Name: Jill Pietrocini, Design Associate
Describe yourself in 3 words: easy-going, organized, and creative
How did you become an Interior Designer? I have always loved design and, although my first degree led me to a career in corporate human resources, I made the decision to go back to school after staying home to see my 2 kids head off to elementary school.
Tell us about your design experience: I was introduced to design working on some commercial spaces (ie. law office, physical therapy office, salon) while in school, however, my passion lies in residential design because it allows me to work closely with clients who want to make their homes beautiful.
How would you describe your design stye? My personal design style, I have been told by my fellow designers, is comfy regency. I love shiny, sparkly things paired with furniture you can sink into and natural elements brought in through accessories and art.
What is your favorite room in your house and why? My bedroom, because it is the room in my house where I departed from the style and overall color palette used in my open floor plan living space.
If you were deserted on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you? My family, my friends, and a good DJ.
What is your “movie” home (i.e. which interior space from a movie/tv show would you live in if you had the chance)? Donna and Sophie’s Greek island bed and breakfast in the movie Mama Mia – sure, it’s falling apart, but can you imagine it renovated?
Dream destination: London – I spent some time there in college and the energy is awesome – the theatre shows, architecture, and history was intriguing.
Favorite season: Christmas!
Favorite book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
What was the last item you purchased for your home? The last item I purchased for my home was fabric I added to curtain panels to complete my dining room – panels make a space feel like a warm, put-together room.
Favorite color/s: I love black and white together – you can add an accent color and then change your mind!
...decorating for real life
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Archive for November, 2011
Name: Melanie Gillis, Design Associate
Describe yourself in 3 words: curious, imaginative, independent
How did you become an Interior Designer? Sort of by accident. I was looking to make a career shift (from the the fashion industry), and I met an Interior Designer at a barbecue. Months later, when I was deciding to go back to school, I recalled our conversation, and it was like a light-bulb went off in my head. All of the sudden, I couldn’t figure out how I hadn’t become an Interior Designer sooner!
Tell us about your design experience: I have an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design from Metropolitan Community College, but I have a background in a combination of creative and business fields. I spent several years living in NYC and Boston, which really opened up my worldview aesthetically. I also have an interest in other creative design fields – graphic design, web design, etc. As an Design Associate with Fluff Your Stuff, I’ve worked on a wide variety of rooms, but I have a particular penchant for bedrooms.
How would you describe your design stye? My personal design style is vintage modern, so naturally my favorite designer is Thomas O’Brien. I’m pretty eclectic, but most of the things I like have one thing in common – they’re one-of-a-kind. I’m a nerd for antiques and 20th century decorative arts. I do have a design alter-ego, though, that’s a bit of a rebel. Sometimes I freak out my fellow Fluff designers!
What is your favorite room in your house and why? I live in a loft-like apartment, so all of my rooms kind of meld together…but I guess I would have to say that I like my living room area. I have this giant worn leather club chair that everyone fights over.
If you were deserted on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you? My husband, a hatchet, and a fishing net. I’m a survivalist.
What is your “movie” home (i.e. which interior space from a movie/tv show would you live in if you had the chance)? That’s a tough one. It’s a tie between Leigh Teabing’s home in Da Vinci Code (holy grail of old manuscripts and artifacts) and the treehouse in Swiss Family Robinson.
Dream destination: Right now, Scotland. My Dad’s side of the family is from the Isle of Sky, and I’d love to go check it out.
Favorite season: Fall. Football, Scary movies, and campfires. Nuff said.
Favorite book: Wuthering Heights
What was the last item you purchased for your home? My husband and I finally invested in a huge piece of artwork that we’ve been lusting after for a long time. It’s a scene of rolling storm clouds coming over an open field, and it reminds me of Nebraska. We love it.
Favorite color/s: I’m fickle when it comes to color, but right now I like warm wood tones and indigo.
