We’re ending 2024 on a high note with the intro of a new team member here at The Black Goose Design. Meet Beverly Astin! She has a rich and interesting background in real estate and interior design. Bev loves serving others, both through her design work and her impressive charity efforts. Let’s get to know her better and take a look at some of her past projects.
Q. Bev, what sparked your interest in design?
A. I’ve always loved making things look pretty, but it was when my husband and I started flipping houses a long time ago that I really got interested in interior design. That initial interest led to a career in building and land development, as well as design. For me, the interior design is the icing on the cake of the entire creative process.
Q. What a fun start! Can you tell us more about flipping houses?
A. There’s nothing quite like restoring an old home, but you should be prepared to work. It’s often harder to properly flip a home than it is to start from scratch on a new build. Flips typically require work on the electrical and plumbing, which can be complex, and the structural aspects can prove tricky. That said, it’s work worth the effort. It’s so fun when you preserve original craftsmanship and breathe new life into the old wood and stone and bricks and beams. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to!
Q. Do you have any advice for someone redesigning an older home?
A. Let the home lead the way. Lean into the era the home was built in, and pair that aesthetic with modern styling that fits you and your needs. The gorgeous details found in older homes are harder to come by today, so I do my best to preserve those traits and enhance them with modern-day touches and amenities.
Q. What can a client expect when working with you?
A. Connection! Your home is an extension of you, so I always want to learn about my clients before starting a project. What are your hobbies and interests? What things matter most to you? What are some of your prized possessions and heirlooms? These things have a big influence on the design decision we’ll make together. I enjoy bringing the homeowner’s personality into the project. It’s about meaning, not just decorating a space. Let’s make it feel like it’s you!
Early on, I like to create design boards to outline possibilities. These include colors and and patterns and finishes so you can better visualize your choices.
TIP: If you’re doing a new build or a construction remodel, it’s wise to meet with a designer early in the process. This gives you time to think through any structural details you might want added. It also ensures you have enough time to work on both the exterior and the interior of the home to create a cohesive look and feel throughout. You don’t want partner with a designer later in the process and then have to backtrack. Starting the collaboration early helps you avoid mistakes, many of which can be costly.
Q. Do you have a favorite area of the home to work on?
A. I feel like the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s a favorite of mine. It’s a gathering area, so you really want it to feel warm and be a reflection of your personality. I also love to focus on the bedrooms and making them feel like sanctuarys.
Q. Do you have any go-to tips for designing a kitchen?
A. First, always take your cabinets to the ceiling if given the option. It streamlines the look so much. Plus, it’s never a bad idea to have extra space to store things you collect over the years.
Another cabinetry look I love is pairing wood with paint. This adds more interest than doing either an all-wood finish or an all-paint finish.
For more variety, I often add glass elements. It doesn’t have to be clear glass. Even adding reeded glass — glass with a thin line through it — creates nice contrast. Beyond the cabinets, glass in the pantry door is a beautiful touch.
Metal hardware and some open shelving are two more great ways to break up the cabinetry and add variety.
Q. Thanks for the great kitchen tips. Any go-to ideas for designing a bedroom?
A. If your space allows, I highly recommend having a siting area in your bedroom. Designate a spot to unwind that isn’t your bed. This can be two chairs or a little settee or loveseat . . . it provides a calm place to simply sit and talk at the end of a long day.
When working on kids’ rooms, I also like to create separate areas, but I do this for play. When space allows, I always recommend having separate areas for play and sleep.
A must for all bedrooms is good bedding! You spend so much of your life in bed, and you want to be comfortable. Look for high-quality bedding that speaks to you/your personality.
Q. Looking ahead, are there any 2025 trends that have you excited?
A. I just love seeing the warm, richer tones come back. Dark greens and dark navy are some of my favorites.
That said, I don’t put a great deal of emphasis on trends. I stay aware of trends and will add some of what’s trending but, as a general rule, I appreciate traditional more . . . pieces and patterns that will stand the test of time.
Thanks for this fun Q&A, Bev! We’re so delighted to have you on the team at The Black Goose Design.
With the new year almost here, now’s a great time to stop in and add some fresh touches to your home. Bev or any other member of our team looks forward to connecting with you. For now, we'll leave you with a message of heartfelt thanks. We've loved being a part of your lives this year and we can't wait to see what collaborations 2025 has in store. Until then, we wish you and yours a safe and happy New Year!
