Black-eyed Susan

Atlanta Day 6 ...more santas?!

2012-01-17T20:05:00.020-05:00

Just when we thought we had wrapped up Christmas purchases, we made a quick side-trip into a favorite vendor and got caught up in the holiday spirit again! Just look for yourself and you'll see why...I mean how could we leave these glass glitter houses out of the 2012 season?!

This house looks like it could have been transported right out of Bucks County!!

Ignoring the damaged window, look at the gables! Another Bucks County historic look in glass glitter! *sigh*

Cutest ever mercury glass vases with "joy", "wish" , and "celebrate". Lighting prevented a very good camera shot, but how cute will these be with fresh evergreen cuttings?!

Although we swore off buying any Halloween this year, we were sucked in by glass glitter pumpkins. I'm pretty sure Cinderella had a hand in them. Trust me, you're going to love them!

We headed to the High Design temporary exhibits in search of art and accents for the store as well as the Designer House. Here is just a hint of my color pallet this year for the Bucks County Designer House. We will be doing one of the major rooms.

Bold color...oh so Susan!

We spent the remainder of the day sourcing retail inventory, lamps, art and accents. Feet begging to be done for the day, we headed back to our room for room service. Tomorrow is our last day and we head back with a heavier load than we came with...it's that darned cash and carry!

I'll try to report on one more successful day.

Atlanta Day Five

2012-01-16T20:58:00.003-05:00

Today we completed the Christmas purchasing. Whew!

The good thing about 5 intense days of Christmas scouting and purchasing is that the whole picture is available and you can edit at the end of each day. The bad thing...you get really tired of Christmas offerings day after day. There are so many bad things-bad, bad, bad, so bad! It takes a lot of searching and sorting to find the best of the market finds. Five days. Make that five 10 hour days.

Tomorrow, we start fresh with new and fresh things to source! Accessories, art and lamps. New resources, old familiar favorites. Finally off the 5 floors of Christmas vendors. Yes!

In the rush of our work today, I neglected to document anything...so boring! Tomorrow I'll do better . For now, we're tallying our orders to see how many wreaths, vintage style houses, tinsel trees, garlands, ornaments, santas, (and so on) we have purchased.

As for now...hopefully, no more visions of sugarplums.

Underestimating Your Desires

2012-01-15T21:37:00.009-05:00

Several years ago, one of the main vendors we love (Jim Marvin) introduced fabulously trendy colors in shatterproof ornaments. Now there are plenty of shatterproof ornaments on the market to find, but none set the bar as high has his. No seams. Bold colors. Delicate colors. Matt colors. Pearl colors. Shiny colors. Over the years, other vendors have stepped up and now we can find additional suppliers and assorted colors. Oh the beauty, charm and practicalities wrapped up in all sizes from soccer ball to baseball...

Since then, we have always offered an array of our favorite picks for indoor as well as outdoor use. Last year, we vastly underestimated the demand for this category! I even hoarded them in my stockroom, shielding them from employee purchases until my outdoor urn event (well into the first of December). Sadly, we sold out in one day. Wow. We grossly underestimated the demand!

So, today, we bought hundreds of shatterproof ornaments in the most delicious colors, finishes and sizes. 374 ornaments to be exact. Just wait till you see them. Cherry red, apple green, persimmon, burgundy, chocolate, and rust. We listened and we're prepared.

And look at this array of roses marrying all the colors together. Ahhhh. This one's for you, Mary!

Just as this was selected for our client, Mary, we can source your special requests too. Market trips always include a list of these "hearts desires" for many Black-eyed Susan clients. Feel free to add your name to the list!

I'm already looking forward to next years color stories and designs. Can't wait!

Atanta Day 4...8a.m.to 8 p.m......

2012-01-14T22:30:00.023-05:00

12 hours is just too long for these...

Linda was the sensible one. Me, not so much.

I can only tell you that I have worn these boots all day for multiple days at work, and on my feet most of the day and well into the night. So, perhaps it's that first day that ruined my feet for the week. I actually did okay, but must admit that I could use a good soak to prepare for tomorrow!

Most of the day was spent resourcing new Christmas inventory and as usual, we found many things at the end of the search that we couldn't help but entertain you with.

It's no surprise to anyone that owls are big. I mean big. Take a look at these and you'll see that the whole market has gone crazy...let me know how many of which you want to special order.

On the other hand, we found this one...glitter and all, that we thought could ward off any unwanted spooks around the store. I think you'll like it.

A stop at Whitehurst ( a yearly tradition) proved fruitful. Here is a sneak peak at some of the colors you can expect to see when the 2012 Christmas is presented next fall. Fabulous colors and finishes...matt, satin and shiny in multiple sizes. Ahhhhh.

Oh. My. Gosh. The possibility of chartreuse!

This is quite possibly one of the most beautiful trees we saw. 9 1/2 feet of glory. Special orders are taken for any size and style you may want. Every year, the artificial trees get more and more realistic and fabulous. Pair them with our famous balsam and cedar diffuser and you'll have a winner!

And just in case anyone is interested , these plush pigs could be yours for special order as well.
Just kidding.

That was our day. Thankfully, we took this photo as we were leaving the room. Right now, we're not so fresh...

Atlanta Day Three....Brrrrrrr!

2012-01-13T21:13:00.013-05:00

It's rare for Atlanta to take such a turn for cold weather. However, last year we drove into an ice storm in January! Today we really could have used winter coats and gloves...of which we had neither.

Thank heavens our adrenalin served us well on the way to Cash and Carry ( jewelry finds galore). You'll be pleased to know that I'm bringing back loads of new inventory for your selection. We're happy to be back in our room and have the heavy load of today's purchases put away. I can tell you that those steps are a bear with 20 extra pounds of jewelry each!

After battling the crowds and check out lines, we headed back to the Merchandise Mart to resume our Christmas purchasing and designing. Here's just a peek....

Every year there are some common themes throughout the market. We always search for an inspiration that takes us to a less common look, something that requires our own imagination and contribution. This year, one of the most common themes so far seems to be what I will call "novelty"...Oh. Dear.

We found WAY too much of this...

...and not enough of this.

Here is a corner of a beautiful mixed wreath with blue spruce, eucalyptus and silver ornaments. *sigh*

We found this beautiful unexpected color in only a few showrooms...rather Sapphire-ish. Ahhhhh.

As you can see, there is something for everyone at the Market. As the owner and buyer(s) for Black-eyed Susan, we're just thankful that we can be selective and have another day of scouting.

More tomorrow...but right now, we have to make a hard decision on what shoes to wear when we start that search on day 4.

Atlanta Day 2 Trend Report

2012-01-12T19:59:00.008-05:00

I find myself in my room at the end of the day without a single self portrait of Linda and I! Sad.

Day two, our first full day was packed. Sadly, 15 minutes into the walk to our favorite breakfast cafe (Corner Bakery) my shoes were telling me I had made a pour choice. Even sadder, they were my "backup shoes" for when my high heeled boots hurt. Ugh.

We spent the first, actually most of the day, doing interior research for client work. Rugs, rugs and more rugs. Color reigns and bold graphic modernism is so fun to source! I'm working on several teenage girl projects and one young man's, along with several dining room and family rooms projects for adult clients.
Here's a few of the favorites for today:

Lime green graphic print; a request from a darling 12 year old client.

or....she might be persuaded to consider this wow orange rug! I'm sure you know that Pantone named an orange as the color of the year. I'm all on board with that one!

This taupe and chartreuse one was really calling my name. I have several projects this one would be perfect for!

We scouted out an entire floor of custom bedding as well. Lots of cute graphic color blocking and bold prints...

Look at this young adult pallet in warm stone and coral! Oh so Susan. Machine washable and delightfully punctuated with color- what could be a better formula?

Polka dots. Personal favorite and just look at the range of colors , including several in the purple family- another big trend to follow.

Then, realizing that our first appointment for Christmas order writing is one day away and we have no color stories decided upon (eek!), we swiftly headed to the 18th floor to get inspired and find direction for the 2012 Christmas offerings. There's always distractions along the way and we stopped to place several jewelry orders, along with some home decor and floral accent orders.

We loved this happy display of a large succulent surrounded by vibrant green glass ornaments and clusters of miniature ornaments, all nestled in assorted colored glass and green pea gravel. So cute.

Just before leaving the Mart, my fine friend offered to stop and switch shoes. Best. Friend. Forever. I guess she knew it was her ticket to a real dinner tonight.

Thanks, Linda. I owe you one.

Tomorrow, day three...the real work begins for the Christmas buying. Oh, right after the frenzy of cash and carry jewelry buying, that is. Reports to follow.

News Flash! Atlanta Market Report January 2012

2012-01-11T21:45:00.008-05:00

Alright, I know I've been absent from the blogging world. Let me explain.

A new project in Charleston; mid December crazy busy Black-eyed Susan Christmas season; night after night of the "late shift" merchandising gig; holiday travel to Charlotte, NC; take- down and reorganizing of the entire retail store; haircut, manicure, pedicure; Bucks County Designer House organized and planned...just in time to catch a plane to Charlotte in preparation for the drive to Atlanta for a 7 day marathon buying trip! Altogether, these are the things that have preoccupied my blogging schedule.

I always like to give you an inside vision of what happens here...the good and bad. The daily finds, and a little entertainment to tie it all together!

So, let me start with our color picks for the week's wardrobe. (No prior discussions were held between Linda and I.)

It looks like shades of gray, taupe and black dominate. Two fur vests-yes, Linda brought one, I the other. Two sequin tops, one T shirt, one vest-same color! Animal print boots, skirts and belts. Black boots...some more practical than others. Coordinating jewels for all and companion rolling carts (photo tomorrow).

We put in a good half day after driving through drenching rain all the way-hairdos not worthy of self portraits. Three good orders were placed and some serious scouting for the days to come. I'll remind you that this trip is mainly about Christmas 2012. Yes, you heard correctly. The last ornaments from 2011 just got put away today...2012 is in the works!

Stay tuned. I'll keep you posted.

Sorry for the December no-shows in posting.

January 2012. A new start!

See you in the morning.

On the Road Again!

2011-12-17T22:57:00.009-05:00

December 14, 2011. Could there be a worse time of year to be called to a favorite city for a favorite client?!

Jackie and I flew into Charleston to preview the new home of a repeat and darling client and begin the design process. Chaos everywhere. Jo's beautiful Sullivan's Island, SC estate almost empty-the new home on the other side of town filled with boxes in rooms full of furniture without perfect placement! Excuse me, make that no placement!

Many memories of the past three homes filled our hearts as we went back through Princeton, Historic Charleston, Sullivan's Island, and now suburban Charleston. Each home had memories of new and current pallets-each one "the new favorite".

With measuring tape, camera and designer eyes together, we spent Friday and Saturday getting inspired, making notes and taking key information. We began finding new homes for art, tables, mirrors, furniture and accents. We set up a Christmas tree in preparation for the children's return from an out of state visit and felt totally satisfied at the end of a long day.

Now the fun begins as we go back to the drawing board (my design office!) and fill the my 12 foot table with fabrics, paint memos and transposed notes to get down to the real work of design.

Scalamandre or not... this wallpaper has to go! Serious measuring for new window treatments, yet to be designed.

One of many light fixtures to be replaced...

We sent time helping to unpack key boxes that could prove helpful in creating an instant makeover! We covered these books about three years ago to create the perfect accents for the Sullivan's Island beach house bookcases...so cute! I took a few moments to detail bookcases to get us through until the new design can be installed. We reminisced about the former bookcases and the details that were involved.

We lite and set up a fresh cut tree, using a portion of the ornaments that we had designed for the last home-favorite pallet aqua and lime! So fresh that many years ago...still stylish!

I set up this mirror turned into a tray (one of my best attended Holiday classes for the past few years) with Santas and trees topped with fresh fallen snow for the Charleston dining table centerpiece.

I guess you could say we performed a little magic in the last few days. Many boxes unpacked. Furniture in new found homes, repurposed and reinvented. Draperies rehung. Boxes sorted for giving to friends and family. Christmas cheer in place. Plans and visions for the future of a beautiful new suburban home. Out with the old and in with the new, but in the mean time a place to call home.

After a full day, we headed for our hotel.

Armed with notes, photos, new inspiration and the love of Charleston, we will head for home. We are excited to get this project launched. Stay tuned for more details and visions of the new look for Jo's home-#4.

It's a dream job.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-04T17:21:00.026-05:00

....except for the day that my sister leaves after a week of intense custom Holiday setups for Black-eyed Susan clients. I always feel like" the cheese standing alone", as my mother used to say.The week is a crazy one filled with way too many hours, diverse weather conditions and entirely too many hours of commuting in the van from New Jersey to the entire scope of Bucks County, Pa.

It's always a whirlwind of a week,yet companionable and entertaining as we begin the day early and end too late. Sisters. The best. On the day that I take her to the airport, I feel blue and overwhelmed with responsibility. I have to remind myself that the prior week was worth this dreaded moment. Denise has returned to Denver and her own overwhelming responsibility as mother of two remaining at home, an adored dog and husband. (Her family's dreaded week was last week-including my 92 year old father!)

I always intend to blog about each day to give you inspiration for your own decorating, but the late hours we keep during the long week just takes its toll. Rolling into bed around 12:30am for an early morning wakeup call sets all good intentions aside!

Here is a quick recap of some of each of the setups done last week. Enjoy!

Okay. Maybe not so quick. Try to endure.

Day One.

Monday morning wake up call: 6:10am. Pat's house was first on the list. We do her Federal estate home every year (18 years and counting....) The first task is carrying all the decorations up from the basement of her 10,000 square foot home. Not a light task!)

Her foyer is more like the Grande Hotel! It takes two people most of the day just to design and primp her banisters. Shannon and Sherry took on the task.

I'm sure you can feel their pain!

Jeff handles the 12 foot tree every year. Yes. And when he decides to quit, I will follow! Pat's tree has more ornaments on it than one can imagine could fit on one tree. That too, is an all day project. Jeff and one dedicated assistant are assigned to this design.

Here is a pretty shot of the curving banister with Jeff's tree in the background.

We wrapped up the project about 5:00pm, packing multiple vans, tall ladders, and a team of 8 after a long day of Christmas cheer!

Day Two.

Jessica's historic dream home!

Jessica has a real tree and I designed the tree to compliment her recently completed dining room. She was inspired by one of my trees in the retail store and we hand selected the ornaments for her with her direction in the store.

