Today’s featured designer and Haven Maven is a boss lady after my own heart. Meet Erica Bryen… she cranks RHCP in the office while designing, her son’s name is Jagger (best name ever) and she is the mastermind behind today’s home tour that knocks pattern out of the park. We’re layering our interview in with images captured by Ryan Garvin, all of which will be whispering in your ear, pin me. We of course, HAVE to begin with that chevron door right up there. Yasss. Let’s go!
What did you do before becoming an interior designer and what propelled Erica Bryen Design into motion?
Prior to opening my design firm, I was a buyer for a large furniture and design showroom. Interior design runs in my family and I always knew that I wanted to have my own design business.
How would you define your design style?
I would define it as clean and modern with pops of color and lots of texture. I love to be bold and try to design outside of the box.
What is your favorite part of the design process? The most challenging?
My favorite part of the process is the beginning of the design project. I love starting new projects and getting that initial rush. The most challenging part is when you have clients that aren’t able to visualize the outcome of the design and are hesitant to make bold choices.
Walk us through a typical day in the life of Erica Bryen Design…
Our days vary and never look the same. A “typical” day can include staff meetings, client meetings, on-site visits, spending time at furniture or tile showroom and creating design presentations for our clients.
Has Instagram helped to grow your business? Any tips for those trying to grow their social community?
It definitely has improved our social outreach by connecting us with existing and potential clients. We notice that the more we post and get our designs out there, the more business we get. One of my biggest tips would be consistency.
Anything new and exciting coming up for EBD? And where do you hope to be in five years?
We have a lot of fun and exciting projects that will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks. They are a little more avante garde and have pushed us creatively. In the next five years, I still see myself with my design business but also dipping into creating my own home décor line.
You can only live in one room of your house for an entire year. Which room would you choose and why?
I would stay in my Master Bedroom all day. It is so cozy and it fits my personality so well.
What is your best advice for someone who wants to break into the design world?
I would say that they first work for someone else and see if they like the industry. It’s not as easy as it seems and can be very challenging. It includes a lot of attention to detail and you must be organized.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Besides my son Jagger, I would say that my proudest accomplishment was my first magazine debut.
If you could go to lunch with any boss lady in the world, who would it be and why?
I would be honored to go to lunch with Kelly Wearstler. She’s not afraid to be herself in regards to her style and just go for it.
If you had to use only ONE paint color throughout a home, what would it be?
White
Current favorite book and/or podcast:
Doris Duke’s Shangri-La: A House in Paradise
3 favorite home decor shops:
Designers Resource Collection, Joanne Artman Gallery and Arteriors
Favorite beats usually playing in the studio:
We usually have Bruno Mars, Empire of the Sun and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Interior Design: Erica Bryen | Photography: Ryan Garvin | Builder: Gonterman Construction
*See a few more photos from this tour over on Erica’s website!
