Some women love diamonds, others prefer designer fashion. But for Kristi Hemric, a mother of four from the Upper East Side, her passion lies in home decor.
Using the facade of her five-story townhouse on 78th Street as her canvas, she dedicates hours and a considerable amount of money to creating elaborate faux floral displays that adorn her building.
To brighten up the transition from winter to spring, she decorated her home with light pink tulips, peonies, and bows. For Easter, she showcased crochet carrots, bunny rabbit busts, and roses. And ahead of Mother’s Day, she displayed toy petals that garnered attention from both onlookers and her social media followers.
Her intricate decorations serve as a way to connect with her community and bring joy to those who pass by. The vibrant displays have become a focal point of her neighborhood, attracting engaged couples, graduates taking photos, and even puppies posing for adoption pictures.
Unlike the homeowners of Carrie Bradshaw’s famous stoop from “Sex and the City,” who discouraged visitors, Hemric welcomes people to take photos outside her home. She even has a sign encouraging passersby to snap pictures and tag her on social media.
Her floral arrangements can take hours or even weeks to put together. Despite the cost and effort involved, Hemric finds immense satisfaction in creating these displays and bringing happiness to her neighborhood.
Recently, she collaborated with a local dog shelter to feature adoptable dogs in her floral arrangements, further showcasing her love for her community and her commitment to spreading joy.
While the cost of her decorations may add up, Hemric is focused on the positive impact they have on her surroundings. She continues to transform her home with each season and major holiday, creating a visually stunning experience for all who pass by.
For Hemric, the joy she receives from decorating her home is the main motivation behind her elaborate displays. As long as it remains fun for her family, she plans to continue brightening up her street with her creative and eye-catching designs.
