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Creating a Home You Love: Contrasting Textiles, Harmonious Chaos, Unique Objects and Letting your De

Merijam Roelofs

FOLK PROJECT

San Diego, California

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Paula Luna | @lunaphoto | lunaphoto.com

Taryn Nagy Holland | greatwoodlandphotography.com

 

What is some of the best advice you have ever received?

That controlled chaos can be harmonious! This idea is the foundation of my designs, particularly when selecting the fabrics for my furniture. I often use patterns that contrast at first glance, but when they are paired together, the colors and configurations complement each other. It’s like alchemy; magic appears when you have the right combination.

Are there any design rules you follow?

Not really, the concept of beauty or harmony is very subjective. Trends should not become a diktat. Designing your house and living space is something personal, and might also change as you change. Why apply rules if we are in a constant state of change? Your home should evolve with you as you grow and be a reflection of who you are.

Any secrets of capturing great images of our homes?

There are magical hours during the day that make your home look so special. The light must be right. Detail shots alternating with wide shots are my favorite.

What is essential to creating a personal sanctuary?

Personal things! Objects, art you buy when you’re traveling, wandering the world or nature. Items with meaning. I love homes that reflect the soul of its owner. Making a corner where you put the treasures that you collect, where you can burn a special candle to send light.

How do you stay centered in the middle of chaos?

By disconnecting from the emotional roller coaster that brings imbalance. By taking some time to be still and think through it. Remembering that after the storm comes calm again.

Any design hacks you wanna share?

I love mid century pieces but some models became very, very popular. And I do have a love for unique pieces. So I took the Eames bucket chair and upholstered it with huipiles or hand-loomed fabric… all of a sudden the chair you see everywhere becomes a one-of-a-kind piece.

ORIGIN RAPID FIRE

1. Something you always have in your bag?

My little huipil pouches. Taking them out of my bag makes me happy.

2. Where do you do most of your collecting?

Abroad, in thrift stores, in nature.

3. Where do you shop to find your pieces?

Markets, estate sales, flea markets.

4. If you had to design a room in one color, what would it be?

As strange as it may sound, white!

5. What designer or site gives you the most inspiration?

Casa Vogue Brasil.

6. What hashtags do you use to find awesome design on Instagram?

7. Where do you start when you remake a room?

I empty it! To remake you need a blank canvas. I like to have a central piece that will set the style or mood in the room.

8. What's the fastest way to shift a space?

Move furniture around, add pillows or a rug.

9. One of your favorite quotes:

May the stars carry your sadness away, May the flowers fill your heart with beauty, May hope forever wipe away your tears, And, above all, may silence make you strong. —Chief Dan George/ Tsleil-Waututh Nation

5 Tips for Designing a Nurturing Space

1. Remember it is your space, so be you.

2. Dare to mix mainstream with unique, bold with neutral, ethnic with modern.

3. Bring life to your house by adding living beings, like plants.

4. Hang art that speaks to you, it adds magic.

5. Think of your home as a nest, make it welcoming and cozy

The 411

After studying art history and anthropology in Paris, I pursued fashion design. I found inspiration in the material culture of people still living in a traditional way. Life brought me to Tijuana, Mexico, where I became a florist (my second nature). I started Folk Project five years ago when I moved to San Diego.

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