At Home With A Designer An Interview with Ann Fox

Ann Fox, featured in Victoria Magazine's new book, Designers in Residence, is an interior designer and proprietor of the Dallas furniture and decorating store, Room Service.

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Ann has developed her own style of soft vintage looks based on the palest of whites, creams, and rosy pinks. It's soft, romantic, and very liveable.

In this interview she offers down-to-earth advice on approaching decorating projects, decorating for children, her personal style, and gives advice on a variety of home decor topics.

Q. What are some of the common decorating mistakes made by homeowners? What's your advice on how to avoid or correct those mistakes?

Ann Fox: "Decorating around items you don't really love, or around something you have inherited but feel you must use. If you don't love it now, you probably won't 'grow to love' it later. So don't add fuel to the fire by decorating around a problem."

Q. What would be your recommendation for "what to do first" in a decorating project?

Ann Fox: "I'd recommend rugs and floorcoverings first, if you're planning on anything other than a neutral. If you'll be buying an 'investment' rug (antique, Oriental, etc.), it's better to buy it first, before choosing your fabrics, as long as your budget allows. It's a lot more difficult to find a rug after fabrics. Even neutral floorings, such as sisel, should be chosen first because the tones can vary quite a bit.

"An ideal 'Dream Order' to follow would be:
1. Floorcovering
2. Windowcoverings (if non-neutral -- curtains can make a statement, so choose wisely)
3. Sofa
4. Chairs
5. Accessories"

Q. What tips do you have on themes, fabric and color choices, window treatments, furniture, etc. when decorating a long lasting room for a young child?

Ann Fox: "I'm not a big proponent of 'theme' kids rooms, and definitely not of jeuvenile themes. (You'll regret it later as they age!) I really like to decorate around a child's interests and collections.

"For boys I prefer the 'theme' to be in accessories. For example, my son Jackson's room has evolved from blue and white strips and checks with vintage boats and shells -- to the same fabrics, new throw pillows, and faded flag art and accessories. Most of the girl's rooms we decorate are some version of pinks and greens, from pastel to bright.

"Think about the 'toy factor' -- if their dolls, toys, etc. are going to be prominently displayed in the room, consider fabrics that blend with those colors. Also, it's a fact that curtains and bedskirts are the last to wear out, so put your money, and favorite fabrics, into these pieces. I suggest basic stripes or checks for these, since they'll be with you for a while."