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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 Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jul 30, 2012 1:24:00 PM

Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer

Practically everyone I know owns a cat or a dog, or both. The pet industry is big business in this country. But you don’t have to spend lots of money to spoil your “best friends.”

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jul 18, 2012 1:27:00 PM

Christmas in July

Christmas in July. A much as I love Christmas, even I wouldn’t decorate in July. But I do believe in getting a head start when it comes to the holidays. In an age of texting and emails, sending Christmas cards might seem a bit passé. Not only do I like to send them by snail-mail, I like to make my own. (I don’t make cookies, I make cards!)

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jul 16, 2012 1:50:00 PM

Tailgate Picnic

Tailgating is a tradition from late spring until the end of the football season. It’s fun to meet friends before the game to eat and drink. I’ve seen tailgate parties as simple as a couple of hot dogs tossed on a disposable grill to an elegant event with a linen tablecloth and crystal wine glasses. Most of us picnic somewhere in between.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jul 3, 2012 2:39:00 PM

Born on the Fourth of July

We host a brunch every Fourth of July for friends before we head out to the local parade and festivities. My challenge is to come up with a new table setting and menu every year.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 27, 2012 1:59:00 PM

Cleaning Tips from Merri

Having trouble removing that ring around your bathtub or getting wax out of your votives? Here's some of Merri's tips for getting the job done!

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 19, 2012 2:16:00 PM

Floral Frog Stands

Upcycling tip for July. I found a bunch of old floral frogs. They’re little metal stands with spikes you put in to the bottom of a dish to hold fresh cut flowers. Today, most flower arrangements use a foam block that absorbs water.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Apr 6, 2012 8:39:00 AM

Nesting Instinct - Easter Baskets!

Children of all ages love coloring and decorating Easter eggs. And what better way to display those festive creations, then with unique and unusual baskets you make yourself.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 15, 2012 8:49:00 AM

St. Patrick's Day Pot 'O Gold Treats

It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to make special treats for St. Patrick’s Day.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 12, 2012 9:00:00 AM

Green With Envy!

Add a daring splash of lime green décor for St. Patrick’s Day dinner and your guests will be “green with envy.”

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 5, 2012 9:06:00 AM

Let Them Eat Cupcakes!

Cupcakes are the hottest trend at wedding receptions these days. Brides are replacing the traditional wedding cake with single size servings in a variety of flavors.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Feb 27, 2012 9:10:00 AM

Share The Love - Have A Seat

It’s the little touches that make your wedding extra special, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money. DIY projects keep the costs down, allow you to be creative, and you’re recycling too when you shop for “parts” at Goodwill.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Feb 21, 2012 9:14:00 AM

Share The Love - Please Be Seated

Planning your wedding can be exciting, but at times somewhat stressful. Keep in mind that whether your big day is a formal affair or a casual party in the yard, it should reflect the style and personality of the bride and groom.