52 weeks of design (Kitty & Company) week 20

​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. Stephanie DeMaagd.
 
 
 
 
What is your current profession? RN--16 years working (3 years not working in hospital).
Your family members: Husband--Kurt, Daughters Nadia & Sophia.
People think of me as: Quiet but really I can be talkative once I get to know you well.
Where did you live prior to this? We moved to Chelsea from Grand Ledge, MI (suburb of Lansing, MI).
What do you love about where you currently live? There are a lot of nearby activities for the family.
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would it be? Mackinac Island if in Michigan, otherwise in Paris, France or Altai, Russia if out of country.
What three words describe your style? *Simple, homey, memory maker.
Who most influenced your design styles? Probably my mother.
What are you most inspired by in your design/decor? Traveling and making memories.
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?
You could tell immediately upon entering my childhood home what kind of family we were. I do feel like I have incorporated a lot of that into my own home. For example, we love books, and you see a lot of books in our home. We like to travel and make memories, and there are plenty of photos on our walls and shelves. The girls and I like to be warm, so you will find a lot of comfy blankets scattered in each room.
When entering your home, how do you want it to feel? Comfortable, and like you immediately get a sense of who we are.
What is one trend in design you do not like?   I have never cared for extremes in design--I don't like things super minimal, but I also don't like overly busy and colorful.
What is the biggest design issue you struggle with? Choosing colors.
Have you ever sought professional help with the interior design of your home ?   I have sought collaboration with a woodworker in designing our daughter's room. I really enjoyed bouncing ideas off each-other, and that he was very willing to hear my ideas.
If you were moving and could only select one item from your home to keep, what would it be and why? Practical item: computer--it has my photos on it! :) Sentimental item: Curio cabinet or family chest--they have family heirlooms and items from travels in them.
No room is complete without: Artwork (photos, painting, etc.)
Which room in your home gets the most use? Please give any explanation as well: Probably the master bedroom. We all tend to congregate there to watch movies and to read stories before bedtime.
By nature I am :  a collector of “things”
If you were given $1,000 to buy a new piece of art, what would it be? *
A stunning traditional oil painting.
Has any local venue particularly caught your eye - if so why?
Vintage Barn Boutique--I love vintage & antique items! Serendipity Books--I love being surrounded by books--the shop is cozy and warm-feeling.
What are you currently doing to pass the time during the COVID-19 State shutdown? Trying to purge our home and organize all our books!
 
A few of your favorite things!
Movie – Pride and Prejudice.
Historical Place You Have Visited- The Hermitage.
Scent- Rose...or Lily of the Valley.
Music– Christian.
Meal- Taco Salad.
TV show-  The Amazing Race.
Travel Destination - Almost everywhere!  I'd love to visit Italy, Ireland & Tanzania.
Things to Collect- . Memories! And photos of them!
Season-  Spring.
Color- Pink.
Design Trend/ Style-   Traditional. Although I also like Rustic & French Country.
Favorite hobbies- Reading and Photography.
Favorite Tree or Plant -Pink Tulip Tree in bloom. Roses.
Favorite item on a bookshelf  - Books! And photos.
Dogs or Cats?  Cats!
Kitty’s note:  Stephanie has an eye for detail. She and her husband bought one of my favorite historical homes in the Chelsea area. They have been slowly adding details and changes that only enhance this beauty’s character. Stephanie’s eye in design has given her the ability to capture beautiful photos as well, which she uses in her home.  She and I became fast friends on a long drive -with non-stop conversation- to a weekend retreat several years ago. I appreciate that Stephanie is able to blend her science and logic with her vision and artistry to create a fully balanced harmony in the way she approaches life.
 

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