It was the summer of ’85. I was 18 and had just gotten my first job as a nanny for a wealthy East Texas family. They lived on an upscale historical street in a dollhouse mansion, its exterior painted in charming pink and white. The home’s interior was equally as impressive with its lavish furnishings and exquisite details.
I loved spending time indoors in such beautiful surroundings, but the children wanted to play outside for hours in their private backyard playground. So I would sit and watch them play from a wrought iron bistro set on the nearby patio. Little did I know that table and chairs would be a part of my life to this day.
Upon getting a new townhouse close by, my employer graciously furnished it. The bistro set became my first dining set! I fell in love with its ornate scrollwork and feminine appeal so much so that I decorated around it. Creating a shabby chic décor before it was even popular.
A couple of years later, I left my job as a nanny. I was so inspired by my time within that lovely home, I realized my passion for interior design and went on to study it and make my career working in different aspects of the industry.
My beloved wrought iron bistro set went with me on that journey and every one that has followed. It found its way from one house to another, one room to the next, indoors and out, and has been painted every color in the rainbow. It has been with me through marriages, divorces, my four children’s childhoods—no other furniture has been with me as long. Its classic design and quality craftsmanship have made it a constant in my home for a lifetime.
Do you have a piece of quality furniture that has been with you through your life? I would love to hear your story.
Best,
by Joanna Crain