Linda McDonald of Restyled Home joins us today for as the next creative entrepreneur in our Interview Series.  As a design business owner and creative blogger, please welcome Linda as we find out more about her, what she is passionate about and how that translates to her work and home life.

Congratulations Linda!  You were chosen to work with an amazingly creative team on the premiere issue of Flea Market Style, which hit newsstands mid-February 2010. (Team included: Editor Matthew Mead (of Country Home & Matthew Mead Style) and Ki Nassauer (author of Junk Market Style, of Country Home, and Inspiration behind the Junk Bonanza) Heather Bullard (photographer extraordinaire, blogger and stylist.)  Can you tell us a bit about this experience and how it was to work on a shelter magazine with such a renowned team?

I had a great time! It was a great team and we are all so proud of how beautifully the magazine turned out and the fantastic response we received from readers. I made it my mission to spread the word about the magazine via the blog; and the resultant buzz, as a result, was incredible. Before it launched, we received so many emails from people asking when it would be out and to “hurry up already” that I had a hard time keeping up! I am really proud of what we were able to achieve as a team so geographically spread out, but we all brought different talents and skills to the table.

ReStyled Home is your blog and your business.  How did you arrive at your profession and how has your blog changed things for you?

I started Restyled Home as a staging business but it quickly segued into decorating, helping people with their renovation and building choices and finally, to offering writing services as my blog grew. My blog was initially intended for as a place for me to share my projects with clients and (interested) family and, to my surprise, grew very quickly into something that really meant a lot to me both professionally and personally. I now blog about decorating, family and other style topics. But I keep it all lighthearted and fun.

I believe our surroundings really inspire us in so many ways.  You live in Nova Scotia, a place I have longed to visit for some time.  Can you tell us how your local inspires you?

Well, I live ten minutes from the most amazing beach: white sand and the warmest waters north of Virginia.  So, I definitely enjoy a bit of the coastal aesthetic, although not in a nautical way. I instead have decorated my home in watery shades of blue and green and enjoy including natural elements. Where I live is slower paced and beautiful, so I try to make my home feel feel that way too.

I also believe our “life stories” influence our homes in how we decorate, what we find comfort in, the belongings we surround ourselves with, and the memories we carry with us.  Can you share with us some of your “life story” and how that affects your home today?

Well, I didn’t grow up with a lot of money. We emigrated from Ireland in the mid-seventies and my parents had to start completely from scratch. A single income and six children did not allow for us to go around with “silver spoon” attitudes (nor would our parents have allowed it!). So, I come with the belief that you can make things pretty without spending a lot of money; and I believe it takes more talent to do it that way, anyway. I believe in re-purposing, creating, and thinking outside of the box. I always joke that I wouldn’t make a very good wealthy person because I dislike pretension and have a hard time spending a whole lot on anything. But, I still like my home to be attractive, and so my husband and I do a lot ourselves and have realized that you can have real quality that way, too. I truly believe that you don’t need to spend $300 on a throw cushion, when you can make it yourself or head to somewhere like Homesense. I also really enjoy incorporating vintage elements into my design, and we all know where we can find those on a budget, right?!

In addition to running your business, you are also a busy wife and mother.  What would be a few “take-away” tips for our readers on blending real-life with the desire for a lovely and welcoming home?

Well, with my new writing projects (I am currently working in an editorial role with Holiday with Matthew Mead and another upcoming magazine), I find myself working at home more than I ever did. Because I am writing about decorating, I tend to get my fix with others’ projects and haven’t done that many of my own, recently! That said, I really focus on putting everything aside to enjoy the supper and early evening hours with my family. I actually quite enjoy cooking, so I unwind by making dinner and hearing about everyone else’s day. We are very busy with our children’s activities; but still, I tend to nip back to the computer late at night and on weekends to try to get more work done. It is not a good habit, and is one I am trying to break. Indeed, now that the weather is nicer, I want to get back to doing my own projects and making my home an even more relaxing and enjoyable place to be…because I’m home a lot, now!

** Please head on over to www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com to see what I am working on now!

Thank you so much for joining us today Linda!  I am thrilled to have you join us for my Interview Series, thank you for sharing your passions and creativity with us.

To learn more about Linda, or to follow her blog, please visit her at www.restyledhome.blogspot.com