{"id":1920,"date":"2011-01-25T13:50:00","date_gmt":"2011-01-25T13:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vanessafrancis.com\/staging\/catching-up-withmichael-penney\/"},"modified":"2011-01-25T13:50:00","modified_gmt":"2011-01-25T13:50:00","slug":"catching-up-withmichael-penney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vanessafrancis.com\/staging\/2011\/01\/catching-up-withmichael-penney\/","title":{"rendered":"Catching up with\u2026Michael Penney"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Late last year, I was happy to learn that <a href=\"http:\/\/michaelpenneystyle.com\/\">Michael Penney<\/a>, Style Editor at <a href=\"http:\/\/houseandhome.com\/\">Canadian House and Home<\/a> is writing a decorating blog, a private venture separate from his <a href=\"http:\/\/houseandhome.com\/blogs\/michael-penney\">blog<\/a> and work at the magazine.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7UywEoSaI\/AAAAAAAADzw\/e3FlTyhzNI4\/s1600-h\/image3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7UzTcSBjI\/AAAAAAAADz0\/Ifm-aheW-iE\/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"404\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"422\" \/><\/a> <\/div>\n<p>His <a href=\"http:\/\/houseandhome.com\/design\/photo-gallery-michael-penneys-house\">home was featured<\/a> in the magazine in June, 2009 and as a result was featured on a number of high profile blogs.&nbsp; Seems bloggers and readers alike resonated with his effortless ability to create a stylish home using finds via ebay, craigslist and thrift stores.&nbsp; Throw in some DIY, wallpaper and beautiful fabrics and you have a home that is comfortable, personal and fresh.<\/p>\n<p>Michael and his wife Sara moved into their first home last year (the home featured in the magazine was a rental) and I can\u2019t wait to see what he does with it.<\/p>\n<p>He took time out of his hectic schedule to answer some questions about his life, inspiration and decorating. Not only is he talented but approachable and affable too!&nbsp; (All photos from House and Home and Michael\u2019s portfolio.)<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U0QOebyI\/AAAAAAAADz4\/HqZpN-U9HJY\/s1600-h\/image33.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U13GdjoI\/AAAAAAAADz8\/4Sa4qDfqQzU\/image_thumb23.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"604\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"454\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U13GdjoI\/AAAAAAAADz8\/4Sa4qDfqQzU\/image_thumb23.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"604\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"454\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>How did you end up working at Canadian House and Home?&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p>I have been living\/breathing\/sleeping design since I was a kid and I was always learning as much as I could from magazines, books and tv shows.&nbsp; Then in university, I got a little more serious about it as a career and started working during the spring\/summers at a Rosedale shop that was frequented by lots of Canada&#8217;s most famous design personalities.&nbsp; I got the chance to work with amazing product and hone my design skills and even meet some of the staff from H&amp;H.<\/p>\n<p>That lead to a summer internship at the magazine when I graduated and I&#8217;ve been there ever since!&nbsp; I didn&#8217;t study design in school, in fact I studied Art History at Queen&#8217;s University in Kingston.&nbsp; Art History fuelled my love of the arts and architecture and gave me a fantastic foundation for what I do now.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ve been able to build on that foundation by always learning more and more as I go along and by trial and error.&nbsp; It&#8217;s been a fun and inspiring journey.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh4.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U2wTi8wI\/AAAAAAAAD0A\/zmc0fIUnER8\/s1600-h\/image84.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U4Ivzy5I\/AAAAAAAAD0E\/8YC5m5F-rmo\/image_thumb62.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"384\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"454\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U4Ivzy5I\/AAAAAAAAD0E\/8YC5m5F-rmo\/image_thumb62.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"384\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"454\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>Can you share some decorating plans for your new home? Will we see it in on the pages of H&amp;H one day?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Our new (old) house is totally us.&nbsp; My wife Sara and I have begun taking vacations in Kennebunkport Maine and that has really influenced the style of our home.&nbsp; Its got a dose of north-east prep, lots of fresh white and blue\/greens and printed fabrics mixed with lots of stripes.&nbsp; It&#8217;s traditional with a fresh, young and casual spin.&nbsp; H&amp;H?&nbsp; You&#8217;ll have to wait and see&#8230;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U5EVbv6I\/AAAAAAAAD0I\/BItv3bNMv0I\/s1600-h\/image82.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U6hOQrFI\/AAAAAAAAD0M\/QkKD7tfVOC0\/image_thumb60.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"753\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"563\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U6hOQrFI\/AAAAAAAAD0M\/QkKD7tfVOC0\/image_thumb60.