A Creative Soul Thrifts Her Way to a Memorable Home

Holley Simmons is a jack-of-all-trades. Not only has she worked as a journalist for NPR and The Washington Post, but she also recently started her own plant-styling business called Sill Life. Through it she helps individuals and companies chose greenery that will not only thrive in their spaces, but look fabulous as well. Think that’s it? Nope. On top of that she’s also scrounged up the time to co-found The Lemon Collective, a communal space where makers can lead classes in their respective fields. Without a doubt she’s a driven individual who leads a colorful life. And what does every vibrant, young woman need? An apartment that matches her bright and brazen attitude.

The quirky look of Holley’s Washington, D.C. space comes courtesy of her wide array of affordable souvenirs and unique finds. The dining room, for example, is decorated with mementos that were free or only cost her a few bucks. Shells from a Sri Lankan vacation, a piece of Mexican coral and a pretty pitcher are just a few of her fun treasures. Paired with these memory-filled decorations is a disco ball, horse bust, and other slightly-eccentric touches with a wink. She’s even turned an old toy into a planter.

Peppered around the home’s knick-knacks are furniture pieces she’s picked up all over the place. And I mean all over the place. Sure there are the standard vintage and antique shop finds, but there are just as many goodies she’s snagged from an alley by her home as well. Holley has found sofas, chairs, lamps and storage cabinets there. She’s not too proud to admit it either — hunting down good finds is one of her favorite pastimes. She says her current collection doesn’t feature a single item costing more than $300!

While every accessory and piece of furniture in Holley’s home charms me, the scene-stealing walls surrounding each have me really gawking. And it’s not only because they’re bright and saturated — it’s because they each come with a story. Like the dining room’s coral walls that are inspired by a sunset Holley took in while on vacation in Greece, or the living room’s blue hue that transports her back to Mexico City and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul. Each one is such a looker you have to click through to see them all. Enjoy! —Garrett

Photography by Kate Warren

Image Above: After visiting Casa Azul in Mexico City — the cobalt blue home Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera shared — Holley was inspired to hunt down a similar shade for her own eclectic living room. In the end, Benjamin Moore “Blueberry Hill” fit the bill perfectly. Like the rest of her home, this spot is outfitted in secondhand finds.

from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2017/06/a-creative-soul-thrifts-her-way-to-a-memorable-home.html

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/161319212039