Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1544361
April/May 2026 | maconmagazine.com 103 rescued, delicate objects. "If my house is burning down, I'm grabbing my trinkets," Abigail proclaims matter-of-factly. The contents of the shelves are as much about documenting as they are about decorating. They showcase the patience and commitment required to curate an eclectic, comforting, and cohesive space. And proof of the lesson that kept resurfacing: "decorating a home takes time… so much time." Time to hunt and gather. Time to change your mind. Time to evolve. In the opposite corner of the main living space is a solid wood shelf – a cocktail bar accessorized with thrifted knick-knacks, a collection of shot glasses, gifts from friends, and elegant glassware. The shelf wasn't the original plan. She initially envisioned another wall of built-ins, but despite endless daydreaming and Pinterest-boarding, it never felt right. Then, she stumbled upon a beautiful wooden bookcase from MD Exchange. The plan shifted. The best design choice is often the one you didn't force. A reminder to trust the process. Trusting the process is essential when you're a fashion girly, and nowhere is that clearer than in the entire bedroom dedicated to her and her sister's shared closet. "The idea of this is I have too many clothes to fit in a normal closet," she told me with shameless self-awareness and arms stretched wide with welcome. "This is me." Racks of clothing line the walls. Thrifted artwork is displayed in tandem with hanging kitten heels. A comically large martini glass cradles dozens of perfume samples. A ceramic figurine who "just looks like a fashion queen" found a permanent home on a shelf after being rescued from the thrift store for $2. Abigail's home is not designed for the minimalist. Cured by time, it tells many stories. With a passion for displaying the items she loves, Abigail has curated a space that reflects her identity. Through every object, curiosity, textile, and design choice, the Sylvias' home is evidence of the patience, attentiveness, and time necessary to develop an interesting space. As I wander through her home, I'm reminded that the most enriching spaces are not assembled overnight or purchased in matching sets. They are layered slowly, interchanged often, and allowed to shift with the people who inhabit them. Once, the basement echoed with late-night poker game laughter. One day, it will become a speakeasy. After that, fresh ideas will replace the current ones. For now, this space stands as proof that homeownership is not a race to a finish line. It holds your eras, your experiments, your excess, your edits. It absorbs who you've been and quietly makes room for who you'll become. Home is something you grow alongside. ABOVE DIY built- in bookcases frame the living room, a favorite spot in the house. RIGHT The entryway invites guests in with rich burgundy wine walls.