This is the beginning of the unpacking and the layout of the assortment. She asked us to strategically place the important statement ornaments and leave the bulk for her family to place. Great idea! (And, it was a particularly prickly tree...not sorry to leave many for them!) The design was silver, opalescent clear and white. It's a bit difficult to see the ornaments on the tree, but it was gorgeous! The children came home from school while we were wrapping up and many oohs and ahas were exclaimed! They were excited to do their part.

The library was a favorite in my book! You may recognize the mantle from a previous post. Now, all decked out for Christmas...

I left the everyday accessories in place and added one of my most realistic and full mixed garlands, my favorite magic trick-sugar cones, and several aqua mercury glass ornaments. The draperies were just installed days before. I love the way the drum chandeliers show in the mirror! I love this room.

Another shot to show the two drum shade chandeliers over the computer table. Wow! A little sprig of greenery over the mirror and the room sings!

These are the windows of the same room. Denise hung an assortment of the aqua mercury glass ornaments in Jessica's beautiful historic French doors. (I secretly covet this house!)

In the hand painted striped living room, we hung two of these glittery wonders (wreaths) over the companion chests flanking the pocket doors leading into the dining room. Mercury glass lamps illuminate the sophisticated wreaths. I couldn't have found anything better to adorn these Warm Stone walls! Fabulous.

Shannon spent the day outside working on these magnificent urns . 4 to be exact! The day was one of unpredictable downpours and cold temps. Shannon was a trouper. Not much can deter her from her love of this natural design work. I will admit that we felt a bit guilty working inside Jessica and Matt's cozy home while we checked Shannon's progress throughout the day.

I left for several hours to return to Black-eyed Susan for an annual demonstration of how to create the outdoor urns. Well attended for sure! When I returned, the design team was heading down the home stretch. Denise and Linda (our darling friend from Denver) had continued the set-up and put the finishing touches in each room. Banisters, two mantles, dining room, kitchen walk-in fireplace, family room and foyer. Check. Perfectly placed.

Take a look at Shannon's completed window box. We loved the aqua shatterproof color theme that spoke of the interior accents as well. Well done, Shannon! The view from the road is just spectacular.

Day Three.

Michelle and Omar's home has been on the schedule for several years. Michelle has a fine sentimental collection of handmade Santa's that we found homes for. She wanted to make a change in her mantle this year, so I designed something using golds instead of our previous years champagne. We used the beautiful mercury glass from previous years in the same room, just mixed it up a bit and found new homes for old favorites. I love creative license. When Michelle came home, she edited a few areas, made some personal changes and communicated several times via email for my confirmation and suggestions. Great team effort!

Living room, foyer, dining room, family room and kitchen completed. Five exterior urns and the lamppost later, we left their home decked out!

We left Omar's to head over to my cute friend and client, Joan's. We help her every year, but this year, she had a new home! It was fun to find new places for favorite collections and design new looks. Joan's home is cozy and stylish (Warm Stone doors throughout!!!) Sneelock showed up as an extra to help hang a plate collection (you wouldn't believe the plates Joan found in colors of Warm Stone and Sea Salt!!!) along with some final art finishing touches. We worked around the painting team who was working on touch ups and feasted on Joan's hospitable cheese and cracker/fruit tray. Yum! The sun had set by the time we left and we headed back the next day to finish her exterior urns.

I'll post some photos when I can. Somehow, I didn't download her warm and cozy digs.

Day Four.

We took a team of four to Katie's Bucks County Manor House. Last year was our first year of working in her home, and we looked forward to returning. Her cute husband came down to give his stamp of approval on the day and we heartily began our work. We have the same taste in Christmas music mixes and she delighted us with these favorites with her sound system piped outside as well! As she prepared for a party for 100, we worked hand in hand with her. Banisters, mantles and chandelier embellishments-arched door garlands...two fabulously large urns on the grand entry porch. Shannon, of course was in charge of that. She really that down pat! The weather was a bit more cooperative than earlier this week.

At the near end of our elf-work, Katie set the table and we joined her for the most delicious home made potato/leek soup and turkey with cranberry chutney sandwiches. She was a most gracious hostess and we delighted in her culinary skills. Over lunch, she gave us an account (at our insistence) of her involvement with the local soup kitchens and homeless shelters that she and her family support. Our hearts were filled equally as were our stomachs before we left. What a blessing to have clients so inspiring and welcoming.

Day Five.

Mary's manor house in Princeton welcomes a team of 7 every year. We dug right in and assigned the teams. Banisters, chandeliers, second floor landing, kitchen, family room and a family gathering TV room...oh! I forgot the gold appointed living room where Jeff set up a tree with the finest Christopher Radko collected ornaments. We like to leave that project to Jeff! (It's quite a financial responsibility!!)

While the team worked feverishly throughout the house and Shannon headed up the 6 exterior extra large urns and window boxes, Jeff also designed a new "upside down" tree for Mary! She had purchased all of the ornaments ahead of time and he did his magic. She loved it!

Several years ago, Mary had a custom closet designed for her daughter who is an accomplished dancer. At that time, we did a little Christmas decorating in this "room"! Yes, as you can see, it is a striking dressing room with a large island just calling for something!

Here is a closeup of the creamy collection of sisal trees and large Santa. Perfect for the room.

Day Six.

We found ourselves at Alyce and John's beautiful Washington Crossing home. We have been designing multiple areas for them for the past 6 months or so and Alyce requested our help this year with Christmas. It was so fun to unpack her things and find that almost all of them were from my store from years past! I recognized most of the ornaments, garlands and accents and had a fun trip down memory lane. My Yardley days came flooding back! Good memories.

It was particularly fun to find ways to use her existing ornament collections not only on her trees, but as tabletop displays. I used her fine lead crystal bowls and vases to display appropriate colors in each room.

We did set up a new 10 foot tree in the newly redone family room. She and John came to the store and hand selected ornaments from my Woodland tree to build on. The family will add the sentimental favorites together. Another team effort!

In the same room, I added once again, my favorite realistic mixed garland to the mantle. We used command hooks (major weight requirement!). I placed the metal tree sculptures that Alyce owned and stacked up my favorite sugar cones-added several pine sprigs mixed in and over the top of a favorite original piece of art. Another example of a mantle that I left everything on and added some layering. Natural and beautiful.

Tomorrow, I will take a diminished team (without my sister and her friend) to Lani's house. We love doing her home as well. She owns many, many of my favorite things from over the years. This year, she has added a multitude of new items that I will find places for!

She treats us to a delightful and refined catered lunch on her finest china in the dining room. We are treated like fine guests in her home. I'll try to spotlight the set up for you. Flocked tree, blue and silver collections...tarnished champagne in the living room.

We have several days of smaller set ups and exterior assignments this week. I'm even hoping that I might be able to put up a bit of Christmas cheer in my own small space...that could be a pipe dream, I'll let you know.

Indeed, it's the most wonderful time of the year. It's not too late for you to find a bit of your own Christmas decor at Black-eyed Susan. I'll be around to advise and do some on the spot designing and suggesting. And, there are still some of my favorite store classes in the next few weeks. Check my web site for more information.

Come see the magic. I'll be looking forward to seeing you!

Here I am with darling sister, Denise. We both look a bit worse for wear...tired eyes and achy muscles. I love that girl. And I now feel indeed, like" the cheese standing alone".

Till next year. Have yourselves a Merry Little Christmas.

*Sigh*

Grateful Heart

2011-11-24T21:58:00.007-05:00

Gratitude. Thanksgiving day is always a day that I spend in reflection.

I was raised by loving parents who loved each other and left me with memories of family celebrations unequaled. I was tutored by a learned mother who taught me to be a skilled baker and cook. She showed me how to be generous and selfless. My father has lived a life of service and industry. I'm sure my love of productivity has come from him. I have siblings of great worth and beauty-my finest friends. I have creative vision that propels me forward and health enough to sustain that vision.

I have a darling husband who puts me in the fore front of his life and works with me side by side...even when he is tired.

I am truly amazed with each of my three children. They are creative, beautiful, loving, and each one of them supreme parents to their own children. They inspire me and live exemplary lives of integrity.

I feel a debt of gratitude for a very capable and supportive staff . Black-eyed Susan can run smoothly and steadily with the dedication and talents of each.

I have a warm home where love is spoken. I do not go hungry. Hot water is abundant and everyday luxuries abound.

This year we spent the day with good friends and some of the finest food I can remember. We spent the most enjoyable and tender time with Shannon and Brian Monson. Take a look at Shannon's beautiful mantle, dressed with her cream-ware collection,bittersweet and light-light votives. It set the mood for the rich bounty of food and friendship.

It is such a plus to count Shannon as a dear friend and an employee! We share a creative kindred friendship and many nights of "the late shift" at Black-eyed Susan. She is quickly becoming my right hand gal for weekly merchandising and window dressing. Selflessly, she brings dinner to me on those late night ventures...yet another blessing.

I count all of my Black-eyed Susan clients and friends as blessings. Thank you for supporting me for these many years of growth and success. I feel that I have fine friendships with so many through this association. I feel supported and loved. During a recent illness, I was truly amazed at the repeated offers for prayers on my behalf. In the challenging economic times of the past few years, we have continued to have steady projects that have brought such satisfaction and joy. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It is my hope for each of my friends and family, that you will have the joy and blessings that I have had in my life this year.

Happy Thanksgiving and many more to come.

Good Bones!

2011-11-13T23:38:00.008-05:00

For some time, I have been working on a very fulfilling project. It just so happens that one of my absolute favorite old houses in Yardley resurfaced in the hands of a new owner and I was called in to design the house!

I always loved this home from years before, and this time around, it has been a real favorite in every way. The new homeowners are wonderful to work with. (I'll post more about them with their permission!)

I'm not sure which of the rooms I love the most...library, living room, dining room...oh, maybe the family room! And there's more to come!

I'm just going to give you a peek at the dining room . New paint has gone up since this photo was taken and a few more accents...but you'll get the picture!

I'll be sure to fill you in on the other rooms as well.

There just isn't a combination that is as fulfilling as this formula; darling and visionary client+stylish vision+beautiful historic setting and architecture+supportive husband(homeowner!)+timely deliveries! Take a look and see what you think! I'm in love with it.

We had this delivered several months ago...a bit of a loss for my retail presence, but absolutely fabulous for Jessica's house! (I'm weird about loosing my favorite pieces from the store, but always thrilled when they go to someone I love!)

This is just a shot of us beginning to place the accessories...I think accessory calls are one of my favorite things to do. They are instant gratification and it's like adding the jewelry to the perfect outfit.

Here's a straight on shot of the biblioteque. Beautiful creme-ware, objects of art, the perfect color of books! Oh,my. *sigh*

Here's a shot of the great square table and upholstered chairs. Love the nail heads.
Nail heads are so stylish right now! Add them to my list of must haves......

Perfect. The room has even more drama now. My best ever painter Walt, just painted the walls and ceiling Sherwin Williams Wheat Grass. It's a lovely soft almost chartreuse color.

(Hint: the living room the adjoins this room has graphite and chartreuse upholstery!) I'll take photos of that next!

This house is indeed a favorite project. Yep. Good bones!

p.s. Can't wait for Christmas here!

Think Pink!

2011-11-01T21:18:00.018-04:00

I spent one and a half too short days at the High Point Furniture Market last week. Due to an overwhelming project to get the store set up for my 2011 Christmas offerings, we got away almost one week later than planned...oh, my!

In the short time that I had at market...take a look at the trend that we took a liking to! It sure has some punch and real glam!

This hot pink cut velvet chair fabric is only made better by the companion metallic leather grey chair beside it! Nail heads...even better.

We came across this upholstered bed in cream sunbrella fabric with hot pink contrast welt and glamorous rhinestone buttons!

Hot pink and a favorite-charcoal. How cool is this settee (note to self: *more nail heads*)

Graphic prints sported vivid pink as well...

Dressy damasks brought up to current style with ...yes, you guessed it-PINK!

Note the hot pink leather in the background and the grey flannel windowpane with hot pink!

Taupe/grey sectional with pink accent pillows, and the grey/pink stripe repeated in chairs...

A personal favorite! "Lipstick leather" chairs! What a statement.

Pink married with orange, always a fun combo.

Same cute pink/orange graphic on an oh-s0-cute chair!

Pink honeycomb printed chair=comfort + style.

And, after all the pink...a little pop of...yes, chartreuse! You know how I felt about that!

You can be sure that I'll be looking for a place to use the fresh pop of pink. When I do, I'll be sure to tell you about it!

Ahhhhhh. Pink.

It's the Most Wonderful Time...

2011-10-09T21:11:00.003-04:00

I know, I've been missing in action for quite some time.

Too much to do. Too many design projects.

But, believe it or not, it's "that time of the year" again!

So much to do.
So much to prep.
So much to unpack.
SOOOOOOO much!

So, stay tuned. I'll be giving you progress reports with plenty of inspirational pictures and entertaining stories. It's always a busy, crazy time of the year, and at the same time-exciting!

Come along for the ride.

God Bless America, My Home, Sweet Home

2011-09-11T22:18:00.003-04:00

On my way to church this morning, I passed this tiny privately owned restaurant with this touching display

My heart was full all day with the deepest feelings of patriotism and love of country. I am so grateful that I personally know so many fine men and women in the professional workforce, as well as many fine mothers who care for families. These men and women stand for integrity and willingness to serve others-to make a difference in the world. They contribute qualities of the highest standard in every day living. I am happy and proud to know them and stand among them.

I love this country and those fine men and women whom I know and love.

The Color of Purple

2011-09-06T23:03:00.014-04:00

Those of you who know me, know that I've not been a fan of any shade of purple most of my design career. (especially lavender). Still, when a newer color trend emerges, it tends to get my attention. Not long ago, I found these fabulous photos in purple hues on Pinterest:

I would say yes to plum (a dusty shade of purple!) + chartreuse any day!

And this plum-y tone + silver (both fabric and the real old silver plate) is just plain yummy.

Some time ago, one of my cute clients, Cathy, called me for a "design dilemma". She had not so long ago had her family room done by a design professional and been less than happy with the result...actually, never completed. (No "before shot" on purpose here!)

The main problem I could see was a big one! Two sofas, different frame styles and different fabrics-WAY different! One was leather and one was a woven fabric. There was a nasty chair in the picture too! While it is stylish to use two sofas, they are generally the same sofa...not so in this case! Cathy had never been happy and she thought to call us in. I had some immediate thoughts and color direction as directed by this totally cool chair she had recently purchased!

