This Palm Beach Gardens Home is a Collage of Life Well Lived

I’ve known Cheryl, a lifelong creative and brand designer, through our professional networks over many years in Palm Beach County.

We recently reconnected through a local women’s organization, and would see each other at events and on Zoom meetings here and there.

During Zooms, I always noticed the background in Cheryl’s little onscreen box.

Over her shoulder, I could see a gallery wall of artwork set against a deep blue wall and a bamboo window shade, and I wondered — what does Cheryl’s house look like?

This very type of curiosity, of course, was a large part of why I launched Styled in South Florida Home Tours.

When I meet stylish and creative people, I always wonder what their homes look like.

Lucky for me, when I launched the channel and then asked Cheryl if she’d be interested in sharing her space, she said yes.

So, I got to see that gallery wall large and in living color. Plus a lot of other stuff.

Unsurprisingly, I found Cheryl’s home to be just as stylish as she is. What struck me most was how varied her collection of treasures is.

Nothing matches in the traditional sense — there’s no one design aesthetic she adheres to or color palette, even.

Her home is the antithesis of the beige “blandemic” that modern home design is often accused of being.

Her design philosophy is simply to grab the item that calls to her and bring it home.

This, combined with family heirlooms and artwork collected over generations, has created a space that is uniquely hers and deeply meaningful.

In the laundry room, you’ll find artwork her husband made as a child hanging near the sink.

Her daughters’ childhood self portraits are proudly displayed on a wall near the kitchen, and her father-in-law’s beautifully drawn, realistic portraits of those same girls are displayed in the living room.

A funky drawing picked up during travel hangs next to dog portraits Cheryl and her husband created themselves near the piano.

Whimsical clay vases from France on the dining room table hold paper flowers Cheryl created at a local workshop.

Cheryl’s collection of trinkets and treasures — some feeling more serious, some silly, some full of whimsy — has created a space with no regard for trends or idealized aesthetics.

Instead, the home is a collage of love passed through generations, across continents of travel, and in the everyday moments she shares with her husband and in her South Florida community.

Watch Cheryl’s home tour to catch a glimpse of her design magic — you’ll be inspired.

Trader Joe’s is Now a Core Part of My Personality

A Trader Joe’s opened up by my house and…I’m in danger.

It has actually been both a bad and good thing (but mostly good).

We’ve now reduced our Costco trips. For us, Costco shopping can often lead to overspending and food waste.

Now, instead of one massive haul every couple of weeks, we are popping into Trader Joe’s several times a week.

I would normally hate going to a grocery store that often, but it is genuinely a joy to shop there.

Elaine is obsessed with the little kid carts and the staff treat us with loving kindness — the opposite of most South Florida shopping experiences (or experiences in general), tbh.

There are also so many delightful treats.

This week, I discovered the vanilla bean mini sheet cake and, once again…I’m in danger.

I’m venturing into the body products too, and I fear I might be a Goodwill + Trader Joe’s girlie head to toe these days.

My favorite thing about having TJ’s next door though is that it greatly enhances my hosting offerings.

I had friends over last weekend and supplied quite a spread of TJ goodies in various thrifted serving plates scattered amid thrifted table decor.

We tried a couple of their flatbreads from the frozen section and, naturally, I had to throw in a few sweet treats. The cookies aren’t as good as oreos but they were still pretty delish!
I’ve been waiting to use these adorable napkins I found at Bealls. The woven mats are from Goodwill, along with most of the serving dishes.
I found this bucket at Goodwill.
Cabbage serving tray also from Goodwill. We tried the curry chicken salad and bacon ranch chicken dip — both delish.
A nosh was had.

I love that I can throw together a spread without making a huge production of it with TJ’s help.

So, yes, I might be spending too much money there, but I’m spending it on friends and vanilla bean sheet cake.

The math works for me.


Styled in South Florida Season 2 launches on Sunday, August 16th!

I can’t wait to introduce you to this season’s tour hosts and their gorgeous homes.

Keep your eyes peeled for five more home tour episodes!


Last week’s thrifted ‘fits:

Bag from Goodwill West Palm Beach
T-shirt, sunnies, and bag from Goodwill West Palm Beach
Dress from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Sneak Peek: Styled in South Florida Home Tours Season 2

Season 1 of Styled in South Florida Home Tours has wrapped with five episodes featuring some of the most creative people I’ve ever met and their super stylish homes.

It has felt surreal to share this project with you after so many months of preparation.

I thought it would take at least a year of consistent posting on YouTube before gaining any traction.

I’m so proud to share that after one month of publishing weekly home tour episodes, I’m a YouTube Partner!

*Pinch me.*

This is just the beginning. I’m cooking up a fab Season 2 featuring homes beyond my Palm Beach County community.

Season 3 might take us to the Florida Keys — stay tuned!

>> If you have a stylish friend you’d like to pitch for the show, just shoot me a message or email, ThisisMyHobbyBlog@gmail.com.

I so appreciate every ounce of support. Keep watching, liking, commenting, and sharing with fellow home design lovers.

xoxo

Vanessa