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Kaitlyn Coffee is Full of Ideas, And Willing To Share

Kaitlyn Coffee lookin’ out. All Photo Credits: Kelly Christine Sutton

Kaitlyn Coffee is the designer of the single greatest bathroom I’ve ever seen. She does other stuff, too, but believe me when I say, if you get style struck and can’t make it past that bathroom pic, I will 100% understand.

Kaitlyn Coffee’s full-time gig is Kaitlyn Coffee Creative is a design business that helps predominantly women-owned local businesses define their brands. Kaitlyn worked at an agency for years, but right as the pandemic was about to settle in, she was coming off maternity leave and her inner monologue said let’s freaking do this and she launched her own company instead.

She also runs an Instagram account called Harris Vintage. Her second passion is Interior Design. She doesn’t hold an accreditation in it, nor does she want to. Like a true beautiful little bird of a creative, she said that would involve math and measuring and right now, she’s not into it.

When she started Harris Vintage, it was an account for her own personal overflow. Almost everything in her house is a flea market find, thrifted or stumbled upon (and saved) at an estate sale. She loves to find, well, finds. She rotates them out and that’s what was filling her feed. Back then there were items for sale.

Cut to two kids, a full-time graphic design business, several consultation and art curation jobs later, and now Harris Vintage is an Inspiration account. For herself and anyone lucky enough to stumble upon it. (And thousands do. They’re wearing that Follow button out.)

Why is her account so damn good? Well, Kaitlyn, obviously. She has the best taste and she’s ALWAYS searching art and interiors online. It’s the secret to her success – scrolling non-stop. Her graphic and interior design go hand in hand and one can just as easily inspire the other.

That’s part of what makes her style so unique. It’s a mix of vintage and modern and unexpected color combos. She’s forever pairing opposite sides of the color wheel to create rooms and vignettes that you’ve never seen before. (Like the aforementioned best bathroom ever. I mean, Jaw Drop City.)

Her looks are colorful, layered and bold. And they definitely take a minute to create. You can’t source this shit. There’s no searching “14×16 magenta modern art.” If it’s out there, she’ll find it, but not with a casual passthrough Pottery Barn. Instead, it’s tucked away in a thrift store, patiently awaiting her arrival. Don’t worry though, she’ll get to it. She’s style psychic like that.

If you’re wondering if Kaitlyn’s for hire and will help you pull together living room or curate a wall for your bedroom, she absolutely will. If the project makes sense. She has a defined style and she’s sticking with it. She’s also found that’s the best way to work – complete and total trust followed by a firm handshake.

If you need design help in any capacity, graphic or interior, reach out at kaitlynmcoffee@gmail.com. Or if you just want to look at pretty things and lots of them, follow her Instagram accounts @kaitlyncoffeecreative and @harrisvintage. You can also comb through her whole home and read even more about her style on Domino.com.

Oh My, It’s DIY

Do you ever have a friend that does something and you’re like, I didn’t even know you could do that?!?? Turns out, I do. Her name is Kelly. She has five kids, three dogs, two cats and a gerbil. And in her spare time (HAHAHAHA) she, and her husband, Matt, like to plus the heck up out of their home.

I only recently stumbled upon this fact when I listed their house and it headed into a multiple offer sitch in two days. It’s a gorgeous home, no doubt, with an incredible pool and an HOA membership that includes access to walking trails, Pickle Ball courts, man-made sandy beaches and several freaking catch-and-release lakes. It’s in a cul-de-sac, too. All total pluses, but what really sealed the deal were the custom touches they created. It helped their house stand out and snag a sales price so big it gets caught in your throat.

Fun Fact: That fire is photoshop.

The first DIY home reno they completed was a facelift on the fireplace. It was born out of necessity. They had to repair the chimney and that left a hole in the drywall. Where some saw a tape and texture repair, these two knuckleheads saw an opportunity. They added patterned (encaustic!!) tile around the fireplace, channeled Chip & Jo and added shiplap up top. Here’s why it works… it’s not an overwhelming amount of shiplap. Just a nice little pop.

