apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

• How would you describe your decorating style? I'd call my style sentimental homey. I recently took stock of the pieces in our apartment and realized that most every single thing in our house is either from a flea market, a classic street find, or a hand-me-down. And I'm amazed they've all come together. The goal is that whoever walks in, they feel instantly at home.

When I lived in NYC, I used to change my apartment around every month — the paint, the furniture, everything: nautical theme one month, parlor room the next. Luckily, I married someone who loves to move furniture around as much as I do! It's become a kind of running joke amongst our friends, "Where's the couch going to be this week?!"

• Favorite spot in your home and why? The living room, with its breathtaking view, is where I spend most of my time, standing and staring out. But, we recently switched our bedroom and office, and the bedroom is really taking a strong front runner position as my favorite spot because it's so cozy and warm and I love to read in bed or have coffee in bed on Saturday morning ... but, then, the kitchen is where so much good stuff has gone down over the years — great meals made, juicy conversations. Though our dining table is in the living room, no matter what, everyone likes to cram in that little kitchen. I think they're tied.

• What’s on your nightstand? About a half-dozen, half-read New Yorker magazines; a really good children's book, The Tale Of Desperaux, recommended to me by my friend who teaches 4th grade; a pencil and pad of paper for middle-of-the-night and early-morning ideas and list-taking; and one of my favorite gooseneck lamps to read by.

• Favorite childhood memento that’s in your home? Lots of utensils in my kitchen belonged to my grandmother or mom, which I treasure. And Grover: Although he's not kicking it on the top of the bed anymore, he still reigns as a top item I would grab if there was a fire.

• Favorite travel keepsake? I collect rocks/little stones from most places my husband and I visit. And there's this little metal hand I got in France that you put in the middle of the table and spin, and whoever it points to, buys that round of drinks. I love that piece.

• Current inspiration(s) for your work? Auugghh, tons and tons of stuff inspires me constantly! Too big a list to actually put down on paper! I'm totally inspired by relationships — the good, the bad and the ugly. By words — passages I read in books, graffiti I see on the sidewalk, things I overhear people say. The kids I teach — the things that come out of their mouths, are always an inspiration. Music, music, music: Rilo Kiley, Regina Specter, Andrew Bird, Johnny Cash. I'm also very inspired by other artists (I wish I could list them all): Mike McConnell, Erik Otto, Catia Chien — painters and illustrators that can convey so much without words. Colors: celedon, robins egg blue, chocolate brown. And my husband, who inspires me to work every day by his sense of humor, creative writing, and his never-ending support.

• Favorite home/design magazines or websites? The now defunct Nest, Tokion, Dwell, Wallpaper, my sister's site, French General, Anthropologie, Wary Meyers, and old books.

• Best bargain in your home and where did you get it? Gads! That's a hard question to answer ... most everything in our house was a bargain of some sort: The couches — one from a thrift store in Petaluma, the other one given to us by a friend; the gorgeous bedroom curtains that my two sisters made for me; the incredible woodwork around our apartment, built by my two brothers; the bike painting, done by my brother, John. In fact, all the paintings/art work done by my brother that hang around our apartment — family bargains can be the most rewarding bargains!

• Biggest splurge? Once upon a time it was the "little dancer lady" that I bought for $100. But that was years ago ... now, it seems to be whatever the next thing I really want is ... I don't splurge a lot, hence the thrift store vein that runs throughout my house.

• What’s at the top of your list of things to buy next for your home? A new bed. We're looking into organic rubber beds — and if we get it, that will become the answer to the "biggest splurge"!

• Favorite local resources for furniture and accessories? I'm a weekly visitor to Community Thrift. And since my studio is above Thrift Town, I always have an excuse to stop in there. I love Rayon Vert, The Apartment, Candystore and Aria Antiques.

Molly was kind enough to let us into her studio as well. Here are just a few snapshots of her work space:

Thanks, Molly! If you want to see more of her home and studio, be sure to check out the Flickr set she put together for Apartment Therapy. There are a lot more photos that we couldn't fit into this post! And pop over to 8mm ideas to marvel at her stationery.