A Measure of Success is a Q&A session with a successful blogger from a home-related field like real estate, interior design, and home improvement. Today on A Measure of Success, we’re pleased to have Ronique Gibson.
Introduction
I’m Ronique Gibson, an Associate Architect and LEED Accredited Professional. I founded Stagetecture, a home lifestyle, DIY, and interiors service and blog to help everyday homeowners love their homes. I’m also Executive Editor for Freshome, a online modern architecture and interiors blog site that is visited by millions monthly, and has an impressive global community.
How did you get started in the field of home design?
I started in commercial architecture in 1997 after graduating from Tuskegee University in Alabama, and stayed in it for twelve years. In 2009 my love for home staging, interiors, DIY projects and helping fellow homeowners led me to start Stagetecture. After the first year, I started writing for interior design blogs as a ghostwriter, and realized quickly I needed to connect my face to my writing. I found Freshome in June of 2010 and have had great success in connecting with homeowners worldwide to help them with home lifestyle topics. What started as a love for architecture has progressed into a rewarding career in blogging, writing, and still helping homeowners discover the hidden potential in their homes.
What is the #1 tip you would give people looking redesign or redecorate their home?
Assess you and your family’s lifestyle before choosing a specific style to redecorate your home. While interior magazines and blogs can make homes look gorgeous, the reality is, every home lives a different way. While gorgeous modern white interiors may look stunning on your favorite home and garden television show, your 2 dogs and 3 kids may not have a concern to keep it looking pristine white! Also keep in mind upkeep and budget when considering your lifestyle, and what you choose for the design of your home. A multimillion dollar home with round-the-clock maintenance might not fit your lifestyle.
What is the most common mistake people make when designing their home?
I think many homeowners don’t allow enough ‘wiggle’ room in their remodeling/designing budget for mishaps, unforeseen conditions, and adding more time to compensate. When homeowners don’t have a budget, they design at or over their budget and then when unforeseen conditions occur, they cut corners where they could have planned for in the design stage.
What, in your opinion, are the up-and-coming trends in home decor?
Green and sustainability have been the buzzwords for the last few years, and in decor the trend will continue. Quickly renewable resources and fibers such as seagrass, wool, jute and natural textiles will be used throughout homes for conventional uses, and some new ideas. Recyclable materials will continue to show up in area rugs, paint additions, and fun colored dyes for textiles and furniture will be a continued trend, too.
What has been your formula for success in your career?
Being a resource, a consumer, a buyer, and a critic all in the same day is what has helped me in my career with Stagetecture and Freshome. Homeowners today are smart, savvy, and have their senses to the street daily. They want to be inspired with gorgeous pictures and ideas, but they also want to roll up their sleeves and get the job done on their own! When I write my blog, or talk to homeowners, or write articles I put myself in the expert seat, the homeowners seat, etc. Homeowners don’t want to be talked at, they want information to pull off the designer looks, and they want a friendly resource to help them not feel belittled. My successful formula has helped me understand the homeowner. After all, I’m one myself. 
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