Sure, Maggi Tinsley could buy bunch of new furniture, but finding inventive ways to use the pieces she has is more fun. "I have a lot of family furniture," she says. "It's more of a challenge to work with." Rather than ditching old furnishings, Tinsley looks at their structure. If it's still sound, she reupholsters the piece with contemporary fabrics, re-styles and reuses it. She then mixes these items with contemporary art for a look she describes as personalized, or quirky traditional.
Given her gallery background and current position as marketing and public-relations coordinator for the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, Tinsley has developed an extensive collection. She also has acquired an array of artwork, home décor and knickknacks from two unmarried aunts who traveled the world and brought back gifts for her. She places all these treasures throughout her home, so that every wall, nook and cranny includes something special to behold.
Avant-Gourde Sculpture
When Tinsley gave artist Betsy Sayre a bunch of gourds she'd grown, the designer let Tinsley choose one of her creations to keep.
Alyssa Salomon Sculpture
This piece, which combines photography and a bear jaw, resides on Tinsley's mantel along with a host of other sculptures, art and items she has collected.
R. Sawan White painting
Tinsley purchased the painting at the Eric Schindler Gallery at a benefit for Art 180 [CORRECTION: The print-version caption erroneously credited Robert Stuart as the artist]
Amethyst Glass
Tinsley's favorite color is purple, and she scouts out amethyst glass at flea markets.
Collages
Because Tinsley likes making collages, she has a particular fondness for those made by others. She has two small textile collages hanging outside her bedroom, one by Frankie Slaughter and one by Mim Golub Scalin.
