52 weeks of design (Kitty & Company) week 47

By Kitty Golding
Kitty & Company will be conducting a series of short interviews with local Chelsea Residents for 52 weeks in order to appreciate differing personalities and design thoughts and 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 look forward to introducing you to the finesse of 52 Chelsea individuals. Up next – Mr. David Riddle.
 
 

1. What is your profession and for how long? I have worked as a Loan Operations Associate for over 14 years.

2.People think of me as easy-going but I am really strict.
3.When did you move to Chelsea? I was born and raised in Chelsea and haven’t left yet!
4.What do you love about where you currently live? I purchased and restored the home in which my grandparents raised their family.  Within one mile of my house, there are nature trails, bike trails, many lakes and tons of wonderfully social neighbors.
5.If you could have a second home anywhere, where would it be? My second home would be in Saugatuck, Michigan. It's a cute charming little town to explore around and relax by the water. I love watching the sunset over Lake Michigan.
6.What three words describe you?  Enriched,  Personalized and Charm.

1. Who most influenced your design styles?  My mom  - she did Home Interior shows. I am also greatly inspired by nature in the way I design.
2. 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? Yes, I have!  In the interior – we display family pictures on the walls and shelves, a tradition I grew up with. For the exterior,  my upkeep of a well maintained and landscaped yard, comes from seeing that example.
3. When entering your home, you want it to feel:  Welcoming and comfortable.
4. What is one trend you do not like?  White walls are a no-no, they are too plain and modern.
5. Have you ever remodeled a home ?  Yes, we remodeled our current home,  gutting our current house down to the studs replacing all plumbing, electrical, windows, floors, bathroom and kitchen cabinets and countertops along with over 55 gallons of plaster.
6. Have you ever sought professional help with the interior design of your home ?  No, I have not sought any professional help with the interior design of my home. I get most of my ideas skimming magazines, from Pinterest, Pottery Barn and looking at homes on Realtor.com
7. What is the one biggest interior design issue you struggle with? Making final decisions! It’s hard to make a decision and stick with it – there are so many great options.  I’m always changing my mind.
8. Which room in your home gets the most use? The most used room would be the kitchen because it’s ground zero for everything we need.
9. No room is complete without: A picture.
10. If you were moving and could only pick one item from your home to keep, what would it be and why? *I would take my hen house with me because we built it by hand and a lot of my joy comes from being with the birds that we raise, both peacocks and ________pigeons______.
11. Name an item you purchased for your home that you regret buying: 

In 2010, I bought a dark brown couch and a chair from JCPenney.   One hour after  arriving in my home, it was showing pet hair all over. It was a nightmare to remove the hair because the material was like a plush microfiber. I sold the couch within a few weeks, and the replacement has been great!

1. If you are a pet owner, how has that influenced your choices in design, if it has? My living room furniture is in dark brown color right now, but I'm in the process of getting it re-upholstered in a much lighter gray color. Dark fabrics show our animal’s hair – so it is important to consider the right materials for upholstery.  We also have wood floors, which makes a lot of sense for our Yorkie and cat.
2. What did you do to pass the time during the COVID-19 State shutdown? 

 I updated some home décor in the dining room and built a new bird coop. We also did a lot of hiking in different sections of the Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation area.

1. If you were given $1000 to buy a new piece of art, what would it be?  A stunning traditional oil painting.

A few of your favorite things:
Scent: Dried Eucalyptus Wreath
Movie:  Steel Magnolias
Favorite Historical Place:  The Chelsea Train Depot
Music Style: Christian Rock
TV Show: The Resident
Season: Summer
 
Meal: Grilled Chicken Fettuccine
Travel Destination:  California
Things to collect: Collecting those blue and white dishware
Favorite Museum: Waterloo Farm Museum
Color: Black
Favorite Design Style:  French Country
Hobby:  Raising Birds
Favorite Tree or Plant:  Annabelle hydrangea
 
 
Kitty’s Note:   As a fellow Bird hobbyist ( chickens) I loved seeing David’s beautiful bird house and even the chandelier inside – what else would you expect for the majestic peacock?  This is the Taj Mahal for birds!  David is the perfect interview for this time of year, as he turns a Christmas tree a beautiful piece of art showcasing all kinds of feathery birds and textured ornaments.  Merry Christmas to you all!

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