52 weeks of design (kitty & company) week 41

By Kitty Golding
Kitty & Company will be conducting a series of short interviews with Chelsea Residents for 52 weeks, bringing to light differing personalities and design styles in our community.  Perhaps you will meet someone new through these weekly interviews or perhaps it will be YOU! Stay tuned and follow us each week – we now introduce you to Mrs. Patti Musolf.
What is your profession?  I have been a secretary at the Chelsea School District for 33 years. I was hired by Bill Wescott at North Elementary and worked there for 10 years then was moved to Beach Middle School where I am at now. I retired in 2012 and was hired right back as a part-time secretary still at Beach. It is the BEST retirement job ever!!!
Your family members: Mark is my husband. My daughters are Krista Johnston-Jarvey and Kelly Johnston Napieralski - both are Chelsea graduates. I also have six totally awesome grandchildren ranging in ages 19 to 3. I love being a grandmother. I feel it is a "do over" from raising my girls. All the things I did wrong in parenting I can do right with grandparenting.
People think of me as: having it all together, but really I don’t.
When did you move to Chelsea?  My family moved to Chelsea in1954 from Detroit. My grandfather and dad started Turner Electric Service out of the building in which Mike's Deli is located.
What do you love about where you currently live? I love our downtown area. I love that I can go weeks without leaving town because everything I need is right here including my job. In fact, the only reason I leave Chelsea is to visit my family in either Saline or Hartland.
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would it be? A family cottage on any of the Great Lakes
What three words describe your style? See - like – buy.
As you think about the home in which you grew up, what elements did you like and do you think you have incorporated some of them in your own home? I loved every home I grew up in but these homes were always painted in very "beigey" colors and lots of wallpaper which is not my taste.  My mom decorated with an eclectic style, but I like each room to be cohesive in furniture style.
Who most influenced your design styles?   My style is nothing like my mom’s  or my friends. I love calming colors and very comfy furniture. Right now my home décor reads blues and grays. Two years ago when we bought new furniture I walked into the store, found a loveseat that I adored and bought rest of the furniture to match around that. I guess you would call my loveseat the "statement" piece.
Have you fluctuated in your tastes through your various homes? I have not stayed true to one style. When we first moved into our home my colors were pale yellows and greens with raspberry accents. Two years ago I bought new furniture for my living room and family room and completely changed the style and colors.
 
What are you most inspired by in your design/decor?  If I love it and I can envision it as a compliment to the room that is how I am inspired
What is one trend in design you do NOT like? I haven't seen one I absolutely don't like. Design trends are like people - all different but each unique and something to like.
Have you ever built a new home or remodeled an existing one? Yes. We bought a condo that was in the process of being built so I picked out all kitchen and bath fixtures. Also, we have built our current home.
Have you ever sought professional help with the interior design of your home? No. My daughters and I do ask each other's opinions, though, when purchasing new items. My daughters usually take me along with them when they furnish a new home.
 
What is the one biggest interior design issue you struggle with? I would love to have white kitchen cabinets. They are a light oak color. I have 30 kitchen cabinets and could not afford to have them painted. I still love my kitchen, though.
Which room in your home gets the most use? Our den. Our TV is in that room and it is a huge room. When the family comes over we all fit in there. We fit 18 in this room on Christmas Eve with plenty of room to spare.
No room is complete without:  Accessories.
I tend to be more of a collector of things, than a minimalist.
What did you do to pass the time during the COVID-19 State shutdown? During the shutdown,  I ran errands for friends, took meals to friends that were sick, I tried many new recipes, caught up on my reading, and hung out with my family. My daughter has an in-ground pool so the family was there a lot.
If you were moving and could only pick one item from your home to keep, which would it be and why? My bedroom furniture. I love the wrought iron bed,   the style and color of the furniture.
A few of your favorite things!
Movie - The Nativity Story.
Historical Place You Have Visited-  Washington D.C.
Season- How can I pick? I love them all!  From the spring-flowers and  green grasses, to the warmer summer weather fit for swimming. The fall brings beautiful  foliage and Thanksgiving. Winter has the first snow, cozy fires, and Christmas along with holiday lights on homes.
Scent – Cinnamon.
Song, Artist or style of Music- I love Christian worship songs. Steve Green is one of my favorites.
Meal-  Lobster tail, baked potato and a salad.
 Bucket List Travel Destination- I already go to my favorite places: B & B in Harbor Springs and condo on Ormond Beach in Florida.
Things to Collect- Good Books
Museum- The Creation Museum in Kentucky
Item on a bookshelf- Knowing God by J.I. Packard
Color- If it is a calming color, I like it.
Hobbies- Hanging out with my family.
Tree -  Flaming Red Maple
 
Kitty’s Notes:  Patti was such a friendly welcoming face to me and our kids at Beach Middle school during the years we were there. She is one of the most positive people you will ever interact with if you have the good fortune to meet her one day. Even though Patti has been a long time Chelsea Resident, you may have learned something new about her in this interview!  I love the, “see-like-buy” answer!  It’s classic.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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