bail·i·wick: /ˈbāləˌwik / noun 1. noun One's sphere of operations or particular area of interest; forte 2. noun. The place where one lives; dwelling; home Interior design is my bailiwick, my forte and I am really good at it! The term expert seems to be thrown around a lot these days – so when I first had the notion to share my knowledge and expertise in a blog format I debated whether or not to call myself an expert. It’s true, I may not be an expert in every single one of the myriad of products that floods this industry every year, but I am an expert in HOW to design. I am an expert in HOW to integrate what you love into HOW you live. Each one of the countless renovations, new constructions and simple refreshes, I’ve participated in over the last 20 years has given me valuable insights. I am an expert in finding creative solutions, which products have worked well for my clients, helping my clients build a budget and perhaps most importantly - how to get things done! One of my contractors once told me that a client of ours had said to him, “Carrie has an opinion for everything!” His answer was, “Yes, isn’t that what you pay her for?” I had to laugh - but it’s true - people pay me for my professional opinion. The trick is to have opinions without being opinionated. My opinions always integrate my client’s personal style and goals, into what is functional, practical AND within their budget. And then I make it look awesome! And quite honestly that is the main element I find missing in all the interior design shows on TV and all the other media: the “client” and their ability to ask questions. “Why should we choose this?” “How can we make this really important decision?” and perhaps most important – “How can we come up with a solution that everyone can agree on?” I don’t just design spaces for my clients – I design their homes with them.