I’m super excited today, to introduce you to one incredibly cool gal. She’s got a refreshing, honest approach to life, and her awesome creations. I find it quite exciting to be in cahoots with someone who has a passion for the same things as myself. This chick has quite the eye (to say the least) for interiors and furniture. And the best part is, she lives ultra close.
Meet the crazily talented Shaunna West of Perfectly Imperfect Restoration.
Shaunna and I met through a mutual friend. {Hurray for Abbie and her apparently excellent taste!} It’s funny to think the two of us have been doing things in our parallel universes so close, yet completely unaware of each other’s existence, for quite some time. She has been a delightful resource, as it’s pretty wonderful to live next to someone who has so many of the same creative goals and ideals as myself. Most importantly, she does it all while balancing that never ending circus act we like to call motherhood. {Shew!}
Shaunna is constantly working on something wonderful over at her blog, whether it be a new revamp for her latest client, the fabulous shindigs of ultra cool parties she throws for her children, or her envy inducing interior creations. Trust me. You’re all going to drool just like I did at her fun take on life, cute style, and awesome taste. {While you’re at it, be sure to become a fan on facebook, and follow her on twitter, to stay updated on the latest!}
I wanted to include this segment today so you could get to know Shaunna. I think that if you like what we have cooking up over here at Pure + Lovely, you’re gonna love this girl’s fabulous creations.In the future, you’re going to see quite a few projects and surprises taken on by our fun little duo…so keep your eyes peeled…and in the meantime, sit back, pull up a chair, and read more about Shaunna of Perfectly Imperfect Restoration:
How long have you been doing “what you do?”
Man, this question sort of stumps me. I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, spinning tales of mermaids and the like for my sweet parents. It’s been this huge passion in my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve begun my first novel, which is electronically collecting dust on my hard drive, but nevertheless, I can’t wait to dive back in it. It seems as if everything I’ve ever done never fulfilled me like writing. When I began my blog on Christmas Day last year, I never expected to find such community and such encouragement! It was through the cheering of my readers that I began my business, Perfectly Imperfect: Restoration, painting vintage, antique, and new furniture (and pretty much anything else.) So, I guess, officially, not quite a year.
Where are you located?
Just a little bit down the road from Ashley in Alabama…isn’t that wild? We didn’t even know the other one existed until a few months ago.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve done?
That’s unbelievably hard for me to choose. My style has evolved a bit. I began mostly painting, distressing, and glazing. And while I still do that, I have really become inspired by time-worn finishes as well.
This daybed would have to be my favorite project. My husband and I built it from the doors of my childhood home and now it sits in my writing room (which is fancy for “office”).
You’ll see what I mean about the pieces…I kind of love Wisteria, and lately have found myself being drawn to painting that way
Tell us a little bit about your family.
Ok, this is my truest passion. I am a stay-at-home mom, just like Ashley, who strives to balance faith, family, and business. But here’s the thing. They are my world. I do the things I do to create beauty for them, for my home, and hopefully for others. Matt and I have been married for 7 years, and he is absolutely the goofiest, supportive, best husband out there. Bless him, he knows now I’m going to paint something in the house every couple of days….and just smiles (and occasionally will hold the trash up and ask if I’d like to rummage through before he tosses it.) That strapping young man is Grayson who just turned 4 and that adorable, yet tempermental darling is Ava, 15 months to be precise. I think I’m crazy because I’m already wanting another one!
Please, pretty please, show us some spaces in your home.
Definitely! We just finished a big attic reno…here’s some of those. You can see more of our home/projects on the blog!
What inspires you?
Funny, I used to think that had to be something so profound. Now I’m as likely to be inspired by a weed in our flowerbed as I am an antique oil painting. 
It’s liberating when you finally quit worrying about how everyone else designs and decorates their home. Trusting yourself is powerful…and I would say, almost always sends you in the right direction.
Ideal Vacay: Man, we love to travel. I want to say something glamorous, but pretty much anywhere I can have a quiet cup of coffee and cuddle time with my husband is ideal for me. If I’m dreaming, please send me on tour of Italy and France and top it off in Bora, Bora, thank you very much.
Fave Color: I don’t know if I can pin it down to a favorite. I will say I used to LOVE red…I’ve slowly traded that out for a lot of white, gray, blue, and some green. I’m sort of obsessed with painting things white and with blue and gray fabrics and accents. I’m sure this will change again, and Matt will watch in horror as I repaint all that, too.
Fave Song: I’m sort of strange with my music choices, although I prefer to say, “eclectic.” Love Joshua Radin right now, and I’m pretty sure I’m a Taylor Swift fan. All time favs are Aerosmith, Yanni, Elvis, and anything really singer/songwriter. (See!?!?!) I can’t believe I’m telling y’all how crazy I am the first time I meet you.
Can we see some of your other work?
Definitely! Here’s some more projects I have shared on the blog, whether it’s repurposing old windows or coming up with some faux mercury glass, again, I’ll pretty much paint anything. I refinish furniture and accents and have found that I’m selling mostly online through the blog and website (thanks guys!) and some locally. You can check that out here!
The big event coming up is the release of my E-book, “Creating Your Masterpiece,” an interactive guide to painting furniture and the inspiration process behind it. Cannot wait. It really is like a little dream coming true. And I didn’t jump up and down in my pj’s the other day when I realized how close i was to finishing.
What’s one secret many people don’t know about you? Well, hmmm. We are going to homeschool our kids, but I guess that’s not really a secret. Okay. Here it is. The joy and bliss of being a stay at home mom and running the business from home is that I get to stay in my pj’s. Like all the time. Hey, every job has its perks, right? Please don’t judge me.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to go for it in the design world? I would say to trust your insticts, and to remember what you are offering is a service. You are serving your clients with knowledge and helping them create a haven for their families. Don’t ever be afraid to give a little to people…be generous with your gifts! There’s not much more rewarding than that.
Thanks so much, Ashley…you’re sort of the bomb. And have I mentioned I think you’re fabulous and so talented??? I’m so looking forward to our fun projects coming up…and can’t wait to hang out with you pure + lovelies some more!
Isn’t she super cute/talented/fabulouslyawesome!? Thanks Shaunna! 
head over to her blog, NOW!!!
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