Mix & Match Mom on the Street: Chaney Widmer

mix and match mom on the street

Whether she’s embarking on a new family adventure or helping clients design their dream homes, Mix & Match Mom on the Street Chaney Widmer has an understated, yet sophisticated approach to style.

Meet Chaney

Chaney Widmer is the founder of Mix & Match Design Co., a one-woman show centered around making interior design down-to-earth and approachable. In 2015, she started her business by serving design clients completely online – something that was pretty much unheard of at the time! In addition to her e-design services, she shares weekly blog posts with lots of tips and tricks, teaches a few online courses, and is always looking for creative new ways to serve her clients and community. 

She’s proud to call Richmond, Virginia her home. She lives with her family in a navy blue 1930s house with a charming wraparound porch. In her free time, Chaney loves to get outside as much as possible, run with a good podcast in her ears, and have spontaneous backyard gatherings with neighbors and friends. She also has a deep love for her Auburn Tigers and the Washington Nationals. 

Mix & Match Style

Which three words best describe your style? Unfussy, tailored, and casual – much like my home design style!

What are your favorite places to shop? I’ll be honest, a lot of my clothes are from Target! I’m not a big fashion person, but I do like to look put together and comfortable. I love a good pair of cute and comfortable shoes though – my Rothy sneakers and Allbirds are my go-tos.

What article of clothing/accessory would you not want to live without? A crossbody purse – it’s just big enough to carry my phone, wallet, and keys and keeps my hands free to chase my toddler around.

What fashion/style did you love at the time, but now cringe when you see old photos? When I was in high school, I was really into cropped halter tops and low-rise jeans. Looking back, it was definitely not my most flattering look. I’m so surprised my parents let me out of the house in those outfits!

Stilettos or flats?Flats (and the occasional wedge sandal for date nights!)

mix and match mom on the street chaney widmer

Mix & Match Family

What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family? Being outside exploring a new park together or enjoying a casual afternoon at a brewery on a warm, sunny day.

What’s been your best family vacation? This was a while back pre-kids, but I think I’d have to say the trip we took to St. Barth with my parents, and my brother and sister-in-law. It was in the dead of winter, and it was so wonderful to be in a warm, relaxing place enjoying time together. We had a blast exploring the island, eating great food, and spending lots of time poolside.

Best parenting advice: Take time to really play with and enjoy your kids in each stage, even the hard ones. Our son is only two, but I’ve already learned that lesson many times over. And remember that every day is new – take the opportunity for a fresh start each morning!

What 5 items do you usually have in your purse? Phone, keys, wallet, Lara bar (always have a snack!), and chapstick.

What’s your go-to family dinner? Tacos have been on our weekly menu for as long as I can remember. We make them with ground turkey and all the fixings. I started making my own taco seasoning when they became a regular staple – I’m pretty proud of that because I’m not much of a cook!

What’s your favorite family restaurant? Cava (fast-casual Mediterranean food) has become our go-to takeout and our son loves it too.

Mix & Match Design

What are some of your favorite trends in interior design right now? I love the muddy-toned paint colors I’m seeing these days. They’ve got more depth to them and they feel more long-lasting than their brighter counterparts. I’m also a fan of rattan, cane, and wicker furniture. The fresh take on these classic materials has been popping up everywhere, and I’m here for it.

What is your favorite way to revamp a room without spending too much money? Swap out your pillows or a rug! Pillows are such an easy one because you can just buy covers (I source from Etsy a lot for unique fabrics that come in any size you’d like) and keep the same inserts. Rugs also have a major impact on a room, and there are lots of affordable options out there these days that have great style.

Who are some of your favorite interior designers? I’m a big admirer of Studio McGee, Amber Interiors, and Chris Loves Julia. They all have amazing style that feels cozy and classic, yet has a fresh, modern look. 

Design Advice

What’s your best home design advice? Make a plan! I’m a big believer in space planning, studying inspiration images so you have a solid sense of your style, and creating a digital “design board” with pieces you’re considering before you hit that purchase button. Also, if you’re purchasing online, make sure you read as many reviews as you can and take a good look at the product photos and dimensions. This will help you make smart choices so that you’ll be thrilled when it arrives on your doorstep.

What’s your favorite place for design inspiration? There are so many places, but online I’d say Pinterest is my first stop. There’s a lot on there, but once you start Pinning spaces you like, the algorithm will start showing you more that fits that style, which makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.

In real life, I look to well-designed commercial spaces like restaurants and boutique hotels. Experiencing those environments is always inspiring and gives me a fresh perspective for my client work and my own home. 

Mix & Match Life

What’s your favorite show to binge-watch? Recently we binge-watched Ted Lasso and absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for the second season to come out. It’s just so good-natured and enjoyable to watch!

What’s your favorite beach read? I’m a big fan of just about any piece of historical fiction. Plop me on a beach with something in that genre and I’m set for hours. 

What song would you dance to when nobody’s watching? Right now, I’d say Thomas Rhett’s What’s Your Country Song? It names a lot of classic country songs and brings me back to the songs my friends and I would dance to at band parties in college (at Auburn University).

What’s at the top of your travel bucket list? Banff, Canada is way up there. My husband and I were supposed to go last year for our 10 year anniversary, but sadly it got canceled due to COVID. We’re working on a “makeup trip” for this summer but will likely stay stateside since international travel is a little tricky right now. 

What’s your favorite way to unwind at the end of a long day? I love a glass of wine or an old-fashioned paired with good conversation on our front porch. We’ve got a great wraparound porch on our house and it’s perfect for hanging out and saying hi to neighbors.

We love Chaney’s crisp and casual approach to her personal and professional style. She understands the importance of where to splurge versus where to save, and how a few key pieces can pull everything together.

Be sure to check out her website and Instagram for more interior design inspiration! And for more dynamic and interesting moms, visit Mom on the Street!

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