Ghostly Graveyard
Hosting a late Halloween party? Need a last minute treat?
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 Nov 1, 2012 3:38:00 PM
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Aug 24, 2012 3:19:00 PM
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 27, 2012 1:59:00 PM
Cleaning Tips from Merri
Having trouble removing that ring around your bathtub or getting wax out of your votives? Here's some of Merri's tips for getting the job done!
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 19, 2012 2:16:00 PM
Floral Frog Stands
Upcycling tip for July. I found a bunch of old floral frogs. They’re little metal stands with spikes you put in to the bottom of a dish to hold fresh cut flowers. Today, most flower arrangements use a foam block that absorbs water.
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 4, 2012 3:07:00 PM
Tool Caddy
I have my own personal tool box. I take it with me to client homes and when I’m working as a stylist. It’s filled with my tools and everything I need on a job. I’m happy to let other family members borrow a hammer or tape measure, but I expect my tools to be put back.
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Apr 30, 2012 4:15:00 PM
By the Lamplight
One of the biggest mistakes people make when decorating their home is to overlook or forget about lighting. A room isn’t successful or finished until appropriate lighting is installed.
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Apr 25, 2012 4:18:00 PM
Make Your Own Reusable Tote Bag for Earth Month!
Are you taking part in Earth Month this April? One simple way you can help Mother Earth is to use fewer plastic bags. I love tote bags and use them every time I have to carry or haul something. By making your own tote, you can help to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Posted by
Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Apr 19, 2012 4:21:00 PM
Declutter Your Desk Top
With Earth Day right around the corner, I’d like to offer some tips for re-purposing. During a recent move of my home office into an unused bedroom, I worked to declutter and better organize my desk top. The key to this strategy was to have a place for everything right where I need them, especially the items I use most often.