Friday Dec 27 2024
We’re ending 2024 on a high note with the intro of a new team member here at The Black Goose Design. Meet Beverly Astin! She has a rich and interesting background in real estate and interior design. Bev loves serving others, both through her design work and her impressive charity efforts. Let’s get to know her better and take a look at some of her past projects.
Q. Bev, what sparked your interest in design?
A. I’ve always loved making things look pretty, but it was when my husband and I started flipping houses a long time ago that I really got interested in interior design. That initial interest led to a career in building and land development, as well as design. For me, the interior design is the icing on the cake of the entire creative process.
Q. What a fun start! Can you tell us more about flipping houses?
A. There’s nothing quite like restoring an old home, but you should be prepared to work. It’s often harder to properly flip a home than it is to start from scratch on a new build. Flips typically require work on the electrical and plumbing, which can be complex, and the structural aspects can prove tricky. That said, it’s work worth the effort. It’s so fun when you preserve original craftsmanship and breathe new life into the old wood and stone and bricks and beams. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to!
Q. Do you have any advice for someone redesigning an older home?
A. Let the home lead the way. Lean into the era the home was built in, and pair that aesthetic with modern styling that fits you and your needs. The gorgeous details found in older homes are harder to come by today, so I do my best to preserve those traits and enhance them with modern-day touches and amenities.
Q. What can a client expect when working with you?
A. Connection! Your home is an extension of you, so I always want to learn about my clients before starting a project. What are your hobbies and interests? What things matter most to you? What are some of your prized possessions and heirlooms? These things have a big influence on the design decision we’ll make together. I enjoy bringing the homeowner’s personality into the project. It’s about meaning, not just decorating a space. Let’s make it feel like it’s you!
Early on, I like to create design boards to outline possibilities. These include colors and and patterns and finishes so you can better visualize your choices.
TIP: If you’re doing a new build or a construction remodel, it’s wise to meet with a designer early in the process. This gives you time to think through any structural details you might want added. It also ensures you have enough time to work on both the exterior and the interior of the home to create a cohesive look and feel throughout. You don’t want partner with a designer later in the process and then have to backtrack. Starting the collaboration early helps you avoid mistakes, many of which can be costly.
Q. Do you have a favorite area of the home to work on?
A. I feel like the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s a favorite of mine. It’s a gathering area, so you really want it to feel warm and be a reflection of your personality. I also love to focus on the bedrooms and making them feel like sanctuarys.
Q. Do you have any go-to tips for designing a kitchen?
A. First, always take your cabinets to the ceiling if given the option. It streamlines the look so much. Plus, it’s never a bad idea to have extra space to store things you collect over the years.
Another cabinetry look I love is pairing wood with paint. This adds more interest than doing either an all-wood finish or an all-paint finish.
For more variety, I often add glass elements. It doesn’t have to be clear glass. Even adding reeded glass — glass with a thin line through it — creates nice contrast. Beyond the cabinets, glass in the pantry door is a beautiful touch.
Metal hardware and some open shelving are two more great ways to break up the cabinetry and add variety.
Q. Thanks for the great kitchen tips. Any go-to ideas for designing a bedroom?
A. If your space allows, I highly recommend having a siting area in your bedroom. Designate a spot to unwind that isn’t your bed. This can be two chairs or a little settee or loveseat . . . it provides a calm place to simply sit and talk at the end of a long day.
When working on kids’ rooms, I also like to create separate areas, but I do this for play. When space allows, I always recommend having separate areas for play and sleep.
A must for all bedrooms is good bedding! You spend so much of your life in bed, and you want to be comfortable. Look for high-quality bedding that speaks to you/your personality.
Q. Looking ahead, are there any 2025 trends that have you excited?
A. I just love seeing the warm, richer tones come back. Dark greens and dark navy are some of my favorites.
That said, I don’t put a great deal of emphasis on trends. I stay aware of trends and will add some of what’s trending but, as a general rule, I appreciate traditional more . . . pieces and patterns that will stand the test of time.
Thanks for this fun Q&A, Bev! We’re so delighted to have you on the team at The Black Goose Design.
With the new year almost here, now’s a great time to stop in and add some fresh touches to your home. Bev or any other member of our team looks forward to connecting with you. For now, we'll leave you with a message of heartfelt thanks. We've loved being a part of your lives this year and we can't wait to see what collaborations 2025 has in store. Until then, we wish you and yours a safe and happy New Year!