Meet…Alicia Tiberio!  We photographed Alicia and Tim’s wedding at her parents’ Litchfield County home two years ago.  Since then Alicia’s moved out of NYC, bought a home in Bronxville, NY, and expanded her blogging and business focused on interior design…you can see her check out her website here.  Alicia’s also active in the National Eating Disorders Association to raise awareness on this issue that affects many young people.

We caught up with Alicia on email…here’s some Q&A on interior design and blogging…thanks a bunch Alicia!!

Were you always interested in design? How did you get started blogging about it? I’ve always been interested in art, DIYing, and photography but got into interior design when I moved to NYC and got my first job at a to-the-trade only antiques shop. I started taking classes at the New York School of Interior Design and before I could get a job as a designer, I lived vicariously through my blog about interior design.

What aspects of design are you most passionate about? I love how design is always changing. Styles are always evolving and just like fashion, certain trends return but in a new fresh way.

How do you carve out a niche and stand out from other bloggers and grow your readership and business? I started my blog with lots of tips for the every day person to incorporate certain looks, and I still do. Through my blog I have discovered my own personal style. I also try to keep the mood conversational and a bit quirky, like me!

Where do you find inspiration and great design ideas to share? I find inspiration in everything: fashion, walking around NYC, beautiful architecture, historical homes, photography, looking at my beloved design books, travel, you name it.

What kinds of design projects have you been working on? I work for a firm in Greenwich currently, which I love and we do amazing projects. Right now though, my husband and I just purchased our own place in Bronxville, NY and I’ve gotten to design it myself–always fun to work on a budget! My newest pieces that I’m designing are to reupholster a pair of chairs from my Grandmother’s apartment with a fun chevron pattern on the back. Can’t wait to see them!

What do most people get wrong about design…any advice? As a designer, HGTV is my own worst nightmare. That channel convinces people they can do ANYTHING themselves and it’s misleading. I imagine a lot of those homes just falling apart after a few months. Another common mistake among young people with small apartments is they think since they live in a small space, all the furniture has to be small. I say, take advantage of every inch and go big otherwise your home ends up looking like a dollhouse.

What are your thoughts on the whole web / blogging / social media and how people relate to one another and share information? I love the blogging community, especially the interior design one. People are so open and interested in new ideas. I secretly hate twitter (don’t tell anyone!), but I am constantly inspired by new images I see on Instagram, Pinterest (my favorite), and Houzz. I’ve met a few of my fellow Design bloggers and its like we’ve known each other for years.

Where do you like to go in NYC for fun? I love to walk around 5th avenue of the Upper East Side–I can’t get enough of the classical architecture. The Cooper Hewitt Design Museum is a must see, and my favorite design bookstore is Potterton Books in the D & D Building on 59th street.