When they were getting ready to list, Kelly had the idea to wrap the structural columns in worn wood. She headed to Lowe’s and discovered that you can buy weathered wood, pre-whitewashed by the bundle. As she was setting up her project, she realized that was way too many wood cuts and it wasn’t giving her the look she was going for.

Always one to avoid a return, she started looking for somewhere else to install the bundle. That’s when she stumbled into her formal living room with the comfy couch. She realized this was her wall and got to work. Not unlike Drake, she started from the bottom, now we’re here. She stacked the first row of boards on top of the baseboards, nailed each in place with white finishing nails and worked her way up. Matt then trimmed the boards so they fit horizontally. She swears it was really easy, but then again, she has five kids, so difficulty is on a bit of a sliding scale.

As the dutiful real estate agent that showed up to sell the heck out of that house, I can say this wall was one of the things that people commented on most. It’s great on its own, but the fact that Matt and Kelly paired it with a modern gold chandelier and a few sprigs of greenery woven on a brass loop, made it extra. It also creates a real nice little vignette. Ta da.

Get Floored With TileBar

Here’s the thing about tile, it’s easy to maintain, wears well and comes in so many patterns and textures, you can express your little heart out with very little effort. Effort that’s even more greatly reduced when you check out this list from the one and only, Kelly Ryan. She works for TileBar, has an impeccable eye, and knows all the latest and greatest. Here’s her list of top five tile trends that are, well, trending.

Brando, Dark Gray

Encaustic – What’s that now? Encaustic means the pattern on the tile isn’t glazed on, it’s actually a mix of different clays. You might not know the word, but you’re most definitely familiar with the look. It’s a little bit of everywhere these days. Ryan said these tiles pop up in bathrooms and backsplashes and if you’re a little more on the shy side, the utility room.

Carolina, Coral Pink

Linear – This is less about the tile and more about the way it’s laid out. It’s the exact opposite of traditional subway and it’s where we’re headed. Instead of horizontal, the tile is placed vertically or “plank format” or even herringbone like on the left. Follow Up: Ryan said wood look tile is still very much in and it’s a way more durable alternative to hardwoods. Looking at you, pool people.

Portmore, White

Hand-Molded – This is where the tile doesn’t have a straight edge, it looks a little…hand-molded. See how that works? Loves it.

Six Hexagon, Pink Earth

Terrazzo – True terrazzo is created when little pieces of marble or granite are set in mortar, given a high polish and create a mosaic. It can be a little pricey, but don’t worry your pretty little cost-conscious head, these days terrazzo-LOOK tile are making mid-century even more accessible.

DreamStone Calacatta Rustico

Marble-Look Porcelain – Here’s another example of how to get a real $$$$$ look for a few less $$$. Ryan said the printing on porcelain has come so far and looks so much more realistic, it’s making this tile more popular than ever. P.S. Marble-look tile is also way easier to maintain than real marble.

Sale Away At Again & Again

Again & Again is a Dallas staple. Been around so long, it predates the ampersand. That’s not true. But they’ve been at it a minute. It’s basically a really exclusive consignment shop and if you’re like me, you had no idea it was consignment. I thought they outright owned everything. But they don’t. I mean, owner Leslie Pritchard has her own collection that she sells, for sure, but not evvvvverything is hers. ANYWAY, the reason for the ramble is they’re about to ditch the Design District and head somewhere new. Where? Nobody knows. But while they figure that out, maybe you can finally figure out Apple Pay and score some deals while you’re at it.

In order to pack less, Again & Again is having a huge sale. It started back on February 7 and if you think I’ve been holding out on you, you’re right!! Back then it was only 10% off and now through May 31 it’s 60% off. NOW THIS NEXT PART IS IMPORTANT, not EVERYTHING is on sale. (Remember, consignors?) But LOTS of things are on sale so you better get while the getting’s good.

More Stuff You Need to Know: At Again & Again you can find furniture that’s good to go and stuff that’s ready to recover. The best part? A&A reupholsters and refinishes, too. And they have designers onsite to help you settle on something amazing.

