" " " "

Goodwill Home Décor Expert - Merri Cvetan

Goodwill Home Decor Expert Merri Cvetan

I started my career as an interior designer when we finished remodeling our home that was built in the 1890s. I loved the space planning, choosing finishes and decorating every little inch. It was trial and error, and we made mistakes, but I learned a lot along the way. Along with being a learning process, working on our home was also a hands-on project. We did everything ourselves (actually, my husband Tom did all the building and heavy work, I did the fun stuff!). I’ve had the decorating bug ever since I was a little girl, but I wanted to know everything about design, so, as a result I returned to college (Mount Mary) for a second degree in Interior Design.

I’ve been collecting antiques and vintage furnishings forever. My favorite shopping places are flea markets, antique stores and of course, Goodwill. I love DIY projects and saving money by taking an object and re-purposing it into something beautiful and useful. I’m also an amateur photographer, love to travel and study French (J’adore tous ce qui est franҫais)!

Although I love to entertain, I’m not much of a cook. My party philosophy is "if the table looks fantastic, it doesn’t matter what you serve."

My weekly column for Amazing Goodwill and my design blog, Design Coach, are about all things design, living a stylish life and entertaining (like setting a great table). I share DIY projects, decorating and design tips, as well as ideas and secrets.

If you have a specific question for Merri, feel free to email her at askmerri@goodwillsew.com.

Follow Merri on Twitter and Pinterest!

Watch Merri on Windy City Live! ... See more videos featuring Merri (and more) on our AmazingGoodwill YouTube channel!


Posted by Merri Cvetan on Feb 5, 2020 9:33:23 AM

Celebrate Valentine's At Home This Year!

Although the legend of St. Valentine has been around since AD 496, it wasn’t until the 18th century that lovers began expressing their love for each other with cards, candy and flowers. Today we’re still celebrating with our loved ones. Instead of going out this year, why not stay home?

Follow these simple steps to create a cozy, romantic dinner for two!


Posted by Merri Cvetan on Dec 14, 2018 1:03:23 PM

Blue Christmas - Festive Holiday Table Setting

December is not only my favorite time of year but also the busiest time of year. There is always so much to do in so little time: shopping, decorating, wrapping and entertaining. If it’s your turn to host Christmas dinner, start planning your table setting early to make the day less stressful. Here’s a time saving tip: set the table several days early so you can spend your time with family.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Jul 27, 2018 12:27:34 PM

Dorm-Ready Checklist

Back to school is just around the corner. If this is your first year moving into the dorms or your fourth, you want to be prepared for the big move-in day. Don’t forget anything with our easy to follow checklist. 

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Jul 2, 2018 4:20:24 PM

Red, White and Blue BBQ!

Summer picnics and bar-b-ques are in full swing. Who doesn’t love the ease of grilling out and casual gatherings with friends during the summer months? Make your next BBQ special with a few simple tricks and supplies you can find at Goodwill.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Dec 15, 2017 12:26:15 PM

Vintage Charm

Just when you think you’ve filled every nook and cranny with snowmen, santas and angels, you realize the china cabinet hasn’t been decorated! Pack away whatever has been on display all year long and create a pretty, vintage winter display.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Oct 20, 2017 11:49:51 AM

Re-Think Your Halloween Color Palette

It’s time to rethink your Halloween color palette. Instead of decorating with the traditional orange pumpkin, try painting them white instead. Not only can you create an elegant Halloween display, if you use faux pumpkins you can move them from your front porch to the dining room table at Thanksgiving.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Aug 31, 2017 6:15:05 PM

Easy Decorating with Pillows

Goodwill Home Décor Expert, Merri Cvetan shows us some fun and simple ways to spruce up your décor with throw pillows!

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Aug 23, 2017 2:18:54 PM

Confessions of a Collector Part 2 - The Scarf

My scarf/shawl collection triples my number of handbags. What can I say? I love accessories. (Just wait until I get to jewelry!) Scarves and shawls not only add color and pizazz to an outfit, but they also keep you warm when the temperature drops. I never go anywhere without one during fall, winter and spring, and I’ve been known to throw one in my car during the summer in case the air conditioning is too cold.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Aug 15, 2017 12:02:56 PM

Confessions of a Collector: Part 1 - The Handbag

Some women collect shoes, but since I have weird feet I collect handbags. I have many colors in similar styles, and since I carry only the basics with me, I prefer rather flat purses. They’re the perfect accessory for changing your outfit and adding a punch of color. The dilemma is how to store, and keep them out of sight when not in use. Well, I found the perfect solution at the hardware store (of all places)!

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Aug 2, 2017 3:53:41 PM

The Ultimate Dorm Room on a Budget

Dorm life can be expensive! Fortunately for you, Goodwill if full of amazing deals and one-of-a-kind decorating accessories.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Jul 25, 2017 3:18:58 PM

The Early Bird ~ DIY Birdhouse Décor

One of the best parts of summer is sitting on the back porch and listening to the birds chirp while enjoying a cup of coffee. It doesn’t happen very often, but I cherish those quiet early mornings before the hustle of the day begins. As a tribute to my feathered friends, I decided to decorate the porch with pretty birdhouses.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Jul 19, 2017 4:19:09 PM

DIY Cork Trivet - Video Version

Do you know a wine enthusiast who would love this idea? It only takes a few minutes to create this simple DIY cork trivet. Goodwill Home Decor Expert Merri Cvetan demonstrates how to cut a cork base, and then add wine corks with a hot glue gun. And before you know it, voila...your wine cork trivet is finished!