Today we’d like to introduce you to Christen Pemberton.
Hi Christen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When it comes to careers, mine has certainly been similar to a yellow brick road – a long path of incredible people and pivotal life lessons. And somewhere along the journey, I realized that I knew in my heart what I was meant to do all along.
My formative years were spent milling around antique, furniture and fabric stores with my mother. I would listen to she and her friends bounce around ideas about home improvement projects for hours. My parents and I would take weekend drives to newly built subdivisions and discuss the designs while envisioning the choices we would make if we were to move in. All that to say, it was no surprise I was the girl whose parents moved her into a college dorm with a full decor plan. Creating a space that exemplifies who I am has not only been a priority but a necessity; a sense of comfort instilled in me at a very young age. No matter what it took, I would find a way to make sure my visions came to life. I take that same approach now with my client’s budgets, timelines, and construction challenges. In my mind, there is no obstacle that can stop us from realizing dreams.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City midway through my college career. That was the beginning of my ”yellow brick road.” I remember walking past the Interior Design classrooms and feeling a sense of belonging, but my imposter syndrome kicked in with reminders like “I’m not great at fractions, how would I possibly be able to do measurements?” As funny as that sounds to me now, it doesn’t take much for us to stand in our own way. That was definitely the case for me. Every time my heart was trying to tell me something, my mind would kick into high gear to remind me why it may not be the best idea. It was a tug of war for many years until I finally silenced my brain to lead with my heart. I haven’t looked back since.
That said, my journey to where I am now has been a wild ride and I wouldn’t change a thing. There have been many pivotal experiences along my path that have shaped my success. How I work with clients, the way I conceptualize spaces, the relationships I have formed to execute design plans – I attribute all of it to my professional experiences in Marketing, Hospitality, Event Design/Production, New Home Construction and Real Estate. I am so thankful to the transferable skill sets and the influential relationships that led me back HOME to interior design.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pemberton Home. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Pemberton Home works in both Commercial and Residential design. We take a unique approach when working with our clients. We first seek to understand their personal brand and vision. Who are you? What life experiences have shaped your style? Was it an ornate tea set that your grandmother used, or perhaps it was a yearly vacation somewhere that made you feel a sense of belonging.
Interior design is about so much more than making a space look “pretty”. There is a story to tell that requires layers. Every layer serves a purpose. Whether it’s functionality, sentimental, or supporting a client’s overall aesthetic. Pemberton Home is honored to be entrusted to tell our client’s stories through design. We find it rewarding to create spaces that exude soul.
Our services range from assisting our clients with buying, selling or custom building their homes to renovations and remodel to decor plans and installs.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Our industry is experiencing rapid growth. With post-covid reflections and the fluctuations in interest rates, I think we’re all looking at our homes differently. A lot of our clients are leaning more into renovations and remodels at their current home, opposed to buying something new. Additionally, open concepts are becoming less desired and we’re starting to think about how to create more privacy with separate living spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pembertonhome.com
- Instagram: @pembertonhome
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pemberton.home
Image Credits
Rachel Pourchier Photography
