Hello Openhouse Readers! I’m so excited to get to know all of you. I thought I’d take this first post as an opportunity to introduce myself. I’ve been an interior designer and antiques dealer for many years and currently own an online boutique, The Present Past, which carries a selection of new and vintage items for your adorning your home and life. I have a passion for mixing vintage pieces with todays modern finds and believe it gives a home a unique style that can’t be duplicated.
One of my favorite things is to scour flea markets across the country in search of treasures to add to my own home. Many of these adventures are shared on my personal blog which invites the readers to come along with me.
In addition to my online shop, I am also a professional photographer and stylist. My work has been featured in several national home decor magazines. It’s very exciting to be able to capture an image through my photography that will inspire others to see the beauty in the everyday, or encourage them to bring their own passion to life in their home.
I thought I’d share a few photos from my home so you would be able to get a sense of my personal style. My outdoor patio (click photo to enlarge) is one of my favorite places to relax. There are columns of blooming roses, outdoor drapes and lots of comfortable seating. It’s a perfect place to sit and read or enjoy the sunset.
And of course, there are lots of tarnished pieces blending harmoniously with my new finds. An example of this would be the first photo in the post of my antique French writing desk filled with plenty of vintage treasures sitting proudly beside my new lamp from HomeGoods. It’s my trademarked philosophy: The Essence of the Modern Vintage Lifestyle. I hope you will enjoy this journey with me as I share my love of all things home related!
1. Congratulations Heather!!! I am thrilled to have two blogs now to view your gorgeous designs! Best wishes from New England, MA!!!
by Ann — 9/11/08 at 9:12 am #
2. You are going to be a great asset to this blog! I love your personal blog, so I know this one will be great too! HomeGoods is the Best!! Have Fun!
~Angie~
by Angie — 9/11/08 at 9:55 am #
3. Lovely photos and article Heather! Love your work :)!
by Jess — 9/11/08 at 2:48 pm #
4. Hi Heather! Looking forward to seeing your inspiration here! You are the perfect addition, you have so many great ideas!
Melissa
http:theinspiredroom.net
by melissa @ the inspired room — 9/12/08 at 2:29 am #
5. Hello Heather-
I am sooo excited that you are going to share some of your fabulous design secrets- Just love your style and creative touch
Jolee J
by Jolee — 9/12/08 at 4:20 am #
6. Thank you so much everyone for your warm welcome! It’s so nice to be part of the Openhouse team and I look forward to celebrating our homes together!
by Heather — 9/12/08 at 11:26 am #
7. Home goods is very lucky t to have you as part of their team…You are just expanding more of the beauty you give to all of us!!! Cogradulations!!!
by Laura — 9/16/08 at 8:20 am #
8. It’s all beautiful - of course! Everything you do is so scrumptious. Congratulations. Blessings… Polly
by Polly — 9/21/08 at 4:45 pm #
9. I read your blog and LOVE your decorating style! I love the lamp.
~elaine~
by Elaine L. — 10/2/08 at 11:22 pm #
10. I love the way you blend the old with the new. Your weathered metal wreath is GREAT!! Would you know where I could purchase one like it? Mary
by Mary M. — 10/6/08 at 3:26 am #
11. I love the shabby-antique-cottage”y”- feel. I worry about the new generation valuing antiques as we do. I started my teenager by taking her to antique shops and she would, at first, say, “oh, no!…you’re stopping aren’t you?”… Aaaahhh! She thought I was crazy to want old things vs shiny and new….until she saw some of those darling purfume bottles…and cake stands…and petite blue willow plates. Now she collects these things in particular, and I see her turn her head longingly as we drive past an antique shop. She is SLOWLY collecting Franciscan Starburst pattern dinnerware. She appreciates that she has to save money to buy one piece at a time. Train those younguns! They can zero in on some collectible they can get passionate about, and take it to the next generation.
by Teri — 4/14/09 at 9:32 pm #