The Things that Make You Happy

What makes a house a home?

What makes a house a home? The people, of course.

And, for many of us, the artifacts that remind us of people.

I inherited this Fiestaware from my great grandmother. Family lore has it that my Nana Jane bought these dishes for her mother from J.C. Penney. Nana worked there as a young woman.

My great grandmother served Thanksgiving and Christmas meals on these dishes. For me, they symbolize family and the passing of the baton, from her hand to mine, from her table to mine.

When I remodeled my kitchen, I was inspired by my great grandmother's Fiestaware. I built my brand new room (below) around these 70-year-old dishes. Looking at them makes me happy.

Good interior design is simple.

Interior design is that simple. What makes you happy?

Remodeled Kitchen Whit Painted Cabinets, Window Seat, Display Cabinet with Fiestaware

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1 comment

I remember those dishes. It’s beautiful.

About the author

She didn't know it, but Jackie Lopey's days as an advertising executive were numbered when she bought and renovated a 1950's bungalow. She soon went back to school and started her own design studio. Jackie is an award-winning, California certified interior designer and the founder of Wide Canvas.

As a California Certified Interior Designer, Jackie Lopey is qualified to plan, design, and document nonstructural, non-seismic interior work—including space planning, finish and fixture specifications, and interior construction documents suitable for permit submittal by clients and their licensed design professionals—within existing buildings in the state. Her services include programming client needs, developing code‑aware layouts, preparing detailed interior drawings and specifications for licensed contractors, and guiding the installation of finishes and furnishings.

In Nevada, Wide Canvas provides design consulting focused on selections and visualizations, helping you choose cabinetry, surfaces, fixtures, furnishings, and finishes that fit your style and budget. The team develops clear concept layouts, mood boards, and 3D views to communicate design intent, and then collaborates with licensed design and construction professionals so they can translate those ideas into compliant plans and a successful build.