Sharon Vanorny
As the interior designer for UW-Madison Division of Housing, Russell Zoellner is the guy responsible for creating a “home away from home” feeling in all campus residence halls. But come evening, when he returns to his two-bedroom, two-bath leased condo, Zoellner is happy to stop thinking about what types of fabrics are most likely to withstand midnight pizza party stains (or worse). Instead, Zoellner has decorated his 1,400-square-foot space to reflect his
Sharon Vanorny
Russell Zoellner in his condo.
passion for quirky, unexpected home accessories and all things Atomic Age design. He lives on East Mifflin Street in the Colony development, built in 2007.
What’s your favorite feature of the apartment?
I love the fact that it’s a corner unit; windows on both sides provide so much natural light. I’m also pretty fond of the focal point that the gas fireplace provides.
What’s your decorating weakness?
Antique clocks — I have about 15 throughout the apartment. Clocks are very representative of the time they’re made in — it’s kind of like having a history of technology on display all the time. Two of my favorites are one that hung in my grandparents’ bakery that advertises the now-defunct Dolly Madison Dairy and the George Nelson-inspired starburst clock I picked up in a local antique store.
Do you have any advice for fellow renters?
Hang things of meaning on the wall immediately. It really takes no effort to fill in a nail hole when you move out. In newer construction like mine, you need to create intimate spaces. I hate places that look like a big white box. Also, unpack every box and accessorize — make it look like you’re here to stay forever, even if you’re not. My best advice, though, is to make friends with an interior designer.
Sharon Vanorny photos
Create intimate spaces with items of meaning as a way to personalize newer construction.
What do your friends say when they come over?
They usually complain that all the clocks are set at different times.
What’s your next purchase?
I’d love to get a dog, maybe a husky mix. A dog would be the ultimate to make this place feel like home.
