Real People Real Kitchens: Waynesville, NC

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

Charlene Felts and Eryc Atwood have known each other since they were five. He vacationed in Florida with his family; she lived in Florida with hers. They were both previously married, always remained friends and are now celebrating 23 years together. Charlene says, "I got the good guy last!" Eryc adds, "We are both a little nuts, so it works."

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

Smile-producing knick knacks are scattered all around the kitchen. Charlene's penchant for collecting started early. Not only does she collect, she also owns Antique Antics, an antiques shop jam-packed with costume jewelry, vintage clothing, barware, toys, sock monkeys, buttons and assorted bits of nostalgia on Main Street in downtown Waynesville.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

The house faces east, and the scenery, especially as dawn breaks, makes early rising more of a glorious event than a daily responsibility.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

The hallway off the kitchen is decked out with guy stuff -- a fishing pole, a kangaroo pelt, snowshoes, Eryc's work shirts and a bear wall hanging. This textile was originally marked $45 at a Sarasota consignment shop, but Charlene waited for a markdown figuring that most Floridians would not be attracted to the wilderness theme. Her patience paid off and she soon scooped it up for $20. Not only is the weave of high quality, but the piece is signed as well. Charlene believes it's probably from the 40's.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

They brought the cutting board collection with them from Florida. What began as strictly pigs, grew to embrace other animal forms. These wooden boards were usually school shop projects. Charlene recalls making one herself. She and Eryc hung them on the wall, but stopped at a certain point. The debate is still on about whether to add wainscoting below.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

Charlene is constantly picking up the pieces from other people's lives and then either incorporating them into her home decor or reselling them. The tea kettle was a keeper. Though they don't use it, its wonderful patina functions as inspiration. Eryc welded a few hooks onto a tractor wheel to make the pot rack. "It's fun to repurpose," he says.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

On Sunday mornings, Charlene and Eryc are technically off from work. When one has the junking gene, however, the weekends afford hunting and gathering time so they're typically on the go. Before they head out, however, they make time to enjoy a fine country style breakfast which includes eggs, cheesy grits and Eryc's famous hashed browns. Buddy, the resident terrier mix rescue pup, wants in on the action.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

Every once in a while Eryc vows to kick the coffee habit and this was "one of those milk mornings."

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

The kitchen is a happy place filled with all sorts of objects that bring back all sorts of memories. Both Eryc and Charlene collected independently before joining forces. Among some of their stash: chalkware wall plaques, mixing bowls and commercial malted milk containers. As for their own personal accessory choices, check out Eryc's very cool belt and Charlene's cherry Bakelite pin.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.

Commercial malted milk tins, found in old-fashioned soda fountain shoppes, caught Charlene's eye. These graphic containers are not only costly, but are also a challenge to find. Of course for a serious scavenger like Charlene, this makes the thrill of the hunt all the more exciting.

Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.