It was totally a lame duck in the room! But what a cool starting point! Dusty purple (plum) and warm stone (taupe)! My mind was set in motion. Her purchase was the catalyst for a new room design and I couldn't be happier.

We selected two of my favorite Vanguard sofas in a mohair-like velvet; color-taupe. And check out the contrast piping on the pillow in a perfectly paired plum! We selected several pillow fabrics in plum prints and one stripe (not delivered as yet!)

The tables are from my store as well, and the small influence of reclaimed wood and soft grey/taupe stains grounded the whole design. Two matching sofas now told the correct and interesting story, married with the graphic print chair of Cathy's choice. Wow! The room was coming together.

We are in the process of getting new drum shades for the floor lamps. The draperies were an expensive investment the first time around, and we hemmed them to be a more fashionable length (just kissing the floor). Good save!

As for accessories, check out my favorite new piece of art! It's a bit distant, but it is a canvas of random chairs in neutrals and hints of plum hues. I think this piece of art might just be the inspiration for my own family room make-over!

Here's a closeup of the coffee table details-love that warm stone colored matt dish with ceramic stones in it! Stylish succulents top off the accessories. What is it about succulents, anyway?!

One of Cathy's mantles was adorned with apothecary jars filled with small Lima beans and vintage photos. Cream colored book boxes with script motifs add just the right height and architectural elements, and a favorite concrete shore bird from my list of favorites topped it off! The clock was hers. *note that we painted the mantle itself in SW Warm Stone*

In the adjoining kitchen table nook, we added these graphic grommet ed panels. I couldn't contain myself when all was installed! What a transformation and what satisfaction.

Cathy gets the credit for the inspiring pallet. Good choice! Black-eyed Susan gets the credit for adding just the right style, color, art and accessories!

I guess plum just made it into my go-t0 accents. I love this room!

Just Plain Busy...

2011-08-30T23:43:00.004-04:00

"If this is July, where precisely is June, an a sizable slice of May?" This pretty much sums up how my life has been for the summer! Here it is fall (so it looks in my retail store!), and our holiday set-up is just around the corner! Seriously. What has happened?

I am so backed up with blog possible posts, I don't know how to catch up! We are super busy in the interior department, one great project after another. It's a good problem, but I want to share them with you!

So, in the lateness of the hour, and lest I be blamed for a tease, check this out.

Fabulous square dining table with the coolest chairs ever! We're waiting for a graphite velvet zebra (yes,zebra!) upholstered bench for the finishing touch! This is my historic house project in Yardley with a lot of modern influence! What a fun project and so very rewarding from a design perspective. Ahhhhh.

Stay tuned for more, I promise.

Pardon Me...Meet the Boys!!!

2011-08-05T22:59:00.004-04:00

Oh dear!

...the "girls" on last nights post are really boys! (their master emailed me they might have their feelings hurt...)

So, meet the boys!

...and, their sibling (no venture as to the sex!)

Sorry, boys!

Meet the Girls

2011-08-04T22:13:00.009-04:00

I finally got a photo op with the two Great Danes that I am working for...oh dear, their master that I am working for!

Yes,they pretty much rule the roost! I mentioned in an earlier post that I had the assignment to find a chaise for Great Danes...well, here they are!

They were well contained in the master bedroom until I asked for a private hello and a photo! Then the action began. I guess they were a bit excited by the presence of company...I think the photos will tell the story.

A bit of calming first...a kind of "let me introduce myself" moment.

A bit riotous...Carol actually got a bruise on her leg from the "tail of destruction"!

I got a hug and a kiss.......then I fell over from the weight!

The girls at bay...perfectly contained by Leslie! (How did she do that?!)

Hmmmm. Still looking for the Great Dane chaise. I'll keep you posted. It's going to be big.

*by the way, Carol had to point out that the dogs had longer legs than I do...*

It's Only Day Five...

2011-07-17T20:34:00.003-04:00

It's day five. We're tired. Our feet hurt. (Note Linda's healing sore.)

We walked 12 blocks after market to go to dinner, fought masses for blocks, of Brittney Spears fans...really! (She was in concert across the street from our restaurant, which we did not know about when we made reservations.) I guess there was some entertainment along the way, if you know what I mean.

I think it's going to have to be an earlier night than usual. And, maybe a good foot soak.

Black-eyed Susan Treasure Chest!

2011-07-16T22:16:00.012-04:00

Okay, right off the bat...here are our disclaimers on our photo shoot...

an amateur photographer
a pretend model
pretend odel states her age to be 51; not 19...and requests that all signs of aging be overlooked
photos taken at 8:00 pm---alarm went off at 6:10 am ---it's been a long day!
our feet are painfully tired
we're a bit slaphappy
room service interrupts our photo shoot---we stop to eat
after eating steak sandwich, sweet potato fries, and 2 oatmeal cookies model resists the urge to slip into stretchy pants

We spent most of the day purchasing floral stems, fabulous botanical leaves, fig trees, lemon topiarys, spring blossoms, perfect peppers, willows and all manner of new succulents. Oh, the succulents!

Mid afternoon, we headed over to the Cash and Carry from the day before to pick up our treasures! Our load was so heavy after that, it was nearly impossible to climb the many sets of steps required for the rest of the day. Ugh. Thankfully, there are strong young men employed by the market, to assist overloaded shoppers with their overloaded bags and gladly carry them up and down the stairs! We were so happy to take advantage of their offer for help.

S0, this is just a tease of the haul:

Pearl and rhinestone twinkle-y beauty!

Same thing...another angle. Wear with jeans or dressy occasions!

Aforementioned room service...steak sandwich with blue cheese and arugula with sweet potato fries...yum!

Black gaggle with pearls and rhinestones. Wow!

We're coming back with more "whisper bracelets". These are sold as sets of five in silver, gold, black, or pearl. Wear "as many as you can afford" (as per Charlotte Jane Hunter Petersen...my darling ever stylish to the end mother).

Another set of bracelets to be worn together...some of them are rivals of a famous designer name
selling for $900.00 per bracelet!! Shhhhh.....it's a secret!

Check out this magnetic closure rhinestone bracelet we couldn't resist. One could be yours!
Cost of ring - 20 years of marriage!

Another pave rhinestone necklace -we bought gold and silver. Versatile and glamorous.

Last temptress...a beautiful stretchy rhinestone band. Every jewelry box needs one.

We're coming home with the haul! I'll be planning and posting a time for a great jewelry sale to show off the new offerings, so watch for the dates to be announced!

A little more time for re-working the list for tomorrow...then an earlier bed-call for tonight.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...

2011-07-15T22:33:00.008-04:00

Another day. We found some great floral accents...lots of moss items, tons of succulents (oh, my heart!) and assorted great accessories.

Of course, we saw our share of ugly things as well...(I haven't documented much of that side of my buying this time!) I guess there's more of that during the holiday buying season.

How many of these should I buy? I'll need your orders right away to make sure we get what we want! tee hee...

This super chic desk is made of glass!! Beautiful sea salt colored glass. *sigh* (Note to self:: for your next private office)

A rather large pod of some kind! Sorry, while I ordered them for interesting table top use, I can't recall their rather exotic name!

Purple is everywhere...

Sassy green rooster...it could be yours!

Recap of day:

Hit the cash and carry jewelry first thing.
Rush through the isles, heavily laden with packages.
Arrive half an hour late for our mid afternoon appointment only to be greeted by frightening vases.
Realize I left my camera in hotel room.
Linda's camera battery dies.
Wonder once again why we don't just open a 500 sq. ft. jewelry store!

With the camera battery charging, our brains begging to charge for the night, and our feet smothered in foot cream, we're preparing for another day...

Drinkable Color Abounds

2011-07-14T20:33:00.013-04:00

Oh, how I love spending time on the textile floor! Bedding, pillows and French linens...soft, bright, patterned, and tone on tone neutrals. It's a joy to behold! I've said before that textiles are my drug of choice-so today, I was in hog heaven as my darling mother used to say!

These are some of the pleasing collections that caught my eye;

What do you know...warm stone and citrine! Of course, you know from reading my makeover project that it's a favorite pallet for me! Fabulous pattern, strong contrast and drinkable color.

It just so happens that you will find this fabric memo hanging out at Black-eyed Susan as an inspiration fabric! One of my sales reps came by the other day to show me his new collections and this one was one of my favorites! Halcyon blue has been added to the warm stone and citrine mix and it's pure magic. Love it!

But wait! Look at this coral vision (of course, combined again with warm stone). Ahhhhhhhh. I must find a project for this one!

This was a new collection from one of my favorite long time vendors. Her line is fairly traditional, but always full of fine and distinct color pallets. This one combines soft grayed blues in printed linens and panne velvet. Sink into this bed of non traditional color for a dreamy night's sleep. Purely pretty!

Shannon, this might have to be a next look for a welcoming guest suite! Do you approve?!

I'm just pointing out, that around Black-eyed Susan, we have been ahead of the color trend for the past six months! I surely do not have my fill of it yet. Just drink in these patterns.

Cutest display every from a darling designer. Nancy Bishop has real style and we are definitely on the same page of the color wheel. Her firm, Lacefield Designs can be previewed with me at my event coming soon, "Look What I found!" I'll have her catalog with pricing and special order information that night. Her designs make my heart sing! This is a must to see for yourself.

One of my favorite vendors, Aiden Gray, had this adorable display to pull his new wall color off. He used a drinkable color of soft pink (to be announced at my post market event). The creator told me that it is the first time ever that color had been used on the walls of his booth! And what a soft, inviting color it was. I could just imagine a glamorous bedroom in this color.

Last on the list for the day...this purely stylish and inspiring booth! Great color. Great vision. Great name!

I've got a few hours of paperwork to sort through, a bit of pressing to do for tomorrows wardrobe, emails to respond to and Sneelock to call....goodnight for now!

More good reports tomorrow.

Atlanta Birthday Bash!

2011-07-14T00:04:00.008-04:00

Every year for the past 20 (!) Linda has spent her birthday with me. Well, I think there was one (the year she turned 40) that she was not present...that's a pretty long track record! I'm not sure I would be so magnanimous myself to spend this special day year after year working, walking, documenting, searching, fighting for an elevator, walking...walking...walking...(did I mention walking?) I can count three of her four pregnancies that she was a trouper. I can tell you that there is no one who is more entertaining, more brilliant, more intuitive, more stylish, more energetic, more focused and more just plain fun to work with than Linda. Almost hourly, someone asks us if we are sisters. (I suppose I would qualify for the wicked older stepsister)...Occasionally, I help her with a design project with my insight. For the most part, it's all about Black-eyed Susan and the quest for new and exciting merchandise. She is the total voice of reason with the benefit of quick wit and style. Thank you, Linda for so many years of support and hard work.

Here's a quick report of a few of our findings today! After all, look at the time and my 6:00am alarm goes off again tomorrow morning...

Fabulously serious chartreuse urn! A definite.

:: Monastery table for client...check.

::Companion Paris 16 Bookcase for
same client...check.

:: Paris 16 sideboard! So grande. Check.

What could be more delightful than this heavy glass over sized bowl filled with chartreuse mood moss...a signature accent at Black-eyed Susan. Check.

::Day one, check.

Thanks, Linda, for another personal and special day given to the cause. You're my darling friend and blessing. Happy Birthday.

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig...or moss spheres.

2011-07-12T20:03:00.017-04:00

This morning at 6:15am I pulled out of the driveway. I left one heat box for another...Atlanta July Market...again!

I always fly into Charlotte and make the drive with Linda. It does seem just a little silly to have an overlay in Atlanta on the way to Charlotte...to be picked up from the airport, and drive to Atlanta...(is there something wrong with this picture?!) On the up side, there is no one more entertaining than Linda, and the ride down is spent catching up, planning vendors to see and generally making good use of our time together.

For you return readers, you can always count on my good and bad picks at market for the next few days! I'll keep you posted, so check in each night. For you new readers, the Atlanta Market is full of Southern charm, food, and three professional buildings to the retail trade, each 20 stories high and about 50 showrooms per floor! (I so wanted to bring my pedometer, but forgot it!) We are on our feet about 12 hours a day...sometimes, more. (Never mind, Linda had knee surgery a few weeks ago...you'll see how it has impacted her shoe wardrobe!).

We checked in to our room, newly redecorated. I have often dreamed of designing a posh hotel chain, so of course I have my critique of our new accommodations.

I will say, that I was thrilled to see that our room was punctuated by colorful orange accents, such a compliment to my favorite rolling cart!

...the newly designed room did not take into accommodation the need for two shoe mavens..

...our tiniest of tiny closet (more like a single wardrobe!)

...the geometric urban patterned carpet, cool.

One (actually, the only!) piece of art in the room...bright and fun composition...

Sheer draperies...not so good. Actually, bad. Bad, bad, bad, very bad. SO BAD! (Not one for the "remember" file).

Of course, no room would be complete without a large flat screen for early morning and late night news casts.On occasion, we have been know to rent a movie. (How I wish we could view it from the bathtub during a foot soak!)

...the bleak evidence of Linda's foot surgery! She's doomed for flats all week. Hmmm. Maybe this could a new trend for us!

Lastly, every year we travel to this market during Linda's birthday! (She's so good to keep coming). I always come armed with her gift and we celebrate by having our one nice meal of the week. I'm thankful it comes early in the week of long days, as I will admit that by mid to late week, we just want to sit quietly with room service.

And so, another market week begins. Stay tuned for the reports!

100 Can be Beautiful!

2011-07-05T22:52:00.032-04:00

As my mother used to say, "Once in a blue moon"...a project comes along that truly speaks to my heart.

This is one of them.

This 100 year old beauty (back door shot) belongs to my very happy and stylish owner, Carol-who happens to be a client that dates back to my original historic stone-front store in Lowe Makefield, Pa. I've worked on her Yardley home, her former historic Main Line home (historic Philadelphia), her Philadelphia city high rise, and now-back to the Main Line again...home at last! I think these projects total about 18 years! Only a few doors down from the home she sold a few years ago, Carol bought this home in pristine condition the hour she saw it go on market. She knew the home from years ago when she was a neighbor and couldn't get her realtor on the phone fast enough.

Done. And here we are! Lucky her. Lucky me! Oh, so lucky...it's truly inspiring.

