My first introduction to Sheila Bridges was on television where she hosted four seasons of Sheila Bridges Designer Living for the FINE LIVING NETWORK. Week after week, I took meticulous style notes on solving design dilemmas and finding home decor inspiration for my modest apartment.

Her decorating philosophy heavily focuses on choosing quality furnishings that last a lifetime, no matter the price point. But what I gathered most important from her work is that she loves creating culturally relevant spaces that resonate with the homeowner.

She designs residences and offices for many prominent entertainers and business professionals from former President Bill Clinton, to Andre Harrell and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.

It comes as no surprise that she was named “American’s Best Interior Designer” by CNN and Time Magazine. She has also made many televised appearances including The Oprah Winfrey Show and has been a regular contributor on NBC’s Today Show.  Her work is featured in magazines such as Martha Stewart Living, Ebony, Country Living, Elle Décor, Interior Design, and Vanity Fair to name a few.

Yes, there is a lot of pomp and circumstance surrounding Sheila Bridges, but I find access to her through her book Furnishing Forward and most recently when I had a chance to conduct this interview for BluLabel Bungalow.

Share with us a little about your background. Where are you from, who were your early influences? Tell us a bit about your educational background.
I grew up in Philadelphia where my parents still live in my childhood home.  I hold degrees from both Brown University and Parsons School of Design.  During my junior year at Brown, I studied abroad in Italy which was my first major exposure to design, architecture and the decorative arts.  While at Parsons, I lived in Italy again briefly which further solidified my interest in design.

What do you love most about your work?
I love the fact that every day is different.  No two days are alike and no two clients or their homes are alike.  I really enjoy the creative process and feel like I am always learning something new.

Please share with us the inspiration behind your Harlem Toile de Jouy fabric and wallpaper. Has this design been the most popular of all?
I designed Harlem Toile de Jouy because I couldn’t find a toile that I wanted to live with in my own home.  I have always enjoyed the satirical and whimsical nature of toiles and the idea of telling a story in a fabric or wallcovering.  I wanted a toile that told a story about African Americans on my walls.  This is by far our biggest selling wallpaper design.

The Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern is represented in the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum’s permanent wallpaper collection.

If you could live in any period of time for its interior design, what would it be?
As much as I appreciate history I really can’t imagine living in any other period than now!

What is a typical day for you?
I don’t really have a typical day but most days start with the gym and my dogs in Central Park for a long walk. After that the work day begins.  I may have client meetings or do some shopping at the D & D building or stop by a job site to see how construction is going. Most afternoons are spent doing paperwork and sending emails. Some weeks I have to travel for clients who live out of town.  My schedule is always very unpredictable and pretty hectic.

I love reading your tweets about the latest happenings on your farm. Have you always had both homes or at what point did you decide you wanted to slow down a bit?
I decided to slow things down after my TV show ended a few years ago.  I was burning the candle at both ends for several years and felt like I needed more balance in my life.  As much as I love Harlem I also love country life.  I guess I’ve always been a bit of a closeted farmer and find my animals fascinating.

What was it like designing for President Bill Clinton and his staff? Was the office environment different from most?
It was a great project and I feel honored to have been selected.  The former President was very decisive about what he liked and wanted for his office space, and surprisingly his tastes were quite contemporary and modern.

I watched your show Sheila Bridges Designer Living faithfully and was brokenhearted when the network went off air. How did you get your start in television? What it an easy transition?
I was fortunate enough to have been approached by the Fine Living network several years ago about having a design show.  I think that they had followed me in the press and were familiar with my work and my design book Furnishing Forward.  I realize that my experience was very atypical as I was not looking to get into television at the time but it was an opportunity that was tough to pass up! The transition was tough as I juggled running a busy design firm and a taping 56 episodes of a design show.

For those who don’t have the high-end budget, what advice can you give when designing on a limited budget?
My book Furnishing Forward (which I wrote several years ago) has all sorts of practical advice about furnishing on a budget. I think that it’s always a good idea to spend money on the big ticket items first; a nice bed, living room sofa, dining table, etc. I also think it’s important to enjoy the decorating process by taking your time instead of rushing to get everything finished quickly.

Has concern for the economy influenced your style and design?
The design industry has been hit hard by the economic downturn of the past two years and it will be interesting to see how our profession comes out on the other side. I think everyone (myself included) is trying to come up with less expensive solutions to design problems without compromising good taste and style.

What is you ideal work environment?
Being surrounded by smart, creative and inspired people.

When not designing I am…

On the tennis court, riding horses, tending to my sheep, hiking with my dogs, or traveling with friends.


Highest Compliment…
Being named America’s best Interior Designer by CNN and Time Magazine in 2001.

Lucky Break…
Getting hired by Andre Harrell (who was chairman of Motown Records) to design his new apartment which eventually ended up on the cover of House & Garden magazine.

Looking forward to…
Hopefully the best is yet to come.

Special thanks to Sheila Bridges for inspiring us with her amazing talent and entrepreneurial prowess! As a token of thanks to you, the BluLabel Bungalow readers, Sheila Bridges Home has sent me a set of six limited edition Harlem Toile de Jouy drinking glasses to offer for this giveaway! There will be only ONE WINNER!

1. Click here to follow BluLabel Bungalow. 
2. Click here to follow Sheila Bridges on Twitter.
3. Click here to visit Sheila Bridges Home and let me know how you plan to use your Harlem Toile de Jouy glasses. 
4. Blog about this giveaway (please provide link).
5. Mention this giveaway on Facebook. (please provide link).

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