A Home That Beautifully Blends Tradition And Trends

 

 

Alexandra & Her Home

Picture this: You pop onto Pinterest, cup of joe in hand and spend a few minutes (or hours—we’re not judging) carefully choosing images to add to your boards. This may be a just-for-fun activity for most of us, but for influencer Alexandra Evjen, pinning is her business!

This self-motivated creative stylist is one of nine U.S. ambassadors chosen specifically for her impeccable taste to serve as a community leader and teacher in the world of Pinterest. When you see Alexandra’s home—which she’s so sweetly opened up for us here today—you won’t have any trouble seeing why she stood out from the crowd.

In addition to her role as Pinterest Ambassador, Alexandra is also a mom, wife and a fashion and beauty enthusiast to boot. From head to toe and wall to wall, this powerhouse Pinner has stolen our hearts and managed to inspire nearly every facet of our lives. In case you’re curious to learn more about what it’s like to turn Pinterest into your profession (or how to get your family grooving with a spontaneous dance party or two!), you won’t want to miss Alexandra’s interview and tour below.

How do you make house guests feel welcome?

I think a lot of it has to do with whether or not you have designed the space to reflect your personality and style. When you have done that, you will feel relaxed. A lot of natural light, layered textures, warm tones and objects with personal meaning definitely help, too. You want friends and family to feel like they can kick their shoes off and relax when they walk in.

The light fixtures in your home are stunning. Where did you find them?

Lighting is probably my favorite part of the design process. I found all of my fixtures shopping online, actually. I find that shopping online for lighting opens me up to more options.

I’m learning to love who I am, to believe I am a smart woman, to believe that I am beautiful and to not apologize for my feelings.

What’s your secret to keeping all your indoor plants alive and thriving?

I’m actually a recovered serial plant killer. My secret is to not over-water them. I think that my overprotective mothering instincts got in the way of them thriving. Now, I only water them every Saturday, and they seem to stay alive. I did kill a cactus recently though. So, I don’t know if I’m much of an example.

Your rug game is on point! How do you go about finding the right rug for a space?

Rugs are my second favorite item to shop for and the most important item for a space. Area rugs set the tone for everything else—kind of like the foundation for a building. Almost all of my rugs have been purchased online. Figuring out the size and your budget will help you narrow things down a lot. Some of my rugs are vintage and some are brand new. However, I will say my vintage rugs are higher quality.

Tell us how you became an official Pinterest Ambassador.

I was selected by Pinterest along with nine other ambassadors in the U.S. We are all passionate about Pinterest and we love teaching our communities about Pinterest.

Why is Pinterest your go-to platform?

I love Pinterest because it’s a place of the future and possibility. It’s the one space on the Internet where everyone is dreaming and planning for something, whether that be for the weekend or for a wedding years from now. It’s also a place where I can discover new ideas and items that I can actually purchase or make a reality, from a tasty turkey recipe to a chandelier. I’m a dreamer, and Pinterest is where my dreams can come true.

What do you love most about being a personal stylist?

Styling helps me understand people better. I love hearing people’s stories, struggles and desires, and offering solutions. Styling is all about piecing things together like a puzzle to achieve the big picture, and I enjoy the challenge.

I love Pinterest because it’s a place of the future and possibility. It’s the one space on the Internet where everyone is dreaming and planning for something, whether that be for the weekend or for a wedding years from now.

Do you have a favorite brand collaboration to date?

I think the most beautiful and successful brand collaboration to date has been my Master Bedroom with Decorist. It has been an inspiration to many, and I get to sleep in a hotel-worthy space every day because of our work together.

What upcoming projects are you most looking forward to?

From a completely practical standpoint, I have three bathrooms that are very outdated, and I can’t wait to completely transform them in the new year.

What three beauty products can you not live without?

1. Drybar’s Detox Dry Shampoo
2. Aveda’s Nourish-Mint Lip Shine
3. Benefit’s Sugarbomb blush

You have one hour all to yourself. How do you spend it?

Truthfully, I usually spend it working. What I do for a living is such a pleasure that I can’t wait to get to my computer or a store. I mean, I Pin and style for a living—how fun is that? When I’m really tired though, you’ll find me watching Netflix, “Project Runway” or taking a nap.

Favorite TV show to binge-watch on Netflix?

I have watched all 10 seasons of “Friends” three times all of the way through on Netflix. I never tire of it and I laugh every time. I’m currently glued to “The Crown,” as well as “The Blacklist” and “Chef’s Table.”

Are you more of a cook-at-home or takeout kind of family?

Lately, we are a cook-at-home kind of a family. My son has a lot of dietary restrictions, so meal planning has really become an important factor in the health of our family. I can’t say I’m the greatest cook, but I’m getting better thanks to Pinterest.

Actively looking for the beauty and the good in every day keeps my heart from being hardened and bitter.

What song or kind of music makes you get up and dance?

Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars will always get me on the dance floor. In fact, we have regular family dance parties in our living room, and my 4-year-old daughter pretty much plays just those two artists.

How do you find beauty in the everyday?

I find it by choosing to look for and say what I am thankful for every day. There are easy days when my list is long, and hard days where it’s hard to say one thing without gritting my teeth, but actively looking for the beauty and the good in every day keeps my heart from being hardened and bitter.

Most significant accomplishment professionally and personally—go!

Professionally, it’s simply that I am able to make a living in the competitive fashion and beauty industries and run my own business. I’ve dreamed of working in fashion since I was a little girl, and so many people told me I wouldn’t be able to do it. Even the ones that knew me the best and loved me the most doubted me. It hurt so much, but I knew I was made for it and I did it.

Personally, my biggest accomplishment is that I have overcome abuse and poor self-esteem. It’s still a process, but I’m learning to love who I am, to believe I am a smart woman, to believe that I am beautiful and to not apologize for my feelings.

Resources:

Bedding // Crib // Bookcase // Planter stand // Hanging planters // Bed frame (similar) // Chandelier // Side tables // Blue velvet sofa // Master bedroom reveal & resources // Nursery reveal & resources // Living room reveal & resources // Little girl’s bedroom reveal & resources // Guest room reveal & resources

[/tps_footer]