This is a guest post from Kelly Westover of balance., and Westover Designs. Kelly is also the first person to request a private commission print from me. I was really drawn to the story of her inspiration and asked her to share it here with you all:
Not too long ago I gave birth to the most adorable baby boy on the planet. Okay, I might be a little biased, but look at those eyes!
He has been a source of inspiration and motivation that nothing on earth could have prepared me for. I wake up in the morning and stare into his face and nothing can possibly get me down or shake my core. He builds me up with just a smile, a look, a wave. Seeing his growth and progress brings more joy to my life than anything. The growth of our little family has been a beautiful adjustment-in-the-making that inspires my hubs and I to ‘get out’ and ‘do more’. We take the time to go to the park more often, and when his development proves to be at certain point we take him to explore new and exciting things, like the aquarium.
A month or so ago we took a weekend trip down to Cambria and San Simeon to visit Hearst Castle. I’m not going to lie, this trip was mostly for me. I love architecture and exploring old homes and museums. Textures, scents, textiles, finishes… are all guilty pleasures of mine. I would gladly sit in a room full of fluffy pillows and the smell of fresh fruit or candles for days. (As long as there’s some food in there too, I LOVE food). I even love the smell of old. Old paper, old carpet, old linens… Hearst castle was all of these things, plus salt water. Gently hugging the coast line with poise and tranquility sits a mammoth of a castle that easily rivals those in Europe. Which is fitting given that W.R. Hearst, the owner, was mostly inspired by what he saw, smelled and lived in Europe.
This trip was a massive source of inspiration for me, one to rival the inspiration source of my son. It must have been the salt water that really boosted the appeal of the area, because it certainly wasn’t the shopping or the lack of city life. (Although the food was excellent so I can’t discredit that!) But the salt water, the sound of the sea lapping against the rocks, the feel of the sand between my toes was exactly what my designer soul needed at that moment. Funny how when you desperately need something the planets graciously align ever so perfectly to give it to you, if you’re paying attention that is.
My planets were in alignment and my soul was filled by this visit to Cambria and San Simeon. I felt so inspired by the trip that I shook off the design funk I’d been in and started fresh with a remodel of my main inspiration source’s room (my son’s room). I went with a beach theme mixed with a few other design aspects that I’d had my eye on for awhile. Peacock blue, stark white picture shelves, roman shades… but it needed a little something else. Which is when I turned to Dave’s genius. I contacted him on Etsy and asked for a custom piece that was themed and inspired by my ocean trip and my son. I sent him a handful of photos and the mental picture of a relaxing coastal family vacation. What I received in return is the memory of a beautiful design awakening and a tribute so beautiful it takes my breath away every time I look at it.
Finding your source of inspiration can be a pain in the you know what, but when you do find it, hold onto it for dear life and cherish every moment of amazing that it gives you. Just like a good bottle of wine, a good source of inspiration is worth the wait.
What’s inspiring you today?
Thank you Dave for the opportunity to guest post! As a token of my gratitude, and because Dave is freaking awesome, I’m offering a 10% discount to my Etsy shop. Click on over and use code GOTEAM10 to take advantage.
*This sale will be valid until March 11th.
