Holly Lefevre is the voice behind 504 Main. She is an author, fashion designer, DIYer, crafter, wedding expert, mocha lover, and “Mama.” Growing up in a family with a “do-it-yourself” philosophy, she naturally made designing, crafting, creating, and DIYing an integral part of her life. From putting together magnificent table settings to plate joining biscuits to a jig saw – she never met a project she didn’t like. Holly embraces using materials in new and sometimes unusual ways to create a style that is clever, unique, and totally fun! Currently, Holly is a California girl living in Austin, Texas.
For Mother’s Day, we asked Holly to share her thoughts about her mother, and about being a mom herself.
Describe your mom in 3 words.
Supportive, creative, selfless
Describe what your mom means to you in one sentence.
My mom is my cheerleader, my supporter, and my biggest fan (no matter what crazy thing I do)
What’s your favorite activity to do with your mom?
We do not live near each other right now, but I LOVE going to craft fairs and flea markets with her.
What are you most grateful to your mother for?
My mom has always been willing to do just about anything for us. She has taught me it is OK to be silly with my kids, to join in the fun, and to appreciate the small moments with them.
What’s your favorite way to show your mom that you care?
This is a two-parter…first I apologize to her a lot for how moody I was as a kid and teenager and adult – I let her know I understand her frustrations – the highs and lows of being a parent, and how much she loved us. Secondly I like to pick up little trinkets for her on my adventures – things that remind me of her, or her childhood, or my childhood.
Are there small things your mom does for you that lets you know she cares?
One of my favorite things she does is gift with me treasures from my past – coloring books, my childhood drawings, special jewelry – as she finds it she wraps it and sends or brings it to me.
On being a mom.
What is your favorite part about being a mother? What is the most rewarding and most challenging aspect of it?
The love, the snuggles, the “I love you Mama,” – there is NOTHING better than that…it is almost indescribable. When I see my children rise to a challenge or deal with a situation in a way that shows respect, confidence, and maturity, I am amazed that I created these two individuals.
Has motherhood changed how you decorate your home?
I have never been a fussy decorator. I have always wanted everything in my house to be touchable and usable…and hopefully stylish. My children respect our décor and furnishings. I do let the kids have a say in their room décor. My mom let me paint and decorate my room how I wanted it and I want my children to have that freedom (within reason). We do not have “off limits” rooms.
Has your mother influenced how you decorate and entertain in your home?
We were an outside family, and I think the biggest influence is my love of entertaining outdoors and always having an open door for friends, family and neighbors.
What advice has your mother given you that you would also like to give to your children?
Enjoy the moment.
Is there an activity you do now that still reminds you of something you did with your mother as a child?
Almost all of it, but crafts and cooking were constants growing up and are in my house now.
Do you have any springtime traditions you would like to pass on to your children and grandchildren?
Strawberry picking, barbecuing and being outdoors, and growing a garden.
How do you and your family prepare your home for spring? Is there a specific piece of decor you put out that signifies spring has arrived?
To prepare for Spring we do a good cleaning and a good cleanout. Then we add some happy colors and touches of flowers and greenery. For example, I have wheat stalks in mason jars around the house now, but they are being tucked away and replaced by twinkling topiaries and vases of blooms.
What’s your idea of a perfect Mother’s Day celebration?
I do not need fancy. I do not need expensive gifts. I like to complicate things, but when it comes time for (some) celebration, I like things simple, so I can enjoy the time together. I like my kids to plan the menu and to come up with an activity to do together. For the last 8 years or so strawberry picking followed by strawberry shortcake.
Check out Holly’s blog post to see how she decorated her home with Balsam Hill’s Boxwood Ball Topiaries!
