My Starter Flower

Blossoming… I wanted to create a space in the studio apartment for growth and inspiration.  I took a personal connection to my “starter” flower. The alcove studio we were designing was exactly like mine when I went to Parsons in New York.  I knew the space and knew what was needed.

Carnations are such a well-known flower for not being so well regarded.  People always turn their nose to them. They are used and discarded by the dozen on floats, snarled at in bouquets and swapped out for roses in corsages.  Yet, they are really pretty, full of texture, last long and are easy to keep.

Instead of thinking of them in a loser fashion, I found myself inspired by the hope and innocence they represented.  The hope of homecoming – winning the game or getting asked to the dance by the guy of your dreams. I took that hope and innocence to college graduation and getting a job in the city.  Sure, you probably had roommates the first few years, but the first time you get your own apartment, the first time your means justify living on your own, odds are it is a studio.  This is now another new beginning, another milestone.  And the story continues from there.  Each new personal adventure is a new start.

Starting here but going places

Being part of the bouquet. Let it be said right now, I could work everyday with Emily and Casey and have the best time.  When we turned and left the flower market, the three of us had linked arms like twelve year olds.  I think the producers had to remind us that we were, in fact, in competition with one another.  Emily is funny and in her word, “snarky” and Casey is such a goof ball.  Emily taught me how to sew the pillows on a sewing machine and I made the padded headboard for Casey’s “blue and dreamy” bedroom.

I was very aware of the heat I took for having Dan help me with the wall in Episode 3, so I made sure I was able to purchase my desk and chair while we were out shopping.

Like the homecoming queen… Again, I had drawn the last number to pick my flower and took the challenge of the carnation in stride.  In fact, I loved this challenge.  I loved the desk with no handles, the knock off Ghost chair, the handles I found at the lumber store and the accessories that adorned the desk.  I loved my story that I created.  I loved the confused looks some of my teammates gave me when I told them my story.  I loved making pillows on the sewing machine and working with Emily and Casey.  BUT, what I loved the most was the sparkle in Vern’s eyes when he said, “Stacey, we were so inspired on how you took a flower, like the carnation, and found a wonderful story behind it.”

Carnation Inspiration