It has been a busy year. The Timm House is finished and opened to the public again after being closed for five years. It was a fabulous project and so much fun to work on. We restored the home to it's full glory at the height of fashion in 1895. Each room is dressed in reproduction wallpaper and window treatments. Since we only had original photos from the parlor to base our restoration on, that room is as close as possible to way it looked when the Timm family lived there. It took careful research to decide how to recreate the rest of the house. The New Holstein Historical Society, who own and maintain the home were wonderful people to work with. They also have a huge collection of furniture and accessories, so the house is fully furnished.
I will have photos on my web site soon. If you are interested in learning how to restore your antique home or house museum, I will be speaking at the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference in New Orleans on October 20. My seminar is titled "Interior Design Solutions for Victorian Era Buildings".
I am off to France in September and will bring back lots of design ideas from Paris and Provence. French Country has been popular for years. I can't wait to see if the French still decorate the way we Americans interpret their style!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Sunday, April 1, 2007
CONTACT: Merri Cvetan, Showhouse Coordinator,
262-364-6794
Interior Designers Take Learning Out of the Classroom
“House on Fox Run” Showhouse May 4-13
Features the Latest Trends and Ideas in Home Decorating
Guests to the House on Fox Run Showhouse will be able to tour the newly constructed home to view the talents of interior designers and students. It’s an opportunity to see the latest colors and trends in home design.
Unique to this year’s Showhouse is a “Green” master bedroom suite. Finishes selected for this space (paint, flooring, vanity, tile, furniture) are manufactured with environmentally responsible methods. With Earth Month in mind, the designer and students working on the great room and dining area took on the challenge of finding new ways to “re-purpose” old or discarded furniture and accessories. A girl’s bedroom will be decorated in a frog theme and the third bedroom will be turned into an upscale home office.
The Mukwonago Rotary Club sponsors and supports the Showhouse open to the public May 4-6, 11-13 and during the week by appointment. The home is located at 1413 Red Fox Run in Mukwonago. The $5 donation fee to the Showhouse and proceeds will benefit the Rotary Foundation and future house projects. Tickets for the Showhouse can be purchased at the door (1413 Red Fox Run, Mukwonago).
For more information contact Merri Cvetan at 262-364-6794 or merric@wi.rr.com.
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Sunday, March 4, 2007
Did you know that March is Plan A Party Month! I created this holiday month to help us with the transition from the winter blahs until spring actually arrives (in the upper Midwest, we may not see spring until June). What better way to reconnect with your family or friends than with a gathering at your house. It can be formal or casual; home cooked, catered or take out; a big cocktail soirée or an intimate dinner for four. The point is to send out invitations, gather some dishes, set the table and relax over a nice bottle of wine and lively conversation.
In the coming weeks, I will offer ideas for creating a theme and setting a pretty table. I like to cook when I have time or for a special event, but I have more fun creating a unique and clever dining atmosphere with linens and dishes and unusual accoutrement. If the room looks great and your guests are comfortable, it doesn't matter what you serve to eat.
Poker was the theme for a dinner party served to a group of twenty-somethings. The guys indulge in a yearly pilgrimage to Las Vegas and our Italian dinner was the send off. Setting the table couldn't have been easier. Placemats, simple 18" squares of black felt (with just a touch of sparkle) provided a nice back drop for red chargers and white dinner plates. If you invest in only one set of dinner plates, choose white. They will go with everything and never go out of fashion.
Black napkins, folded accordion style, were inserted in ceramic napkin rings stenciled with numbers. This made assigning seats easier. The centerpiece consisted of antique poker accessories: over-sized dice, roulette wheel, German playing cards and betting chips. The guests could entertain themselves while they waited for the next course. And flowers, never forget flowers. Tulips are my favorite and are available this time of year. They come in a variety of colors to coordinate with any table decor.
This was a party for special people. They just had to sit back and enjoy the evening, but this theme will work for any gathering. If all your guests are not well acquainted with one another, the place setting or centerpiece can become a conversation starter and get the ball rolling. Who doesn't have a story about Las Vegas? A successful party is one where everyone had fun including the host.
Let me know what kind of party you are planning this spring!
Until next time.
Merri
In the coming weeks, I will offer ideas for creating a theme and setting a pretty table. I like to cook when I have time or for a special event, but I have more fun creating a unique and clever dining atmosphere with linens and dishes and unusual accoutrement. If the room looks great and your guests are comfortable, it doesn't matter what you serve to eat.
Poker was the theme for a dinner party served to a group of twenty-somethings. The guys indulge in a yearly pilgrimage to Las Vegas and our Italian dinner was the send off. Setting the table couldn't have been easier. Placemats, simple 18" squares of black felt (with just a touch of sparkle) provided a nice back drop for red chargers and white dinner plates. If you invest in only one set of dinner plates, choose white. They will go with everything and never go out of fashion.
Black napkins, folded accordion style, were inserted in ceramic napkin rings stenciled with numbers. This made assigning seats easier. The centerpiece consisted of antique poker accessories: over-sized dice, roulette wheel, German playing cards and betting chips. The guests could entertain themselves while they waited for the next course. And flowers, never forget flowers. Tulips are my favorite and are available this time of year. They come in a variety of colors to coordinate with any table decor.
This was a party for special people. They just had to sit back and enjoy the evening, but this theme will work for any gathering. If all your guests are not well acquainted with one another, the place setting or centerpiece can become a conversation starter and get the ball rolling. Who doesn't have a story about Las Vegas? A successful party is one where everyone had fun including the host.
Let me know what kind of party you are planning this spring!
Until next time.
Merri
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Welcome to mec design studio! My goal as a designer is to make the world a more beautiful place, one room at a time. If that room belongs to you, and it needs a face lift, I want to help you create a space suited to you, your family and your lifestyle.
In the coming weeks, I will be offering design tips and 'how-to' ideas. I will also feature table setting and party planning suggestions. After all, why have a great house if you don't share it with your family and friends. Life is too short, throw a party!
I hope you will share your design stories (the disasters and well as the successes) and questions.
Until next time
In the coming weeks, I will be offering design tips and 'how-to' ideas. I will also feature table setting and party planning suggestions. After all, why have a great house if you don't share it with your family and friends. Life is too short, throw a party!
I hope you will share your design stories (the disasters and well as the successes) and questions.
Until next time
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