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"753\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"563\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>Name one thing about yourself that readers may be surprised to learn?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Before finding my place in design and decoration I studied Religious Studies and planned on being a counselor!&nbsp; Oh, and I am obsessed with Subway sandwiches.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U75-RaxI\/AAAAAAAAD0Q\/frNt8BZYKD4\/s1600-h\/image24.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U9rseVjI\/AAAAAAAAD0U\/azCIqC0Zae8\/image_thumb14.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"670\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U9rseVjI\/AAAAAAAAD0U\/azCIqC0Zae8\/image_thumb14.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"670\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>How would you describe your decorating style?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>My decorating style changes now and then, but the common thread is traditional elements mixed with fresh colours and casual comfort.&nbsp; I like to reinterpret the work of the decorating greats through a modern, more loose perspective.&nbsp; I can get into modern and edgy looks, but my heart strings are always pulled most by fresh, colorful and effortlessly comfortable rooms.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7U-qsVZMI\/AAAAAAAAD0Y\/Y99NIiBjxqI\/s1600-h\/image43.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VACJIXNI\/AAAAAAAAD0c\/_L0c-VucF04\/image_thumb31.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"574\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"503\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VACJIXNI\/AAAAAAAAD0c\/_L0c-VucF04\/image_thumb31.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"574\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"503\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>Who inspires you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Decorating-wise I&#8217;m inspired by lots of people &#8211; oldies like Albert Hadley, Dorothy Draper, David Hicks, Sister Parish; the newer crop like John Derian, Windsor Smith, Peter Dunham, Steven Gambrel, Tom Scheerer, Celery Kemble, Ruthie Somers, Thomas O&#8217;Brien, Rita Konig, Miles Redd, Charlotte Moss, Bunny Williams, Nick Olsen, Eddie Ross and many more!<\/p>\n<p>In Canada, I love Michael Angus, Anne Hepfer, Ray Staples, Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe, Michelle Lloyd and Christine Ralphs, and Cobi Ladner for the way she creates such a warm and inviting home.<\/p>\n<p>We have a pretty wonderful group at House &amp; Home and I&#8217;ve learned so much from the likes of Hilary Smyth, Meg Crossley and Sally Armstrong, whose house I was just at and it is so stylish!&nbsp; And of course, my style was basically formed by the pages of Martha Stewart Living.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VGmR8G_I\/AAAAAAAAD00\/Ytvbrp4wtwQ\/s1600-h\/image79.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh4.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VIC4BlkI\/AAAAAAAAD04\/MxFfFZIsZlw\/image_thumb57.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"544\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh4.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VIC4BlkI\/AAAAAAAAD04\/MxFfFZIsZlw\/image_thumb57.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"544\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>What is the most common mistake people make when decorating?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>People&#8217;s most common mistake decorating eh?&nbsp; Well I&#8217;d say Canadians need to get over taupe with accents of red.&nbsp; I get why they like it \u2013 it\u2019s warm and cozy, but it&#8217;s done to death.<\/p>\n<p>People seem to be stuck on the super rich, heavy heritage colours from the mid 90&#8217;s (ochre, forest green, burgundy, taupe, red) and I wish they&#8217;d branch out and try something fresher.&nbsp; Harsh, I know, but you asked!<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh4.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VDguXBXI\/AAAAAAAAD0s\/zcznXIhUW2Q\/s1600-h\/image54.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VFJPWsBI\/AAAAAAAAD0w\/bb4tqQ12yj0\/image_thumb38.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"670\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VFJPWsBI\/AAAAAAAAD0w\/bb4tqQ12yj0\/image_thumb38.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"670\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>What does every room need?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>I always think most rooms can use a stripe.&nbsp; Stripes work so well with other patterns and solids and they add a clean, linear and masculine touch to any scheme.&nbsp; Ticking stripes never, ever go out of style and their vintage leanings help warm up a room.&nbsp; Everyone is into striped rugs right now and I love those too, but they&#8217;re likely a passing trend.&nbsp; But striped cushions, upholstery and drapes are here to stay.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VBaepbdI\/AAAAAAAAD0k\/GFq4AWWGV3Y\/s1600-h\/image49.