the real raleigh :: anna applegate
Occupation Interior decorator & mom
Who do you live with My husband, Ryan, and our 3 boys: Rob, James & Rence
Describe your style in 3 words Colorful, eclectic, comfortable
What do you collect vintage linens, design books
Favorite places to score finds for your home Union Camp Collective and Hunt & Gather in Raleigh; also, estate sales, auctions & Chairish.
One piece of advice you’d give an aspiring entrepreneur Be true to yourself & listen to your gut.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year That it’s okay to say no sometimes.
Dream dinner party guests Michelle Obama & Theo Pinson
What do you bring with you everywhere you go? A tape measure & my paper calendar
You’ve done such a fantastic job at making your home feel special - what were some of your tricks I think it’s important to start with good basics (i.e. the right size rug, well-made upholstery, good lighting, pretty fabrics) and then add in unique pieces and things that reflect who actually lives there; so I’ve got lots of my boys’ artwork and special family pictures on display, alongside pieces of art and furniture that I’ve collected over the years and some random estate sale finds that just make me happy.
Favorite cocktail margarita, no salt
Necessary extravagance/simple indulgence Great lamps / take-out dinner every Friday night
Where is the last place you traveled Atlantic Beach 
Fool proof dinner party tip serving anything that can be made ahead so that I can really enjoy being with my guests.
Favorite hotel St. Regis Punta Mita, Mexico
The farthest you have been from home Kenya
Your favorite 3 things in your house My black chinoiserie living room curtains (I bought the vintage fabric on our first anniversary trip), the brass bed in our guest room that was my great-grandmother’s, and the lavender grasscloth wallpaper in my foyer (as the only female in this house, it’s nice to have a touch of femininity here and there).
Style Icon(s) Barrie Benson (incredibly talented Charlotte-based interior designer)
Color I never tire of Green
Two things you love about your job Getting to see pieces/rooms/houses transform & developing relationships with my clients and their families.
Best concert you've ever been to Garth Brooks at the Dean Dome
Favorite song to dance to September by Earth, Wind & Fire
Indispensable design element great lighting fixtures
Song/album/station that always puts me in a great mood Sweet Caroline
What would be your perfect weekend? At the beach with my family, spending the day on the boat & on the sandbar. Also included: good food/drinks/books/friends.
What do you do first thing after you wake up Tip-toe downstairs so I don’t wake anyone else up and enjoy about 30 minutes of coffee & quiet time before the crazy morning routine commences.
Netflix obsession The Crown & old seasons of New Girl and Parks and Rec
What can you not stop thinking about my to-do list
Impromptu talent show - how do you win oh my gosh, I don’t, I’m hiding in the corner because I’m an introvert and talent shows are my nightmare.
Favorite restaurant Centro, Bella Monica, Tazza
What smell do you love gardenias; onions cooking in oil; salt air.
Favorite piece of clothing right now madewell cali demi-boot jeans
Favorite place to buy clothes The Real Real, Anthropologie
What surprises you about Raleigh The growth! I grew up here and I’m constantly amazed by how the city has evolved.
What’s really important to you right now faith and family, always.
What’s always in your refrigerator orange juice, milk, cheese & coffee creamer
Book you're reading right now Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle
Favorite song right now My Burden with Me by Mipso
A book you've read more than once The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis; our boys love us to read these again and again.
How do you unwind pulling weeds in my yard
Fave flower Hydrangea
Favorite place to get coffee in Raleigh Yellow Dog
What would you save in a fire Portraits of my boys
Favorite place to get coffee in Raleigh Yellow Dog
What would you save in a fire Portraits of my boys
About the Author
20 comments
The Real Raleigh is my favorite, favorite thing on your blog!! This one is fantastic. I will be looking at these pictures of this gorgeous home over and over again. And those monkey lamps - gah!! So much good stuff in one home!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful home. Great interview, too!
ReplyDeleteThe most amazing house! I love her style! What a talent!
ReplyDeleteThe most amazing house! What a talent!
ReplyDeleteEvery room was perfection! Classic, current,and layer upon layer of gorgeous color. Adore!
ReplyDeleteLove this one. The perfect mix of Southern classic and modern. Any idea which fabric she used for the window treatment in her son's room? (the blue medallion fabric)
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's an old Pindler & Pindler fabric, but I don't remember the name. I'm so sorry!
DeleteLove the necklaces she is wearing -- would love to know where they are from, particularly the first one with the white and blue beads.
ReplyDeleteMeg, looks like Twine & Twig to me. They're offering 25% off right now with the code MOMLOVE
DeleteThank you! It's actually by AnchorBeads out of Greenville, NC.
Deletehttps://anchorbeads.com/
Wow, all of the homes featured in this series are fantastic, but this one might be my favorite yet! So, so beautiful!! Any chance you'd share the green paint color in the dining room, Anna? :)
ReplyDeleteOf course! It's Leapfrog by Sherwin Williams.
DeleteThis is great! Your Real Raleigh posts are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to these so much! I would love to do something like this in my city. Your blog is always like a breath of fresh air. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThese posts are my favorite! So much design inspiration in one area, never stop doing these!
ReplyDeleteCan you share the name of the fabric in the light blue bedroom? Adore it!
ReplyDeleteI love EVERTHING ABOUT THIS HOUSE, and this designer. It's so whimsical and enchanting and inviting. Lovelovelove.
ReplyDeleteI am dying over the navy blue table lamp. Can you share where it can be purchased? Your home is perfection.
ReplyDeleteI am dying over the navy blue table lamp. Can you share where it can be purchased? Your home is perfection.
ReplyDeleteI am desperate to know what green and ivory lattice fabric is on that wingback chair in the family room!
ReplyDelete