Deb and Michael Hoskins are a dynamic duo residing in St. Matthews and are well-known for their artistic endeavors. Pick an item, wall, piece of furniture or adornment, and rest assured that there is an intriguing story to accompany it. Peek into any nook or cranny at the Hoskins’ home and you will find an adventurous tale awaiting your inquiry. This tradition of collecting art, sharing beauty, traveling and storytelling has been passed on from Deb and Michael to their daughter and grandchildren.
Their passion for gathering beauty, seeking out treasures that add up to thoughtful collections, and creating art of their own, has kept their love for each other alive throughout the years. Working hand in hand, they share a joy for travel and search for unique pieces of art to add to their collection of artistic stories on display at their home base. Their next escapade will be on a river cruise overseas to new destinations they have yet to encounter. With each journey, the Hoskins find something new and unique to add to their memorabilia at home.
Michael recalled how they first moved out of their home in Cherokee Triangle to the condominium they are in now. The serendipitous tale began in the early 1970s.
“I was asked to come and help a woman who lived in the building behind us,” Michael stated. “Her name was Eileen Calbert. You’ll notice that Calbert is the name of this building. Calbert was an Indian Hills patron, I believe. She wanted the concept of an apartment building that felt more so like a home. She had her buildings created in the early ‘60s. The building we live in now was built a little later. I remember even saying, when Deb and I were early married, that if we could ever live in one of Ms. Calbert’s apartments, it would be like dying and going to heaven!”
Their daughter, Megan, was looking for an apartment, so they helped her look through the paper and scout locations. Around that same time they had also been considering moving into a condo, as their daughter was moving out. Their home in Cherokee Triangle was an older piece of real estate that, while beautiful and efficient, had an old roof. While scouting locations, they came across a “For Sale” sign that Michael immediately realized was for a building of Calbert’s design. Three days later, they owned it.
To add to the fortuity of this circumstance, when they set an appointment to inspect the unit they now reside in, they knew the tenant who greeted them. The man living there was dating a friend of theirs whom they had recently seen at their friend’s daughter’s wedding. The gentleman explained that he was getting ready to move in with their friend. Michael was ready to make an offer that evening, but Deb smartly reminded him to make a floor plan for their furniture and accoutrements first. Later that day when they returned home, there was a message on their phone from their friend’s daughter. She requested that she and her new husband be first on the list to buy the Hoskins’ home. Their daughter Megan even worked as an au pair for the couple later on.
The Hoskins keep a clean, comfortable home that hosts an air of unforgettable elegance and prestige. The Hoskins pride themselves on their combined creativity, and sharing their anecdotal accounts gathered from their adventures near and far. They always bring back a new artistic creation to add to their carefully selected pieces at home. Some of their trips are outside of the states, while others are at local establishments where, through their mutual efforts, they find diamonds in the rough.
“I am a passionate, obsessed, unbelievable person,” Deb said. “I love my needlepoint. Christmas is where I shine. I always love to share my needlepoint with others. I love when people are interested in it. Michael helps me with colors, patterns and other things.”
“It’s a major accessory to the house even when it’s not Christmas,” Michael added.
“Another thing that I think is interesting is that we love to travel and we are collectors,” Deb continued. “I think, as I say to people who come into our home, almost everything has a story. You can start just about anywhere. Pick something out and you’ll always know about it.”
Deb and Michael work together in most all areas of life. Deb has assisted with secretarial duties for Michael’s interior design work. Michael has helped Deb select and purchase various materials and necessities for her needlework. Together they enjoy bonding artistically by selecting patterns, colors, and items that meticulously coincide with Michael’s interior design within their four-unit condominium. They frequent flea markets and antique shops to look for specific pieces to add to their favorite assemblages. The two have built their home into a storybook where even the wallpaper matches the needlepoint on display there.
One of Michael’s favorite phrases is, “Decorating is autobiography,” from Gloria Vanderbilt, which inspired him at a young age to pursue his passion for interior design. Another quote that added to his passion and drive for making the world a beautiful place to live is from Billy Baldwin, a famous designer in the ’60s and ’70s: “Our homes are our memoirs.”
Both quotes can be seen on Deb’s homemade embroidered plaques next to Michael’s office space at home. Between the two embroidered plaques is a 50-year anniversary decoration that Deb made for her husband. Deb’s handiwork covers a wide array of creative displays. One of Michael’s favorite crafts that Deb made for him are a pair of shoes custom fit, and laced with tender love and care. Michael noted that all the nearby embroidery shops are on a first-name basis with Deb. He boasted proudly about her work, showing off how fine her stitching work is. Deb added that many of her pieces use just a single cross stitch.
Deb does not sell her pieces of embroidered art, but is fond of making pieces specifically requested by family members, friends, and Michael’s clients.
“We have one daughter and two grandsons,” Deb said. “We always promoted their education and love for travel. We try to pass on the tradition of collecting something from their journeys as well.” She added that she nostalgically makes them an ornament for their tree every year. A personal goal she has is to have a Christmas tree entirely composed of her needlecraft work.
The Hoskins have no intention of slowing down with adding to their collections in the future. With plans already set in place for their future travels, their home base will continue to grow and expand their intricate display of art and adventures. Better yet, their home will pay homage to the most important collection in their possession: the poetic mementos that they use to express their love for each other and the life they have built together.
