June 2024 Issue
MEET THE HOME OWNER:
'The Art of Making' is eager to bring a new story this month with a maximalist 80's style. Come inside the home of vintage collector and re-seller Nehiel Mercado in Knightdale, North Carolina. His open floorpan allows him to entertain on the main level, which includes his living room, a kitchen in the center, a small office nook, dining room and powder room. On his second level you can find the guest bedrooms and bathroom, laundry room, and main bedroom with a spacious walk in closet and cheerful en-suite bathroom. See how Nehiel has put his own stamp onto this newer build home.
What made you select this home in Knightdale, NC?
I had been living in Raleigh for about 2 years and after several years of moving around, I was ready to put down roots. I began my search in 2021 when the market was really hectic. Originally I wanted a vintage home inside the beltline but reality quickly set in and I was disappointed with the available inventory within my budget. Homes were being snapped up almost instantly in a highly competitive real estate market. I decided to keep an open mind and explore outside of my preferred locations. When I toured the home in Knightdale, and saw the community I instantly felt like this was my home. I wanted more space and a garage and this home checked off about 80% of my wishlist. The main compromise I made was the location which I've grown to enjoy.
What’s the biggest differences from this home to your last home?
My previous home was an apartment in downtown Raleigh. The main differences are the location (urban vs suburban) and space; going from a 2 bed / 2 bath apartment to 3 bed/ 2.5 baths with a 2 car garage. The apartment style was modern with some traditional elements. but very similar to most apartment homes in the area. My current home is mostly traditional with some modern farmhouse elements.
What do you love most about this home?
I love the space, light and tranquility I have here. I also enjoy that as a homeowner I'm able to make permanent changes to the space to suit my taste and needs. I have more space to fill with the things I collect, and an entire room dedicated to my hobbies like painting and crafts.
What is your design philosophy?
I believe in surrounding myself with things that give me joy and are important to me. Our homes tell a story about who we are and I want my personality and interests to shine through. I also don't take it too seriously and have fun with it. I'm constantly moving pieces around and experimenting. I really enjoy the process and never truly feel like I'm finished. Interior design is just another way I can express myself creatively.
What was your biggest challenge with creating this home?
Because my home is a newer build / suburban home, my biggest challenge was to inject some character and charm into the spaces. Respecing and embracing the traditional elements, I played into them even more by adding subtle architectural elements like wall mouldings. I experimented more with color, using bolder paint choices, wallpaper and bringing in more traditional fabrics and patterns along with vintage furniture pieces that made the spaces more unique.
Who or what do you pull your inspiration from?
I've tried different styles but currently I'm very inspired by 1970's European furniture design (especially Italian and Danish) which is a bit more glam than earlier mid century designs, English Country Manor style because it's homey yet sophisticated incorporating lovely textiles and patterns; and Art Deco design but the more fluid or curvy silhouettes that compliment the angular shapes of the previous design styles I mentioned. I also love a bit of gilded Hollywood Regency thrown in the mix. So in a nutshell, I find inspiration in a lot of different styles but I truly enjoy collected layered interiors that feel sumptuous and inviting.
Why is creating a beautiful home important to you?
Simply put, my home is my sanctuary, a refuge from the chaotic world we inhabit. I'd say I'm a true homebody and prefer cozy nights in with comfy pj's to wild nights out. My home is where I recharge and relax, so for me it's important to create an environment where I feel comfortable, safe and I'm surrounded by lovely things I take pleasure in.
What is your process when selecting your pieces?
I really consider the quality of the items that I purchase. For instance, I prefer pieces that are made with good quality materials like solid wood or natural stone, textiles made with good quality natural fibers whenever possible, and solid brass or chrome. These pieces will age, "patina" and only get better over time. Whether the piece is vintage or new, I never rush to purchase anything, I'm willing to wait (however long it takes) for the perfect piece. I take my time and consider the quality of the item and try to bring in pieces that will stand the test of time within my budget. However, when I find the perfect item I don't hesitate and snatch it up because ultimately it's an investment in my wellbeing and happiness #selfcare.
I also like to find pieces that are a bit more unique and have a story. I'm constantly browsing FB Marketplace or local estate sales to find those unique conversation pieces. My enjoyment of travel also allows me to source handmade objects or crafts unique to that region, art prints from local artists or antiques/ vintage items that I can't readily find here at home.
How do you decide what to keep vs. what to sell?
I don't believe in purchasing items as placeholders; however, sometimes I'll love a piece for a time and then let it go to a new custodian, because my style has evolved or I find another piece that speaks to me even more. I maintain a wishlist of must-have pieces and when I find one that replaces something I already own, then I'll sell that item. I'm never too attached to material things so it's not too difficult for me to part with items, but some pieces I've collected I hope to keep forever.
