Cottage Living :: scoop from the inside

{anne turner carroll, photo by Ted Tucker} 

Meet my friend: Anne Turner Carroll.  That's a double name, or you can just call her "Turner".  She is the Assistant Decorating Editor at Cottage Living magazine and has agreed to give us some inside scoop...

Get yourself a spot of tea... this is a dive-in-and-stay-awhile post...

Anne Turner and I became acquaintances in college, as we were fellow Interior Design classmates at Auburn University.  As semesters passed, we discovered that we were not only common-bond design-junkies, but made for pretty good friends too.  We even headed off to New York together for our internships.  Anne Turner interned for the Hable sisters at Hable Construction, and then post-graduation went back to New York for a job with famed designers Diamond & Baratta, then later Goodwyn, Mills,& Cawood. After a couple of years in New York, Anne Turner decided to head back south, and found herself in Birmingham, Alabama... where she settled in at Cottage Living magazine... where she is the Assistant Decorating Editor.

Anne Turner is creative and brilliant.  If you are a designerly type - you know we feed off each other... she's one of those people you just can't get enough of!  She was gracious enough to divulge a few interesting tid bits on life inside Cottage Living... I hope you enjoy:

3 daily stresses you felt in "design firm world":

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a variety of firms: local residential designers, two high end residential designers, and a commercial architecture/interiors firm.  All of them came along with a hodge-podge of daily stresses: 

 

1. Not knowing what to expect next.  This one's reserved for the dynamic duo (DBD).

2. Budgeting.

3. Juggling numerous projects at once.

 

 

3 daily stresses in feel in the "magazine world":

I am fortunate to work for a fantastic team who create Cottage Living every day.  It’s something I have always dreamed of doing (working in the magazine industry).   So, my daily design world within the magazine world is the best combination for me.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.  That said, there are daily stresses:

 

1. Challenging my creativity.  I am constantly trying to drive myself to think outside of the box, take more risks.

2. Staying current.  It's a full time job to be in-the-know within this booming design world.

3. Remaining focused.  It's so hard to stay in my desk chair when I hear the other editors laughing and talking just outside.  I have to join in!  I'm so blessed to work so closely with these incredibly talented women (and a few men) I call my friends.

 

Do you utilize your interior design degree more now (at Cottage Living) or did you utilize it more at DBD {Diamond Baratta Design} and your other design-firm jobs?

Honestly, more at Cottage.  Actually, I use it now more than ever.

 

From scouting a potential project to the day it hits the newsstands how long does it take?

This varies project to project.  There are a lot of different elements that come into play here.  Seasonality is important.  If it's a summer home then we'll shoot it in summer and run it usually the next summer.  Other stories (Get Comfortable and Express Your Style) can usually be shot anytime of year since the styling and interior is what makes them seasonal. 

 

What’s the biggest challenge when you go into someone’s house to shoot?

For me the challenge is getting it done and done well within a limited time frame.  I have to make sure there's enough time in the days allotted to produce the best shots possible. 

 

Do you magazine people read blogs?

Absolutely!  I personally love it!  It's a wonderful source of inspiration as well as just plain fun.  It so interesting to see what others are interested in and what inspires them. 

 

 

With Cottage Living being based in Birmingham, AL- how do you find sources?

(ie: the “fresh ideas” spreads – or are they called “get comfortable”?)

Tidbit: The name of the story is Get Comfortable.  The section it’s in is now called “The Good Life” (used to be “Fresh Ideas”)

I was confused, thanks for the clarification!  

All the products used in Get Comfortable come from market research.  We attend as many markets as we possibly can.  Cottage Livinghas a fantastic market editor, Jennifer Berno, who is a complete wealth of knowledge when it comes to pretty much anything and everything.  She is the go-to-lady.  That's not to say that we don't find products in Birmingham.  There are fantastic sources here too.  But, the majority of our sources come from wholesalers and others that we’ve made contact with at various markets.

 

Can you describe yourself in 3 paint colors, a fabric, and a light fixture?

Paint: Well, as of today…

Obsidian by Pratt & Lambert.  I love contrast.  This dark brown black creates fantastic contrast.  Works well with others.  Dramatic yet subtle. 

Monterey White by Benjamin Moore.  Simple, classic, gets along with everyone. 

Pigeon by Farrow & Ball.  It's one of those unknown colors.  Is it green, is it blue, is it gray?  You never really know what color it’s going to take on.  I like to think I'm unpredictable when it comes to design, although I think my design friends have me pegged.

 

Fabric: You have no idea how hard this one is for me.  I love fabric.  All fabric.  Fabric for me is the root of all projects.  Once you find a fabric you love everything else just falls into place.  Currently, I am totally obsessed with Schumacher’sKatsugi.

   

Light:  Another hard one.  Again, I love them all…chandys, table lamps, floor lamps, ceiling fixtures, sconces, etc. etc.  How about I give you my favorite resources for lighting?  Visual Comfort, BoBo, Oly Studio, Currey & Co., Solaria, and Belvedere are just a few.

