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.
Goodwill Home Décor 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 May 30, 2014 11:47:00 AM
Lamp Table Transformation
Sometimes an item I find has seen better days or, in the case of this lamp table, is simply outdated. I’m not a fan of this style of floor lamp. I love lamps and tables, just not an all-in-one style. But, it only took two cans of spray paint to create a charming side table.
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 1, 2014 4:11:00 PM
Country Style Table Setting
As a mother, I can’t think of a better gift than eating with my family. It doesn’t matter what we’re eating, just having everyone gathered around a table for a few hours of conversation is priceless. Of course, sitting at a great table always makes the event more enjoyable.
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 26, 2014 1:55:00 PM
A Promise of Spring
Like everyone else, I’m tired of waiting for spring weather! So I decided to bring the garden indoors. If nothing else, green plants remind us that warm weather is just around the corner.
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 19, 2014 2:28:00 PM
Picture This
Collecting art work can be a lifelong pursuit. Some people don’t mind waiting for the perfect painting, but sometimes you need instant art, especially if you’re redecorating a kid’s room, or a dorm room.
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 14, 2014 12:31:00 PM
Lucky Shamrock
Time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and welcome spring with a festive Irish wreath. (Maybe the snow will be melted by then!)