We entered through the side door into this bright and inviting kitchen. Oh, how I wish I had that rolling ladder to store and reach my cake plate collection. *sigh* Classic white marble counter tops; clean, crisp subway tile back splash; commercial Viking oven; strong, industrial style pendants. What more could we want?! Did I mention that the walls are painted a fabulous stony gray color? Yea. Pretty much perfect. (I couldn't help but think that I should have been the owner...I guess designer will have to suffice. )*sigh*

Do you think the Black-eyed Susan bag is sort of like staking my claim?

After the appropriate jaw-dropping assessment of the kitchen, we were ushered into the butler's pantry. My heart jumped again. I happen to have a real soft spot for butler's pantries. Does anyone recall the highlight of the Princeton Jr, League Designer House several years ago where I did the butler's pantry? I think it might be one of my favorite projects ever...sorry, no photos at hand easily. I can just see this one filled with old hotel silver, china and crystal of all shapes and periods. There is an original stainless work sink that will get plenty of use with society galas. Watch for the finished design of this room! (Can't wait!!)

This is an original wall sconce still lighting the way in the butler's pantry! Such style.

We rounded the corner to the living room. A few changes (wall color and sconces ) are to be made prior to the furniture placement. Most of the furniture from the current high rise will be used in this room. Shag rug? A few unexpected urban touches and this room should be good to go! (I'm still lobbying for some graphic linen draperies, but can't get Carol to jump on board! ) She can really be stubborn. *sigh*

Just look at this front door. Ahhhh, historic architecture. There's nothing that can match this.

Carol swung the door wide to expose the bright sunshine. The foyer is a room in itself. I'm not kidding, we could place a good 12x12 Persian rug in there! Great idea. Note to self, *get a fabulous 12x12 Persian rug for the foyer to replace that tiny slip of a rug Carol is standing on. (Carol is a little slip of a thing herself!).

*second note to self. Make sure 12x12 is large enough*

There are mirror image sun rooms on either side of the living room and dining room. I'll have at least 4 mantles to detail! *sigh*

Delightful sunlit rooms. Cozy winter spaces and breezy spring spaces. *sigh*

The house is full of these beautiful doors, solid walnut with an inlaid border. This charming shape is a pass through hall from the kitchen to the dining room! I'm pretending that the house servants must have been people about my height! Anyone too tall would have to duck to breeze through these halls.
*sigh*

Vintage door knobs grace every door. I was particularly enchanted by this tiny one! (One more for the case of small helpers...

On the third floor, we entered a closet with several treasures! These deep storage drawers were tagged with labels. I would never remove these!!

Original charm and history. *sigh*

In the same closet, Carol had found several of the mahogany doors at rest. She had the brilliant idea of turning one of them into the breakfast room table! Simply brilliant! We brainstormed having some iron legs custom designed to support the door. Hardware will come off, and the holes will be part of the history and character of the table. (Did I mention that I love this idea?!)

This marble floor will definitely remain! (Is anyone wondering just what my job will be yet?)

Thank heavens, there are a few rooms that need immediate help! This was the former mother-in-law suite, on the third floor. (It might make being a live-in mother-in-law quite desirable)!

Carol peering into the original dumb waiter. These people really knew how to live! There are also original wall telephones in several of the bedrooms.

Room service, please! *sigh*

This house.

Is not.

For the faint of heart, or weak knees.

This was the view from the back door! Oh, my.

*sigh*sigh*sigh*

An architectural vista from every angle.

Charm unmatched.

So that's the tour! (I did leave out some important rooms...too many rooms, not enough time.)

So, you can see, I'm truly in heaven. Thanks, Carol. The pleasure is all mine.

Now, to bed. I've got a lot to design tomorrow...and the next day...and the next day...you get the picture.

*sigh*

Dinner with Great Danes!

2011-06-29T21:42:00.006-04:00

Referring to last night's post...here is the visual effect!

Check out the scale of the dog bowls to the full size washer!! So there you have it!

*first thing tomorrow-research chaise for Great Danes!*

stay tuned for my findings...

New Assignment!

2011-06-28T21:51:00.003-04:00

Today, I started work on a new assignment for a darling new client. I get lots of unusual requests...but this one really takes the cake!

"and I'd like something special for my two Great Danes to cuddle on...maybe a chaise lounge."

I've tapped into my creative thought process and I'll keep you posted on what I come up with! I had a photo of the extra tall drinking station, but forgot that I requested all the photos be downloaded in the office today...drat! Stay tuned for my design for Great Danes. This could be a first.

Accessorising 101

2011-06-23T23:14:00.007-04:00

We had a great event tonight! A good turnout, always rewarding. Lots of sales, good and bad! I'm famous for not wanting to see my "stuff"...

For one thing, I'm attached to it. For another thing, it translates into more work. Oh, the bare spots. Things moved-favorites gone. So, while the financial team is cheering, I'm crying. I know it's crazy. What can I say, I like my "stuff".

So, after a long "night shift" session last night, looks like Kara and I might have another one coming a little too soon.

All in all, it was a successful night. Why not join us next time? Come join the party!

A portion of the crowd watching the hands-on demonstration and entertainment!

Fabulous color! Chartreuse. Lots of ideas for fabrics and the coordinating accessories.

My friend and co-designer, KC, with her stash! (Wow, how about that blouse!)

I just had to peer into these two Black-eyed Susan bags to bid farewell to a favorite set of Shakespeare...39 volumes to be exact. Sad, sad, sad. (I really hate loosing my books!) The size was to die for and the complete set a real treasure. My cute client really didn't think she needed all 39! Oh my. I told her I was sure I could show her how to use them without hesitation!

Goodbye darling books. Good thing they went to a favorite client's home.

Too many areas looked like this at the end of the night...bare. Bare, bare, BARE! My cool blue story was raided by Betsy and Lisa. Together, they left me with this. Can you feel my pain?!

So...that's the report on my event tonight. Like I said, good, and bad. I hope to see you next time.

Glamourous Kitchen!

2011-06-21T23:26:00.015-04:00

On a recent weekend trip to Charlotte,I completed my most stylish friend's kitchen! We had been working on it for about 8 weeks, and this weekend (in between my baby's birthday...a 30-year old is still a baby if she's the baby!), and Father's Day festivities, we finished the room. Ahhhhhhh.

Linda had the vision of a glamorous kitchen. I had the vision of adding multiple colors and finishes, and...some mirrored doors! Linda caught the vision right away, but she reported that her cabinet supplier/designer was skeptical and had her doubts. I'm happy to say that my vision was exactly what I had in my design eye. We had to do the finishing touches ourselves in order to complete the look. I took some great tutorial photos and will share those with you in another blog post.

For now, I want to share my satisfaction with you in photos. You may recall that her dining room was a restyle project just a few months ago. I also completed the last finishing touches there...the adjoining room.

Seeing these restyle projects and complete makeover of the kitchen really makes me want to do something at home. I need some time to work for myself!

Here is an overview of the new kitchen. We selected a beautiful creamy-taupe granite. This proved to be a real challenge. We wanted something as light and creamy as possible without going to a marble. Linda is a real cook and baker, and felt that while the creamy tones of marble would be ideal, the care and upkeep would not! We searched multiple granite yards and found this one. It is called Persia Light. As you can see from the floor, it has a good bit of rich rusty tones, accented with white marble tiles in a step pattern. I had suggested this floor some years ago, and it was the only part of the kitchen that remained. The Persia Light didn't fight the existing floor, and took our design in the direction we wanted. Pretty.

I didn't do the best job in photographing the back splash, another of my favorites. We used a 3x6 hand thrown subway tile in a soft cream crackle. Timeless, yet totally stylish! I have used this in several of my last kitchen projects. I'm so tired of the tumbled marble so often used. Subway tile is indeed timeless and oh so current at the same time. Beautiful.

I had to get this photo in to show you the two pendants we used over the island. (I neglected to say that the island also made the cut from an update many years ago)! We had it designed by a custom furniture builder who had made multiple things for my store. We added the pendants and additional over head high hats a few months before the redesigned kitchen began. I simply love these pendants. I first used them in the Rittenhouse Square Penthouse. They looked as if they had been there forever! They are on my top ten list for sure. If you love them as much as me, I can get them for you too ! Hallways, powder rooms....or, kitchen islands! They come in about 4 sizes...oh, enough about these beauties!

One of Linda's requirements was to have a light kitchen. The cabinets are a soft cream with a light chocolate glaze. Note the more urban hardware we used to keep a fresh look to this rather classic design. Stainless appliances complete the look.

This mantle-like shelf also remained from the former kitchen. It it the home to a great collection of vintage silver and cream ware. We also found this vintage crystal chandelier which remained as well.

This just might be my personal favorite element of the room! I wanted this work station/former desk area to look like a custom piece off furniture. I had the vision for the aged mirror from the beginning. Linda ordered the doors without the panels or glass, and we replaced it with aged mirror. Linda was in charge or locating the mirror and found it to be quite a challenge! There were many choices, most long distance. This required multiple shipping of samples for her approval . I planned to add the lead and ceramic medallions, and I was not disappointed in the end result!!

I will give you a tutorial on how to apply the lead and medallions in the next few days. I just kept squealing in delight! I love the reflection of the crystal chandelier in the doors.

Just another closeup for you to love! You might also note that I designed a solid black mosaic tile for the back splash here. Linda told me later that this was the only part of the kitchen design that she was not sure of...but I think she's in love with it now!

Here is a closeup of the mirrored doors with the lead applied. I love the small square doors on the top. We came to this design because of the challenge of trying to make stock cabinets into a custom design! Voila!

Also included in the new kitchen design was a small butler's pantry. I love butler's pantry's! I have loads of vintage silver and china collections that I love to display. Even in the most stylish new modern designs, it works. As you can see, black was our dramatic accent. Also, I encouraged Linda to use as many drawers as possible, instead of doors. It really completes the look of furniture and the function is fabulous as well.

...just another angle of the butler's pantry.

My consulting/design of the past few months is complete. I like it. It seems like it's her! A perfect fit, and that is always rewarding. Happy cooking, my friend. (She makes a mean chocolate cheesecake...hopefully, one for me!).

Getting High on Fresh Flowers!

2011-05-19T23:41:00.031-04:00

I was retained by my darling friend and Black-eyed Susan staff florist, Shannon, to be her assistant designing the flowers for a weekend wedding party.

This is what I found when I arrived at her posh Bucks County Farmhouse!

Buckets and buckets of chartreuse (my favorite!) hydrangeas, roses, decorative cabbages,
hypernicum berries...

and multiple buckets of fresh white blooms! What a mix.

This is a favorite new find; dianthus. It looks very mossy and is extremely hardy. I kept a stem in my car for almost one week (out of water!) then took it in and put it in a glass of water, and it revived for another two weeks!! I wish I could be that sturdy! My mother would call that "gritty"! Gritty, indeed. And, cute! Way cute. It is a member of the carnation family, I think...at least the stems look identical to carnation stems. That could be one redeeming quality of carnations, of which I've never been a fan in the least.

Shannon had prepared a delicious dinner for her family , and we took a break an hour or two into the game to enjoy stuffed peppers. Delish! I highly recommend them. Low fat, high protein and gourmet taste. I might say that my usual "night shift" work does not include great food...unless Shannon is on the team for the night, and then she generally provides this added benefit! She's definitely a keeper.

Try it, you'll love it!

Shannon's Stuffed Peppers

Preheat oven to 350

wash and core 5 peppers (I prefer using the red/orange and yellow ones)

Spray a baking dish and arrange the peppers inside

Cook peppers for about 10 minutes (just to soften)

saute in a large pan:

1 large package (2 lbs?) of ground turkey (I use the big containers from Costo)

1 T. garlic

1 c. chopped onion

1 tsp. Goya Adobo all purpose seasoning (add more to taste if needed)

salt

pepper

(add to large bowl and let cool)

in a separate pan with lid add:

3 c. chicken broth

1 1/2 c. quinoa

when it starts to boil, put lid on and simmer for about 15-18 minutes until quinoa is puffy.

let cool and add to big bowl with cooked turkey.

Add to cooled turkey/quinoa mixture:

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, undrained

2 c. of baby spinach

a few large handfulls of shredded parmesan cheese

mix together and stuff peppers with mixture

top with additional parmesan cheese

cook uncovered at 350 for about 15 minutes or until cheese on top is golden brown

350 calories

19 grams of protein

total fat 13 grams (saturated fat--3.5 grams)

Dietary fiber 5 grams

This is the charming room we enjoyed dinner in. A favorite color, recommended by me some time ago, SW (oh, dear, I can't recall the color...Shannon-please comment and add the color!) Check out the plate collection! I was in heaven, and Martha Stewart most likely pining .

Shannon's home was featured not long ago in Bucks County Living magazine. The walk-in fireplace that crowns the dining room is dressed with her cream-ware collection. I was totally coveting that over sized blue transfer ware platter! It was such a pleasant setting to do our creative work. The heady smell of fresh flowers, friendly cat companions, her three children entertaining us with reading assignments...it was a nice break from the norm.

We set to work on her painted farm table and begin to see our visions materialize.

One of Shannon's cats enjoyed drinking from our hydrangea filled bucket!

We were creating hand-held bouquets,which can be challenging to handle...especially with arthritic hands. The design begins by adding in one stem at a time, rearranging and examining as you go. I discovered these mini cabbages last time I was in Paris. They can be ordered from Holland when given enough lead time. I have used them a good bit since this discovery!

The bridal bouquet also included white freesia and fresh rosemary!!! Shannon, that is simply brilliant! (She uses this expression quite a lot, and I admit, I think it's the perfect expression.
"Brilliant"!

We used the rosemary in the boutonnieres as well. Jade roses, hypernicum berries and white spray roses dressed with a simple square knot bow of chartreuse ribbon. Oh, my!

Shannon's daughter, Riley, gladly posed with a wrist let creation. (It looks a little large on her little wrist.)

I personally am not a fan of wearing fresh flowers, but this isn't a bad way if you must!

This is the rear view of the Bridal bouquet, showing some of the dianthus peeking out! Yep, way cute.

Enjoy the mix of hydrangeas, roses, freesia, hypernicum berry, rosemary and miniature cabbage. The smell of the rosemary is really intoxicating in the mix.

We also used Lizzyanthus (not my personal favorite, but requested by the bride...) It's the "range-y" (a total Shannon term) flower that you see here. It did add a nice dimension to the mix.

