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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 Aug 28, 2014 3:34:00 PM

Making Dorm "Storage" Usable

One of the biggest challenges I hear from college students moving into dorms is the lack of storage space. We know how small dorm rooms are, so choosing furniture and accessories that can serve more than one purpose is important.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 25, 2014 3:11:00 PM

And Baby Makes Three

Is a baby shower on your calendar this summer? We know new parents take lots of pictures of their newborns. So why not make a special keepsake frame to show off the little one?

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 1, 2014 12:00:00 AM

It's For the Birds!

I’m always looking for unusual and unique garden art. This glass bird bath will look fabulous in any flower bed. The cut glass reflects the sunlight and the birds will appreciate a bath.  

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 22, 2014 12:27:00 PM

Teacher’s Pet

The end of the school year is only weeks away. I’m sure you and your children want to thank the teachers with a special gift. Forget the traditional apple. I made desk caddies from items I found at Goodwill!

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 15, 2014 9:44:00 AM

Oh La La - French Themed Bridal Shower

We’re quickly moving into wedding season and that means some of you will be showering the bride with a party. Choose a theme and color and go all-out to honor the bride-to-be.  

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 8, 2014 1:00:00 PM

Hot Seat

One of the hottest trends in interior design is the pouf. It’s a modern interpretation of the basic footstool. They are generally round, or rounded in some way, and always colorful. You can use them to rest your feet or as a table (with a tray on top). It can be tucked out of the way under a console table and pulled out when extra seating is needed. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and cost anywhere from $75 up to $250 (or more). But why spend that much money when you can make your own?