Valerie has been creative since a very young age and has always looked at her surroundings as a canvas with endless design possibilities. A place to create a comfortable, welcoming and unique space with it’s own story to tell. Valerie has always been interested in repurposing, is an avid “Treasure Hunter” and loves frequenting flea markets, antique stores and consignment shops.
For example, friends of Valerie found a huge slice of a tree trunk while hiking (approximately 12″ high x 36″ wide). Knowing Valerie, they knew she’d be up for the challenge of refinishing it and delivered it to her doorstep. A photographer submitted this to the local newspaper. Valerie was 19 years old at the time and continues to take on new design challenges to this day.
Valerie has a passion for color, textiles, flowers and nature, and as a result of that passion, The Home and Garden Stylist, formerly known as Vignettes of Refinement was founded. The VOR business name was changed after Valerie grew tired of having to spell, and explain the meaning of vignettes.
Valerie has a background in Real Estate as well, but quickly realized she enjoyed re-designing and styling the homes she saw, rather than selling them. Valerie went on to earn her Interior Redecorators certification from Lauri Ward’s renowned “Use What You Have™” Redesign and Redecorate program in 2008. Valerie achieved Gold Member status in the IRN and served as President and Vice President.
***The Interior Redecorators Network is the preeminent organization of One-Day Redecorators whose mission is to provide affordable, professional and quality decorating services to the public.
The Home and Garden Stylist has a background in interior design as well as floral design.
Valerie’s expertise has included floral design, seasonal decorating and special event planning for hotels, businesses, exclusive parties, weddings, and bar mitzvahs, as well as styling for magazine photoshoots. Valerie has been featured in Romantic Homes magazine several times and the local newspaper for her work. Some of her clients include The Historic Mission Inn and Spa in Riverside, California and Casey’s Cupcakes, as well as many clients throughout the United States.
Valerie’s overall experience has given her the opportunity to work and help many different types of clients. Some who have never worked with designers (her favorite kind), some with small budgets and others who have larger ones. All of her clients have trusted her sense of style, her ability to listen and have been delighted with the final results .The Home and Garden Stylist has grown exponentially due to client satisfaction, repeat customers and referrals.
Valerie loves learning and is always seeking more knowledge. Most recently, Valerie earned her certification as a True Colour Expert™ after being trained by well renowned Color Expert, Maria Killam.
Throughout the years of working with many clients, Valerie greatest joy comes from those moments when her clients exclaim, “Oh, I love it! I never would have thought of that!”
Valerie currently resides with her husband and 2 rescued Jack Russell Terrier mixes in San Clemente, California. Recently made a Nana of two littles, and one on the way, Valerie greatest gifts are her faith, and love for her family and friends.
THE HOME & GARDEN STYLIST 