I love this quote by Terence Conran: “Home is the heart of life… Home is where we feel at ease, where we belong, where we can create surroundings that reflect our tastes and pleasures. Making a home is a form of creativity open to everyone.”
While it’s true that home is really about the people that inhabit it, by the same token, the artistry of those who live within a dwelling shape it into something beautiful. When we interviewed Dallas-based couple Christine and Steven Visneau for our Love + Work series last month, I was struck by the way that their combined creativity resulted in a home that’s not only aesthetically striking, but also a true representation of who they are and what they love (also clearly evidenced by their thoughtfully-curated online shop, VeeCaravan.) I invited them back to show us around their cozy modern cottage and share the details on how they created such a cool space, their favorite design resources, and the design tip that every home decorator should put into practice. Click through and get ready to be inspired.
*photos by Kelly Christine
History of the home.
We’ve lived here for eight years, and initially discovered the neighborhood while driving around trying to get our baby daughter to sleep! It’s in walking distance of a lake and was a bit hidden. We couldn’t believe we had never come across the neighborhood before. When we first bought the house, the kitchen was awful and the walls throughout were painted pink, but when we walked in, it had a good vibe and we knew immediately it was perfect. We love that it was built in 1952.
*sources: Artwork by Richard Lee Smith, Jr; Pendant, Design Within Reach; Table and bench made by Steven; chairs, vintage.
Christine & Steven’s design inspiration.
We’ve just accumulated things we love (midcentury modern furniture, tchotchkes found while travelling) and slowly decorated each room. We took our time so it was well thought out.
*sources: Rugs, Overstock.com (they have the best rugs at amazing prices); floor poufs, Ikea; chairs, vintage (we had them reupholstered in a light grey); pillows, VeeCaravan.
All about that amazing living room…
The artwork. This photo was taken by Steven on a recent trip to Marfa, Texas. The colors in the image inspired the color scheme for the whole room.
The couch. Henry Sofa from West Elm. It’s the perfect size for our space and the color is versatile. I love to change out the pillows and throw about two times a year.
Cushions & throw. The Natural macramé pillows are Nate Berkus for Target (I can’t go into Target without leaving with a Nate Berkus pillow!) The embroidered eye pillow is from Urban Outfitters, and the printed Black circle and Blue ombre pillow are from VeeCaravan. The throw is Toms for Target.
Favorite spot in the house.
The living room. Or our bedroom. Both.
The inspiration behind VeeCaravan.
VeeCaravan is an accumulation of my many adventures (read: businesses) that I have had in the past 15 years. I fell in love with retail and all things handmade while living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the late 90’s. I was surrounded by creative artists who handmade everything from leather bags, furniture, clothing to jewelry and was lucky to work at a small shop (eventually owning the business) where I learned to curate these goods and also apprentice with a clothing designer.
*sources: vanity, Urban Outfitters (I love how it totally looks vintage); chair, IKEA; pillow, Jonathan Adler; coverlet, West Elm, bedside table, West Elm; lamp, vintage from Lulu B’s in Dallas.
I then designed and owned a kids clothing line, and then a kids retail shop for a few years along with an online kids magazine. I think VeeCaravan is the end result of all these ventures.
Favorite design resources.
Pinterest, our creative friends, Remodelista, Design Sponge.
*sources: wall hanging, Urban Outfitters (this was one of the first things I purchased for the girls’ room and the colors inspired the whole redesign); Art – these are photos we took of the girls while in Marfa, Texas. Steven and I always try to fit in a fashion shoot while traveling. Coverlet is from Urban Outfitters; throws and pillows are from Target.
Number one interior design tip.
You have to love everything that comes into your home.
Favorite way to relax at home.
Cooking dinner while listening to records; pausing for a dance party with my 8 year old.
Biggest design challenge for the space.
Our house is only 1160 square feet, so we have to be strategic with the size and placement of furniture.
Your home in 5 words or less.
A cozy, modern cottage.
Dream house guests.
David Sedaris, Patty Smith, Audrey Hepburn, Nick Cave, Lena Dunham, Amy Poehler, & Kathleen Hanna.
A well-designed home should…
Reflect your personality.