 

 

Do you find it easier or harder designing for magazine spreads v. clientele that are start-to-finish homeowners?

I have had nothing but great experiences with (magazine) homeowners I work with while redesigning a room in their home.  They are all thrilled to be a part of the magazine.  Start to finish homeowners can be the same way.  I think it really depends on the homeowner/client.  Honestly, I've enjoyed designing for the magazine more.  It's definitely challenging but also more rewarding. 

 

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would you be?

Back in Italy...sitting in a lounge chair by the pool at Locanda dell Amorosa...drinking wine and enjoying the view.  Might sound cheesy, but I can't remember another time I’ve felt so relaxed. 

What has been your favorite spread of all time?

 Ooh, tough question.  I've got to say there are several coming up this fall and winter.  Stay tuned…

 

I imagine she might be referencing her very own kitchen renovation which CL shot and will feature in the November/December issue... so keep an eye out later this year - and of course I'll let you know when it hits the newsstands!

 

Since she's not gonna answer that one... I will: I really liked the article featuring you and your mom working on your living room:

 

 

 

 

{photos by Robbie Caponetto}

 

 In my opinion the May/June '08 has been the best issue of Cottage Living yet, were you all pleased with the outcome?

Very happy!  Of course everyone has their favorites, but every issue that’s produced is a great accomplishment for everyone on the staff.  

 

{photo by Paul Whicheloe}

Let’s talk about this tablescape in Janet Gregg’s bedroom.  When the photographer and your team got to her house… did that space look like that?  Do you tweak a little, add the shoes, the scarves etc? Or is that a secret?

 

There is always a certain degree of styling that goes into the homes features.  The stylist on that particular shoot, Matthew Gleason, did add the shoes, but they were Janet's shoes. I also found out (from the producer Steele Marcoux) all the flowers shown throughout the house were done by Janet.  I believe we do things differently than other magazines.  We love the lifestyle factor.  We promote the lifestyle factor.  We want the photos to evoke the way the homeowner lives.  Janet is such an amazing jewelry designer.  Showing off her jewels, along with some fab shoes accompanying her fantastic vignette of white plates is portraying her style.  We're there to capture her personal style the best way we can. 

 

What are 2 items in your wardrobe that you would feel lost without?

 

My Vigoss jeans I bought in Sag Harbor.  They cost me practically nothing.  I would wear them everyday if I could. Do they make you want to get on all 4s and prowl like a cat?

 

My grandfather's wrist watch.  My grandmother gave it to me on my wedding day. 

 

 

4 designers that you relate to the most?

Steven Gambrel

Tom Scheerer

Thomas O'Brien

Ruby Beets

 

Thanks Anne Turner!!!

Comments

[Courtney]

I felt like I was sitting down with an old friend getting really juicy scoop reading this. Great job Erika! Can't wait to see the issue with her own remodel.

[Teale]

I love that our little AU class is making its mark on the world... you girls rock! Way to go, AT!

[ginny yount]

A wonderful interview and a thrill to find your blog on this very rainy day in SoCal. Since moving into my 1920's cottage(after my husbands unexpected passing), I found a new life. It was my monthly "Cottage Livings" that inspired me to buy a small bungalow instead of a condo. The large homes of my past never gave me the
pleasure that this bungalow has. With a design education, my eyes are always quick to pick up fresh ideas from this great mag. I have even started some redoes on the block with pics from "Cottage Living". Thank you, Ginny

[beki]

Thanks for sharing, Erika! Cottage Living is one of my favorite magazines. I've been a subscriber since the premier issue 4 years ago (yes, I remember because I was on maternity leave with my middle child).

[darby]

Hands down, my favorite post yet! AT, what a wonderful glimpse into life at CL! I think you are the envy of everyone who reads this blog. What an amazing job! I'm sure it's not easy and has long hours but from all the CL junkies out here, y'all are doing an awesome job! I'm w/E on loving the article on you and your mom hanging the art above your sofa in your LR! It's articles like it that make CL stand out above the rest. Real people (& their moms) doing the things that real people do! I anxiously await every issue of Cottage Living. My husband has only mentioned once that I throw away a magazine and it didn't take him long to figure out we NEVER THROW AWAY a magazine... EVER (especially Cottage Living)! :) Y'all keep up the good work. It's a REAL magazine for REAL people and it's REAL good! :)

[Leslie (Reclaiming Miss Havisham)]

I want that chair she's leaning against. I want the chair. I mean I really need it. GIVE ME THE CHAIR GIVE ME THE CHAIR I WANTTTT ITTTTTT

[erika - urban grace interiors]

hey everyone, thanks for your feedback!

Ginny, what a wonderful testimony of what 'design' can help someone thru... thanks for sharing. I know the people at Cottage Living will be honored and blessed by your words.