The Bride's maids bouquets were slightly different in the mix, slightly smaller and identified with this beautiful green satin ribbon instead of ivory. This is going to be one beautiful line-up!

One of the challenges of working with fresh flowers is working without refrigeration. We decided to clear out Shannon's refrigerator to make room for the most important bouquets. We thought it to be the best idea, but to Shannon's horror the next morning, ice crystals had formed in the mason jars that held the bouquets! The ribbons were frozen stiff as a board! Oh, dear. A little replacing of several of the blooms was necessary, and momentary panic set in. Shannon saved the day with her quick thinking. *note to self--check accurate refrigerator temp*. Eek!

I look pretty pleased with the end result. Fresh flowers, definitely delightful!

Working in the charming atmosphere of an authentic Bucks County farmhouse, fabulous!

Working with Shannon, totally entertaining!

Many Happy Returns.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T14:10:00.011-04:00

There is nothing more fashionable, chic, or en vogue and stylish than being a good mother. Sometimes it takes becoming a mother ourselves to appreciate fully what our mothers did for us.

My darling mother continues to inspire me to do better, even in death. She is the supreme example of unconditional love and support. Service was second nature to her by choice. Entertaining in everyday life, she found joy in motherhood. I always felt her admiration and pride in my accomplishments. I, along with my sister Denise, have many moments when I need a "moment with mom" for advice on relationships, a recipe,or a fashion inspiration. I'm happy I know for sure that those times will come again.

One of many fine cakes baked for my birthday by Charlotte Jane, my mother!

A favorite of mine, lemon merange pie. Again, baked by my sweet mother. Yum!

Mother, preparing to cut the last birthday cake she baked for me. It was yellow cake with lemon curd filling and white mountain frosting. Fine baking was her talent and fine living was her accomplishment in life. She really learned the lessons of life and motherhood.

I remember this tender time when I took mother wig shopping and indulged her by trying one on! It was her recipe for simplified living! (Well, she was legally blind, after all. Hair styling was difficult for her with this disability.) I think she would be happy to see my natural color is just about like this now!

So many of the finest women I know are fine mothers. The women I work with- Connie , Carol, and Shannon. My daughters, Michelle and Jessie. My dear friend and co-designer kindred spirit-Linda. My sister Denise. I think motherhood brings out the best in us and refines us due to service, sacrifice and age.

Happy Mother's Day to all.

Ho-hum to Hip!

2011-05-06T23:19:00.020-04:00

I was called by a client to update her college graduate's room several months ago. The only start to the room was a fresh coat of soft gray paint. That was my inspiration, and it didn't take long to come up with some cool fresh colors and pattern direction...I guess you won't be surprised to hear that chartreuse was my choice!

This outdated color pallet was calling for a Restyle for sure! I looked around the room for elements that we could use. The pecan chest of drawers was a sure candidate for a fresh coat of paint, and the cream granite top was of interest as it was.

Obviously, the room had not been changed since this young adult was a young girl. It's a common design issue that we often find! Just look at what a few simple changes and a moderate Restyle service did for the room! The budget was also moderate and I think you'll love the results!

Note the outdated window treatments,lamp, and particle board bookcases. In the initial assessment, these elements were discussed as needed changes. You can see that the room was in the stage of sorting and prepping for the new look.

Installation days are always rewarding for my design team! That is when we see the vision of our design work come to life. This is the old headboard and bedspread...

This is the new!

I absolutely love the graphic patterns and contrasting colors. My client picked up this fabulous little mohair pillow and throw and it was a great addition!

To backtrack a little, this was the room with several of the new elements in place when we arrived with the finishing touches and draperies. Note that the chest of drawers has been painted a fabulous gray color, deeper than the walls. We found these inexpensive bookcases with a bit more style (!) that didn't break the budget and were far less than custom work. You can see the new, hip lamp on the floor, as well as another bright chartreuse lamp for the desk area. In the foreground is a very stylish white leather chair. With the beginnings of our Restyle evident, I guess you are not surprised that I could not get those valances down soon enough!

This is a shot of the new bedding on the former headboard! My cute client just couldn't live with the old one second longer and did not wait for us to arrive to begin the Restyle! That taupe and chartreuse certainly makes a difference already. *sigh*

The bedding is from a great collection of machine washable ensembles. There is a great range of patterns and colors and the prices are great!

Often, a Restyle involves rearranging the room. I made the change of putting the chest of drawers on the side wall and moving the bed towards the center of the room. The bed had been in the corner of a fairly large room prior to this. I needed room for the new drapery panels and in preparation for my favorite glamorous chandelier to be hung (yet to be done!), this move was the perfect solution. Note the dramatic mirror we used for a impact and functionality. Wow!

So...out with the old...

and in with the new! Never fear, the queen headboard will soon be fitted with a matching queen mattress!

Another view of the room with accessories, grommet ed drapery panels (very hip!), leather chair, new bookcases (check out the mirrored bottom doors and new desk lamp. Moving the chest of drawers to the other side made room for the chair and drapery panels. It also made the room more cozy and spacious at the same time. All of our client's favorite books and sentimental items were used in the room, so it's still personal and intimate.

Closeup of draperies and cool hardware! Chartreuse accents make the gray walls and white bookcases pop.

I managed to get some of my favorite oh-so-real while phaleanopsis orchids in the design! Oh, the drama and beauty.

A closeup of the mirror-framed mirror! Note the tissue box which just happens to compliment our colors! And there's that modern lamp to make me smile. We put the granite top back on the newly painted chest. Great contrast, and wonderfully practical.

And, I don't think we'll be missing this!

I hope you're loving this!

Finally! Restyle Reveal

2011-04-18T00:16:00.012-04:00

It's been on my list of urgent things to do, honestly! Having returned from High Point Market a bit over a week ago, I've been playing catchup in my design studio with long hours of sorting, labeling, categorizing, and reviewing, all while greeting customers and re-merchandising the sales floor.

Oh, and I've baked two cakes and 6 GIANT loaves of my favorite Sheepherder's bread for a fund raising dinner at my church. (Still two cakes to go tomorrow night). Thus, the delay in my final reveal of the Charlotte, N.C. Restyle project. We were thrilled with the result. I'll post several photos tonight, but will follow up with additional ones in the next night or two. It's a pretty dramatic change! Go back and review the "before" shots, then weigh in with a comment or two about your thoughts-better or not?!

A long shot of the room looking towards the oh-s0 stylish new draperies! I'll send you some links to order fabric and/or draperies in the final post with more photos. Can't get enough of my favorite chandelier. Both the look and the price are perfect! All the details are just a bit more urban and hip. It's a nice change for sure. I love the way our stripes turned out, and of course that SW Warm Stone is the perfect base color. Both dramatic and neutral.

I'm falling asleep between every description! Oh, dear. Take a look at the rest of these photos. I've had so many requests to complete the documentation of the Restyle project. I'll go back and edit with my descriptions tomorrow...or when ever I can! Enjoy the view! Let me know what you do and don't like!

High Point Trend Report!

2011-04-04T22:24:00.018-04:00

High Point Market is a stressful one, indeed! Hundreds of off site vendors...hundreds of mini shuttles to catch (if you can!)...thousands of shoppers, mostly stylish ones from the design trade. Elevator lines. Lunch lines. Lunch, what's that?! Tired feet, of course. Thousands of options. Some great! Some horrid.

There is always a new color trend that emerges (sometimes an old one for us!) Many years, the newest trend is one that we have embraced several years prior. This year, we are seeing loads of bold graphic color! Deeper color, less muted. Modernism everywhere. About half way through the day, I realized that I had not taken any photos to share of likes and dislikes. Oh, dear! So, I took advantage of several showrooms to give you a taste of what new color trends are out there . Hm mmmm, might be time to repaint the retail store! Where's my magic wand?

Darling graphic pattern with my favorite, orange!

Cutest ever gray and citron urban print! I have this in mind for one of my clients!

...Not so sure about this one! I think it's a bit too cartoon-y?

This one didn't photograph too well, but it's chartreuse. And, by the way, chartreuse is ALL over the market!

Yet another cool graphic,hip print. So happy!

Again, this one didn't photograph well. But it is also a yellow-y chartreuse! Darling fabric and oh, so comfy! I have this in mind for a four square of chairs for one of my projects as well. So cool.

This coral-y orange chair was a show stopper too. Like I said, a lot of color.

Cutest office chair ever! (It could make the late night blogging down right attractive!)

This teal blue, intense color is the biggest trend of the color projections that we have seen so far. There was not a showroom that we went in that didn't have something to offer in this color. Rugs, accessories, fabrics, chairs, sofas, pillows, you name it. Oh yes, and walls!

A few fabric selections of the teal persuasion.

...chair in said fabric. Way cute!

Stripes incorporating teal, soft chartreuse and grays...so pleasing.

Another stripe fabric focusing on teal and gray.

Yes, a fabulously rich leather chair...teal, of course!

A more subtle stripe in teal, chocolate/vicuna and gray. Check out the pillow!

And here we are, an entire wall of the teal trend. I might feel a painting project coming on...

After a long day on our feet, there's my report. Tomorrow, maybe...I said maybe, some finished shots of the Restyle project in Charlotte! I'll try, really.

Remembering Charlotte Jane Hunter Petersen

2011-04-01T23:49:00.007-04:00

One year ago today , April 1 2010, my sweetest mother passed away. (I see that I have now missed the magic hour of midnight in getting my post ready...).

She was my hero of style.

She was stylish to the end in her fashion sense. She was stylishly filled with integrity. She was as stylish an entertainer and hostess as I ever knew. She was stylish in her baking and cooking and the presentation of her fine meals. She presented style in performing arts, particularly jazz singing. Her home was always filled with personal and cutting edge style. Indeed, she was my real introduction to all things stylish and fine. I cannot recall a time I ever saw her do an unrefined thing. She was the style maven of refinement.

My mother Charlotte, father Mervin, and wonderful sister, Denise.

This was her table set for my last birthday dinner, 2 years ago. How I remember the perfectly placed details and happy colors. (Not to mention the delicious gourmet dinner she served.)

My favorite home made cake, German Chocolate-made for my birthday just two years ago by storied cake baker, Charlotte Jane. Yum!

Me, listening to my mother tell the family how wonderful she thinks I am at my family birthday dinner. Good memories. No one can love you and support you like your mother. She's the one who taught me, "Every mother crow thinks her baby's blackest"! No wonder I have a love affair with crows!

I can only hope to become more like her in all ways and follow her teachings with style.

My sister, Denise, came up with a tribute to her. She suggested that we all bake bread and give it to friends and neighbors. My mother spent days each week baking breads of all varieties to deliver to friends and friends of our friends! It was one of her greatest hobbies and skills the last few years of her life. We spent the day baking and preparing to remember her collectively and it was of great comfort.

My mother, Charlotte Jane Hunter Petersen, was my hero indeed. My style hero in all ways.

Progress Report!

2011-03-31T22:42:00.011-04:00

After a long drive to Charlotte, N.C. with a van full of necessary supplies and accessories, we spent the day designing, marking, and taping the stripes. My favorite, 10" wide. We were undecided whether to select one shade lighter or one shade darker. I brought with me two of the fabulous 8x10 paint memos furnished by Sherwin Williams. That was our first task of the day! Then, we headed off to the paint store to pick up our contrasting color and a few supplies.

We spent the first half of the day marking off the stripes. Multiple times we exclaimed how we could not imagine doing this without Sneelock's striping template! He fashioned this for me two years ago when we designed the living room for the Bucks County Designer Show house. It was a godsend for sure! I highly recommend it. Linda exclaimed how she had not realized that this part of the project took the lion's share of time. Indeed! And, it's definitely a two person job. (It doesn't hurt to have a best friend and total entertainer as your right hand man!)

Living in the south doesn't have too many disadvantages. But one that I can think of is the rarity of basements! Often over the years, I have teased her about her "warehouse dining room". She also, has a design business and more often than not, her dining room is her "stockroom"! Oh, dear. I thought you might be interested to see that now, her once pristine living room has become the "stockroom"...at least for the time being, until we can find homes for what used to be harbored in the dining room. EEK!

I just realized that I don't have a photo of the room marked off prior to painting the contrast color...not sure why! I can tell you that blogger was being a real uncooperative assistant in downloading photos. It was taking me about 5 minutes per photo. I guess in my frustration, I left several out! This is a photo of the newly painted stripes prior to the green tape being removed. Tape is placed on the outside lines of the stripe to be painted, thus making the stripes appear to be random widths...really not!

We both got to work with small low nap rollers. The top and bottom need to be cut in with a brush, but the rest can carefully be done with the rollers. The painting portion went quite fast! The marking, not so much. A good team can make this happen in one good day's work.

An unusually cloudy North Carolina day necessitated the use of these work lamps. These same lamps proved to be the cause of Linda changing into this ever so stylish set of painting clothes!

A corner shot of our efforts after removing the frog tape . Frog tape is a new invention in painter's tape that fairly prevents bleeding for such projects! Good thinking! We had great success and were pleased with our results, which ended in few touch ups. (Note the striping template leaning in the window).

Tomorrow, we are going to complete the room with most of the art, accessories and finishing details. That's when the real satisfaction is felt. So far, we're loving our successful and very stylish Restyle!

This is our condensed mound of used tape! Nice sight now that's it's all been removed....

Sneak peek before completion!

2011-03-27T23:56:00.005-04:00

Just to keep your interest up, I have several additional photos of the progress that has been made in our Restyle project in Charlotte, N.C.

Linda has kept the project moving along and has everything in place for our final phase to be completed this next week (barring any further complications of an ugly respiratory infection I have been plagued with this past week-ugh.)

All the painting has been completed.

Draperies are in the process of being installed! (Man, I love this fabric!!!) It's difficult to tell from this light exposure that the draperies are a subtle gray/blue and cream hip floral!

Coming up-
a. painted stripes (color to be determined after we consult!)
b. accessories to be placed and hung
c. Final photos!
d. Ooh's and Ahh's to follow.

I should arrive late Wednesday night and the fun begins on Thursday! Stay tuned for the finished room.

What a way to start a marathon shopping trip for Black-eyed Susan at High Point!

While you were sleeping...

2011-03-19T22:41:00.013-04:00

As for the absence of posts...too many late nights at the store!

Shannon and I spent too many nights reworking the floor and finding delight in the many new items calling our names from the stockroom shelves. And that's the truth.

