From the editors of some of the most read Homes and Interiors magazines to the owners of crafty and creative start-up businesses, we sit down with those in the know to get the scoop on everything from what a normal day is like to their future trend predictions.

In this week’s Behind The Brush interview, we’re getting to know blogger and founder of The Elgin Avenue, Monica Welburn. Grab a cuppa and read on…

1. What is a normal day for you?

Every day is a little different. I aim to stick to a loose routine; I wake up early, stretch, have a herbal tea and settle down at my desk to answer pressing emails and have some head space before everyone else hits the office. I then have breakfast and coffee with my boyfriend Oli. For the rest of the day it is a real mix. Each week I work on content for my blog The Elgin Avenue, and liaise with brands and collaborators on upcoming projects. I might then shoot some images for the blog, take a Skype call or liaise with my wider team. My boyfriend works freelance so we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to escape for a little bit each day together.  We go for a walk in our local area or head to a cafe for a bite to eat. I am getting better at ‘calling it a day’ at about 6.30pm and I’ve recently signed up to a great gym, so I’m aiming to fit in a workout a few times a week too.

2. What do you love most about your job?

Corny though it sounds, doing something I love every day. It is such a privilege to work in a capacity, in which you think it can’t possibly be a job! I love everything about being a full-time blogger, the creative side and the business side too.

3. What is the biggest challenge in your job?

That is a good question! There are many challenges, for me, finding a balance between the business side of my work and my inspiration can be a challenge – if you are working really hard on a strategy, or liaising with a client all day, you can find yourself zapped of energy to create a beautiful blog post. You have to find that ‘sweet spot’ between the two. It is a constant learning curve, I have never had a ‘boss’ in this role, and so I seek advice from mentors to help me shape my way.

4. When did you first become interested in interiors?

I really became interested in interiors when my boyfriend Oli and I moved in to our first home together, we live in a maisonette in a small town near Winchester. Prior to this apartment, I had lived in a lovely flat in London, although I was never interested in the interiors as I was a student and it never felt like a permanent home. Although we will likely move from the apartment we are in in the next few years, I have loved learning about interiors and styling our space. I have a home office now too which has been a real pleasure to get to decorate also!

5. Are you a fan of upcycling?

I like repurposing objects for different things. I use old candle holders to contain my stationery, and I use a tin flower pot for my utensils in the kitchen. A lot of our furniture is second hand, buying older pieces has been a great way of allowing us to adopt an aesthetic we like, to a budget we can work with.

Credit: The Elgin Avenue 

6. What are your top tips on getting in the creative zone?