I have just met with Liz of Liz Grina Interior Design for a glass of wine and to chat all things interior design. A little backstory: Liz and I were roommates in college and we didn't like each other at first. I was the wild child that had just adopted a pit bull, and Liz was a "boring" rule follower who thought her new insane roommate was going to become the next Michael Vick and enter the pup for dog fights. But alas, we ended up bonding over our mutual resentment for our creepy landlord who we are convinced to this day was also our "peeping tom" and our love of cheesy calzones and reality TV. Over the last 10 years, we have grown to be best friends, partners in crime and confidants. She has just designed our new home and created 12 new beautiful spaces for our Muppet dogs to pee.

BB: On a scale of 1-10 how excited are you about life right now?

LG: I would say in this moment I'm at a 9. I just got back from a trip to Prague and I'm already planning my next overseas adventure with some friends- we are thinking Ireland!

BB: Describe yourself in a hashtag.

LG: #alwaysplanningmynextmeal

BB: A book everyone should read?

LG: "You are a Badass" by Jen Sincero is Seriously a game changer. I'm a huge self-help freak, but this is by far my favorite. If we're talking favorite classic literature book everyone should read- definitely to Kill a Mockingbird. Actually super relevant right now (and my dog is named after Scout!). Now if we're talking frivolous fun book- Big Little Lies. Even better than the HBO series!

BB: Modern or Rustic?

LG: Modern. I love that rustic has had a moment but this design trend is fleeting. Even the founders of it (Chip & Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper) are moving to cleaner lines and less "farmhouse"- just take a look at their Instagram! Modern will always have a place in the design world. It has been around for decades and it's not going anywhere.

BB: Describe your signature design style.

LG: I would say that my signature design style is kind of hard to pinpoint. So bear with me on the adjectives. I love a room that is bright, fresh, timeless, yet warm. I love throwing in a pop of the unexpected and a bit of quirk. I think that creating a space that makes people feel comfortable and happy is super important. It's hard for me to say that my style is "traditional, transitional, modern, etc", because I think combining different styles is what makes a room interesting.

BB: What inspires you when creating a new space?

LG: A really incredible textile, fashion, an amazing vintage rug, travel, artwork.

BB: I know you are a BIG fan of the "dad bod". Who are your top 3 Hollywood dad bods?

LG: I like em' big and tall so have to say Vince Vaughn, Jason Segal and Blake Shelton.

BB: What are your go-to stores for finishing touches on a home?

LG: I don't necessarily shop at brick & mortar stores for clients, but rather I have a set of go-to vendors that I hand-pick accessories, artwork, and finishing touches for clients when a project comes to an end. I think that these details are really what makes a project complete and unique. An antique here and there can also be super fabulous and make a space truly one-of-akind.

BB: Do you have any nightmare client stories you can tell us about?

LG: Haha! I have been pretty lucky in that department actually. I can tell you about one of my first installs that I had straight out of school that was a true challenge. I really wanted to prove myself to my boss at the time that I could handle an installation all on my own. After all, it was just a master bedroom. Well at the time, it was the heat of the summer and these particular clients didn't use AC (literally my worst nightmare in Florida). I'm not sure if any of your readers are familiar with putting a duvet cover on a comforter, but it can be challenging, especially by yourself. Well I happened to have a nice California King size duvet cover to put on (by myself). All I will say is that there were a few failed attempts, lots of sweat (I didn't get any on the bedding, don't worry), and I think I gained some serious muscles in my arms after I completed the mission. That doesn't really answer your question but I did just tell a story about a duvet cover so there's that.

BB: What are your biggest design pet-peeves?

LG: So this is totally personal (well, all of design is)- but I hate decorating with clocks. I just do. I am also not a fan of carpeted restaurants. (Lingering smells- hello!?)

BB: What is a trend you wish would die right now?

LG: Ok, I am apologizing ahead of time because I know this will likely offend some people. But we have to stop with the word art. "Live Laugh Love" signs need to just stay in your college dorm.

BB: Who is your celebrity dream client?

LG: Hmmm- I would say Reese Witherspoon. I love her classic Southern style and spunk. If I could choose someone who wasn't alive- definitely John F. Kennedy and Jackie. American royalty!

BB: Shag, marry, kill: Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Chris Pratt.

LG: Shag Evans, marry Pratt, kill Hemsworth.

.... She killed Chris Hemsworth. This is the moment we stopped being friends.

You can follow Liz on Instagram @lizgrinainteriordesign and check her website out at www.lizgrinainteriordesign.com

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