Name: Joy Johnson
Describe yourself in 3 words: introverted, amusing, loyal
How did you become an Interior Designer? I was interested in getting a degree in architecture, but didn’t think I was smart enough. A friend had studied interior design and I thought her career was interesting and creative.
Tell us about your design experience: After I received my design degree, my first job was designing accessible housing for people with disabilities. After several years, I wanted to try something less technical and more creative, and Fluff Your Stuff was born from that desire.
How would you describe your design stye? I like to call it “Urban Granola.”
What is your favorite room in your house and why? My favorite room is my daughter Faith’s room. It feels a little bohemian, light, and fun. I made the artwork and the headboard, and they actually turned out cute!
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you? Sunscreen, books and a freezer full of good ice cream.
What is your “movie” home (i.e. which interior space from a movie/tv show would you live in if you had the chance)? I love Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston’s apartment from “The Breakup,” and Meryl Streep’s kitchen from “It’s Complicated.” Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi’s home was in Architectural Digest last month and it is so cool, but I guess that’s a real house!
Dream destination: I want to experience visiting Europe…Italy, Greece and France.
Favorite season: Spring or Summer. I hate Nebraska winters…too cold and too long! I still miss the mild California climate where I grew up.
Favorite book: Such a hard question… “The Good Earth,” “Little Women,” “The Glass Castle,” “Stones from the River” are some that immediately come to mind. I am not a book snob…I will read just about anything except a romance novel.
What was the last item you purchased for your home? A grey arc lamp from Crate & Barrel.
Favorite color/s: Rust, turquoise, soft earthy yellow
Anything else you want to tell us? Nope, that’s all.
- Placing an oversized mirror on your fireplace mantle creates a show-stopping focal point for your room. Scroll over the picture with your mouse to see the “before”!

- Lamps don’t always have to sit on end tables. A pair of lamps on a sofa table can be just as effective.
- A pair of twisted wood stools used in place of a coffee table can double as extra seating if need be.
- A pair of woven bar stools add just a touch of texture to the space. Scroll over the picture to see the “before”!

- There’s nothing better than a comfy armchair next to the fireplace!
Name: Lorrie, President/Co-Owner
How did you become an Interior Designer? By following my passion. I am inspired in settings that are both lovely AND liveable and I am passionate about creating that for other people. I believe that our surroundings have a great impact on us and want to help others create a haven and a home for themselves and their families.
Tell us about your design experience: I have two interior design start ups under my belt and have been in the interior design and decorating business for 12 years. Prior to working in the design field, I studied music and art at Texas Christian University, then worked as the Creative Arts Director for several large churches. This position included the visual arts, such as stage and set design.
How would you describe your design stye? comfortable, relaxed, colorful, welcoming, kind of masculine?
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you? A laptop (I’d need internet service on the island please), my iPhone (cell tower as well please) and a boat.
What is your “movie” home (i.e. Which interior space from a movie/tv show would you live in if you had the chance)? Probably the house from “It’s Complicated”. Love all the Nancy Meyers movies houses!
Dream destination: New York City, with a sidetrip through the Catskills.
Favorite season: Fall
Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird
What was the last item you purchased for your home? Toilet paper. Fuzzy spiders for Halloween.
Favorite color/s: Apple Green
Stay tuned in the coming weeks to get Lorrie’s inspiring take on interior design.
This design project encompassed the entire first floor of a beautiful home, but today we’re highlighting two spaces in the front of the house: The dining and piano rooms. There are nautical elements scattered throughout each room, which we incorporated to highlight the homeowners’ coastal New England roots. The color palette for the overall design includes warm, sandy tones, shades of blue, and deep, coral red. One of our favorite elements in the dining room is the grasscloth wallpaper. (Yes, wallpaper!) It adds a wonderful touch of texture to the space. In the piano room, we wanted to show off some of the homeowners’ beautiful artwork, as well as a collection of family photos. We tied the spaces together through matching light fixtures and coordinating window treatments. Enjoy!