Just Sold: A West Plano Traditional With Lots of Potential

This delightful little three-bedroom, two-bathroom traditional home in West Plano has new owners and they have big plans. Rework the kitchen, paint the wood paneling in the second living area a deep shade of cranberry and stock that wet bar. Swap out the bathroom wallpaper with whimsical cat paper and add a few new furniture pieces along the way.

The house itself was exceptionally maintained with original leaded glass windows and a few key ($$$) upgrades like a clay tile roof and Hardie Plank siding. The backyard is perfect for entertaining – not too big, not too small with a towering tree providing the shadiest shade. There’s room for a grill or a full-on outdoor kitchen and once they pop a cover over the little notched out patio, dreams will be coming true.

It’s located in the Biltmore neighborhood in West Plano and with that location comes easy access a mega bike trail and oh? What’s that? Neighborhood-exclusive tennis courts and a pool? YEP. It’s not super common to see such an established neighborhood offer such knockout amenities, but Biltmore Swim & Racquet Club is making it happen. I mean, hello, they put it right in the name.

As a “High five, we did it” gift, I got them a cat bouquet made of real flowers. Wanna see it? Here you go…

Resting Plant Face’s Maylin Luke Is Pits Deep In Concrete And Loving It

Maylin Luke, Resting Plant Face

Remember the Pandemic? Oh, wait, we’re still in it? Crap. Well, remember back in the very beginning when we were locked down and living our best lives making sourdough starters and learning new languages on DuoLingo? Or Rosetta Stone? No judgment. Yes, that glorious time. Well, while you were doing that, Maylin Luke was starting a business. She just didn’t know it yet.

Let’s start at the beginning. Pre-Pandemic. Maylin got married. Real beautiful, fairytale stuff.
Through said fairytale affair, she received a gift card to the inimitable (never used that word before but pretty sure I nailed it) Ruibal’s Garden Center. She lived in an apartment at the time so not a lot of landscaping needs, you know? Instead, she bought a cement planter and loved it. The cement planter piqued her interest and she started snooping around online. “And then Instagram did it’s creepy thing and started serving me ads for silicon molds…” (Best quote ever.)

Evil Eye Square Planter

Never one to turn down some clickbait, Maylin ordered the molds, but the company never sent them. She then let out an audible sigh, ordered some off Amazon, received them and shoved them in the pantry. Never to be touched again. Until…Shutdown 2020. In January she remembered she had them (so technically pre-Shutdown) and she started tinkering around. She’d make a pot, post it on Instagram and people loved her stuff.

A friend shared a planter Maylin made and the local news crew took an interest. They were doing features on People & The Pandemic & The Hobbies That Hatched and they wanted to interview Maylin. It was a real oh shit moment. She needed a name. She didn’t have a website or anything, so she was brainstorming with a friend and said, “You know I want it to be like PLANT BITCH or something.” The friend suggested Resting Plant Face. It was perfect and it stuck. Another friend gifted her a logo and now, it’s her full-time gig. She makes all the planters by hand.

Electric Kiss Me Concrete Incense Burner & Jewelry Tray

She uses all kinds of molds (including ones intended for candy) to create custom planters you won’t find anywhere else. But she doesn’t JUST do planters, she has Kiss Me concrete incense burners, peace out hand statues, dominos and little marbled letters. AND she just added the tiniest tombstones for when you (inevitably) kill a plant. Hey, it happens.

Maylin said her Spooky Collection is always a hit and so is her Out West Collection, but if you ask me – and you didn’t – I love her Butts. Because it lets me make that statement. And they’re really awesome, too. In real life they’re called the Cheeky Planter or Cheeky Statue and they come in many, many finishes. I bought two and one of my greatest joys was yelling, “I’m off to pick up my butts.” I personally drove to get my planters because I wanted to say hey, but don’t be fooled, Maylin ships nationwide.

