“Talent is good. Practice is better. Passion is best.”
- Frank Lloyd Wright
What I’m Passionate About…..
01 — Mid Century Modern Design
I am constantly in awe and inspired by such designers as The Eames, Mies Van der Rohe, Neutra and Eichler homes. I got my husband into Frank Lloyd Wright a few years ago and now we try to tour as many of his homes as we can! Our current home is a 1961 custom post and beam tri level and I have a particular fondness for these types of homes. Avocado green and turquoise are some of my favorite colors! I’ve become obsessed with collecting pieces that are from the 1950-60’s. It’s so popular Target now has its own line of MCM inspired reproductions, along with companies like West Elm and Joybird. Check out my eBay for Mid Century housewares and decor. www.ebay.com/usr/chefvive
02 — All Things Vintage/Antique
From Art Deco to the organic feel of 70’s….I’m into it! I love to hit a good antique store or flea market.. Most weekends I stalk estate sales for cool pieces to sell in my eBay shop. It all started in HS when I saved up $55 for a vintage Weiss rhinestone bib necklace. I now have a ridiculously large rhinestone collection. Adding vintage/antique pieces to your design is not only cost effective, it’s recycling. It adds a curated and personal feel to the space. One of the trends I have been loving lately is turning antique dressers into bathroom vanities. A lot of the time these pieces were saved from dumpsters because of damage to the tops. A piece of custom countertop and some structural repair and they have new life! They don’t make furniture like they used to!
03 — Historically Authentic I.D.
Spending 3 years restoring a home from 1961 has made a huge impression on me as a Designer. If you have a Victorian Queen Anne PLEASE don’t reno the bath and kitchen to sleek contemporary. Not only are you depreciating the historic value of the home, it just plain looks out of place! There are lots of ways to update modern conveniences and respect the architecture of the space. I prefer to keep as many original details to a space as I can (within reason), or replace with period accurate replicas or salvage. I understand not everyone will feel the same, but I’m happy to show you a different perspective to your dated spaces!
04 - Thrifting for Luxury
I have ALWAYS had expensive taste. I have a knack for walking in a room and finding the most expensive item. BUT being fairly poor for most of my 20’s has given me perspective. I have a few well known MCM pieces, that I got through estates at a fraction of the price. I own Gucci, Burberry, Prada and YSL that I paid mere dollars for. Hunting and dealing is half the fun. There is NO rule that you must settle for less if you can’t afford. If you want your home to look like it’s out of a magazine, I’ll help you in the most affordable way!
05 — I’m the Crazy Plant Lady
I grew up in the woods and have to be surrounded by trees. Most of my house is filled with spider plants, Thanksgiving/Christmas cactuses, Norfolk island pine, Pothos, Schefflera, cast iron plants, ZZ’s, bamboo and tons of Aloe Vera!. They are in stands, on the walls, in windows and hanging from the ceiling. I just picked up a Dragon Tree for $5 on Facebook! Plants add a lush and homey feel to any space! Don’t forget they purify the air in our homes and some are medicinal/edible.
06 - I love Animals
I have had every type of animal as a pet! They make a huge difference in a design plan and take special consideration! When our 100lb Lab/Rottie passed away a couple years ago we spent a year deciding on what type of animal we brought into our home. Then I found 2 stray kittens. Wow is that a life/decor adjustment! It has made me VERY aware of how to plan spaces for families with animals. When I upholster pieces for my home I choose Crypton brand fabrics that are water/stain/odor repellant. When we installed whole house carpeting we chose Mohawk Lifeproof carpet. My toxic plants are now hanging out of reach. After several broken planters/vases I stick down everything to hard surfaces. Gel tape for the win!