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh4.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VCkK7fwI\/AAAAAAAAD0o\/e_t1KEVhZTs\/image_thumb35.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"611\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh4.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VCkK7fwI\/AAAAAAAAD0o\/e_t1KEVhZTs\/image_thumb35.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"611\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>What are three easy changes that a homeowner can make to update their space?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Obviously the first easy update is paint.&nbsp; Cliche?&nbsp; Yes, but true none the less.&nbsp; Paint will update, refresh and hold a space together.&nbsp; It&#8217;s cheap and easy and will make a world of difference.&nbsp; <br \/>Next, swap your matching love seat for a pair of armchairs.&nbsp; This is a no brainer and will give you more flexible seating, an airier appearance and will add variety instead of two rectangular blocks in a room. <br \/>Lastly, add natural fibers.&nbsp; Whether a jute carpet, baskets, a woven tray or bamboo roman blinds, natural materials are a cure-all.&nbsp; They warm up modern spaces and relax formal ones.&nbsp; You can&#8217;t go wrong!<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VJZYzyTI\/AAAAAAAAD08\/4TJLCdk56uU\/s1600-h\/image71.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VKrAp8qI\/AAAAAAAAD1A\/cFsSSpyU9K4\/image_thumb51.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"484\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"399\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh6.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VKrAp8qI\/AAAAAAAAD1A\/cFsSSpyU9K4\/image_thumb51.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"484\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"399\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>What are your favourite shops\/markets for unique decorating finds?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>If you want unique, you should try going vintage.&nbsp; This can mean your local Salvation Army Thrift Shop or a flea market.&nbsp; I like thrift shops in the burbs because they aren&#8217;t picked over and you have to go often (with an open mind) before you find something good.&nbsp; I like the Aberfoyle flea market near Guelph and I&#8217;ve had some good luck at Antiques USA in Maine too.&nbsp; Anthropologie has really unique wares if you want to shop the chain stores and John Derian Dry Goods and ABC Carpet &amp; Home in New York are inspirational.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VLhcS36I\/AAAAAAAAD1E\/zHI3rEwAU-E\/s1600-h\/image62.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAHoAAAB6CAQAAADaUI9vAAAAi0lEQVR42u3PAQEAAAABIP6fNkQ9qDlUaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWlpaWnpFwODAQB7gWIzIgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\" data-src=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VM9kLNiI\/AAAAAAAAD1I\/1GvEkXOlcmA\/image_thumb44.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"625\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"image\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/lh5.ggpht.com\/_Pp-4J9vThO8\/TT7VM9kLNiI\/AAAAAAAAD1I\/1GvEkXOlcmA\/image_thumb44.png?imgmax=800\" height=\"625\" style=\"border-width: 0px; display: inline;\" title=\"image\" width=\"504\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> <\/div>\n<p><b>What made you decide to write a blog in addition to your blog at H&amp;H?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>I started <a href=\"http:\/\/michaelpenneystyle.com\/\">Michael Penney Style<\/a>&nbsp; as a place where I could really explore my point of view as a decorator.&nbsp; I&#8217;m influenced by lots of styles, people and places and I wanted a space to muse about these many influences and ideas.&nbsp; It gives me a chance to update more regularly and&nbsp; let you see a little bit of my life outside of the magazine.<\/p>\n<p>Plus in most cases, what I write about on my blog isn&#8217;t about high end, exclusive design.&nbsp; It&#8217;s usually more in touch with real budgets and even if it&#8217;s expensive, its about the idea or inspiration that we can all take and use in our own homes on a personal level.&nbsp; Because in the end, decorating for me, is about expressing personal style and creating a home that makes you feel good.<\/p>\n<p>Well, Amen to that!&nbsp; Thank you Michael for sharing your insight and experience with us. It was really fun getting to know you a little more and to hear your thoughts on decorating.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to head over to <a href=\"http:\/\/michaelpenneystyle.com\/\">Michael\u2019s blog<\/a> for glimpses into his personal life and more of his decorating wisdom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Late last year, I was happy to learn that Michael Penney, Style Editor at Canadian House and Home is writing&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45,97,128],"tags":[],"location":[],"class_list":["post-1920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-canadian-house-and-home","category-catching-up-with","category-michael-penney"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Catching up with\u2026Michael Penney - 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