Tiny Hands, Teeny Letters

Now if I can bring it all full circle, I’d like to point out her planters are the perfect gift. (And the inspiration came from a gift!!) They’re handmade, hand-painted and unexpected. Plus they’re for plants which give us oxygen so you’re basically giving the gift of life. High five the heck out of you. You can shop the entire Resting Plant Face Collection here or follow along on Maylin’s adventures here.

Meet John and Jill, The MidMod Dream Team That Runs Amuck

John & Jill, Photo Credit: Jason Ulsrud

John is a picker. He’s a finder. He’s a fixer. He loves thrifting and hunting. Then he met Jill. AND SHE LOVES IT, TOO. Early on in their relationship, that’s what they’d do. They’d head out on the weekend and see what they could find. They both love anything mid-century modern, “groovy” or well-designed. But they realized they couldn’t keep it all.

Steelcase “Pollock” in Plush Orange Bouclé

They’re soon-to-be empty nesters, looking to downsize and John has a rule: One in, one out. He started posting some of his fixed up finds on Instagram. And they sold. He bought more, fixed more, posted more and suddenly his hobby was taking over. That’s when he decided to go all in. He lit the candle and took a leap of faith. A leap that is now Amuck Vintage.

He’s incredibly conscientious and thoughtful. Every piece he sells goes through his patented 10-point plan. He joked that perfectionism is really procrastination, but hey, that’s when you get the best ideas.

Broyhill Premiere, Chapter One 6-Drawer Dresser

What he loves about Amuck is it fills that retail therapy need. He gets to buy all the time, but in the end, he gets his money back…and hopefully pockets a little, too. Now that it’s his business, he has to take into consideration the time spent to acquire a piece and how many hours will go into getting it ready. That means he has to pass up some incredible finds. Those are the ones that haunt him. What will become of them? What if someone slaps on a coat of *horror movie scream* chalkboard paint? UNSPEAKABLE. I mean, really.

“Esperanto” and the dream of dreams, Broyhill Brasilia 9-Drawer Dresser

One of his favorite finds was a gigantic Mid-Century Modern Brutalist sculpture, “Esperanto” by Mark Weinstein. He’s never come across another one, specifically one of that size. When he discovered it, it was being used as yard art on a farm. The fact that he was able to restore it and save it from a premature rusty demise gives him the extra fulfillment he’s looking for. That’s a huge part of why he does what he does, keeping incredible pieces out of landfills…and the hands of shabby chic-ers.

Vintage Dresses, Drexel “Plus One” Good Nite Pedestal, Vintage Boby Trolley by Joe Colombo for Bieffelplast, Italy

As for Jill? They’re married now and she has a vintage clothing and accessories section in Amuck. It’s right up front. It’s a family affair and they’re open for appointments. You can also shop both collections 24/7 on Instagram here and here.

Get To Know The Pistol That Is Malina Pearson

When you want style tips, go to the pros. Buckle up, Buddies, today we’re going to meet an iconic blonde whose only ambition is making life a little prettier.

Malina at The Corral

Malina Pearson is a stylist that rides horses and remodels homes. She also used to drive the freaking coolest Volvo Station Wagon, unironically.

She’s cute and classic and so is her style. It’s a little timeless with a full appreciation of old things. She gets it honestly, too. Her grandmother owned an antiques shop and her Mom always ran a vintage side hustle. As a kid, Malina and her brother would wake up early on the weekends and help their mom set up at the latest flea market. Malina loved it, too. “Oh, I had the BEST costume collection.” A collection she inadvertently left in Houston when they moved to Dallas. TRAGEDY.

Let’s skip ahead a few years to when she put that impeccable eye to work. She’s a stylist and even though she’ll downplay it – I won’t – she’s pretty freaking sought after. She helped launch the Pottery Barn Teen Catalog, put together the original Anthropologie Catalog and has a few other big names under her perfectly-selected belt.

