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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 Nov 19, 2014 1:36:00 PM

Words of Thanks

Is your Thanksgiving dinner calm and relaxing or loud and boisterous? The family is gathered together around the table for at least an hour so have some fun with your table setting. Let guests entertain themselves between courses with Scrabble tiles. You never know, the kids might even learn a new word or two!

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jul 16, 2014 5:21:00 PM

Silver & White - The Perfect Union

There are so many things to think about when planning a wedding. Formal or casual? Trendy or classic? Elegant or funky? Whatever style you choose, it should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom.

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 Apr 1, 2014 4:02:00 PM

Book Club Luncheon

There’s nothing like sitting down with a good book, unless of course, you discuss it over a glass of wine with fellow book club members. Next time you host your group, set an appropriate table that they’ll truly appreciate.