MALOFTA VINTAGE VISITS BERNADETTE & Co

How to realize your vision

Bernadette Swanson has been a MALOFTA customer since the shop opened. She buys some of the coolest things, so I was very curious to see how she puts them to use. This tour did not disappoint! Bernadette lives in a Robert Metcalf designed mid century modern house with husband Matt and their children Max, Margot & Oliver and sweet pups Si & Lane. It made me so happy to see so many MALOFTA VINTAGE items in their home. Bernadette is a highly talented decorator and I was impressed with the way she puts together objects and art, vintage and new, her use of spaces and her clever repurposing of unexpected objects to make them something stunning. One thing about Bernadette that I really admire is her ability to see an alternate version of something, an object, a space, and then make it a reality. I got to meet her daughter Margot who was game enough to be in some pictures (thank you, Margot!) and their two dogs Si & Lane delightfully wanted to be featured in every picture. Let’s see Bernadette’s beautiful home and then read all about her in the interview after.

The Swanson family home was designed by architect Robert Metcalf

Greeted by the sweetest dogs Si & Lane who at first said “Go Away!”

And then said “put us in all the photos!”

It was hard to say no

Entryway

The view upon entering the home

There is a dog here…

A gorgeous combination of textures

This Gray Malin art is actually wrapping paper!

Looking into the Living Room

Living Room

A really well styled shelf situation

Bernadette, Si & Lane

Window table where Bernadette works on paint-by-numbers (flower pot from MALOFTA!)

Love the texture combo of the wicker and brass lamp and casually flopped dog

These walls!

Quite taken with this original painting by Bernadette’s sister-in-law Betsy Swanson

Bernadette & one of the pups

Heading downstairs via this gorgeously warm staircase

Downstairs - Kids’ Rooms

This spot is headed for a wall covering upgrade. Wallpaper possibilities from Clare V are taped up for consideration next to another Gray Malin piece.

Oliver’s (10 yrs) room

Art by Bernadette’s mother-in-law Janet Swanson

Portraits of Si & Lane by Janet Swanson

Max’s (15 yrs) room

Love these doors

Margot’s (12 yrs) room

This lamp!!!

Heading back upstairs

Powder Room

Taking a peek into this powder room (my pictures regrettably did not do justice)

Clare V wallpaper and art made from a framed Clare V scarf. So good!

Bernadette glued shell keepsakes into this box so it was hangable

Kitchen

The wall tile is a polished reminder of the white painted brick seen in the entry

Looking into the dining room

Margot, Bernadette & one of the pups

Dining Room

Bernadette found this originally brass chandelier and painted it a striking red!

Chairs <3

Love these Schumacher “Citrus Garden” fabric pillows

Family Room

The sliding doors still painted the original color chosen by designer Robert Metcalf

Love, love, love the Blu Dot lamp in the corner

Just look at it

Name, astrological sign, pronouns, work

Bernadette Swanson, Gemini, Teacher

How did your relationship to creating home spaces start? As a kid? Adult? Any defining moments?

As a child I was constantly rearranging my bedroom but my love of design grew as an adult. I've always really loved looking through design magazines. Domino was one of my favorites. I enjoy finding items for my home and as a result my home is always changing.

How would you describe your home style?

We currently live in a MCM home so my style is leaning more towards that style. I would describe my style as a mix of MCM, vintage, found items, and comfortable- eclectic. My style is always evolving though so when I see something I love I usually grab it and figure out how to make it work later.

How and why does vintage play a part in your home?

I love the thrill of the hunt. I don't go vintage shopping as much as I would like so Malofta has been such a great addition to Ann Arbor. Shannon has a great eye and I love that the items are curated. I know I will find something I have to have when I stop by the shop. I have many items in my home from Malofta and they are treasured pieces.

What's your favorite vintage find?

I have tons of little items- enamel ware, Heller pieces, art, and clothes that I love. My favorite furniture item is my coffee table in the living room. I actually found it at Malofta and it fits in perfectly with the space.

What vintage things are you still looking for?

I’m still on the hunt for some cool bedroom furniture. Our bedroom is next on the list for decorating.

Favorite spot in your home?

The best spot in our home is our living room. It has such good light and a fireplace so that's where I like to hang out most often.

Future projects?

Master bathroom, back porch and landscaping

What are you into right now? Books, music, television, movies, internet things, newsletters, magazines, blogs, meditation, walks WHATEVER YOU ARE INTO, I want to know

We are going to see Dead and Co at the Sphere which is exciting. I am really into seeing concerts. There are a couple design sites that I always check such as Emily Henderson. I also love to look at everything by Clare V. because her bags and styling are amazing. Michele Adams is another favorite designer and her online magazine, Lonny, is so great. As far as shows, I haven't been watching a ton but The Righteous Gemstones is hilarious. My current hobby is a paint by number which I have been working on for awhile.

Thank you so much, Bernadette & family!