The Vanguard sale will be over at month's end. We've received several additional orders of furniture in which always requires a late night of creative magic, re-arranging rooms, and setting the stage for inspiration. So today, before I left the store, I snapped these photos of some of the great new sofas and chairs that we had to work with this week. Each time you turn the corner, there's another grouping to love.

My absolute favorite! Urban chic, combined with comfort and transitional style. I designed this one in a great menswear herringbone that is subtle yet defined. All five pillows are included in the price! All of the collections are available to purchase right off the floor, or by special order in hundreds of fabrics. I'm here, along with my design staff, to help make your design dreams come to life.

I love this one so much that I designed on in a natural linen, and another in a mohair substitute heather ed velvet. Soooooooo comfy! No need for stadium seating when you can sink into this. And those cute chairs in the foreground are natural linen with an outside back made from an old tobacco sack. Way cute!

This great sofa is in a cool tweed texture. Color: taupe, the new neutral. Late one night, Shannon and I decided if we ever cut the floral department to a bare minimum, we would only need this color of green! It makes almost anything charming and inviting! This sofa has a fresh modern touch, yet is not so over the top that it couldn't blend into your traditional room.

A good way to kick it up a notch!

The most unusual and dressy piece I brought in is this! A bit of French influence makes this beauty striking and oh-so-stylish! (Note the metallic zebra linen!) It is subtle and very chic. The one cushion design is perfect for this style. If you have a fabulous salon room just waiting to be dressed, come check it out.

Two of these beautiful velvet tufted chairs flank the sofa and invite conversation. Ooh la la!

This is the velvet/mohair version of the linen one I love. Comfort for sure. The color is a medium taupe. Never mind those plaid accent pillows. I have no idea how those got into the mix. As my sister says, they were a "gift with purchase". And I don't like them much, either. Ugh. But never fear, there's plenty of room for snazzy pillows to appear.

...just a closer look at the dramatic oversized nailheads! Wow! You can select from 9 or 10 finishes and 4 sizes. I choose the large size!

And, if you're not in the market for a new sofa or chair...there's a lot of great spring looks waiting to go home with you!

What is it about eggs, anyway? Come on in for some inspiration and great prices.

As for me, I'm hoping for a little calmer week to come with less "night shift" work.

Love this color!

2011-03-10T21:43:00.008-05:00

Our Restyle project is coming along. Paint is, indeed, a magic wand! Your least expensive quick change; stage-setter; mood changer; updater. It's all that and then some!

Linda had been used to the drama of red.We wanted the same drama, but different! The new neutral is taupe-y , cooler , grayer tones. Neutral can still be dramatic when paired with the perfect contrasts. Warm brown sugar tones in the adjacent living room set the stage for the new contrast of the dining room; SW Warm Stone, my new favorite. It was actually her home, that years ago launched my love of SW Halcyon Green (really blue...). While trying to find a compliment and to offer some relief from the deep golds, I landed on this color as a selection for her great room, and have never looked back. I have used that shade in one variation or anther since that time. Oops, I got off track while singing the praise of SW Halcyon! Back to SW Warm Stone.

Keep in mind as you look at the progress that the room yet has to be striped, so the walls and furniture are all the same color! Even with all that SW Warm Stone, Linda is loving the transformation so far. Take a look!

Still dramatic while being neutral...

*Note the painted ceiling! Anyone who knows my design style knows I always spec the ceiling to be painted in the same color. Yes. The SAME color, dark or light. The same color. Try it!

Our draperies are going to be a gorgeous modern gray-blue floral punctuated with a fairly true white. I selected a soft white for the trim with the inspiration of the fabric. Once the trim started to be painted, Linda made a decision to soften it a bit more. The original color seemed too stark.
Good call it seems. I'm loving the drama of this. You might review the original photos to see that the trim color was a deep gold. It's a fresh change-still, with drama!

In just a few weeks, I will arrive in Charlotte a few days prior to the High Point Furniture Market to help Linda complete the painted stripes. It will be a full day, but the change will be completed.

We purchased this vintage piece quite a few years ago and decided to make the brave change to---you guessed it, paint! Gotta love that SW Warm Stone. Ah hhhhh! (I always use satin for the finish on painted furniture.)

So there you have it, the most recent progress report on the Restyle Charlotte, NC project.

It will be fun to hear your opinions so far. It may be a week or so before the next report.

A little explanation...

2011-03-09T21:40:00.002-05:00

I've got an update on my North Carolina Restyle, but no time to drop and drag my photos! I've had to leave my house before 8:00am every morning this week, and haven't gotten home from work until long after dinner...then an hour or so of email catch ups and a few blogs to read-holy moly!!

I'll try again tomorrow. I can tell you there are some cute new things in the store that I've been putting out and, FYI--if you want any of the new moss orbs, you'd better run on in! They're almost gone. Darn. I love those things.

It's sad to sell the things I love! I've heard that's the name of the game, but sometimes I'm just not ready.

Floral sale in progress; Vanguard Furniture sale month with more great pieces coming early next week!

Hopefully, a new report with photos tomorrow.

second thoughts...

2011-03-01T22:59:00.007-05:00

We're well into the dining room Restyle project, and I have to say that my friend could be in the throws of regrets!

Making room for the next piece of the puzzle means clearing the garage from two rows of dining room chairs to make room for the dining room table. (Never mind the cars...)
It's a bit like musical chairs actually! The real inside scoop is that she is in the stage of being totally frustrated with the disruption of her living space. It happens.

With the personality and familiar favorites of the former dining room taken down in preparation for the painter who arrives within the next few days, the project now becomes utter chaos. Linda is wondering if this really is a good idea..."why, oh why did I do this?"

Red walls still remain, draperies are down, along with our once favorite vintage frames and plates...it's just a red room.

"Where in the world will I put all the old stuff? Really? Is change worth all this?!" (Anyone interested in some of the old accessories-check back a few posts-email me for prices.)

"May I ask how my once immaculate living room now serves as a storage unit?" *sigh* "Calgon, take me away."

Okay, hang in there Linda. The painter will be finished with the base coat on the walls and ceilings soon enough. I'll be there shortly to help paint the stripes...it'll be fun! Really. We'll reupholster the chair pads, Restyle the accessories, hang the drapes and install the new chandelier (my favorite, of course!). You're coming down the home stretch now, don't give up.

Perhaps you could clear a path through the garage, and you could invite guests in through kitchen door. Well, after all, the path to the front door is now an obstacle path.

Now, while Linda is trying to hold on to her sanity, I still have a few details to take care of:

:: new fabric selection for the dining room chairs
:: re purpose or find a home for former accessories
:: design new accessory plan and place said orders
:: talk Sneelock into driving to North Carolina AGAIN...
:: locate striping template in warehouse, oops garage
:: select art with a fresh, hip look
:: say a prayer about painting problems with the dining room table
:: continue daily pep talks with Linda
:: hold my breath and continue the magic

Wish us luck. We can't stop now...

"Springing Things Up!"

2011-02-28T00:23:00.019-05:00

In the last week or so, the look around Black-eyed Susan has changed! One of my cutest regulars (Joan) came in this weekend and told me that she had been "springing things up" at her house with her purchases from the weekend before! She proceeded to give me a verbal description of all that she did with these favorites. It was really fun to hear of her creative accessorizing and in our conversation, she told me that she often said out loud to herself , "what would Susan do?" Well, Joan, I think you did just fine!

And today she left with several other favorites to add to her story. Check out my last twitter post to see the large spring hare she delighted in! (I had my eye on it myself.)

Take a look at some of my favorite recent purchases to "spring up" your own place.

You just can't tell these from the real thing! Fabulous.

This fresh green hydrangea wreath is even more delightfully bright in person!

These perky little snow drops speak the language of spring...then tuck a few of these pale aqua ceramic eggs into the soil--wow!

I can never tire of the sophistication and loveliness of these life-like phaleanopsis. They even move like the real thing!

The lively color of succulents-to die for. Succulents are so stylish now!

I had to take a few of these home with me to "spring up" my own place. They move like a soft breeze is in the orchard. Ahhhhhhh

All variety of new mossy orbs! Shannon helped me work the "late shift" last week to "spring things up"as Joan says! It was fun to have a creative partner in the late night hours. She took note that my new spheres are my "spring pine cones" as she put it! True enough. The bounty of mossy orbs in a variety of shapes and sizes, do indeed serve the same purpose as my favorite 16" pine cones used throughout the store during the winter months! Good observation Shannon!

New boxwood spheres...so cool.

Shannon and I reworked the windows with a breath of fresh air. They are a colorful, happy version of a French flower market! *note the spheres*

Chartreuse green dogwoods, what could be happier?...and, mossy orbs tucked into the mantle design.

Fresh apple branches---48" apple branches! Real beauties.

Breezy little maidenhair ferns and leaf cuttings...

Note the root ball on this long, airy fern! Plop it in a clear glass vase and it's perfect!

I just couldn't resist this cropped shot of a favorite new lamp that just arrived. And guess what color the French script on the shade is...Warm Stone! I need a couple of those!

If you want a breath of fresh air, and a smile to go home with, just drop in and take in the view.
And did I mention that we are having our semi-annual floral sale? Couldn't be better! 35% off all stems, wreaths, ready-mades and custom arrangements.

Come see the magic. It's real!

All Lined Up!

2011-02-25T22:12:00.008-05:00

We're moving right along with the dining room Restyle!

Next in line, the chairs. I can't believe what a new, fresh look these chairs have! SW Warm Stone is a keeper, for sure. (I think I might like kitchen cabinets in this color...)

We are in the process of selecting fabric for the chair seats. You may recall they were a beautiful (but totally traditional) red and gold repetitive print. So far, we're considering an animal print with taupe and soft blue; soft aqua patent leather; or, warm stone urban graphic print. We've already selected the new drapery.I'll try to photograph it tomorrow and for a preview.

One small mistake was made...the chairs were to be a slightly lighter shade of warm stone. Not.
Check out the lineup of chairs- all, SW Warm Stone. Well, maybe we'll make a change in the color of the table! Some contrast would be interesting.

Here's Terry using the spray bottle gadget I mentioned in the kickoff post. Pretty cool.

...a pretty sight! (Especially when the work is being done by our friend, Terry!

There they are-painted and ready for the final fabric selection and recovering. Nice change.

Our friend has headed home to Utah now, and the rest of the painting will be up to my client. We'll see how the table progresses. From the frustrated phone call I got today, my guess is...not so good!

Keep following for more tips and excitement!

Don't forget to comment in order to be eligible for the Restyle giveaway.

Add to My List of Favorites!

2011-02-22T23:47:00.004-05:00

Interior Design has really set its roots in the trend of modernism in the last few years. That is to say that modernism influences almost all design right now. I'm really buying into it, too! Modernism=sophistication, graphic pattern, and soft neutral colors. Clean lines, but comfort too. No more over sized rolled arms with large bun feet. Instead, track arms or low, sloping ones. Tapered legs, always exposed. No skirts.

This modernism started to creep into design about three years ago, but now it's here--fully embraced by designers who keep up with trend and influence the local clients.

Three years ago, I used this chandelier in my designer room for Bucks County...

I continue to love it (I have the largest size, 33" in my store foyer, and two of the medium size, 25" in my personal design studio.) I haven't tired of it yet, and continue to sell this style almost weekly to someone.

This is another favorite that I used first in a North Carolina project:

This is the swank living room of one of my stylish and cute employees, Lisa! I love the sleek sophistication yet warm feel of it. That living room is terribly cool as well!

So, just call if you want to update your dining room, foyer, master bedroom, or upstairs hallways with the likes of these! As for me, the master bedroom at my house is calling for one.

Out of the gate!

2011-02-20T23:39:00.012-05:00

I thought you might like to see the beginning of progress being made in the Redesign project (dining room from former post).

Painting furniture makes a big statement of style and can really change a room, but it really is a project!

The garage was set up as the "shop"! Our painter opted to spray paint the furniture. Did you know that you can purchase a pump bottle that can turn any can of paint into a spray paint?! Sherwin Williams offers this dandy contraption.

...work in progress

Terry started with the top of the china cupboard. As you can see, the back is taped to prevent the spray from hitting the mirror.

Closeup of china cabinet. We are using several of my favorite colors for the furniture and walls-SW Tony Taupe and SW Warm Stone. I fell upon these colors several years ago when we did the Bucks County Designer House living room, and have been a lover of them ever since.
It's amazing the change already in the look of this furniture! When I first considered the design of the room, I really was lobbying for new furniture. The painted finish makes an enormous difference in the style of the room, taking a true traditional dark stained cabinet into a cleaner, slightly urban feel-all due to paint! The color of paint is important in the process, but just leave that up to me!

Review of these colors used in the Bucks County Designer House living room

SW Warm Stone on chest, SW Warm stone and SW Brainstorm Bronze for stripes

I loved this room, and expect that the Redesign for the new dining room will be a favorite soon!

(Just to remind you what it looked like prior to beginning the painting!)

Yes, this is definitely progress...out with the old and in with the new!

Stay tuned for more progress. And, don't forget to comment to be entered into the drawing for the next Redesign project by Susan and her team. Good luck!

Restyle Kickoff!

2011-02-16T22:47:00.011-05:00

There's lots of exciting things coming up this spring!

My new service, Redesign, is getting a lot of attention and being well received! I have about three Redesign projects going on at present, and I'm going to document each one of them so you can begin to relate to the process.

First launched by Oprah and her friend, Nate, Redesign offers solutions to your rooms that need a special vision and touch to bring the personality to the room and breath fresh life and love into it. The price is affordable and the rewards are great. More information to come about the offerings!

For now, I'm Redesigning my dear friend, Linda's dining room. While in Charlotte last weekend to consult on her new kitchen, we did the one day plan for the new dining room Redesign as well.
That is what is so cool about the Redesign---it's almost instant!

So, here are the before pictures. I have to admit that I quite like the before pictures! This room was done quite a few years ago, soon after I designed one of my favorite rooms for The Jr. League of Greater Princeton show house---a delightful butler's pantry.

Take a look at the before shots of the room:

Brick red walls and ceiling-soon to be gone. We have plans to replace the existing chandelier.
Lots of painted furniture everywhere!

Some of my favorite coll aged plates in empty vintage frames-most likely will be replaced. *sigh*

When this fabric was originally selected, it was cutting edge style! Really. My new idea is to hang the drapery panels high, just under the crown molding and on the outside of the bay.

