Welcome to House*Tweaking’s first ever S.M.I.L.F. Week!  What’s that?  You don’t know what a S.M.I.L.F. is?  Well, it’s a stylish mama I‘d like to friend, of course.  And I’ve got a long list of them. They are blogging mamas with incredible style, great senses of humor, inspirational blogs, cute kiddos and beautiful outlooks on home life and beyond.  In honor of the impending Mother’s Day holiday, I asked some of my favorite S.M.I.L.F.’s to answer a few questions related to design, kids, and life in general.  I’ll be sharing their answers with you throughout the week.  I know with kids AND work AND house projects AND blogs these women are busy bees, so I’m very grateful to them for taking the time to participate in my nosy little interview.  Thank you, S.M.I.L.F.’s!

Kirsten from 6th Street Design School

You already know her as the totally talented interior designer behind the 6th Street Design School blog and if not, well, now you do.  I’m amazed by Kirsten’s ability to create fun, colorful, graphic and playful interiors that are sophisticated and grown-up at the same time.  Not everyone can do that! She’s a whiz at mixing patterns and colors alike.  Here’s what Kirsten had to say about being a mom and life at home.

H*T – What do you do for a living, where do you live, and who all lives in your home?

Kirsten – I am an Interior Designer in Utah. I live with my husband, son Jett ( 20 months) and our dog.

H*T – What’s your favorite baby/kid item in your home?

Kirsten – I love the curtains in my sons’ room. I’m not sure if those count as a kid item. But since they are in a kid’s room I think they could count! I think the fabric is great for a boy’s room. It’s modern, youthful and graphic.

H*T – What’s your #1 piece of advice for mixing kids and style together successfully under one roof?

Kirsten – Don’t get attached to things! I don’t think that you shouldn’t buy nice things but make sure it’s not going to be the end of the world if the item gets damaged. Buy lots of magic erasers!

H*T – What’s been your biggest surprise since becoming a mom?

Kirsten – That I can still follow my passion for design. I used to think that once I became a mom I wouldn’t be able to do anything of the things I loved. I have realized that isn’t the case at all. Now I’ve just learned to balance motherhood and Interior Design.

H*T – What do you and your hubby do to keep the spark alive?

Kirsten – We like to travel together. He is a pilot so we get to fly for free. It’s great to take little trips together so I can get away from work and blogging.

H*T – What’s your favorite activity to do at home with your kid(s)?

Kirsten – Jett is still really little so we can’t do a lot but we love to go on walks when the weather is nice. Our neighborhood is really beautiful and there is a big lake we can walk around. We get to take our dog and all be together as a family.

H*T – What’s your favorite time of day and why?

Kirsten – After Jett is in bed! I know that sounds bad to say but it’s when I finally get some things done and I can relax.

H*T – How do you unwind after a busy day?

Kirsten – I take my computer down by the t.v. and turn it on to one of my favorite shows. American Idol, Bachelor or Biggest Loser. Then I just sit down and relax and read through some of my favorite blogs. Sometimes ice cream is involved.

H*T – What do you hope to teach your child(ren) about home and family life?

Kirsten – The family unit is something that is extremely important to me. I hope to teach my children that our home is a safe haven.  I want our home to be a beautiful and happy place.

H*T – What home-related items would make it onto your Mother’s Day wish list if money wasn’t a concern?

Kirsten – New countertops in my kitchen!

Thanks, Kirsten!  How cool is it that her hubby’s a pilot…and they get to travel for free?!  You can check out more of Kirsten’s amazing home over on Apartment Therapy where it was featured as a house tour last month.

images: Kirsten Krason for 6th Street Design School