Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Schamberger.
Hi Ann, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Can you imagine waking up in the morning, walking downstairs to grab a cup of coffee and running into a table that had been relocated? My poor parents never knew what their living room, family room or den would look like when they woke up. They had to have the patience of Job with me as their oldest child!
As early as the age of 8, my mind would dream up ways to create stylish surroundings. To put my ideas down on paper or leave them in my mind’s eye would be such a waste! So . . . I would tiptoe downstairs and set to work rearranging my parents’ house room by room. And so my journey designing spaces was born!
College roommates had the best-designed dorm rooms, apartments often received a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper, and throughout the years my friends called when their home was in need of a facelift. Yet it was later in life I turned my creative passion into an interior design profession.
First came college where I sought a degree was in Elementary Education. While teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students the gift of creativity never stalled. I put forth that energy into lesson design so that it was engaging and exciting for the students. After 10 years of teaching I started a family with my husband Randy. It wasn’t until our sons, Preston and Brennan, were in high school did I seek to turn my creative passion into an interior design profession.
Starting off my journey I worked to become an accredited home stagger. The first step was taking courses with the Barbara Schwartz Staged Homes, then I began my own staging business.
My appetite for interior design was not curbed by running my own staging business, so I attended the Art Institute.
Always eager to learn more about design, I studied color under Maria Killam, the well-known Colorist and Designer (https://mariakillam.com/) while visiting Toronto. There I became a “Certified Color Expert”.
Each avenue of learning along with applying lessons of design only enhanced the natural God-given ability.
Years later I have my own design firm. The firm’s name, Ann P. Brennan Interior Design, is a nod to my sons “Preston” and “Brennan.”
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There is never a perfect designer or a smooth road when venturing into a new profession. I know all too well that my handicap is trying to learn software like Chief Architect and/or keep up with ever changing technology.
Because I am not a youngster the learning curve for mastering new applications can be quit frustrating and timely, yet overcoming this handicap at my age is oh-so worth it! It is easier than ever to create a design, quotes, and PO’s with applications like Design Files.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Like the children that were in my second grade classrooms, each client and design needs are different. Each project is as unique as they are. Whether selecting interior finishes for new builds, remodeling a room in a current home, or just updating a space with wallpaper, lighting, and accessories I throw myself into the transformation with zeal.
My favorite style, since moving from Houston to Sarasota 4 years ago, is Coastal Modern. The soft colors of blue, white, tan, and coral are soothing and make you feel like you’re on the beach even if it is 10 miles away. The detail that must not be overlooked and is a must to incorporate in this style is texture. Whether in a chandelier, mirror, or wallpaper texture is key!
With that said I also love a challenge!
For example, one of my current projects centers around a client who loves the Baroque Period. This style embraces formal elements of bronze, intricate tapestries, sculpted moldings, and upholstered paneling. Crystal chandeliers and gilded everything are often noted in this look.
My client also has 2 teen children that love longboarding, playing billiards, and listening to music from an old record player.
The challenge was to find a way to keep the longboards, pool cues, and records all organized in one area (not strewn around the main room in the home) while creating a formal Baroque style.
The solution… I designed 3 custom upholstered floor to ceiling wall panels. Each panel was covered in a formal yet durable fabric. Over one panel we installed a longboard storage rack, another housed the pool cues, and the last board we mounted a shelf into so the record player could have a home. Now each longboard, pool cue, and record had their own place off of the floor.
To elevate the rooms décor a brass chandelier was installed over the Billiard Table and the room’s large window was dressed in elegant curtains to complete the look overall Baroque feel.
My client, who is a lawyer, loves coming home to finish her work at the end of the day instead of remaining late in the office.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I find it important to learn from other designers, to be inspired by the places I visit and the nature around me, listen to my clients, and communicate as much as possible.
Although I continually strive to grow as a designer and business owner, it is vital to maintain a balance between my design career by incorporating time with my family, Bible study, exercise, friends, and enjoying the great outdoors. Life is too short take those things for granted.
Pricing:
- Initial In-Home Consultation $175
- Color Consultation $185
- Design Your Way $2,895
- Full Service $1,000 Retainer
- Hourly $165
Contact Info:
- Website: annpbrennaninteriordesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annpbrennaninteriordesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annpbrennaninteriordesign
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/ann-p-brennan-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1326176404
