Well, hello there.

When I started my professional writing career nearly 10 years ago, my initial goal was to change the universe with my words covering politics, war and world hunger. [insert some cheesy quote about how life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans…] Within a few months of my first newspaper job I was the on-staff lifestyles (people, art, style, home décor, dining, etc) expert, which quickly transitioned into what I’ve now deemed “permanent playtime” -- writing and styling for various magazines and online outlets on the topics of home décor, travel, food/wine and the likes. No, I may not be helping in the fight to eradicate global famine, but I have seen the vital impact an inspired room makeover or great restaurant recommendation can have in improving someone’s life. [How’s that for justification?]

A few years ago I began styling and designing interiors under the guise of Ty Pennington, for his now-defunct magazine “Ty Pennington At Home.” I was lucky enough to work on some really fun projects – including the makeover of Kelly Ripa’s dressing room (left -- see more below) at ABC studios and MarkSteines’ office at Paramount Studios in LA! Shortly thereafter, people who saw my work for the magazine began asking for my help designing their homes – and the domino effect took it from there, leading me to my now nearly-full-time career as an interior stylist and decorator.

So…what is it exactly that I do “for a living”? I write: about interior design, travel, restaurants, food/drinks and people. I style/create: interior photoshoots for editorial and commercial outlets. I design: interior spaces for private clients. And I shop: for clients seeking unique finds or vintage items for their homes. Basically, I do whatever comes my way that sounds like fun (while helping pay the bills and fund my taste for great wine and eating out, of course).

So if it’s not already clear, my general belief is that life should be enjoyed thoroughly, maximized to its fullest potential and – most of all – inspiring at every angle.

With that in mind, I decided to finally jump on the blogging bandwagon. duman pierce (the story behind this name will come soon) will be an outlet for my inspirations, a forum to express more of myself to my clients (and potential clients I hope), and generally discuss all-things that make living life so f*!#ing fun. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

Cheers!