Entrepreneuress Hillary Steckler's talent for interior design and antiques inspired her to open Verdigris, located at 5208 N. College Avenue.

"This is my first business. I've lived in Meridian-Kessler for over 10 years and have always loved the eclectic homes in the area. I love antiques and spent a few years decorating my previous home with pieces from antique stores, consignment shops, and thrift stores, fixing them up as necessary. When my friends and family saw the finished product, they were very complimentary and a few asked me to help with their homes. I soon started looking for a way to make my hobby a career. After a series of what I consider 'signs' that it was the right time I decided to take the leap," she explained.

Ms. Steckler described her store: "I try to have a nice mix of styles from various time periods, as space allows. Some of the pieces that I currently have are from the 1920s and 1930s and are more ornate, but I also have simpler mid-century pieces. Some pieces are painted, but I try to keep them in their original finish when possible. I also have a variety of accent pieces, like pictures, lamps and other unique items. It's really important to me that I keep prices accessible. I have someone who helps me acquire the larger pieces, but I also travel all over the state to a variety of different flea markets, second-hand stores and thrift shops looking for the smaller merchandise. And I also have a charm bar for personalized necklaces, as well as a variety of scarves, wraps, and stationery items, which make great gifts and sold well at Christmas."

Verdigris opened at the end of October, 2014, but celebrated their grand opening November 13. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday by appointment and closed Monday. Their phone number is 737-1526. Pictures of their merchandise can be seen at www.verdigrisindy.com.

Verdigris has a unique meaning. "The word translates to 'green of Greece.' It's basically the greenish-blue patina that develops from oxidation when copper or bronze is left out in the elements, the Statute of Liberty being the most famous example. In ancient Greece, they hung large copper pots and used acid to help create the sediment, then scraped it off and used it in paint. But it eventually quit being used because the color would continue to change over time. That's why I like the term, because it alludes to the way things are continually changing," she said.

As Ms. Steckler contemplated a career change, a twilight stroll brought her vision to life. "I had just started to think about how I wanted to start a business. After walking back from dinner at the Aristocrat one evening, this place kind of found me."

She utilized her design skills in making changes to the shop's drop ceiling. "I used textured wallpaper to cover the tiles and then spray painted them, using four different colors of metallic paint." The result is reminiscent of a vintage ceiling design one might see in an old building.

Ms. Steckler is open to featuring accessories from local artisans. "As Verdigris gets more established, I plan to try out local product lines. I would also like to have receptions to allow artists the chance to present their products here," Ms. Steckler noted.

A native of Plainfield, she majored in Mass Communications at the University of Evansville and got a master's degree from IUPUI in Application Communications.

Her experiences as a resident of the neighborhood have given her insight into the area's demographics. "During grad school, when I worked at Moe & Johnnie's, I got to know a lot of people in the neighborhood. It's a very diverse neighborhood with students, younger people and young families who have a more modern aesthetic and might just want a few unique accessories. But then there are also those who want traditional antiques to go with the period of their homes," she noted.

Whatever your style, Hillary Steckler's vintage furniture and accessories at Verdigris will complement the place you call home.