It’s Time to Meet Abby from Abby M. Interiors!

It’s Time to Meet Abby from Abby M. Interiors!

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Good morning! I’m excited to introduce Abby Manchesky from Abby M Interiors. Abby was actually one of the first designers I followed when I joined Instagram. I cannot remember how I discovered her, but I was glad I did. She has a great eye, and I enjoyed seeing her projects! One of my non-design “likes” about this woman is that she does it all with two boys in tow! (Ha, sounds like me.)

So, grab your cup of joe, and join me for a fun read!

Q: Did you study Interior Design? If not, what did you do previously, and how did you get started doing design?

I did not study Interior Design. My degree is actually in Foreign Policy. I was just sure I wanted to go to law school, and that was the undergrad degree I needed to do that. I quickly learned that this area of study really wasn’t for me. Before my work in interior design, I worked in event planning and fundraising for non-profits. They were very fun and a ton of hard work.

Obviously design was a good career change- Abby's beautiful guest bathroom

Obviously design was a good career change- Abby’s beautiful guest bathroom



Q. Describe your design style? Do you tend to lean towards traditional, eclectic or something else?

Hmmm… this is tough because I love every style! I really tailor my designs to my clients, but in general terms, I’d say that when you work with me, be prepared for plenty of fabric, interesting lighting and a mix of pieces. There has to be at least one unexpected element. For me, personally, I love mixing vintage and modern pieces together for a new traditional vibe.

Abby's Den

Abby’s Den



Q. What has been your most challenging project?

I think it would have to be a home that I designed plans for the majority of the rooms. After my clients took nearly a year off from the project, we came back to it. So many of the items were out-of-stock, and it was tricky to jump right back in. But now we’re nearly finished with the house, and it’s exciting to see it come together.

An amazing kitchen renovation Abby has created for a client

An amazing kitchen renovation Abby has created for a client



Q. What has been your favorite project?

Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite. Because every time I finish a project I think, “This is my best one yet.” But my favorite clients are the ones who trust me and ask questions if they’re not sure why I selected a certain piece. If you’re nervous, tell your designer. If you hate it, tell your designer. But if you love all of their work prior to working with you, then you should trust that they’re going to do their best work on your home as well. The best clients trust; the worst clients shop around you and then say you designed the room when you really didn’t.

Nursery created by Abby

Nursery created by Abby



Q. What items are your obsession? Such as your favorite things that you cannot wait to pick out for a project (i.e. mine are lights and seating.)

Lighting. Hands down. Then fabric, because that really makes the room. If I can add one more, depending on the space, I’d say art. It’s so inspiring to find an original piece by an up-and-coming artist and make the room come to life with their work.

Gorgeous lighting

Gorgeous lighting



Q. You are a mom of two boys. How do you balance all of this work and blogging?

I don’t. In fact, I heard somewhere that balancing it all is a lie. Really, we’re juggling work and family. I will say that I have help. My youngest goes to “school” 2-3 days a week and my oldest is going into fourth grade. So I do have specific work days. I also work for my clients and my blog after the dishes are done and the kids are in bed. That’s why it’s so important to love your work, because I’m working all the time, but it doesn’t feel like a job. And the boys know that while Daddy actually leaves the house and does his work in his office, that Mommy’s work is on the computer, and it’s fine for them to see me working. I believe that interior design is my calling. That God created me to be creative and help create beauty in the lives of others. I use my gifts (even though it took me 30 years to get it right.) I want my boys to discover what their calling is and go after that with all their might. I’m not sure I’ve got the balancing part down pat. But, I’m juggling all the moving parts the best I can.

Bedroom for the boys

Bedroom for the boys



Q. What is the biggest project on your home that you have yet to do? What do you plan to do?

Oh my word. That’s a tough one. Possibly our master bathroom. It needs to be gutted. Like new walls, everything ripped out, totally re-done. But, our basement and kitchen also need to be done, so it’s really hard to say. Our master bath is next. I’m basing the whole bathroom on this piece of art.

To the night

To the night



Q. Your perfect Saturday?

Are we talking summer or winter? Because if it’s winter, I’m spending the day in the kitchen with the kids bugging me every now and then and playing music in the background while I cook. Then we’d have friends over for a dinner party. If it’s summer, then I’m out on the water all day in a boat with friends, kids and cocktails. πŸ˜‰

Q. Your favorite meal?

I love to cook, and I love to eat. I could never pick a favorite meal. But, one of my go-to dishes that I love every single time I make it is Pioneer Woman’s Butter Chicken. I roast some extra veggies and add that to the sauce. So yummy.

Pioneer Woman's Butter Chicken

Pioneer Woman’s Butter Chicken



Q. Tell me something readers don’t know about you.

That I dream of building my own modern farmhouse on the water. Something like this.

Abby's Dream Home Inspiration

Abby’s Dream Home Inspiration



Or this.

Another gorgeous inspiration for Abby's dream home

Another gorgeous inspiration for Abby’s dream home



And especially this.

More dream home inspirations

More dream home inspirations



Thanks for dropping-in and joining Abby and me! Come back next week to meet another amazing guest!

I love helping people successfully find and perfect their dream homes in Charleston. This is why I'm dedicated to home selling, buying, decorating, designing and remodeling.

Comments

  • June 23, 2014

    Great interview! Love Abby. Thanks for sharing.

  • June 23, 2014

    Abby is the best. Such a wonderful person and a great inspiration. Great feature!

  • June 23, 2014

    Loved this interview! Abby has such a gorgeous portfolio–her rooms are always calming to me without being boring! πŸ™‚

  • June 23, 2014

    hi krystine- love abby and her style! that bathroom is ridiculous!
    thanks so much for stopping by my blog today- popped over and ironically i am vacationing on seabrook island right now! πŸ™‚

  • June 24, 2014

    Abby those lake houses are awesome!! I loved hearing a little more about you!

  • June 25, 2014

    Krystine! Thank you so much for having me. This was a fun interview and I feel so flattered to be included!
    Abby M.

  • June 25, 2014

    I love Abby….she is real and has great talent!

  • June 25, 2014

    What a fun interview. I love Abby, and it is always great to read about bloggers you like.

  • June 26, 2014

    I just love Abby and her style! I had no idea she has a degree in Foreign Policy?!!! Such a fun series Krystine!

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