While this traditional furniture it not our favorite style, we will breath new life into it with a current paint color (wait to see it!). Table, chairs, and china hutch will all be part of the re-invention with a little paint magic.

Just one other wall of collectibles that probably will not make the cut. I can still remember the hours of collecting for the original design!

This unique vintage cabinet will also be reinvented with paint! I have chosen several colors of similar tones-warm stone, taupe-y colors. Not tired of that color yet!

Some of this will be used, but fresh new art and some accents will be necessary to carry off the restyle.

There is modernism in every design project today. It is that modernism that keeps the design fresh and current. I'm not talking over-the-edge contemporary! Modernism is way more classic than that! Cutting edge cool. But not sensational. Just right!

Linda is excited for the change and so am I! Hopefully, the painting is going on as we speak. The details and completion should be done the few days prior to High Point Market in early April.

I have decided to have a contest for a complimentary Redesign where I would offer all of the design fees as a complimentary service. All you have to do is comment on this project as you follow it! It's easy to comment. If you have a google account, you're set. If not, you can sign in as "anonymous" super easy. Anyone who comments will be eligible for the random drawing.
Follow the project and comment as many times as you like!

Let's get started.

To Market, To Market to Buy a....

2011-02-01T20:52:00.014-05:00

Ice storms aside, I spent the last few days in NYC completing the January market selections for the new inventory that will flood the back door soon at Black-eyed Susan!

New York Market it always on the heels of The Atlanta Market, and I always wish there were just a few more weeks between...That being said, 4:30 a.m. comes awfully early in the morning when preparing to catch the train into the city for the day.

We always try to find new resources, the cutest and the most stylish. I think I did it.

Probably my favorite find of the trip...these fabulous tea towels in every single favorite color! 100% linen and user friendly+style! What more could you ask?!

Just another portion of the same collection...

Additional coordinating graphic prints. So perfect.

Reusable green bag for shopping...complete with inside key pocket and more!

You know that new jewelry is always on my radar! What do you think about these new selections?! I'll take one of each,thank you.

Layering + glitz. Yes.

Cutest new dining chair...pure style.

Yet another favorite, and both are very well priced! You can ask me more about these!

One of my favorite designer/vendors is David. He scouts all over France and England for cool finds to add to his collection. I've noticed that many of my personal favorites throughout my home are from his collections over the years. We had a fun conversation about this quadrant of framed pieces. You can't see the background, by they have old ledgers behind the inkblots! (Emily, I think this could be the first piece of art for your future office!)

Again, I'll talk all 9. All the ledgers are original vintage pages! Be still my heart.

Will I ever get enough of this style of pillows? Bring them on, please!

Coolest bedding collection; sharp lime and gray...duvet and coordinating pillows. Once again, pure style.

These are just a few of my favorite things soon to be appearing. Stop in for a look!

No More Shoes

2011-01-19T23:07:00.013-05:00

Today we packed up and loaded the car and then headed off for one more day of buying. About an hour into the trek, I realized that I had exhausted my shoe wardrobe of anything that could remotely carry me through another day in even slight comfort! It's time to go home.

We spent the day shopping for fun things for the store, as well as a few customer requests that I needed to resource. The market was absolutely empty! It was bliss. No lines. No waiting for the elevator. No crowds in the elevator. On other hand, there were also no salespeople. No food. No complimentary water. You get the picture. The last day of market is only for the die-hards. Anyone who is left roaming the floors is a kindred spirit.

We selected 4 floors that had a concentration of home accents and went to work covering every showroom on each floor.Here are just a few of the great finds that I ordered today for the store. I think you'll be excited as I when they arrive!

Delightful course linen printed chair with colors that were calling my name!

Equally fabulous coffee table (never mind that rug!). Great style. Great size. Great price.

I love this new interpretation of a dining room chandelier with glass drum shades.

Yes! A chartreuse lamp!! Be still my heart.

In another showroom altogether, this artwork themed around, you guessed it, chartreuse!

While perusing multiple art showrooms, I found this very exciting print of a baby grand piano.

I placed an order for this favorite of years past in the hope that my darling friend, Lisa, will fall in love with it for her new Ralph Lauren inspired den now being designed.

Trophy vases. I love them! I have a collection of vintage ones, and I can never get enough. These reproductions are a great fools eye addition, soon to be arriving! (I'm sure Ralph would approve).

A box of old books, made to look even older could not be resisted. I'll find many uses for these treasures.

At the end of the day, we came across this quote by Henry Thoreau! My mother and I used to have favorite calendars with quotes that we would share each day. I kept a file of my favorites, and this was one. It brought back many memories of good times with my hero. Who wouldn't want this as an office statement piece?!

We left the market with a full bag of orders, new resources, and jewels from the cash and carry. Many pair of shoes later,and loaded with piles of purchase orders to sort, new Christmas stories to be revealed next October, preferred resources to share, and too many new ideas for two design minds to hold, we headed for Charlotte, NC.

I'd say we had a successful and productive trip. As for myself, I may have a nap on the plane ride home tomorrow.

Chartreuse Trend!

2011-01-18T21:27:00.014-05:00

A week ago or so, I reported that I had several favorite new fabrics and a new favorite color! How pleased I was to find that it appears that this is an overall trend in the design industry! It always surprises me when this happens...my favorite blues of the past few years are now the hottest color trends everywhere!

Just take a look at some of the "chartreuse sightings" as I like to call them...in every category!

Literally in almost every showroom, chartreuse showed up and caught my eye immediately.

Fabulously large chartreuse lidded vessel...

A wee bit smaller, still the same great color!

Candlesticks...chartreuse, of course!

Finials are a favorite category:: chartreuse finials; the best!

...even dishes

This grey and chartreuse rug...absolutely perfect with my favorite new pallet noted a few posts ago!

One more hip rug with chartreuse playing a major roll. My flash has distorted the color slightly, but take my word for it...oh, yea. Chartreuse!

We spent a good hour in a favorite showroom ; Whitehurst. They specialize in the finest imported glass ornaments from about an inch to 8 inches! For years, Black-eyed Susan has been known for having these unusual sizes (you know, bigger is better!). Last year, I was really missing the addition of the 1" accent ornaments in as many colors and finishes as you can dream of. This year they'll be back! These little darlings have hundreds of uses and you can expect to see them in unusual settings throughout the showroom.

This long shot doesn't even do justice to the hundreds of selections available! Not only color, they are available in shiny, matt, and pearl ! We had to search the entire building to find them and query many vendors; voila! Success. You're going to love these as much as I do.

...and just one more happy surprise! A brand new color for this year! Chartreuse!

Oh, happy Chartreuse. My mother would love this new trend. So do I.

Tomorrow is our last day, 7 of 7. Whew. We're ready to get on the road to get home. We've found some great new offerings and look forward to presenting them to you. I'm thinking tomorrow will be a day for flats. Yes, flats for sure.

Stylish Finds and Then Some

2011-01-18T00:19:00.016-05:00

Just for the record...aforementioned cutest stylish rolling cart at market...(a little overstuffed at current time with orders, memos, and all items previously noted).

We began our day hitting one of our favorite areas, High Design. This part of the market is filled with stylish vendors who reside on the high side of style-so perfect! I will start by noting several vendors not in the club, so to speak.

Even glitter can't help this one...

Linda and I started the day donned in some of our newly acquired cash and carry treasures. These are some serious jewels! We wondered if we could carry the extra weight of style...and then cheerfully decided that they would take our minds off our tired feet. It seems to work!
We stopped in the booth of one of our favorite linen vendors to take a self portrait. We entertained the entire crowd with our photography antics.

What do you think of this pillow as a Valentine's Day token? So beautiful. Check out the small charm attached with ribbon. All linen. Put it on my list, please!

Just another angle for your pleasure.

We found these fabulous new offerings in the same booth: handmade wreaths made from recycled old sheet music! I took a minute to examine how they were made and was overwhelmed with the man hours seemingly involved. I quickly placed an order! SO cool.

Closeup of paper wreath...can you stand it?!

I took this photo of a display of delightful designs, each one more enticing than the next! I love these!!

(Close-up of the embellishment tied on with organza ribbon for your delight)!

The whole booth was just inspiring. One pillow after another with embellishments we love. Like these baby mother of pearl buttons. Borrowing a phrase from my daughter, Michelle, "my heart hurts"!

We ended the day by stopping in another favorite find, in honor of my darling friend and Black-eyed Susan fan, Lisa. She has recently found Mary Carol and fallen in love. We have carried our favorite selections from her line for several years. Watch for more to appear!

Fancy that! It seem that Mary Carol and I share the love of several things...thumbs up!

Blogger has not been cooperating on this trip, thus the non post last night! Here's hoping for a more successful try tomorrow before it gets to be 1:38a.m. Mornings come a bit too early this way.

The Problem Is...

2011-01-15T21:06:00.005-05:00

Some days, we get so wrapped up in staying on track that we forget to take important photos to document our day. List in hand; appointments scheduled, we travel the three buildings with 20 floors each to find our treasures. Lunch...what's that ?! Dinner, sometimes. Sometimes not.

We realized today that one of our problems is that we love almost anything that is designed with glitter as a factor! I'm not saying that all of our inventory will be glitter encrusted...but I would go as far as to say that there will be a good selection including glitter! Just say'in.

A big theme for this year will be vintage reproduction houses and churches. Take a look at these crystal encrusted, glittered houses, all battery lit for soft atmosphere.

We're hoping to finish most of the Christmas orders tomorrow and move on to general merchandise the last few days. It gets exhausting seeking and culling Christmas selections day after day after day. Good thing there is an end in sight.

We did find these cool things at the end of our day today:

Super fresh music-covered ornaments-we will probably cut the ribbon hangars off and use them as ornamental spheres.

I'm a big fan of birch-themed props that can be interpreted into home decor use. Look at these bundles in two sizes! I can already think of multiple ideas for these.

Tomorrow is day 5. Whew. I'll try to do better with photo documentation for your review. No matter how we organize our rolling cart, it becomes a black hole very easily; full of files, notes, sample fabrics, sample ornaments, pain relievers, cell phones, lipsticks in assorted colors, pens and pencils, sticky notes, gloves, secondary wraps or scarves for temperature changes within the buildings, snacks, multiple eye glasses , directories..even sometimes a change of shoes!.Can you see why it's sometimes hard to mull through all this for the camera?! Now that you have the visual of the rolling cart dilemma...I'll try to pull out the camera throughout the day.

See you tomorrow. It will be a new day.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-01-14T21:45:00.012-05:00

....collective "style over comfort"...

My third try tonight rewarded me with Blogger cooperating allowing me to upload the remaining photos from yesterday's work! I'll start with this view of our closet showing a weeks worth of shoes to be worn between the two of us. I have mentioned before that Linda is my only dear friend that shares an untypically small shoe size with me! We often look into our collective choices to try to find a shoe for the day that will sustain our long and intense creative purchasing day after day. It takes great effort and stamina to scout out the best and most unique,and well priced items that we will offer for the next year. We work together well, and find joy in the journey. There are many entertaining opportunities throughout each day!

We found this beautiful and majestic glass urn, filled with snowy pine cones. :: on order.

We loved the fresh and unexpected combination of these over sized cone hydrangeas appointed with citrus green glass ornaments and winter icy branches. (While in this favorite showroom, Linda and I were invited to come to Dallas next October to work on the design team for their setup). We were honored,but exclaimed we would be setting up our own showroom at that time!

Our eyes lit up when we found this glorious wreath of sugared green apples. :: on order.

You all know my penchant for crows....this one did not make the cut. :: not on order.

On the other hand,this one with glitter appointments and a crown :: Definitely on order.

I'll end this post with the additional spooky witches that did not make the cut...oh, my!

I swear,one is worse than the next...

I'm having a hard time imagining what kind of store carries these...

Smug as she is, absolutely, she did not make the cut. :: NOT on order.

By the end of the day, we had our 2011 holiday stories planned. They will remain a secret until next October when the magic is unveiled once again. It will be worth the wait.

9:00 p.m. finds us back in our room, reviewing paperwork, blogging and having a favorite dinner...popcorn!

Tomorrow's another day. What treasures await us!

Mostly Bad!

2011-01-13T23:50:00.005-05:00

Isn't this just a great way to scare you away from my market post?! See below for details...I won't be able to give you the complete report due to technical difficulties...sorry. I had no intention of this being the first picture to post...nor the near last. So frustrating.

We got off to a good start this morning! Up and ready to go by 8:30am, dressed in appropriate shoes for the day...after reading the handbook "rules" ..."please choice comfort over style". I will say that this seems to be well taken among most attendees!

We continued scouting out new and old resources for the best ideas and color themes for the 2011 Christmas offerings. Of course, along with finding the best, we stumble onto some of the worst while we are involved in the hunt.

For instance...

Okay, out of total frustration with Blogger, I give up for the night! I had plenty of good photos for you! However, Blogger has for some reason decided to not let me drag, cut and paste, or locate photos in my picture files. gurrrrrrr

How there can be such a plethora of unsightly and downright spooky offerings at any major market cannot be explained. But don't worry, we found plenty of cool ones too. I only wish I could have shown you the "didn't buy this crow" and "did buy this crow"!.

Also, try to imagine a great photo of a closet full of the exact shoes for style over comfort, and you can get the whole picture! Hopefully, tomorrow night, Blogger will be in a cooperative mood and I can get on with things...

Sad, sad, sad, so sad, very sad, WAY sad. SAD.

Catch me again tomorrow night and I'll be hoping for better success.

Everything Old is New Again!

2011-01-09T00:02:00.017-05:00

After multiple nights of Christmas take-down, sorting and revamping, I'm happy to report that everything old is new again! While at times and in varying degrees this project seems a bit overwhelming, when all is said and done...I'm happy with the end result; a fresh new look in every single corner of the store!

Here's a quick preview. You'll need to come in for yourself to see the real magic that happens when the store is flipped.

New mantle display; fabulous new mirror and french tray...always a few books, and voila!

The cutest props ever! Photocopied miniature French letters. Oh my! Available as a set in a tiny envelope. These will go fast.

Another cute prop to purchase...reproduced vintage photographs. I sunk mine down into these apothecary jars seated with dried Lima beans. (This might be the best use for Lima beans that I know!)

One of my absolute favorite new deliveries...this reclaimed wood top table with industrial iron base. So cool, and a very good price too!

