what we love…
Our Small Blue Planet
The waste created in the design industry is a burden we feel. Renovations, full demos, changing one thing for another - it is a world of privilege and often excess. We can’t change this - but we can make impactful efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurpose!
What does this look like? We reupholster and reuse whenever it makes sense. We love finding treasures that are within a home rather than sourcing new - it’s amazing what we find! We recycle in countless ways and the biggest way we do that is Marvin’s Home. Marvin’s Home started with an awareness of the “extra” in design and wanting to put it towards good!
All of this is for our little blue planet, the animals, and those who come after us. We have a responsibility to care for each other and this earth, and if each of us does all that we can, we can do so much good.
Makers & Doers
These are the ones who make the magic. They bend wood, turn canvas into art, and reupholster furniture into new life. They meticulously craft custom frames, measure built-ins down to a fraction of an inch, install carpet with invisible seams, and sew valances with the utmost care.
Carpenters, artists, builders, tile setters, sewers, painters - these are the craftspeople who turn our ideas into reality. Without them, we would only have beautiful visions but with them, your homes are transformed.
They have honed their crafts over years of labor, often learning from parents or family members. They come from far and wide and we are so fortunate to work with them right here in our area. Our sewers are Armenian, our cabinet maker is from Poland. One of our artists is from Ukraine and so many other nationalities are represented. These craftspeople, without fail, take pride in their work and join us on the journey of making every job the best it can be.
Old & New
They say “what is old is new” but we like to say what is old is old and it can look great with new! Be it a search for an antique bench, the perfect vintage chair or a fantastic art find at a second-hand store - we love that older pieces add character, depth, and interest to any new design. The search might be harder than buying new, but it is always rewarding.
Nature
The best that life has to offer and the ultimate inspiration. From the sky and the moon, to the colors of the land and the sea, the greens of fauna and the patterns of the clouds, the beauty of fractals and the incredible intricacies of nature’s design - it is our most cherished source of beauty and trusted place for inspiration. As the great philosophers all agree, “when troubled, go for a walk”, and nature will never disappoint.
Art
“We have art in order to not die of the truth,” so says Nietzsche and who are we to argue with him? The kitchen might be the heart of the home, but art is the soul. Art can be so many things, in so many ways, and in so many places! Let art give to you all that it can and let it be ever present in your home.
Custom
Unable to source the perfect size table? Can’t find the right color chair? Or even find a chair that is the right size for you? Custom is the answer to many design needs and not only does it give you one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted furnishings but it also ensures a quality that is difficult to come by these days. Custom sofas, chairs, beds, tables, bars, and doors - we love the challenge and rewards of custom work.
Personality
Design is many things but above all it should be PERSONAL. It can express so much about who you are, your family, your pets, your home. It can inspire you by reminding you of places you want to go or places you’ve been, of people you love and cherish, and so much more. Let your personality show - it’s the secret sauce of good design.
Small Things
Small things matter. Details matter. “It’s the little things that make a house a home,” so sings John Denver. Be it tiny art, mini collections, travel treasures, or traces of things you love - every small thing in your home is part of your story. From the pattern of tile to the hardware on your dresser or the basin in your bath - details add character and interest to every space. We believe that the detail of the throw pillow is as important as the comfort of the sofa.
Fauna
We love the animals: from the frogs to the fox, the walrus to the whale, and the orangutan to the octopus. We respect and appreciate the truth of their affection and the strength of their spirit. We love acknowledging their presence in our designs and showcasing their diversity and personalities in the spaces we create. Whether you talk to your favorite species or your family dog; we encourage letting our fellow sentient beings share in your home.