to discuss her incredible eye for interiors and affordable décor. Mary Jo’s portfolio is nothing short of exceptional, which explains why her designs have received praise in House Beautiful, Savannah Homes, and The Scout Guide, along with rave reviews from her Southern-based clients.
[Image via Richard Leo Johnson]
Tell us about yourself! State your name, business, and where you earned your degree in interior design:
My name is Mary Jo Bochner of Bochner Design. I earned my degree at California College of the Arts.
What inspired you to become an interior designer?
I believe it was my mother who originally inspired me. From a very young age she introduced me to seeing the world with a discerning, yet critical view. I share her love for picking up leaves and examining trees and plants. She has incredible style and has always encouraged me to love nature and interiors. They blend together so nicely, don’t you think?
What are three words that describe your sense of style?
Layered, relatable, and fresh.
What is your favorite space in your home and why?
My favorite space is my front porch. I’m so fortunate to live in a 100 year old, Dutch Colonial home that has a massive wrap-around porch overlooking a beautiful park. I have designed four unique areas to enjoy conversation or simply to kick back on the swing and take a nap. It’s truly an amazing space.
What is your favorite home decor store to shop at? What makes it unique?
Sue Fisher King in San Francisco is my all-time favorite décor store. It’s almost a guilty pleasure when I sneak away from my family during our yearly vacation to San Francisco to study her store. I go once a year and it’s alway a thrill. The owner travels the world and somehow curates a magical collection of special items for the home. The service is flawless and the items are displayed in such a unique and honest way. Inevitably, I walk away with a treasure.
What do you love most about being an interior designer?
Often people have two different looks that they are straddling. Typically polar opposites, such as Mid Century Modern and Farm House Traditional. The first thing I do is start moving around their furniture and accessories to find their inner design voice. That voice starts out as a whisper, but once it starts speaking clearly, we add to what the client already owns, and their new look is born. Generally most rooms become layered with a soft recognition or nod to both themes. I enjoy that “ah-ha” moment. It brings me great satisfaction to see my clients enjoying the process of creating new spaces that reflect their own lifestyle. I love my job!
Tell us a success story where you saved your client money and how you did it.
So many times my clients are excited about spending, but I always put the brakes on until their furniture is put into a striking pose. There are places where spending matters, but most of the time you can get the look without breaking the bank. Recently I had a client who wanted to build a traditional island for her kitchen. However, I scoured the earth and procured an important mid 1800s draper table with perfectly proportioned turn style legs. It was the perfect match for my client’s kitchen, and at a fraction of the cost of a custom island. It became the focal point of the entire project. In fact, the kitchen was such a big hit that we later went on to complete the entire house.
What is your best design tip for anyone who is decorating on a budget?
I always believe that one should focus less on wall color and buying, and more on the arrangement of what is already in your home. You are better off hiring a designer for a couple of hours to consult on color choices, and furniture placement. Using what you have and making purchases judiciously, will in the long run, save you money. Don’t buy anything unless you know exactly where it’s going to be placed. And taking an item home “on approval” is smart if you are unsure of whether it will work in your space. I highly recommend IKEA and World Market, and even antique malls. IKEA and World Market are much better than most people think. They use clean lines, and their style is accessible and fantastic for anyone on a budget. And you never know what kind of singular treasure you might find in antique stores. Also, slipcovering your old furniture makes it seem brand new.
Havenly offers affordable design, all online. What are your thoughts on our service and on virtual interior design in general?
Regardless of ones financial stature, everyone, at one point or another, can use some interior design assistance. People are busy with their jobs and life, how amazing that they can have a room designed and completely installed for a flat fee, in six weeks! In this fast paced, electronically connected world, it’s great that Havenly has made it possible for everyone to enjoy interior design.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring designers?
Be yourself and don’t be afraid to take careful, well-calculated risks. I am constantly learning from everyone; my children, husband, friends, sisters, the handyman…everyone! Listen, and then proceed with what you feel is right. Sometimes you figure out what you don’t want. The answer always lies within. Look as much as possible at everything you can get your hands on. It’s amazing how much information is out there to educate yourself. Look at Pinterest, it’s a wealth of amazing information. The first thing I do with a new client is to establish a page on Pinterest.We both pin photos of how we feel the project should proceed. I get a sense of their style and how to guide them. It’s a very useful tool. There are many interesting ways to arrange your furniture, so look at the photos on Pinterest and mirror how it’s done. Surround yourself with other designers that believe in you and who nurture your creative talents. Enjoy your job! We are the lucky few who have been given the gift for educating others on how to live a life filled with beauty.
Thank you for the inspiration, Bochner Design! We loved getting to know more about you and your thriving interior design business.
Happy decorating,
Mara