When a complete floor change is done, every sofa, chair, bookcase, table and accent find a new home. Whew! My favorite new sofa (for now!) has found a home in the orange (Yam) room, inviting all to peer into the front windows for an inspiring peek.

Layered vintage frames, flea market music pages and dried broad leaves from my summer vacation set the stage. These repro alphabet cards bring interest to the mix, and the large rams head urns ground the display. Tiny fig trees and once again, beautiful book volumes finish the mantle design. All these items are available for your purchase.

The appearance of fresh spring floral orders just make me happy! These look like they could have been cut from the garden...never mind several inches of snow on the ground! Ahhh, the beauty of artificial perfection.

Some one's cottage or shore house is waiting for these darling chairs. And, they are as comfy as they are beautiful. The reclaimed table adds the perfect touch of modernism and interest. Hand carved wood finials and hurricanes punctuate the room setting.

Check out this cool console! Reclaimed wood top; industrial iron base; mirrored accents, just right!

I have been waiting for these chairs to come in for at east 6 months! Finally, they appeared and after a good steam ironing, here they are! I only have two left, but special orders can be taken. These are under $300.00 each! Yea!!

Okay, so I have one more area to complete...some of the items are close at hand for this last effort. I promise I'll have it completed prior to my leaving for Market on Monday!

Come see the magic. Like I said, everything old is new again!

Textiles and Color are My Drug of Choice!

2011-01-06T00:35:00.003-05:00

Just take a look at these colors!

This is a new project that I designed a color board for...I just can't get enough of this cool chartreuse and warm stone combo! I must say, I love attaching myself to new favorite colors. Yes, I think it's chartreuse and warm stone.

Ahhhhhh...

Another New Year

2011-01-02T21:22:00.005-05:00

No photos.

Just thoughts...

A new year always bring thoughts of new challenges and progress. 2010 was a year of progress and change in the world of Black-eyed Susan. Good change. I left my tiny flagship location in Yardley, Pa. of 18 years, and traded it for a tiger by the tail store in Buckingham, Pa. (I recently was told that Google doesn't recognize "Holicong, Pa" which is just fine with me! Holicong sounds so back-woods. I suppose it's a historic Indian name of sorts, but Buckingham works just fine for me!

Good: Great location on a main design corridor of bustling Bucks County, Pa.
Bad: Many more hours of required floor time and "night shift" merchandising!

Good: Retail growth and recognition; many new clients and a lot of my old ones too.
Bad: More inventory requirements and bigger cash flow requirements!

Good: Expanded offerings such as our Vanguard Furniture Gallery
Bad: Flipping the entire store as often as I like to do takes an immense amount of effort and manpower.

Ugh.

Good: My design library and personal office is fabulous and back up to par!
Bad: The stockroom is about the same amount of space as my teeny tiny Yardley stockroom!
Bad: The increased inventory is a real problem for this current stockroom.

EEK!

Good: Connie hasn't quit yet.
Bad: Miki hasn't come back yet.

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with one of my fabric sales reps. I expressed a dream for what I called "the return of the mohair economy"! Some years ago, I sold tons of mohair. I love mohair! You find it in the most exclusive hotels (i.e. The Ritz ), fine department stores, (i.e. Nordstrom) and on vintage sofas and chairs (because it doesn't wear out!). But, it's expensive.

My dream for this year for all of us in and out of the design trade: the return of the mohair economy.

I'm also excited to launch my new Redesign service. Watch for more information on this. It is an exciting new trend for instant gratification and less expense in design offerings.

Additionally, I am working on the new menu of events for Spring 2011 to be published soon.

Lastly, next week...yup, I go to Market to buy Holiday 2011. You know how I feel about this...I'm not really ready to face another Christmas idea, my trees for this year aren't even put away yet. Ugh. But something happens to make it all magical once again-some kind of spell, I swear! I can count on being up to the task once again.

Don't worry, I'll keep you posted on the good and the bad of the 2011 Holiday purchases!
,
Welcome, New Year. Change is good.

Visions of Sugarplums

2010-12-20T01:10:00.014-05:00

After a short cat nap in the early evening, I made the decision to use my night at home to get ahead of the game by mixing up a double batch of my mother's best ever sweet roll bread recipe. In the spirit of gift giving and family traditions, I embarked on this aggressive endeavor a bit late in the evening for common sense to be involved! (And a double batch, what was I thinking?!)

My mother's recipe is a tried and true favorite, but while studying some new menu options for my Christmas dinner and the days afterward, I came across an adaptation that I decided to try for this year.

A double batch of sweet roll dough is no small amount! 14 cups of flour and a pound of butter later...

A half a pound of butter goes into the yeast dough and the other half pound is waiting for the rolling out process. I soften this portion to the point of spreading with my pastry brush on the soft rolled out dough.

The new addition I mentioned is brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling...

and confectioner's sugar blended with heavy cream lines the bottom of the pan. Yum!

After separating my large dough into six equal parts, I began the rolling out process. The first pan began the final rise while I hurried to get the remaining portions rolled out.

The misfits (small end cuts) get their own special pan for "poison control" as my sister calls them! We always taste these to make sure all is well!

One of the finished pans just out of the oven (many hours later, I might add! I like the new adaptation alright, but am not sure it trumps my mother's old standard!! The recipe calls for baking 20-25 minutes. I baked my first pans for 20 minutes, as they looked browned and not overdone, but when I turned them out, the topping wasn't caramelized. The second pans I baked for the 23 minutes, and this was the result. Better.

...the poison control rolls were put to the test...

Too bad Sneelock already went to bed...I've got quite a project ahead of me to clean up!

Here is the basic sweet roll recipe:

Disolve 2 TBL yeast in 1/2 cup warm water w/2tsp sugar
Melt 1 cube butter; ad 2 cups water and 2/3 cups powdered milk

Put milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 tsp salt in Bosch (or Kitchen Aid) dough mixer
Add 3 cups flour and beat well

Add yeast mixture and beat well again.
Add 2 eggs, beat well, very well (till bubbly).

Add another 4 cups flour. Dough will be soft. Transfer to a large mixing bowl that has been brushed with oil, or Pam spray. Cover with a tea towel and set in warm place to rise.

let rise 2 times about 45minutes to 1 hour each (depending on altitude).

Divide dough and roll out into desired shapes (sweet rolls, or cinnamon bread).

Bake in 375 degree oven 20-25 minutes.

*note to self* Start bread making project before 9:00 p.m.

I feel happy that this part of my celebration is ready and waiting.

Sad, Sad, Sad, so Sad.....SAD!

2010-12-19T01:10:00.015-05:00

Every year, this time of the retail holiday season starts to look sad. I mean sad. To quote my cute friend, Jan, "sad, sad, sad, so sad, very sad...SAD"! As I peruse the sales floor, trying to fill in the bare spots, my heart aches and I couldn't agree more! I know it's a good thing, but it still makes me sad to see my once filled to the brim, screaming stylish holiday, cutest ever selections...well, you know, empty. Sad.

...bookcases, once chock full of santas, snowmen, and bottle brush trees-now, a lonely few mini cloches and paper pulp house ornament stand alone...

...bare spaces, everywhere! Oh, this makes my heart hurt.

...here a santa, there a santa...

...once a fully packed tree, full of vintage inspired red and platinum ornaments...

...empty vessels with odd assortments...

...a definite surprise left unpurchased...

...sad mantle, once flanked with boxwood-filled urns and plentiful sugarcones...

p.s. this is a fresh fully bloomed amaryllis! (now 40% off...)

...a few orphaned angles stand on this mirrored platform where a bevy of skaters recently had a gathering...

...this mirrored tray which only a few hours before had a great design of candlesticks, assorted ornaments and snow, now piled with close-at-hand fill-ins...

...a second ever-so-sad mantle; minus a wreath hanging inside the frame, large weathered candlesticks, vintage photo frames, bottlebrush trees and santas, not to mention a lush garland...

...unrelated, empty tabletops everywhere!

Before leaving for the day, I did my best to fill in the empty spots and create some kind of interest. It's just sad! Where once an entire store filled with holiday magic and lush inventory in every corner stood, now an obvious end of the season.

There are a few favorites still to be found, so come in for some great deals!

Good thing in less than one month, my market for holiday 2011 begins...
Wait, did I say "good thing"....oh, dear. I'm not sure I'm ready for that again.

Thanks for a wonderfully supportive holiday 2010 season. Our first Christmas in my new location was definitely a success! (I'm not sure that my friend, Ben, was prepared for the glitter kingdom to prevail throughout our shared 10,000 square feet!) Rest assured, by next September,just a month before the whole thing starts again, the last of the glitter will finally be gone...

Have a wonderful, happy and tender Christmas. Goodbye retail holiday magic 2010.

My True Love Gave to Me...

2010-12-13T22:22:00.003-05:00

It's getting more and more difficult to keep the retail showroom looking spectacular! Low inventory...I mean lower and lower and lower. I guess I shouldn't complain, but just say'in...you know how I feel about "my stuff"!

The end of the fall/holiday event menu is nearing. We had a successful "On a Silver Tray" event last Thursday. Lots of cool ideas and demonstrations. Between sales from that night and our busy Saturday, things are dwindling.

Check out this example from my class...champagne ornaments, tinsel trees, and an assortment of candlesticks. I had a great assortment of vintage mirrors an silver trays that I transformed into my platform. Some were colorful, some neutral, and all had a bit of glitter!

This week, and for the next 12 Days of Christmas, I will be offering special discounts that will be enticing for fans of Black-eyed Susan! Watch your email for a different offer in a certain category each day! While inventory levels are waning, some of my personal favorites are still for the taking! I'll be on hand to help create the vision and be your personal shopper.

I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Set-ups, Day 8: Halleluiah!

2010-12-06T23:57:00.007-05:00

Gear up for one last day of set-ups with a breakfast of fresh bran muffins and cottage cheese
Plan outfits with layered clothing to combat freezing temperatures
Arrive at set-up, tools in tow, and--on auto-pilot--begin tackling banister, mantles, and kugels
Enjoy Diet Coke (served in lead crystal goblets) and lunch courtesy of another gracious client
Clean up, bid goodbye and thank client, sink gratefully into heated seats and decide, spontaneously, to get pedicures!
Go into partial trance while feet are pampered
Laugh at Susan's midget foot in salon-provided flip-flop
Cringe at having to walk to the car in frigid weather wearing said flip-flops
Decide on one more brief shopping expedition, followed by late dinner at Baja Fresh
Thank server for taking our order despite apparent imminent close
Enjoy fine array of salsas and warm tortilla chips
Attempt one last SP, hoping that blurry outcome disguises signs of aging and fatigue
Drive home to pack Denise's purchases, sad that--though the week has been exhausting with a combined total of 135 man-hours--our sister time is over

Set-ups, Day 7: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (and women)

2010-12-06T23:23:00.005-05:00

Rejoice in not setting alarm the night previously; sleep until we wake up on our own

Blog, relax, get ready for church
Attempt self-portrait prior to departure for church; lament unavoidable presence of dark under-eye circles despite extra sleep
Enjoy a quick nap after church, before making dinner
Agree to take a quick trip to the store to tidy up after busy sale weekend
Finally get around to front window re-vamp
Sneak rare photo of Susan wearing athletic shoes

Set-ups, Day 6: Merry and Bright

2010-12-05T12:02:00.007-05:00

Enjoy quick breakfast of instant oatmeal with blueberries; hope there really is something to product's promises of staying power and heart health
Layer clothing to fight biting wind-chill factor
Remember to take daily self-portrait while lipstick is still fresh; lament what humidity does to hairdos
Arrive at new client's home to begin set-up, grateful that she invested in beautiful, soft artificial cedar garlands which need little if any primping
Wish that travel-sized hand cream in purse still had something left in it to soothe scratched hands (from primping countless scratchy garland throughout the week)
Hang assorted kugels from dining room chandelier
Call to reschedule afternoon set-up to allow for time to work in the store on one of the busiest days of the year
Eat a quick lunch in the car on the way to the store
Work in store until closing
Head out to patiently-waiting client's house; hang kugels, decorate mantle, and generally work Christmas magic
Express gratitude for array of tasty snacks provided by said client
Load supplies into car, take deep breaths, and head to Kohl's for another round of Christmas shopping
Wish for tub of hot water in which to soak aching feet

Set-ups, Day 5: Comfort and Joy

2010-12-04T13:05:00.003-05:00

Savor sleeping in until 7 a.m.!
Head for only scheduled setup for the day, lamenting that we're only a team of two
Call store to see if anyone is available to help; access denied, as store is WAY busy
Unpack box after box of favorite things from Susan's store, purchased by client in years past
Exclaim over beauty of tree!
Break for lunch--a lovely catered affair on holiday china hosted by our gracious client, Lani
Swoon over arugula salad with Craisins, walnuts, and blue cheese; salivate over dessert tray sporting a tempting array of lemon bars, pecan tassies, chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, brownies, and cannolis
Hope that climbing ladders multiple times daily counts as workout
Love Lani for allowing us to take creative license in our work
Comment on how inviting her house looks from the street
Finish later than we thought; crack open a Coke Zero to prepare for evening of Christmas shopping
Drag ourselves home around 11:15 p.m., shopping bounty in tow

Set-ups, Day 4: Over the River and Through the Woods

2010-12-03T23:43:00.004-05:00

Pick up newly-delivered greens at store to complete outdoor urns; head back to Princeton
Arrive at set-up greeted by dozens of XL Rubbermaid tote bins with contents waiting to be unpacked, spruced, primped, hung, tied, embellished, and displayed
Attempt to stifle mild panic at amount of work to be finished in allotted time
Feel immense gratitude and relief for having highly competent team of six workers--especially JJ, who cheerfully fulfilled all assignments requiring climbing ladders to dizzying heights and all jobs involving hefting of live trees to second-story balconies
Breathe a sigh of relief when client's 12' tree full of collector Radko and McKenzie Childs ornaments is up with only one minor casualty
Express exasperation upon realization that hectic pace of the day preempted extensive photo documentation
Feel happy that Shannon took time to snap a few photos of the outdoor urns
Leave client's house (Susan) just in time to breeze into Light the Lights! store event (leaving remaining team members behind to finish the job)
Finish set-up with remaining team; stop on way back to store for a gourmet meal at Wawa deli
Chuckle at missing Person alert posted at deli counter