THE HOUSE WAS ORIGINALLY A DUPLEX, SO THE UPSTAIRS LAYOUT IS THE SAME AS THE DOWNSTAIRS. THE MASTER BEDROOM PERFECTLY MIMICS THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR PLAN, AND ORIGINALLY THE MASTER BATH WAS THE UPSTAIRS KITCHEN. PAINTING BY COLLEEN COMER
furniture and decor they accumulated from family, their single years and traveling. Diana enjoys the hunt at flea markets, antique stores and consignment shops. She finds satisfaction in giving something new life by pairing it with a contemporary piece. “Furniture designers are always looking to the past for influences in current designs, so secondhand stores can be a good call for mixing in at a lower price point,” she adds. Along with lighting, Diana believes that upholstery is worth the investment. “Sometimes those alone can be a game-changer,” Diana says. “I believe in a high/low mix, but my rule with upholstery is to make the splurge if possible.” The couple’s most prized possessions include their art and art-related items they’ve collected over years of travel. “One coffee table book I bought is of an art collection that was actually housed in a hotel we stayed in while in Nicaragua, and the first two pieces of art that we bought together were from our honeymoon in Croatia. They are still some of my favorites,” Diana says. Diana now takes the talent she used to fashion their home and uses it in her art. “I have recently started creating fragmented collage art for commission, and most of my clients are in search of a cohesive mix with certain fabrics and colors,” she says. “I enjoy introducing the right color palette while creating original art for their home.” When they aren’t working or at school, the family appreciates time together in the sunroom or backyard and on the back porch. Diana, who put so much work into the house, can then relax and revel in the revival of design that stays true to the good bones of the structure. MB october 2018 | mobilebaymag.com 61