Home Expert Merri Cvetan | Amazing Goodwill Ask the Experts | home decor

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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.

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

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Jul 7, 2017 2:14:22 PM

Interior Design Tips - Decorating A Shelf

Watch as Goodwill Home Décor Expert Merri Cvetan explains how to utilize a 3-D look to enhance your shelf displays.

Posted by Merri Cvetan on Apr 28, 2017 4:43:16 PM

Color(s) of the Year ~ 2017

Did you ever wonder why a particular color or shade is popular one year, and 12 months later we’re decorating and wearing something totally different? Pantone, the Color Institute along with paint manufactures choose a color they think will resonate with people during an upcoming year. According to Pantone, “ the color of the year is a snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.”

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Nov 5, 2015 3:07:55 PM

Autumn Welcome

When Halloween is behind us and the candy has all been eaten and the costumes are packed away, don’t forget to celebrate fall! One easy way to transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving is to hang a nature-inspired wreath on the front door or entry.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Feb 19, 2015 1:01:00 PM

Star Gazing

I’ve been collecting old wood embroidery hoops from Goodwill for months knowing I would eventually come up with a project. That project turned out to be armillary spheres!

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jul 9, 2014 9:50:00 AM

15 Ways to Reuse an Old Rake!

If you’ve been working in the garden this summer and had to invest in new tools, DON’T throw away the old. I’ve come up with 15 ways to reuse that worn-out rake.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jul 2, 2014 2:04:00 PM

Show Your Stripes!

We celebrate our Independence with picnics and parties all day and night on the Fourth of July. Once the sun goes down and the bugs come out, illuminate your yard with DIY red, white and blue candles.

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