Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » sneak peek: karen hill and frank marshal

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when karen hill and frank marshal met 12 years ago, they used to meet up at the chelsea flea market every sunday. their love of collecting things has grown and culminated in their current dwelling together. the challenge, which quickly became an obsession for them, has been to fill an entire house on a low budget. the result is charm with a lot of meaning. i also love that their home is a gallery for their work (they’re both very talented photographers). [thanks so much, karen and frank!] -anne

[above: The foyer is kind of big for a foyer and we didn't know what to do with it at first when we moved here 2 years ago. It came together little by little and I love how it turned out.]

CLICK HERE for the rest of karen and frank’s sneak peek after the jump!

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We are both photographers who love interior design and all aspects of design. Our work is framed and displayed, as well as our friends and some paintings. We both went to art school and love continuing to learn and to look at photography and interior design.

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Vintage style clock, Target.

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Our dinning room, a mix of old school house or store style and vintage modern in feeling: Table, blue vase and rug, Crate and Barrel; Chairs, x4 Vintage School House; Hutch, ABC in NYC; The b&w wedding photo in the black frame is by Cappy Hotchkiss; Saucer Light, Modernica by George Nelson; Linen curtains, Ikea.

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Our dog, Oscar, our one and half year old mini Dachshund. He really liked sitting for the photos.

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Vintage Danish Modern credenza, enamel bowls and blue candle holder elk. Art: Painting by Dustan Knight from the 80’s.

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Photos and bathroom diorama by Karen Hill, except for small framed of a double image by Francesco Mastalia.

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It’s wonderful to see someone working with stained wood trim (instead of painting it white). The results are lovely, bright and modern – not at all heavy and dark. What great color choices. Thanks!

My home has similar dark wood trim and I have been struggling with choosing drapery hardware and deciding the level at which to hang it. I like the linen drapes you’ve chosen and the breezy sheers too. Where did you purchase the hardware, is it hung on the molding or outside it (on the wall), how about the sheers, and where did you get the drapes themselves (all Ikea?). Any info you can share is appreciated!

I love the fact it has lots of wood which creates such a warm atmosphere.As a collector myself I can totally relate to the obssesive collection of charming flea market items which have so much soul and character!

Thank you for all your wonderful comments, Frank and I are overwhelmed! We still have a lot to do but are so appreciative to hear such great feedback! Erica, I can be reached via my web site which is linked to my name on the first line. To Susan, I’ll look up the paint color and to Jocelyn, the curtains and sheers are Ikea while the rods, hung right on the wood are from Bed Bath & Beyond. I think the brand is Umbra. Once in while, Ebay has remarkably good finds like our Papa Bear Chair and Credenza.
Many thanks!!

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