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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 Merri Cvetan on May 11, 2017 1:53:59 PM

2 Down: Mother’s Day

One of the best things about Mother’s Day (besides spending time with the family) is opening home-made gifts. When my kids were little, we spent time making something special for their grandmas. Presents from the kiddos are right up there with sticky kisses. This crossword puzzle/Scrabble picture can be made by children of any age and describes mom or grandma perfectly.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 3, 2016 12:01:47 PM

Mother’s Day Pin-Up

Handmade gifts are always treasured by moms and grandmothers—especially for Mother’s Day. Shop Goodwill and your own home for a few supplies and you can make a unique gift for your mom.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 7, 2015 2:03:49 PM

To Grandma With Love

Every grandma loves to get a gift made by the grandkids. Finding a DIY project that they can do isn’t always easy. This simple, no-sew pin cushion is sure to capture every grandma’s heart.