WHAT DO YOU DO
I've done a lot of shit. I've seen a lot of shit. Right now, I'm trying to do as little shit as possible. I’ve worked as a freelance interior designer for as long as I can remember. For nearly ten years I managed a Scandinavian contemporary furniture shop in Des Moines until my daughter, husband and I moved to Toronto where he completed a medical fellowship and I worked as an extra in films. We settled in Des Moines and raised three badass kids (+ 2 dogs, the occasional fish, and a parakeet here and there) 

These days, I enjoy traveling with my family as much as possible. My son and I have both entered our senior years and as he (my youngest) prepares to graduate, I am also preparing for my next chapter.

BEAUTY
Well now that I'm prehistoric… I still try to keep it as simple as possible. I love body oil <<Bio Oil / Neutrogena sesame oil>> and a good facial moisturizer <<Skin Medica HA5>>. Hermes has always been my favorite perfume. As far as makeup goes I use a combo of foundations (I like to paint), a Laura Mercier bronzer, Dior ‘Show’ mascara, and always keep some Carmax on hand. To take it all off, I’ve always used Pond’s cold cream at the end of the day followed by a night cream <<Skin Ceuticals>>. My grandmother was my only real influence as far as any feminine beauty rituals go-  She taught me to always keep my nails clean with a natural polish. She also instilled my devout use of Ponds.

HOME
My home is always changing. I’ve gone through various phases but have always included a mixture of new and old. I am a firm believer in repurposing and enjoy finding pieces at estate sales or antique stores then will often work a space around that piece. Currently, I’m in a white phase- which my children hate with a passion. A few years ago I discovered the beauty of a white slip-cover. You can just rip it off and throw it in some bleach.

It’s not that I love to decorate- I have to. It settles me. It’s something I have always done. When I was a little girl, I would rearrange rooms in our house. It’s the same today, except now I get paid...sometimes.

CLOSET
I like boyfriend jeans and black turtlenecks. If I had a choice, I’d stay in my bathrobe all day. I dress for my moods and what I feel comfortable in. I love vintage pieces but tend to keep it simple. Over the years I have acquired a closet full of vintage treasures <<Chanel, Halston, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci>> that I seldom wear, yet cannot seem to part with. I love to find consignment shops when I travel and am a sucker for a good deal. Preservation has been one of my favorite shops since my daughter introduced me a year or so ago- can always count on finding something cool in the shop. I love my shoes and coats. I’ve always told my daughters ‘less is more,’ especially when it comes to accessories. I appreciate meaningful pieces with a story.

- As told to Preservation
Pendy Colman is photographed at her home in Des Moines, Iowa by Nicole Lorenson