After years of photoshoots in some of the most incredible homes you’ve ever seen, Malina collected more than a few ideas. She saw what worked, what didn’t and then put it to work in the complete remodel of a Ranchette set on two acres in South Dallas. She did it all and GC’ed the job herself. She picked out the finishes, the paint colors, the hardware, everything. Not a shocker, it sold in a second.

Her next big project? Her own home. She bought a little cottage over in North Oak Cliff and spent a full year gutting it, rewiring it, replumbing it, raising the ceilings, adding a new roof and all new finishes. It is now, and forever, a little plot of perfection.

After that, she had one whole spare minute to breathe, so she talked her parents into buying the cutest little Dilbeck. It was completely original except for the kitchen that Malina thinks was updated in the 1960s.

El Rancho Dilbeck, Photo Credit: Ricky Pearson

This job wasn’t a remodel though, it was a restoration. She stayed very true to the era and put everything back exactly the way it was meant to be. The porch railing was rotting so they rebuilt it and added complementary railing out back. The kitchen was restored, but it needed a few extra cabinets, so they built exact replicas of those, too. Then they replaced the Saltillo tile with an updated version.

Restored Kitchen, Photo Credit: Ricky Pearson

If you’d like to see it in person, you can. It’s currently an Airbnb and doing quite well. Over the holidays a family booked a stay and Malina’s Mom has a garage full of vintage, well, everything, so she decked that little house out. In fact, the entire Airbnb is filled with Malina’s Mom’s stuff…things she had in her own ranch, the kitchen table Malina grew up with, art that’s from the era and on and on.

El Rancho Bedroom, Photo Credit: Ricky Pearson

Which is a great time to mention, Malina’s own style in a word is “authentic.” She’d rather die than buy anything with a faux patina or a Navajo blanket with a polyblend. And no, she didn’t say she’d rather die. I added that. THEATRICS.

Hit Me With That Hat Rack, Photo Credit: Ricky Pearson

For Malina, when you step into a home, you want to know that person and see their personality reflected in every room. Personal touches layered with the classics because that’s one of Malina’s other best tips. Unless you want to remodel your home every four to five years, stick with timeless finishes and let your accents come in the form of furnishings. You know, things you don’t have to rip out to replace.

Believe in a Built-In, Photo Credit: Ricky Pearson

Plus, TIEBACK, that’s where the personality comes from. Malina is all in on Instagram. It’s opened us up to a whole new world of style. It’s giving people the courage to not be so prescriptive or follow a strict mid-century modern or desert chic checklist. HELLO, she also clued us into the name of that style – Marfa-chic or Desert-chic. Like damn, we see it everywhere and now we know what it is.

What shops does she love locally? That’s easy. Neighborhood has an incredible collection of couches, pottery and art. Benny Jack Antiques has a little bit of everything. Follow along on Instagram for their latest and greatest. OR hop on I-45 and head down to Houston to pop into Malina’s favorite shop in the country, Kuhl-Linscomb. If you didn’t think you could love her anymore, here’s where you will. “Kuhl-Linscomb is a fucking dream mini-department store with rugs, clothing, books, beautiful down-filled couches…” Say the f word once and we’re friends for life. ALSO, GOALS, y’all. All of us, including Malina, have a dream of someday owning the perfect, oversized, extra comfy couch. Some. Day. Isn’t is gross when people break up a word with a period? Too bad. I just did. THE END. 

Welcome Dear Friends

Hey twerps. It’s me, Nikki. I’m starting a blog. And yes, I am aware it’s 2022 and everyone is on TikTok, but not meeeeeee. I’m going old school. Why? Because I’m a Realtor that loves houses and home design and disseminating useful information to the general public. And I think we can all agree, if there’s one thing this world is lacking, it’s ways to kill time online.

Whatever will you find on this dear, sweet blog called Show Pony? Well, houses and home stuff, local businesses, cool products and every now and then I’ll even profile some of the Goof Troop I have the pleasure of working with. PLUS, market updates, interest rates, facts AND figures. You know, the stuff that really impresses the pants off your fellow humans.

I also solemnly swear to do it all succinctly because let’s get real, reading is for nerds, more pictures please.

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