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Nan Stroud contacted me in 1999 after seeing my ad in a Environmental Illness journal. Her 20 year old home in Greenville, SC had not been renovated because of Nan’s concern that the materials and finishes used in the renovation process would introduce toxic chemical pollutants into her air, which she is very sensitive too.
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| Exterior Shots of Stroud Home |
I started out as a healthy home consultant while she planned her renovations with an architect and interior designer in Greenville. By 2000 Nan chose to hire me as her interior designer as well. This worked out to her benefit, because she really wanted to make all the surfaces inside her home as toxin free as possible, so we made a natural pair.
My 3-year working relationship with Nan was one of my best interior design experiences for many reasons. First of all, Nan knew what she wanted and really had a good eye for detail and design. I assisted her in her visions, which is how I love to work with my clients. I think that merging ideas is always better than a one-sided viewpoint.
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Secondly, Nan was a joy to work with. She was determined to get the outcome she wanted and sacrificed a lot to make this happen including the change of vision and contractors in the process. I admire this in Nan and it really shows in everything she does. She worked her way from the bottom to the top of the ladder for Mary Kay Cosmetics, and is very much admired in her work. Any one who has this kind of passion for what they do is to be admired!
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Third, Nan’s ability to see the big picture in this large project made the whole process so much easier for everyone involved. The existing home of 3000 square feet involved a complete cosmetic change on the exterior, a breakfast room addition and a master bedroom, bath and closet renovation along with a complete cosmetic makeover on the interior. An addition was added onto the existing sunroom resulting in a 3-story guestroom, sunroom and recreation room increasing the entire square footage to 5,700 square feet.
Nan and Edd completely use this house. Like me, Nan sees her home as her "safety net", a place she can always be free from toxicity in her life. This is important to individuals who experience MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). I think most people have these sensitivities; they may not realize that the toxicity that surrounds them may be making them sick.
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Nan’s taste was what I consider a cross between cabin and traditional styles, which leaves you feeling warm, cozy and comfortable- surrounded by natural inspired beauty. What we started with, as you can see, was 1970’s inspired color and design. So, we had a lot of work to do to make it cabin like! This was a fun project resulting in a house that Nan and her family absolutely love- in spite of all the trials and tribulations they faced along the way.
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