Tour a Maryland Design Blogger's Colorful Home

Stephanie Watkins has a full plate. For most of the day, she’s a nursing professor at a Maryland university. And the rest of the time, she’s a full-on creative, the mind behind Casa Watkins Living, a lifestyle and interiors site that serves as an outlet for all of her many creative endeavors. Her other major outlet for the past 11 years has been her gorgeous 3,100 square foot home in Aberdeen, Maryland.

Stephanie’s move-in story was a dream come true. Her husband had the home built five years before they were married. “I moved in and put my special touches to it when we were married in 2010,” she remembers. Her biggest change: the spectacular use of color that lights up every room in this home. Stephanie’s furniture and textile choices make a bold statement. An avocado green velvet sofa, marigold yellow drapes and an array of colorful textiles work together in combination with the artwork in this room.

“As a Caribbean gal, I like bold colors, powerful patterns and a tropical flair achieved with plants,” Stephanie explains. On her blog, she describes her personal style as, “Glo-bo,” pairing a modern bohemian aesthetic with infusions of global style. This corner of the living room says it even better. Textured walls and a modern table paired with woven baskets, global textiles and a colorful Persian-style rug give us Stephanie’s “Glo-bo” style in one beautiful moment.

Successfully pairing the styles of two different people is one of the biggest challenges couples face when decorating their homes. It can be even more difficult when one person has lived in the home longer than the other. Stephanie’s home was no exception. “I like an eclectic mix between the casualness and worldly look of bohemian style," she says. “And my husband prefers modern style with a bit of luxe. So, I've been able to balance our two distinct styles in our home.” Modern touches in the lighting and rug help balance the more traditional table and seating in the dining room. Global elements such as the basket gallery wall contribute to a layered and eclectic look.