I am really excited to share today’s designer with you because I’ve long admired her work and I find her story and passion so inspiring.  I think you will, too!

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Designer-Spotlight-Annie-Brahler

“Be authentic in everything you do, don’t worry about what anyone thinks. Find your passion and go for it.”

 

There’s a very good reason why Annie Brahler’s designs look so inviting and so real and that’s because they are!  She has a love of authentic materials that provide character and a sense of history to a room and freely mixes old and new to create a unique look.  As the daughter of Dutch immigrants, she inherited their lifestyle aesthetic of using things in the moment, not saving your “best” things for a special occasion.  So she uses silver as everyday decor and fine china on the table and if it gets a scratch it’s okay!  That scratch just becomes a part of the piece’s history and adds to its authenticity.

Annie Brahler Home
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Annie and her family live in Jacksonville, Illinois’ iconic William Howard Thompson house built in 1868 and renovated in 1901.  While not a classically trained interior designer, her skill and passion are obvious in every space she touches.  Her designs reflect opulence with a lack of pretense.

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Annie Brahler Dining Room
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Annie shuns reproductions {because of their lack of authenticity} and so shops barns sales throughout Europe, primarily in France, Holland, and Belgium.  She imports her vintage finds for her company, Euro Trash.  Don’t let the name fool you – the items imported by Euro Trash are anything but “trash.”  While the objects may not be pedigreed antiques, they have been carefully chosen for their shapes, textures, authenticity, and of course, for their beauty.

Annie Brahler Old Books
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“If you really  love something, let it be a part of your persona. Let the world see you.”

 

 

Chandeliers are a favorite of Annie’s and she uses them in abundance in her own home.

Annie Brahler Staircase
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Her kitchen designs are breathtaking and provide a luxurious feel in a functional space.  She creates a space where a bronze chandelier from Holland and the worn upholstery from an 18th-century French armchair mix freely and comfortably.

Annie Brahler Kitchen
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And who says a garage workbench can’t become a functional kitchen island?!

Annie Brahler Kitchen Island
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I truly admire Annie’s work and would surely love to sit and learn from Annie in this beautiful spot, wouldn’t you?

Annie Brahler Outdoor Seating
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Have a wonderful weekend!
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9 Comments

  1. elle_oh_elle says:

    What would you call the architectural style of the house’s exterior? Is it a specific type of Victorian architecture? Very french.

  2. I have loved her style since I first saw her home featured in Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion magazine in 2007. Her home and style is so beautiful! Thanks for showcasing her work.
    Christine

  3. Kim,
    I love this designers work, I don’t remember seeing it before, but maybe I have. I subscribe to House Beautiful. I love her house, wow, what a beautiful front. Her style is so comfortable and inviting to me, not overly formal but just pretty.
    Enjoy your weekend.
    Karen

  4. Oh my goodness Annie’s designs are stunning! I love her use of antiques in fresh spaces, very beautiful!!
    xo. Leslie
    Segreto Finishes

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