52 weeks of design (kitty & Company) week 22

​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. KaTina Blanchard.
 
 
 
 
 
What is your current profession? I’ve been the owner of Vintage Barn Boutique/ and Copper Crate Unique Rentals in Chelsea, for 4 years and an event planner for  23 years.
Your family members:  My husband Howard, 13 year old son Sam and 8 year old son Charlie.
What do you love about where you currently live? As for our home; I love our front porch the best. As for Chelsea, I love our quaint little town and how everyone looks out for one another.
Where did you live prior to coming to Chelsea? We moved here in 2014 from Plymouth, MI.
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would it be?  Maui, Hawaii.
What three words describe your style? Unique, elegant, vintage.
Who most influenced your design styles? Most definitely, my mother.
What are you most inspired by in your design/decor? History.
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? We always had a special place for entertaining. We only used that space for company. Growing up I thought that was so weird. Now, I have the same scenario although different type of space.
When entering your home, how do you want it to feel? Inviting and intriguing at the same time.
What is one element or trend in design you do not like? Artificial flowers “permanent botanicals”.
Have you ever built a new home or remodeled an existing one? We have remodeled two homes.
What is the biggest design issue you struggle with? My kitchen is an issue!
If you are a pet owner, how has that influenced your choices in design, if it has? We have a Goldendoodle and a Multipoo. They are non-shedding so that is great, however, the little one likes to use area rugs as a potty when it’s cold or wet outside. That means   there is unfortunately not one area rug in our home - which I hate.
Have you ever sought professional help with the interior design of your home? No, I have always loved interior design and have designed my own spaces. However, if money was no object, I would love the help of a professional interior designer.
Have you stayed true to a style through the years, or have you fluctuated in your tastes? I’ve stayed pretty true to my style.
If you were moving and could only select one item from your home to keep, what would it be and why? An antique secretary from France that I purchased when I was 18.
Which room in your home gets the most use? My kitchen and our family room.
Name an item you purchased for your home that you regret buying:  A loft bed for my oldest son.
No room is complete without: A pop of blue!
By nature I am :  A collector of treasures!
If you were given $1,000+ to buy a new piece of art, what would it be? A stunning traditional oil painting would be my choice.
What are/have you been doing to pass the time during the COVID-19 State shutdown? I am continuing the remodel of our 130-year-old Victorian that has been on hold since the purchase of my store 4 years ago. I have also been hosting a Facebook live craft with my 8 year old every weekday since school closed due to COVID-19 (over 60 so far).
A few of your favorite things!
Movie – Anything Audrey Hepburn.
Scent- Lemongrass.
Music–   Jazz, Edith Piaf, World music.
Meal-  French Cuisine.
TV show-  Currently,  “This is Us”
Travel Destination – Tuscany.
Season-  Fall.
Color- Royal Blue.
Collectibles - Kodak Brownie Cameras, postcards from places I’ve been.
Museum -  Detroit Institute of Arts ( at least locally).
Design Trend/ Style-   French colonial/country.
Hobbies- Antiquing, organizing.
Tree – Weeping willow.
Item on a bookshelf  - Camera.
Dogs or Cats?   Dogs.
Kitty’s note:  KaTina has a gift for creating and bringing a theme to life.  Take a look at the photos of the beautiful Peacock theme she designed for this year’s Senior Center “Festival of Tables”.  Aside from being an energetic small business owner, KaTina must have a lot of vigor with two young boys and a home rehab underway.
KaTina’s store walls and shelves are dripping with riches like jewelry peeking from a treasure chest. Make an appointment to visit and also check out her FaceBook page, Vintage Barn Boutique. 

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