A Peek Inside: Abby’s Colorful PNW Mid-Century Gem

→  What object/item (s) do you most like to show off and talk about at your abode (I mean besides your Happy Habitat throws, of course!)

My fiancé and I were working with a vintage dealer to source an interesting chair to complement our red sofa. I sent them some ideas of silhouettes, including a Taidgh O’Neill designed chair. Even though I only included it as inspiration, they actually found the exact one! 

The Happy Habitat throws really bring out the boldness and warmth of our color furniture.

→ Speaking of your first favorite item in your house, your Happy Habitat throw—how and why did you chose the ones you picked? How and where do you use your Happy Habitat throws in your space?

Happy Habitat has so many fun designs! I chose the more geometric options that I think add a lot of texture and visual interest to places like my living room and bedrooms.

→  Throws: folded or…thrown?

Always folded. I mean, I’m a maximalist but I do believe in keeping spaces tidy.

→  How do you incorporate the idea of warmth into your space? is it something you even think of? And how do you incorporate warmth into your personal self? 

Warmth to me is represented through color and light. Our home has a lot of windows that welcome in natural light, but in cold PNW winters, warm ambient lighting helps to keep spirits high. Our Mid-Century Modern home was already painted in fun primary colors when we moved in, and we decided to embrace it. I once only wore black clothing, but somehow the house has had an effect on me where I opt for more colorful clothing to mix up my personal style.

→  What are you most embarrassed about in your house? It’s okay, come clean here, it will feel good. We all have something.

Eras of collecting. I don’t feel embarrassed by it necessarily, but like I’ve created a museum of things that only sort of go together. I once loved colorful PoMo furniture and now I prefer a more organic look. It’s noticeable but probably only distracting to me!

→ Got any hacks for us? How do you hide clutter or disguise above mentioned stuff?

I’m always trying to stay organized! I love different types of baskets and bins. Fabric or woven baskets to store everyday clutter—dog toys, mail, et cetera. Things that I don’t want to hide or forget about, but don’t want to stack up either. Then I prefer chic little plastic bins for all my craft supplies and cleaning stuff.

→ Collections. What do you collect? What’s your display situation?

For the home, I collect furniture and various homewares. I can’t pass up a good deal on pieces at estate sales. I love dishes, though I am getting so much better at saying no. If I had more space, my dream would be to have a big MCM hutch to display all my dishes. But because I don’t have that, I just rotate out what’s on display. Or better yet, host often so I have an excuse to show off my finds.

→  Do you have any lifelong design obsessions, something you’re always on the hunt for? the perfect this, or another one of those?

I’m a sucker for cool lighting. I used to work in the industry, so I can’t help but be attracted to both new and vintage styles. Right now I’m on the hunt for a functional plug-in pendant for my dining room.

→ They say hygge. We say cozy. What captures that concept best in your home?

Textures are key to cozy to me. That’s why I like the Happy Habitat throws. They’re lightweight, easy, and always add a little something extra. There’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a throw and a good book or movie.

→ Make the bed every day? Or only when people are gonna see it?

I go crazy if I the best isn’t made! It’s one of the most important routines my mom instilled in me from the time I was a child. I feel like it’s a sign of comfort after a long day.

→ What’s a home design risk you took that paid off? What’s one that makes you cringe now?

A bright red sofa sectional! I’ve always wanted a conversation pit—just a super comfy space to host. I was on the lookout for a long time, searching for a sofa with a deep depth. I finally found the sofa of my dreams, but it was bright red. It worked out though because the accent colors around our house are all primaries. That said, the sofa is a major focal point in our home’s open concept, but I feel like I’ve leaned into a PoMo vibe elsewhere and it doesn’t really suit me now.