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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 Oct 23, 2012 3:28:00 PM

Harvest Table

Is your house all decorated for Halloween?  I’ve given you lots of ideas during the past several weeks. The last step to planning your party is setting the table.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Oct 18, 2012 11:23:00 AM

Create a Halloween tree with Goodwill!

Decorated trees aren’t just for Christmas anymore! Add one to your Halloween décor and reuse it every year.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Oct 4, 2012 3:47:00 PM

By Pumpkin Light

Lighting is a key ingredient to Halloween decorating. The spookier the better. Now that it’s October, it’s time to bring out the real decorations.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Sep 27, 2012 2:55:00 PM

Halloween Bling

I’ve never shied away from adding a little bling to my fashion or home accessories. However, little goes a long way in home interiors. But anything goes when it comes to holiday decorating!

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Aug 7, 2012 2:28:00 PM

Back-To-School - Organization Station

One of the most stressful times of the year is early September when the kids go back to school. Moms look forward to the new routine and kids dread it. I remember stressing out about getting and staying organized. Whether you have one kid or several, finding a system that keeps everyone on track and get them where they need to be is a top priority.