What are your favorite shops to source from?
My favorite local vintage stores are Gremlina Vintage in Apex and Trunkshow in Raleigh. They have a good selection of affordable curated vintage pieces. I also enjoy visiting smaller towns and checking out the local thrift stores. These are often less picked over and have better prices.
Like I've mentioned previously I enjoy a good estate sale and have found some incredible pieces throughout the years; Estatesales.net is a great resource for that. I'm constantly browsing Facebook Marketplace. I love that I'm able to search for specific items and even save searches that alert me when specific items are listed. Ebay.com is an incredible resource not just for sourcing vintage items but also for pricing and learning about different makers and styles. I often use it to determine if I'm paying a fair market price for an item.
As a maximalist who isn’t afraid of color, what tip can you share for those who are wanting to incorporate a little (or a lot) of color into their home?
I would challenge people to experiment and have fun with your interiors. You can inject a bit of color through accessories and soft furnishings like rugs and curtains. If you love a color, however bright or saturated it is, why not experiment with smaller accessories like a vase, books or a sculptural element! Adding curtains, cushions and throws with a bold color or pattern can instantly add layers of interest to a space without a huge commitment. On the other hand, if you want to be bolder choose a more saturated wall color. For larger spaces I recommend selecting a color with a higher LRV ( light reflective value) that provides more interest than a basic off white shade but won't be too overwhelming. In smaller spaces like a powder room you can go even bolder with wall colors. I chose a very saturated teal blue color with crisp white trim, it's such a treat! .
Picking 2 or 3 colors from a favorite accessory like a rug or patterned throw pillow and repeating those colors throughout is a foolproof way to incorporate various colors within a space maintaining a cohesive color palette that doesn't feel overwhelmed by color. For instance, in my living room I have a very striking antique Persian rug that has burgundy red, navy blue and cream running through it. I've pulled those colors into throw cushions, drapery and small accessories like vases, candlesticks and books.
What is your favorite space in your home?
That's a tough one. I really love my primary bedroom and the living room for different reasons. In the living area I selected low seating and used a conversational seating arrangement along with lux natural textiles throughout to create a stylish yet comfortable space for my friends and family to gather and lounge in. On the other hand my bedroom is my private sanctuary, the bed upholstered in a lush velvet and the wall to wall / floor to ceiling silk draperies bring in some drama while also feeling super cozy.
What is your favorite piece(s) in your home?
As you can already tell, I'm a lover of vintage furniture (nothing beats the quality and unique design). I really adore my dining and coffee table (1970's Italian travertine), wood and leather armchair in the living room (Orbit Chair by Ingmar Relling) and my primary bedroom MCM nightstands (Drexel Declaration). These pieces are quite valuable and so well made I probably will keep them forever.
Describe your go-to Friday night?
Since I'm a homebody I really enjoy entertaining in my home and cooking a nice meal for friends and family. I also love exploring new restaurants, breweries and speakeasy style bars. The local scene here and in Raleigh does not disappoint! My recommendations in Knightdale: Prime BBQ, Depot on First, Oak City Brewery and Rewind Retrobar; in Raleigh: Madre, Brewery Bhavana, Watts & Ward, Aunty Betty's Gin and Absinth Bar, Neuse River Brewery and Brasserie are some of my favorite spots.
Any advice for anyone wanting to create a home they love?
It may sound cliche but I truly believe that if you surround yourself with furniture and objects that you love and represent you, you can't help but love your home. Don't chase any trends or aesthetics, just be unapologetically yourself.
If your house was a drink, what would it be?
Definitely a Negroni: classic, timeless, a little moody but with a twist!
Mix It Up!
A well sourced home has both new and old, as seen in Nehiel’s living room.
If you’d like to shop Nehiel’s home, check out some of his sources below.
Paint:
Peignoir No. 286 - Farrow & Ball
Lighting:
Ceiling light - Hay Rice Paper Shade - DWR
Vintage Table Lamp - Facebook Marketplace
Rug:
Furniture:
Leather Armchair – facebookmarketplace
Wall Mounted Console – facebookmarketplace
Coffee Table – facebookmarketplace
Mario Bellini Sofa - Manhattan Home Design
Drapery:
Navy Raw Silk Blackout Curtains - Quince
Art/TV:
Frame TV - Samsung
Thank you so much for supporting and reading this home tour! I’m so excited to show you more on ‘The Art of Making’. Make sure you’re following Nehiel at @nehiel.o to keep up with him, his vintage finds and home. Follow me at @cameronrenfrow for all things home.
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