We’re back with a new guest tastemaker for some quick-fire questions and a mini-curation of some fab Chairish finds!
Fort Worth-based interior designer Tori Rubinson‘s knack for mixing old and new is apparent from the airy modern feel she’s injected into the ranch and cottage-style Texas homes of her clientele. With a focus on whole-design for families, her techniques and principles fittingly carry over into her own 1930s cottage style home, which she and her husband have expanded to fit the needs of their growing family, and filled with treasured heirlooms.
Read on to hear the heartfelt story behind how she acquired her beloved breakfast table, and the mantra she coined in her days as an athlete that has stuck with her throughout her design career.
Last show you binge watched?
“One must champion oneself and say, I’m ready for this!”…Anyone?! Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek, of course! I just finished the last season and I definitely shed some tears during the final episode. Amidst the sarcasm and endless laughter, the show is filled with raw love and – not to mention – the most amazing cast. Does it get any better?! I think not.
Coolest vintage piece in your house?
I totally have a soft spot in my heart for anything that came from my sweet grandparents. However, one of the most meaningful pieces is our farm table that currently sits in our kitchen.
When my husband and I were newlyweds fresh in the real world, we didn’t have a dime or sofa to our name. Let alone, a table to eat on. Our pastor and his wife saw themselves in us, and offered to sell their perfectly turquoise, century-old farm table to us for $200. From family dinners to school projects to business scheming, this table has been through it all with us! Three kids and two businesses later, we still Chairish this table dearly.
Ultimate style icon?
Aerin Lauder. She’s classic, timeless, natural, sophisticated and elegant, while always maintaining a comfortable, livable look. This is exactly what I strive for in fashion and designing!
Most memorable career moment you’ve had so far?
I am so fortunate to have some very exciting career-building moments coming up in the near future. It’s all a secret for now, but I hope you’ll follow along as we giddily share our dreams becoming realities!
Speaking of dreams becoming realities, I’ve been building my team for the past year and truly have found my #dreamteam, which has been so rewarding! I have been blessed with the most incredible women who are hard working, passionate about their work and genuinely very talented. And the best part? We all have become such great friends and sincerely enjoy spending time with each other!
What would be the title of your autobiography?
I can largely contribute my character and who I am today to being an athlete; specifically being a part of a team and working together to accomplish one common goal. This past year, TCU Volleyball created an award in my honor, naming it the “Tori Rubinson Heart and Hustle Award.” You could say this is one of those moments where you reflect on your life and find gratitude in everything you’ve overcome.
Not only did this mean so much to me coming from my alma mater – the team whom I once proudly was a part of during my college years, – but it spoke truth to the way I live my life. I believe you can achieve your dreams if you work hard, maintain intentional focus and persevere through every challenge and heartache. So, with that being said, my autobiography would simply be titled, Heart and Hustle.
