Talk Shop: Keyanna Bowen // East & Lane
ABOUT KEYANNA
Keyanna is a Maryland based Interiors Photographer and Blogger of the popular design and lifestyle blog, East & Lane. As a photographer and content creator, Keyanna's work has been featured in Domino, House Beautiful, My Domaine, and she was recently named “50 AD-Approved Photographers” by Architectural Digest. She is also the host of "Renters Guide to DIY", a home makeover web series for Lowe's Home Improvement, and a design contributor for Emily Henderson Design. When she’s not traveling for photoshoots and creative projects, you can find her enjoying the outdoors and the slow-paced lifestyle of Coastal Maryland with her husband Daniel, and fur babies. Her hope is to inspire and curate your home with meaningful things and create a life you love — no matter where you live. Amen to that! Enjoy this wonderful interview we had with Keyanna.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Organic Coastal.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
One of the biggest things that has influenced my aesthetic is my location. I live in a small, rural, coastal town on the eastern shore of Maryland. Living on the shore is all about a slow-paced, simple, beach lifestyle which I think translates into my aesthetic which is laid-back, minimal, and nature-inspired.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my blog East & Lane as a creative outlet to showcase my love of interior design, fashion, and simple living, which led to me doing design projects for my own home and clients. I then taught myself how to use a DSLR camera so I could take pictures of homes for my blog, and a few realtors, designers and builders saw my work, which then led into a career as an Interiors Photographer. I think my favorite thing about what I do is that I just don’t do one thing. From blogging, to interior design, to photography, and even on-air personality, I’m definitely a multifaceted creative and so grateful that I’m able to explore and share all those many facets of my career and life with others.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Emily Henderson started a mentorship program last year, and I was fortunate enough to be selected as her first mentee! Not only does Emily have one of the top design blogs, but she also has a background in television and is just an all around savvy business woman-- all of which are things I am trying to do/become. So it's been so great to learn and consult with her.
What does your home say about you:
My home is a constant work in progress and ever evolving, which funny enough is an accurate description of myself-- an ever evolving, work in progress ;-)
Where do you find inspiration:
Books, Magazines, Pinterest, Instagram.
Who are your style icons:
I swoon over every room Amber Lewis or Heidi Caillier designs
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Flowers, good food, and great people!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
As an Interiors photographer, I love following fellow photogs and stylist. I love how @lisapetrole and @haris.kenjar capture interiors and @colinking styling is always on point!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
The one design rule I always follow is how to hang drapery. I always mount the rod a few inches above the window moulding to make the window appear bigger, and ensure that the length of the curtains just “kisses” the floor. Curtains that are hung too low or are too short is a major pet peeve of mine. Besides that, every other design rule can be broken, in my opinion!
What are you working on right now:
Since I have multiple “jobs” (ie.blogging, design, photography, on-air), I have a lot of fun and exciting things in the works. But one project I’m particularly excited about is the 2021 Real Simple Magazine Idea House. Emily Henderson and I are designing the primary suite that will be featured in the October Issue of Real Simple magazine.
Wardrobe staples:
I’m a basics girl, and if you’ve seen me IRL (or on the IG), then you know I pretty much have a “uniform” and am always in a white or striped button down and distressed denim shorts or jeans.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Ugh, this is so hard for me to answer because I’m a lover of textiles and wallpaper and there’s SO many good ones, but I’ve always been obsessed with everything Susan Connor designs.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Designing a home is a marathon, not a sprint.
Best career advice you ever received:
Just do it!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
As a renter, I’m all about investing in things that can make your rental feel more stylish and unique, but that can also be taken with you when you move. So for me, I like to invest in lighting because swapping out a light fixture can make such a big impact on a space. And then I save on accent furnishing pieces that are just there to fill a space, like end tables and chairs that are rarely used.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Local antique shops, Etsy, Chairish, Jayson Home, and any place with unique or vintage goods.
Your interiors motto:
If you love it, buy it.
Your life motto:
“Bloom Where You Are Planted”
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
I think because of social media there is a lot of “influence” when it comes to design. Perhaps too much influence. Everyone’s homes are starting to look the same. So when designing your home, or defining your style, I think it’s important to step away from IG/Pinterest and find inspiration within yourself to ensure that you are curating something that looks and feels truly unique and special to you.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pasta Fresca
Drink: Coke
Film: Inception
Hotel: Viceroy, Santa Monica (designed by Kelly Wearstler)
City: Washington DC
Bedding: Parachute
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Tea
Playlist: anything Gospel or Maverick City Music
Weekend Activity: Lounging at home or on the beach
Design Book: Pacific Natural, Jenni Kayne