House Tour-Nicole and Jesse

Name: Nicole and Jesse
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Square Footage: aprox 900 sq ft
Years Lived in: 7 mo
Rent or own: Renting
Describe your style: A cozy eclectic mix of vintage bohemian whimsy
Blog/Website/Twitter: Confetti Garden www.etsy.com/shop/ConfettiGarden

What's your favorite free/found item?
It has to be our Eames era Henry Miller style lounge chair that Jesse spied sitting out for the trash in our Irvington neighborhood. It was truly the most serendipitous of occasions because not only was it an unbelievable and unexpected find, but I had unknowingly purchased it's "stool mate" at a thrift shop several months prior and now the pair live happily together in our home. Jesse is still gleeful with pride that he snagged it.


What's your favorite purchased item?
Lately I am quite fond of my little blue lacey paper crane purchased from Mila of the beautiful Loveology blog. A tiny, inexpensive, but handmade item that brings me such happiness just gazing at it; I need a dozen more! But my fav of all time is my pink chippy fireplace mantel, originally purchased for our boutique, until we grew tired of it in the shop and I got to take it home.

What has been your biggest obstacle in decorating/design?
Space! We have temporarily moved into a one bedroom flat from a 3 bedroom 3 story house. I do adore small spaces, and enjoy decorating them very much. But many of my favorite pieces are being kept in storage and I miss them. I can clean this place in about one hour though which is a big plus for me.


Is your design style organic or planned?
I'd say both. I like to spend many an afternoon daydreaming up a design to rearrange my space in my mind. It never fails though that once I begin, something more organic takes shape and my house or the objects in it are what ends up dictating the end result. Happy accidents are what I like to call them.

What is your favorite spot in the house?
Lounging on my comfy, floppy sofa with my dogs Gertie and Bunny in front of the fire place in the living room with the windows wide open and the evening breeze passing through. A fireplace is a must have for us.


How has your style changed in the past 5 years?
I like to think that it's a little more mature and a wee bit less girly. I will always stay true to my shabby shic style roots, but I've been dabbling in the mid-century modern style of design with more of a bohemian, free-flowing layered feel. With a dab of industiral for Jesse. I shoot for refinement with less clutter these days, but cozy still always wins.

What is your favorite resource or store?
Etsy shops! Too many to list. Craigslist is limitless too. I also cannot say no to a Flea Market trip or an Anthropologie stop either.


What is your biggest decorating/design pet peeve?
Do people still put carpet in bathrooms? I doubt it, but I still run into it from time to time and it makes me cringe a little. Beyond impractical, it's just wrong!

What has been your favorite design trend?
I am in love with Airstream trailers used as additional living/work spaces! It's a fabulous fun trend. They are all over Flickr and I just picked up the new Romantic Homes magazine that features Magnolia Pearl's Airstream and it is most impressive! I think it takes a great deal of creativity to decorate a confined space and the Airstream's vintage charm is irresistable to me.


What is the biggest influence on your design/decorating style?
Design blogs such as yours have made a huge impact on my style. I stroll through them daily. Photos from Flickr friends of their homes are also a major source of inspiration. And Etsy shops are where the best designs originate before you see knock-offs of them popping up in stores. My friends' and family's homes always leave a mark on me too.

What in your home dictates how you design/decorate?
Not much really, maybe my dogs? There are just certain luxuries that are impractical when you have pets cohabitating with you. Such as a frilly white sofa, or lots of fluffy (chewable) rugs, or floor plants; you get the idea.


What is the simplest thing you have done that has made the biggest impact?
Aside from paint which is a must, I think adding and layering textiles such as flowy curtains, multi-patterned duvets, velvet pillows, and comfy slipcovers, can change the feel of an entire room. If company is coming over and I'm short on time Jesse and I just grab blankets and sheets and throw them over all of the furniture, toss a few pillows and light some candles.

all photos courtesy of homeowner. If you would like to have your home featured please send me an email or submit pictures of your home to the flickr group.