March 2021 Issue
*This home tour was photographed following the CDC guidelines. I was tested before the shoot and talent and I wore masks and social distanced while inside the home. I wish all of my readers safety and good health. I hope that this takes your mind off of some stress and sheds light and inspiration during this time, even for a few minutes.*
Meet the Home Owner:
Our March feature takes you inside the home of Anne Herring, lover of simple and sustainable style. See how Anne has adapted to her new home and city in Durham, NC.
What made you select this home & how'd you find such a great location?
We got beyond lucky to find this place for rent. I decided we had to go for it because it had a raised garden bed, a sweet outdoor patio and loads of interior charm. We had no idea
that 9 th Street was such a fab location, but to say we’re obsessed is an understatement. We
totally “fell” into this spot and we definitely recognize how lucky we are to be here.
How has adjusting to this house and neighborhood been like?
A dream. Coming from a huge apartment complex in Denver where we lived on the third floor and were constantly bombarded with sounds from the neighbors (who we never met) and foot traffic in the hallways, we are just so happy to have some peace and quiet. We have neighbors here that already feel like friends and the option to walk to places like Monuts and Vin Rouge are just incredible bonuses.
What do you love most about this home?
I'm completely obsessed with the character and charm that it has. I'm sure she's lived a lot of lives as a rental and I like being part of her story in that way. It sounds a bit silly, but I definitely feel like a steward of this space. I know it's not our forever home, but I wanted to make sure I celebrated her natural light, her open feel and dramatic details by keeping our furniture and personal touches simple and meaningful.
What was the biggest difference from your last home in Denver?
Our place here actually feels like a "home." Huge apartment complexes, like the one we were in, lack personality even though they are usually very convenient and full of amenities. I was craving a place that helped us feel settled and less transient.
What is your design philosophy?
I don't think one has to sacrifice style for function. Ordinary things, like trash cans or coat hooks, can be beautiful and a chance to really show some personality in a space. Shopping sustainably is also part of my overall philosophy. I try to source second hand when possible or if I'm buying new, try to make sure the materials and manufacturing processes don't leave a huge negative impact on the planet and its people.
Who or what is your biggest design inspiration?
Oh gosh, it's so hard to narrow down. I'd say at the moment Athena Calderone and Carley Summers are design gals I'm currently fangirling over.
Why is creating a beautiful home important to you?
I am very sensitive to the energy of spaces. If a space is too cluttered or overpowered by elements like bulky furniture or loud colors, it's hard for me to relax and be myself. It's really important for me to feel at peace when I'm home. Creating a space that is beautiful and also incorporates meaningful pieces, is a way for me to feel more relaxed and at ease, the space becomes more of an extension of myself. Especially now, when I'm spending sooo much more time at home, it's important that I like the way I feel when I'm here.
What was your biggest challenge in this space?
The fact that we can only do so much. Because it's a rental, we can't do things like knock down walls or replace doors, etc. I think the most challenging aspect is that we have to make certain design choices from the owner, work. And because we're hoping to buy something soon(ish) I just have to appreciate the house for what it is and accept that I can't change it.
What is the process when selecting your pieces?
I do my best to take things slowly. It sounds strange, but I try to “listen” to my space as much as possible. It can be super satisfying to buy something in order to just fill a void, but I’ve found that when I’m buying something to just check off a box, I don’t end up keeping that piece for very long because I inevitably find something I like more and feels more “me” eventually. It takes time to curate a place you love. I also am at a point in my life where I’m buying pieces that I know we’ll carry on to the next place. It’s not so much about buying a piece for “right now” – it’s more about investing in something I know we’ll have for a long time.
Do you have any advice for those who want to start sustainably shopping? The most sustainable thing you can do is wear/use what you already have. But, as you notice things start to run out or wear out, consider replacing them with a more sustainable option. For instance, if you have a closet full of fast fashion, but you wear it consistently and it makes you feel good, don’t throw it all out and replace everything with more sustainable brands. As you start to notice items wearing out or there are obvious gaps – consider how you can add in items more mindfully and from brands that are working to pay their employees fairly and use fabrics that are eco-friendly or upcycled.
Why is shopping secondhand important to you?
What intrigued me about secondhand is its positive environmental impact. Anything we can do to divert items from the landfill is a win in my book. But what keeps me coming back is the thrill of the chase.
I love exploring thrift and antique stores in my spare time to see what goodies are in store. It’s a great lesson in patience and learning to avoid impulse purchasing. Plus, I love all of the personality that secondhand pieces provide. I love to imagine the lives they had before me and how I get to be a part of their story.
What is your favorite piece in your home?
This is hard, but my favorite pieces are the chairs that my husband and I refinished and recovered. We found them the Habitat ReStore and it was the most difficult thing we have ever done in our marriage, but the end result are heirloom quality pieces that just thrill me whenever I see them.
What are your favorite shops to source from?
Miller Lane Mercantile in Denver, Cheshire Cat Antiques in Raleigh, Elsie Green in California and Etsy for those weird vintage finds – you can find anything on Etsy.
If your house was a drink, what would it be?
French 75. A little bubbly, very strong and light.
Describe your go-to Friday night in Durham (pre-covid & covid-times).
Oh my! We haven’t been here in Durham for very long, but our very favorite thing to do when we don’t feel like cooking, is splitting a bottle of wine on the patio at Vin Rouge and eating on the heated patio. Drinks on the roof at the Durham and martinis at Corpse Reviver are never a bad idea either. But, really, you can mostly find us on the couch watching Netflix with our pup, Stella.
Any advice for anyone wanting to create a home they love?
Never settle. Fill your home with things that you LOVE, not just like. It may take longer, but that’s ok. Don’t feel pressure to keep up with current trends, curate your space around what makes you feel good, what fits your budget and what will allow your personality to shine through.
Thank you for coming along with us on our Curated Home Tour! We hope that you have enjoyed this read and are inspired. Like what you see? Follow us at @curatedhometour and keep up with Anne, her finds, and her home on Instagram at @anneherring_. If you would like to see other Curated Home Tour Features click here. Subscribe below to receive updates on the next issue, news about the shop, giveaways, and upcoming events. If you think that your home would make a great addition to our "Curated Home Tours" please contact us!
Thank you for your never-ending support!
Until the next home,
Cameron
Kommentarer