Erica Olivarez’s life is full of color. She owns a creative studio centered around storytelling, texture, and color. Her Michigan home is full of colorful, vintage décor reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. She’s a firm believer that color is emotional and can transform the energy of a space.
When Olivarez was searching for shelves for her home, she came across Modern Shelving on social media. She loved that orange was an option and that the design looked similar to 1970s shelves she’d seen at estate sales. It was her perfect match. Read on to learn more about Olivarez’s studio, the work she does, and how her shelves enhance her space. 
Tell me a bit about Willow Terra Studio and what you offer.
Willow Terra Studio is a creative studio rooted in storytelling, texture, and color. While I primarily specialize in needlework and digital illustration, I allow myself the freedom to explore a wide range of mediums as inspiration strikes.
At its core, my work centers on handcrafted embroidery and thoughtfully designed illustrations, but creativity doesn’t stop there. I also express my artistic vision through home décor, believing that curating a space is just as much an art form as putting pencil to paper. Every piece I create is designed to bring warmth, personality, and a sense of nostalgia into everyday spaces.
How would you describe the aesthetic/vibe of your studio?
My home décor is deeply inspired by vintage design, especially the bold colors and playful elements of the 60s and 70s. I’m drawn to bright, mood-boosting hues that genuinely shift the energy of a space in the best way. Color isn’t just decorative to me. It’s emotional.
I believe in functional home design that enhances the décor rather than competing with it. Every piece has a purpose, whether it’s practical, nostalgic, or simply sparks joy. My space feels collected over time, layered with handmade textures, thrifted treasures, and art that tells a story. It’s dopamine-driven, vintage maximalism with intention behind every detail.
Can customers visit your studio or do you only sell online?
At this time, I sell my artwork exclusively online through my website, where customers can browse and purchase my pieces directly.
What were you in the market for when you were first looking for shelves?
I needed wall shelves [for my home] that could properly showcase my precious vintage finds. I was looking for something sturdy, budget-friendly, and cohesive with my space without overpowering it.
How did you discover Modern Shelving?
I first discovered Modern Shelving through social media ads. What immediately caught my eye was the option to choose orange and the fact that the shelves are made of metal, which feels both more durable and more modern to me. That combination alone had me hooked.
The design is very reminiscent of the 1970s shelves I often see at estate sales, which made them feel instantly familiar and nostalgic while still feeling fresh. They strike the perfect balance between vintage-inspired and functional, making them an ideal fit for my space.
Did you go with custom or stock shelves?
I chose to go with the stock shelves, and they were exactly what I needed for my space.
Did you install the shelves yourself or hire someone?
I installed them myself, and the process was straightforward and easy to follow.
Where in your home are your shelves?
They’re in my living room, where they showcase some of my favorite colorful vintage décor and add even more personality to the space.
Are you happy with your shelves?
I absolutely love them. They checked every box I had when it came to finding the right wall shelves for my space. The design, durability, and overall look are exactly what I was hoping for. I truly wouldn’t change a thing — except maybe adding a few more!
How do your shelves complete or enhance your space?
As a maximalist, I’m always looking for thoughtful ways to display the objects I’ve collected over time. These shelves draw the eye upward and help utilize vertical space, which makes the room feel more balanced and intentional.
Without them, the wall would have felt awkward and empty. Instead, they create a structured place to showcase my curated vintage décor, adding personality, color, and dimension to the room while making the space feel complete.
Has anyone had the chance to see your shelves or comment on them?
Yes, I’ve shared them on my social media several times, and they always spark interest. I regularly get messages asking where they’re from. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, especially because the color is so unique and eye-catching.
Erica’s Modern Shelving© unit brings structure, color, and intention to her dopamine-driven space, proving that functional design can still feel nostalgic and bold. By utilizing vertical space, her shelves create the perfect stage for her curated vintage décor while making the room feel complete. If you’re ready to transform your own space, speak with one of our designers and start creating a shelving system tailored to your style and needs.
