the NEO-traditionalist

Happy Monday everyone!  Today I’m thrilled to introduce to you Tamara Kaye-Honey of House of Honey interiors.  Though based out of Los Angeles, the inspiring designer is in fact a native of Hailfax, Nova Scotia (a beautiful corner of the earth I’ve long hoped to visit!).  Upon graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Tamara worked as a clothing buyer for Bergdorf Goodman before eventually relocating to Los Angeles where her love affair with interiors took root.  The second I laid eyes on Tamara’s glamourous website I knew she was a fellow Neo-Traditionalist.  Her eclectic style artfully combines new and old, color and glamour—right up my alley!  Enough of me though, I’ll let Tamara speak for herself… Oh and prepare yourself because not only are her interiors stunning, her children are a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e.

Five words used to describe yourself.

Straightforward / driven / silly / creative / unconventional [Above, the ultra glamorous House of Honey logo.]

What inspires you creatively?

I am inspired by design and architecture from both the past and present.

The idea of customizing, re-working and reinventing, propels my designs. I try to create environments and pieces that are fresh and modern, yet retain a timeless quality. And of course my children inspire me everyday.

Who are/were your design mentors?

My best friend’s mum in high school was the founder and president of BB Bargoon’s (Canada’s leading home furnishing’s and fabric mega store at the time). Bonnie Bickel was small but mighty and ran her enterprise with such confidence and stride. She really was inspirational both creatively and from a business standpoint. Now, as a mother of two, I am inspired by women who can balance their own business and raise children. And last but not least, my husband for having the courage, talent and drive to start his own commercial production company.

What is your personal design aesthetic?

playful, modern, unexpected and always unique.

What propelled you to start your own company?

I have always known I wanted to do something creative. I started in fashion and moved to interiors, which I love but am very excited to be taking it to the next level and am in the process of opening a retail shop and design studio. I will offer a curated selection of home furnishings and decorative accessories. Customers can browse ‘ House Of Honey’, read a design book, buy a candle- hopefully be inspired and decide to hire me to redesign their home, or at least to purchase a custom chair! The House of Honey concept is based on the idea of accessible design and a lifestyle that is full of personality, humor and of course, style. House Of Honey will give clients the access to great new and vintage fabrics and wallpapers and allow them to be part of the design process in a non-intimidating fun manner that is personal to them.

Most glamorous part of owning your own company?

Being my own boss. I never worked well for other people; I think I always thought I was in charge.

Least glamorous part of owning your own company?

Being my own boss.

Best business advice you’ve been given?

My friend and business startup expert Nada Jones recently published the book ‘16 Weeks to Your Dream Business: A Weekly Planner for Entrepreneurial Women”. It is a must read for anyone trying to start or grow a business.

Creative businesswoman you admire?

Dorothy Draper for having the courage to enter what was a male dominated Industry (she had no formal training) and for her innovative bold unique designs that transformed American decorating. Sister Parish for encouraging spaces to be designed for enjoyment and to mix patterns up, not matchie-matchie. Diane von Fürstenberg for having the strength and courage to reinvent her business when things got really tough and went on to launch the Infamous wrap dress.

What keeps your organized and on task?

My husband for his technical know how (I am a real luddite), my best friend Traci for all she does and finally my paper daytimer which I would be lost without.

Moment you knew you’d “made it”?

Question may be premature!

Describe your typical workday.

No day is typical which I love. What is consistent is lots of coffee in the am/ driving kids to and from school/ some sort of design based shopping, client interaction and creative thinking/designing.

Your dream project?

A boutique hotel in Pasadena

What goals do you have for your business in the future?

My goal is to expand my signature style- The New Vintage. By mixing old and new with whimsical and usual pieces/patterns/shapes and colors the result is a fresh, playful and modern approach to design. [Below, Tamara's ridiculously adorable children---oh my goodness!]

Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?

Be true to yourself and just go for it. You will regret it if you don’t.

Be sure to stop in tomorrow to see Tamara’s Plucky Pioneer cheat sheet — her top picks for fashion, film, and more!  Thank you Tamara!

(all images courtesy of House of Honey)