Court- AT is a girl after our passion - you would love her as much as I do!
Teale- what would Dr.Potter have to say about this? I hope she'd be proud- she trained us well. And, everyone should know that Teale was top of our class- a total design rockstar herself!

Beki- I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Darby (aka-sister)... glad you liked it! So true about their focus to make good design attainable for everyone!

Leslie- I think that chair was one she found at a junk store and reupholstered - I'll have to ask her. That fabric is one of my favorites.

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!
erika

[seleta]

This was so nourishing for my design soul! Loved it and was sad when I reached the bottom. You always know what to share with us to inspire us so.

Thank you for sharing a little from your friend/amazing contact at Cottage Living.

Try to squeeze in a little rest this weekend.

[My Notting Hill]

Terrific interview - so interesting to hear about the comparison of designing for clients and the magazine world.

[Annechovie]

I really enjoyed this! Thank you. Love your blog!

[Jenn]

Erika, this is so great! Love, love Cottage Living, and I was just looking for that article with the top photo -- that's the one where three editors re-do three chairs, right? Happen to remember which issue it came from? And I'll have to get my hands on a copy of the one with Anne Turner's living room, too! Don't know how I missed that!

Thanks for a great post!

[A Merry Mishap]

Fun post! I like the chairs on the living room!

[A Merry Mishap]

Fun post! I like the chairs on the living room!

[A Merry Mishap]

Fun post! I like the chairs on the living room!

[Pink Wallpaper]

wow, thanks for sharing!! i LOVE getting a peek into the design mag industry...great interview!

[mary jo]

Great interview! I'm loving that schumacher fabric too!

[Alya]

i liked this interview.. so interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes - or in this case 'the pages'..

[Christy]

Okay, this is my favorite post ever!

[Stan Thornell]

That's my baby girl, thank goodness she got all her talent and good looks from her mother!!! I Love You!!!

[Diana]

Great interview - very inspiring!

[Anna Ritchie Evans]

Go AT!! You are looking mighty professional in that pic (and a lot like your mom...)
I'm a fan of your blog, and of Anne Turner - so i had to break down and comment. I love reading your blog (i'm a little design obsessed, too) - please keep it up!!

[Megan]

As an Auburn design grad (and taught by Potter), I truly enjoy and am grateful for this blog and post. It is wonderful to see what direction design takes in everyone's life. I am currently trying to figure out what direction I want to take next...thanks for the inspiration!

[Mrs. Blandings]

We are soul mates! Except for the working at the major magazine part. I can see why you are such good friends. Thanks for the post - the magazine is great and it was fun to get an inside peek.

[Jen R]

Love this post and love the info.. thanks for the inside scoop ;)
Jen R

[Jen]

Hey! I grew up next to Anne Turner in Dothan, AL.... small world. War Eagle! Love your blog! Keep it up, didn't want to continue to be a lurker and not comment. Such inspiration.

[joy]

I must comment that I am proud to be a fellow graduate with Erika and AT! I loved AT ever since I had her for a full day in KD's rush. Awesome girl. Since I am mostly at home now with a baby, it is so inspiring to see where our crazy classes are taking you guys. You are both SO talented. Almost anyone can get a design degree but there are few who have it innately ingrained in them. Love reading your blog.

[joy]

I must comment that I am proud to be a fellow graduate with Erika and AT! I loved AT ever since I had her for a full day in KD's rush. Awesome girl. Since I am mostly at home now with a baby, it is so inspiring to see where our crazy classes are taking you guys. You are both SO talented. Almost anyone can get a design degree but there are few who have it innately ingrained in them. Love reading your blog.

[joy]

I must comment that I am proud to be a fellow graduate with Erika and AT! I loved AT ever since I had her for a full day in KD's rush. Awesome girl. Since I am mostly at home now with a baby, it is so inspiring to see where our crazy classes are taking you guys. You are both SO talented. Almost anyone can get a design degree but there are few who have it innately ingrained in them. Love reading your blog.

[joy]

I must comment that I am proud to be a fellow graduate with Erika and AT! I loved AT ever since I had her for a full day in KD's rush. Awesome girl. Since I am mostly at home now with a baby, it is so inspiring to see where our crazy classes are taking you guys. You are both SO talented. Almost anyone can get a design degree but there are few who have it innately ingrained in them. Love reading your blog.

[Mimi Lee]

Anne Turner's parents, Nancy and Stan, are our great friends. Just loved reading this blog about AT and am so very proud of her accomplishments. She is so sweet, beautiful and so talented and very deserving of all accolades!
Lee Moates, Gadsden, AL

[seasonal jobs]

This is so cool. I enjoyed it.

apply for seasonal jobs

[sildenafil citrate]

You know, When people talk about the cost of housing, often the only thing people talk about is the actual cost of the home they intend to buy. And often, one thing that many people note when they buy a home in one of the distant suburbs is that they can "get more home for the money" in a distant suburb vs living closer in.

What people don't usually count in the cost of owning a home is the higher transportation costs that are incurred when people live further away from jobs and entertainment options of course!