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Welcome back to In The Margins! A collection of what’s inspiring me lately — in design, music, interiors, and everything in between.
ESTATE SALE TREASURES
I’ve spent the past few days between South Alabama and Florida because I had a family matter to attend to, and one thing I missed about living closer to family is being a car ride away rather than having to fly. I am a bit of an anxious flyer, so being able to hop in the car and go at my own pace is really nice.
I also noticed a greater appreciation for a journey that I’ve made so many times before. And you can’t beat homemade Southern food. We’re in the final stages of cleaning out my grandparents’ house too, so seeing it all set up for the estate sale was really weird for me. But I also found some treasures that I came back with.
One thing generations before us had in plenty was ashtrays. Though my grandparents weren’t smokers, you would have thought they were with how many they had collected throughout their lives. Such unique designs. Though I plan on using mine as a trinket dish, it does make me daydream about spending my time at a café in Paris with a cigarette in hand.
I love getting to style the new pieces I’ve inherited from them, and it’s a nice reminder that makes me smile every time I see them. I highly recommend thrifting or estate sale hopping to find treasures for your own home. It makes a space feel more personal and unique, and definitely beats the mass-produced stuff.
FIGHTING MY CURTAIN COMMITMENT ISSUES
As I continue decorating my apartment, I’ve noticed that I have a bit of commitment issues when it comes to curtains. I’ve been going back and forth between color, style, texture, and pattern and, UGH, it all feels so permanent. This is despite knowing I could replace them at any time.
I have 17 windows, so the natural light is incredible, but this time of year it also makes things extra warm. I decided to get tie-up curtains rather than the typical floor-length style because of my window setup, and I’ve gotta say, I love the look. It feels a bit regal? The ruffled curtain style feels sophisticated, and it’s different from anything I’ve had in the past.
I’m currently on the hunt for a set of curtains similar to the ones above that I found on Pinterest by EFR Interiors. I think they’d be perfect for my dining room. I love slowly seeing each room come together and feel more and more like home.
A NEW COLLECTING OBSESSION
Before I left town, I went vintage shopping with some friends and one of my favorite spots on Magazine St in New Orleans has the best selection of vintage plates. I have been thinking about what to do with the empty space on my dining room wall, and ever since I was here in this shop I can’t stop thinking about a plate wall.
One of my favorite creators to follow is Jaci Smith (particularly for her home decorating inspiration and vintage finds) and I remembered that she has the most fabulous plate wall above her dining room table.
I already have a growing collection of plates that I don’t know what to do with and this seems like a great fit. I am looking forward to getting back home so I can experiment and continue plate collecting. There are so many different designs and beautiful patterns. Such a good way to put those to use!
Plus, I love the idea that I can continue collecting them and let it evolve over time rather than having to finish it all at once.
THE CASE FOR NON-LINEAR CREATIVE CAREERS
I saw this post by It’s Nice That’s writer Kat Wong for their Career Conundrums column titled, “Are Zig-Zag Careers the Future for Creatives?” and it really got my wheels turning. Of course, reading a piece on the pros and cons of a zig-zag path versus the typical corporate ladder path can stir up my own thoughts on the matter. I love how Wong describes her constant of giving herself permission to explore, experiment, and not be defined by others’ success. Which is so very important in a creative career, especially. We are all so different, and everyone has a different point of view, so it would make sense for us all to have our own path and career trajectory.
I’ve never been the type of person to stay in one place for too long (though I am planning on settling this time around). I like to constantly be learning and developing my own skills. When I feel that start to waver, it’s time for a refresh. Whether that’s moving to a new place or switching to a new role, it’s always something. Making the decision to go out on my own was scary but also necessary, and I am so glad that I did because I have learned so much about myself and my creative process. As someone who has had a bit of a squiggly career path, it gives me reassurance in the choices I’ve made and the direction I’m heading.
Another positive of a zig-zag career is that the experience you gain from each different thing can come in handy in ways that don’t always seem related. Say I do a project for a healthcare client, and along the way I learn new software, build a new skill, and work my brain in a different way than I would with a fashion client. When I go back to fashion projects, I’m able to bring those new skills and a different perspective because of that experience. I also notice a lot of opportunities to build new skills through initiatives and internal opportunities at work. Whether that be helping out with the social team, leading a conference, starting a hobby group, or simply meeting with colleagues outside of work to swap stories and perspectives, there’s always something to learn and take away.
ON REPEAT
Tiny Habits recently released “Anything He Was,” featuring Matty Healy (which, of course, instantly made me obsessed). The song is so tender and smooth, and I’ve had it on repeat ever since it came out. It’s definitely going to stay in my rotation for a while.
RECENT SAVES
Yes, I am still obsessing over interiors and my Pinterest algorithm is following suit. I just can’t help myself as I continue pulling my space together. So many pretty inspiring bits this time around.
19th century cup designs — @leahoconnelldesign
Vintage clothing tag
Hollywood Regency-style dining chairs by Willy Rizzo
Sarana Haeata Mural
Photograph of black and white striped gloves by Charlotte Rohrbach, 1950
Algerian residential architecture
Custom spiral staircase runner designed by Jared Hughes
Custom lettering featuring The Parkview Wilshire
Astier de Villatte + Sacai ceramic platter
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!!
Until next time,
Bailey
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And if you’d like to work together on a creative project in 2026, feel free to email me at bailey@staticcatstudio.com
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