My Journey to The Unveiled Home: Marlena's Story
After arriving in the United States with a four-month-old baby, a degree in film from the prestigious Film School in Lodz, Poland, with no English and $50, my determination fueled a journey of big dreams. Through it all, my passion for creating deeply personal spaces has been a constant.
My name is Marlena. My formative years in Poland profoundly shaped my understanding of home. In a world of scarcity, home became the ultimate haven—a place where creativity flourished out of necessity, far removed from fleeting trends. This experience ignited my love for design, teaching me that true ingenuity thrives when imagination goes wild, even with limited resources.
From Film to Furnishings: A Diverse Path
My path to design has been anything but conventional. My career in film and television as a sound editor saw me earn 9 Emmy nominations and 1 win. I also dedicated 15 years as a college professor of film, and at one point, I owned a restaurant, navigating its closure during the 2008 financial crisis. These diverse experiences, encompassing creative industries and business management, have honed my problem-solving skills and my belief in the power of resilience.
Big Dreams and Authentic Spaces
Now, as a design doula, my vision is to guide you to unveil what's already within you. I believe your space should be a deeply personal reflection of how you want to live. My greatest strength is the ability to listen, and my passion is to help you give birth to the well-lived space you envision.
Designing for Your Story:
My Philadelphia Home
Behind every design decision is a story—the very narrative that determines how you want your home, your space, to be. I always start with reflecting how I live and what's important to me.
So … Bedroom and closet …
My bedroom is my sanctuary, not a working space.
Here is a short story of how I approached designing my own home in Philadelphia: a narrow 12 feet wide row house. I call it "vertical living”, not easy to fit all trends and grandiose ideas.
The thought of an ironing board either permanently open in my bedroom, or constantly being taken out and put back into a closet, was simply not me!
I iron every item I put on, every single day.
So, my solution? My main closet is in my basement, where I also have my laundry room. There, I have my ironing board, steamer, all my clothes and shoes. My routine is seamless: after I shower, I walk downstairs. I collect the day's worn clothes, select my next outfit, get dressed, and begin my day.
Design with intention. Start by asking yourself how you live and what matters most. A truly successful space isn't just beautiful; it’s a living reflection of you, making you feel comfortable every single day.