Joi & David’s A+ Illusion of Luxury

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(Image credit: Ann Manubay & Dabney Frake)

Name: Joi and David Svezia
Location: Highland, Illinois
Size: 1073 square feet
Years lived in: 5.5 — owned

Hollywood and Palm Springs, meet Highland, Illinois. All courtesy of Joi “David Hicks” Svezia. Behind an unassuming door in the small town about an hour outside St. Louis, teachers Joi (that’s pronounced Joey by the way, not Joy) and David live a glamorous existence. Their house could almost double as a boutique hotel, arranged in near perfect symmetry, with crisp patterns and beautiful fabrics. Every room has just the right amount of detail.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

This self-professed student of design learned everything she knows through books, and the blogosphere. A key lesson, Joi says, is to focus on proportion instead of finish. Armed with spray paint, she transforms inexpensive thrift store finds into polished bits of glitz, all gem tones and metallic sheen. Seemingly random objects become clean vignettes that are full, not fussy.

Her husband David didn’t know he was marrying a latent decorator. Then one room got “done”, and the rest toppled like dominoes. Now friends clamor for her advice, and she is in hot demand to style others’ rooms and weddings in her spare time. All this positive attention suits this girl from Granite City well, and makes their home a real destination.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: My style has evolved over the years into an eclectic-modern-vintage-DIY mix! I buy and DIY what I love.

Inspiration: I get my inspiration from the blog world. I like to see what everyday people are doing with their homes! I also enjoy the recent slew of online shelter mags!

Favorite Element: My favorite element is our living room. My husband and I, along with our two dogs Niko and Scout, spend the majority of the time in this room. I think it’s the room that best defines our personal style and reflects our lives. I smile a lot when I’m in this room and am proud of the way it all came together.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge thus far has been living with and decorating around the flooring we have throughout the house. I love hardwood floors, but ours are a yellowy-orange shade that is just not flattering. We are saving up our pennies to refinish them and hope to be able to continue the hardwood flooring into the kitchen.

What Friends Say: They like it and usually tell me to quit my day job. They’re my friends, though. : )

Biggest Embarrassment: Our house, circa 4 years ago. Themey-McThemerson. Need I say more?

Proudest DIY: Helping my father-in-law build our custom made dining room table and kitchen island! He worked his magic on those two items and it was fun to be along for the ride!

Biggest Indulgence: Our flat screen TV in the living room.

Best Advice: Take your time when decorating your home and think outside of the “big box” stores. Shop in unusual places and make your own art. The challenge is so much fun!

Dream Sources: Rose Bowl Flea Market

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Enter House Tour

Resources of Note:

LIVING ROOM

KITCHEN/DINING ROOM

OFFICE

BEDROOM

GUEST BEDROOM

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks, Joi & David!

Images: Ann Manubay, Dabney Frake

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