Mary’s Calm and Collected Corner of the Universe

Name: Mary
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

I’ve come to nickname my house the Coucou Home, a tribute to the French word for “hello” that you might say to someone you know. And that’s the thing about my little “corner of the universe”; it’s comforting and welcomes people into my world.

When I moved into my house, a renovated industrial space that was once a linen factory, the first thing I tackled was where to put my massive collection of signed books. I was inspired by shelving I saw on a DIY blog and built the pipe and board shelves, which are now an unforgettable feature in my home.

I envisioned a house that would be a sanctuary in the middle of a bustling metropolis, so I repainted the garish walls my favorite white (Snowbound/Sherwin Williams) and kept my furnishings minimal. Most items are vintage, salvaged, or passed on from family or friends. Many things are memories made real: Jim Dickinson, who penned the piano riff in the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” gave me the piano bench next to my bed. Another friend made me a diddley bow, which hangs alongside a typewriter my twin sister gave me. Both are tributes to my passions: music and writing.

When I travel, I like to pick up prints or things I can easily pack in a carry-on that I can decorate my home with. It’s always unexpected. In Italy I found an old brass letter holder. Same thing goes for my blue-plate collection, which is comprised of blue plates from New Orleans all the way to Jaffa.

Today, I write Coucou Home, a website dedicated to how we live in our homes around the world and I have a passion for helping people learn to cultivate a home that is a truthful reflection of who they are.

Thanks, Mary!

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