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Godlove and his father used shelves from a building being demolished in Washington, D.C., to construct a sprawling desk. Its legs are made from connective pipes sprayed black. (Photo by Sarah Walor)
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Strawberry Fields’ owner, Deanna King, gave Godlove a large chalkboard made of slate from the old Tuckahoe Elementary School and framed with wood from a classroom desk. (Photo by Sarah Walor)
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Godlove’s parents bought two tiny polar bears made of walrus tusk as souvenirs when they lived in Alaska in the 1970s. “I just think they’re so simple and sweet,” says Godlove, who inherited them from his grandmother. (Photo by Sarah Walor)
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The head designer at Godlove’s first job gave him her 30-year-old design knife for Christmas as a symbol of her faith in his talent. (Photo by Sarah Walor)
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A jar of colorful beach glass reminds Godlove of his family’s scuba-diving vacations on the Caribbean island of Bonaire. (Photo by Sarah Walor)
Casey Godlove spent three years riding a designer high in the fashion-forward headiness of New York City, creating floral arrangements for a company whose clients included Armani, Victoria’s Secret PINK and designer/lifestyle guru Nicole Gibbons. A year ago, weary of the chaotic pace and cost of living, he moved to Richmond — a few hours from his hometown of Manassas —with hopes of becoming “a medium-sized fish in a smaller pond,” he says.
Godlove tried freelancing, but found it difficult to make a go in a city choked with wedding professionals. “With Instagram and Pinterest, there are so many people full of design ideas,” he says. He landed a job at Strawberry Fields Flowers & Gifts, where he thrives on creating stylized floral designs for intimate settings such as dinner parties. “My style is eclectic,” he says. “Industrial pieces mixed with Midcentury pieces, plants, wood, antlers.”
With Marty, his rescue dog, Godlove has settled into a duplex on Bainbridge Street, where his mostly repurposed décor reflects his close family ties, love of the outdoors and a lifetime of prowling thrift shops and yard sales.
Casey's Faves:
Casey's favorites include his furry pal Marty, and a metal factory door covered with Godlove family photos. (Photo by Sarah Walor)
Wooly Buddy
Godlove recently adopted 3-year-old labradoodle Marty, and is convinced the dog knows he was rescued. He never leaves his master’s side, even when Godlove showers.
Magnetic Memories
A metal factory door leaning against a living room wall is covered with vintage and new photos of the Godlove family, many taken around the log cabin on six acres where Godlove grew up.