Image taken by Karen Dickey.

Hello there! I'm Hannah Kate Flora - a New York based and Texas bred Auburn University graduate. I work full time in the Art Buying Department at a large Ad Agency in the city. Having lived on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for the past 4 years, I've acquired a small habit of finding furniture on the street - I call it Street Merch!  Refreshing interiors as well as finding furniture with potential has always been something I love, but after a thrilling experience while featured on HGTV’s First Time Design, I found my niche.

We don't all have fabulous budgets to make our lives insanely beautiful, but I believe in the importance of making the "right now" perfectly lovely. Take what you have, be inspired, stay positive and do something different with it - everything has a purpose, and you'll always be surprised at how much you love the result! 

Here on the blog you'll find my every day musings as Southern transplant living in the City, planning my upcoming May wedding to Brooklyn Boy (who I mention fairly often), as well as finding furniture with potential, giving it some love and finding a home for it! Check out the below for some frequently asked questions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When & Where do you complete your Street Merch?

I split my Street Merch Workshop time between a large sloping concrete area right outside the laundry room of my apartment building and a small space behind Brooklyn Boy's apartment. Both are filled with old building materials and a few mice. You work what you got in this city, you know?

How do you move the Street Merch from the street to your apartment?

Street Merch has to fit into my arms or in a cab in order to make the cut. Occasionally, Brooklyn Boy borrows a car (because remember, we live in NYC, cars are a rareity!) and is available to do some heavy lifting for me. He's the best.

What is the best street to find there merch?

Hell's Kitchen, Upper West Side, Park Slope.

Do you have any tips on refinishing furniture?

Yes! Use paint & primer in one. Sand when you can. Stash up on DIY materials when you can, so when you do find a great piece you're ready to go!

Any secrets to DIY'ing?

As much as I can, I get paint from the Oop's section at the hardware store. It's usually $1 - $5. Can't beat that! Also, I'm a big fan of foam brushes. They paint so smoothly!

What are your favorite stores for decor?

Home Goods, West Elm, Unique, Salvation Army, Target, Ole' Good Things and Housing Works

Did I see you on the Nate Berkus show?

Yes you did! I had the fun opportunity to go on the Nate Show as DIY expert. See the episode here if you missed it!

Where did you get your bedding?

Funny, I've gotten this question so much since the Nate episode aired, showing a glimpse into my old school New York apartment. I got my Echo Bedding at Macy's. Have loved it!