Cigar box, Giant clocks
Castered Crates, Happy plates
Reading nooks, Shelves of books
Record player, Comfy chair
Maps on wall, Art-filled hall
Billiard balls, Old brick walls
Painted chests, Bed for guests
Barn door divider, Hot pink glider
“I like the quirky and unexpected,” Angela Rowlett describes her decorative taste for her loft in Hazel, KY. The loft where Rowlett resides is over her shop, Angelique’s Antiques. Rowlett, who holds a University of Kentucky Master’s degree in design and preservation, came back to her parents’ home in Murray in 2010. Soon after, work on the loft began.
“It was an empty shell,” Rowlett explains. “My dad (Don Rowlett), is a trooper. He worked all summer helping me get the loft ready. With no air conditioning at the time, the heat was terrible. We went through six t-shirts a day. We painted these high ceilings. It took us four hours just to clean and vacuum the bricks in the kitchen.”
Before construction began Rowlett had drawn the blueprints and layout. “We started the project in June and moved in November 3,” she said.
After the renovation the fun began — decorating and being able to use the many collectibles that she had acquired over the years. The loft is a spacious, open area that covers the entire shop underneath. The large kitchen with benches, bars and tables can accommodate many guests. “I love to cook,” she said when asked if she actually uses her showplace kitchen. The bar came from Southeastern Salvage in Nashville. The church pew came from her grandmother’s church.
Rowlett cleverly partitioned a bedroom from old barn doors to give guests privacy. The doors are different sizes and colors but match in their uniqueness.
The master bedroom has a seating area with gigantic maps decorating one of the walls. A loveseat previously covered with typical yellow velvet is now upholstered with a “funky pattern“ fabric.
Among Rowlett’s collections are circus memorabilia, yardsticks, fishing floats and Scottish plaid items. “I love all things Celtic,” Rowlett said.
She is engaged to WKMS radio’s Chad Lampey. In October they will spend their honeymoon touring Ireland. She pointed to a poster of photos from her loft. “My fiancé made this poster by shooting photos of items here in my home. If you study the poster, it says ‘I love you.’ He gave me this when he proposed.” (see poster photo)
The large eyes which hang in Rowlett’s office once hung in an optometrist’s office. The settee was converted from an iron baby bed minus the side rails. The pictures above it are design projects. She added castors to the crates underneath for easily accessible storage. Her collection of cigar boxes serves as storage for keepsakes.
Rowlett’s love for antiques and collectibles began when she was in middle school.
“It was a Sunday tradition for Mom (Glenda Rowlett who runs Angela‘s Antiques) to bring me to Hazel. Most of my décor has come from shops in Hazel. We bought things then kept them in our horse barn until I could use them,” she said, adding, “If you like something buy it. You’ll find a home for it.”
