Blogger, author, top interior stylist - meet interior designer Shannon Fricke, the prolific creative talent behind Shannonfricke.com.

Real Living What led up to the creation of your blog - what made you start it?
Shannon Fricke I created the blog for two reasons - first as a way of recording my work and my inspirations in diary form - and also as a way of keeping connected. I live on a farm in Byron Bay - which can be quite isolating at times - and I found that by blogging I became a part of a wonderfully creative community of like-minded people.

RL Where do you come across most of your ideas for posts?
SF My posts vary from profiling the work that I'm doing to things that interest me day to day. Something as simple as a flower blooming in my garden provides great inspiration, other times, it's about my travels, the people I meet - the things that I come across.

RL Finish this sentence: I hope my blog inspires...
SF Creativity in all forms...

RL You're in NY at the moment - what influence does travel have on your work?
SF Travel greatly influences my work. It's very inspirational to see and be a part of other cultures. The act of being nomadic gives me a real energy boost and focus - it keeps everything in flow.

RL Are there any design trends out there at the moment that you're particularly loving?
SF I'm loving that indoor plants are making a comeback and the terrarium. It is such a cute interpretation for people living in small spaces.

RL You've recently launched your own range of bedlinen, your new book is about to hit the shelves, you're a respected interior designer - are you living the dream? Is this how you saw your career progressing?
SF I'm a big believer in allowing your opportunities to shape your life and career and so both have grown organically over the years. With that said, I always knew that working in a creative field, close to home was for me. Building a career around all things homey has been a lovely excuse to spend time at home - both mine and other peoples!

RL Is there anything else new or exciting in the pipeline for Shannon Fricke?
SF The launch of the Shannon Fricke Bedlinen and my new book How To Decorate, plus my online shop, is an exciting step for 2012. Beyond that, extending the range into homewares seems like a natural progression. More designing. More decorating. And more workshops. I love connecting with my audience, It's one of the most satisfying aspects of what I do.

RL What are your top three websites to visit that have nothing to do with design?
SF I'm a sucker for news and opinion sites - anything political/environmental/social gets me going: NewYorker.com, Crikey.com, Huffingtonpost.com, Mamamia.com.au.

RL What do you do when you're stuck for ideas on a project?
SF I take time out, whether it's half an hour, a day, two or sometimes three. The best way to connect with my inner creative is to surround myself in silence - it's the only way that I can hear what's trying to make its way up to the surface of my mind.

RL What aspect of interior design do you think is most overlooked when planning?
SF The understanding that design is an evolving process. Like all good things, it takes time, patience and a certain degree of reflection.

RL Top three websites for decorating inspiration?
SF There's so many, it's hard to choose! I love the Design Files and Decor8 blogs. Also, abchome.com, shopterrain.com, petershamnurseries.com.

RL If you had one interior design tip for someone decorating their home, what would it be?
SF Create a concept at the outset of your project - this will act as a road map for your decorating journey, but, like all good journeys, don't be afraid to step onto the tourist route once in a while - it might be a slower ride but you never know what beautiful things you may discover along the way.