Saturday Spotlight: Elizabeth Whiffen

Elizabeth Whiffen

Over the past year, Manager and Interior Designer, Elizabeth Whiffen, has patiently awaited the arrival on our showroom of that "special piece" to fill every void in her lovely home.

We are delighted that Lizzie has graciously opened her doors to share with us her many "Finer Finds" and tips that have transformed her home into a space worthy of filling the pages of a magazine. Liz's impeccable taste and traditional style have been brilliantly executed in this space with the help of My Finer Consigner. Join me on a tour of her home to discover how she did it.

The Living Room was the first room to undergo the grand transformation. Liz expressed to me her desire to, "Give new life and a breath of fresh air" to the room. Her charming newly upholstered blue-gray sofas that were done in our upholstery studio with coordinating throw pillows, beautiful artwork that marches across the cozy neutral walls, new cocktail and end tables, ambient lighting, and window treatments justly accomplish this ambition.

"I bought the fabric for these sofas at one of my favorite fabric thrift shops, and at the time, I thought the fabric was a soothing blue-gray. Upon seeing my newly upholstered sofas for the first time, I was surprised and pleased to find that they were a cheery blue with a hint of gray. They were much brighter than I normally would have dared to go. But I am glad that I learned a good lesson on not being afraid of color, and could hardly call it a mistake. It was meant to be." -Elizabeth Whiffen

One common fad that has been drawn to my attention in Liz's home is that no single piece lacks, "Details, details, details." For instance, the box-pleated skirt on the sofa, the scalloped edge of the cocktail table or the cheetah print decoupaged guitar (a find straight from heaven).

The Dining Room also underwent a marvelous transformation. "And it was quite easy," Liz admits. She continued to explain to me that the essentials of a dining room are a table and chairs, a centerpiece to top the table, and at least one piece of artwork that speaks to you. Having said this, make certain these pieces don't lack personality. Just look at my beauty of a parsons chair customized by our upholstery studio--"It looks like a young girl dressed up in her pleated skirt."

Liz has mixed it up by putting a 10' antique bench on one side of her 11' custom dining table instead of chairs. She advises that, "Each room in your home should have at least one unpredictable element." The non-traditional bench pulled up to the formal dining table is anything but predictable.

The Eat-in Kitchen and bathroom acquired a bit of second hand charm, also. When describing the pair of antique wooden and metal bar stools, Liz exclaimed, "I'd call them one of a kind--except there are two of them."

I love that Liz described the rose bush at the vanity as being, "Obnoxiously large, yet necessary." I must agree that she made a wise choice here. The plant adds a beautiful, sculptural element to the room and the scale makes the grand statement, "I'm not afraid to stand out."

If there are three secrets that Liz could share with us after completing her grand home makeover, they would be to (1) exercise patience in the process. After all, it did take a mere 12 months for Liz to acquire a beautiful collection of furnishings and accessories to complete her project. (2) Coming into the store at least once a week to see new inventory, is an absolute must, she advises. "The greatest finds will go quick--and you don't want to risk missing that piece you've been on the hunt for." (3) Don't be afraid to push the envelope and go outside of your comfort zone. The greatest discovery of the project was my blue sofas. The bold color takes the design to the next level and adds that extra "wow" factor to the room.

In short, Elizabeth's belief is that everyone can have a beautiful home. My Finer Consigner has brought this reality to life by providing its customers with one-of-a-kind finds at unbeatable prices, everyday. Be true to yourself and don't be afraid to let your "soul" manifest itself in the four walls that make up your home.