said Interior Design

Beautiful Last Minute Gifts!!

2011-12-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best the season has to offer.

Even if you are shopping at the last minute, we still have some unique and special gifts--from Butter of London nail polish at 25% off to beautiful hand crafted ornaments that are guaranteed to become family heirlooms to colorful pillows. Come and see us today through the 23rd.

Holiday Ready!

2011-11-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you my latest project that will also be featured in About Face magazine! What you can't see here is that the sofa/chaise faces a beautiful view of the river. The homeowner is an artist with a great sense of color, so we wanted to use colors that would be enhanced by her beautiful artwork.

The sophisticated light fixture over the dining room table is custom from Stonegate--I love the square shape. The sofa/chaise from Bernhardt was a perfect solution for viewing the ever changing river view as well as being able to recline and watch tv or read a book.

This floor includes the living room, dining room and kitchen and the homeowner was happy to report that they had a gathering of 18 people and everyone could move around comfortably, in fact they could have had added a few more guests!

Happy Holidays!

Bats At The Beach!!

2011-07-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do with interior design but does have to do with being friends for over 40 years and the adventures that can happen! Lest you think the title has to do with two old bats who are friends, NO!! I am talking about the Real McCoy. OK, maybe we are two old bats but that is not what this story is about!

Our adventure started as we headed to the beach on a Thursday evening for a much anticipated girls "Spa Weekend" at my beach cabin in Rockaway. We left with several bottles of wine, a dinner ready for the first night and some movies in tow. I had scheduled us for facials and massages in Manzanita on Friday afternoon, and then we planned more wine and dinner. As you can see, this story involves lots of wine! Everything was going just as planned, and Friday evening after watching a too long romantic comedy, Just Go With It starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, we headed off to bed.

I was dead to the world when we both awoke to a crashing sound. It sounded like something had fallen off the wall. Trying to ignore it, we both tried to go back to sleep, but of course, at that point we started hearing all manner of strange noises. Little scrapings and scratchings.

In the past we have had our run-ins with mice at the cabin, but since getting a varmint control that emits an ear piercing continuous beep we have not experienced any problems for several years!! But now as we laid in bed, we heard strange scraping sounds. OK, that was it, I got out of bed, turned on the lights and went to take a look. Donna stayed in bed while I checked it out. I turned on all the lights and saw that a picture had fallen in the bathroom. Hmmm, quite mysterious, as it was leaned up against the wall on a 12" shelf, unlikely that it would just spontaneously fall off a 12" ledge, is it??? I decided to arm myself with a broom as protection against God knows what. Then in a stroke of genius, I told Donna that I am going to turn on the varmint control. I opened the closet door, turned on the control, and at that moment a BAT, yes a BAT started flying around in circles in our room!!! Donna, immediately covered her head with the blankets while I let out several yelps and jumped up and down. At that point I turned out the lights. When I turned them back on, no sign of the bat. I have read Stellaluna, (if you haven't, you should), so I tried to think of this from the bat's point of view, but it wasn't working too well. At this point I decided to make use of the broom by wacking all the drapes, the dust skirt etc. Nothing. Where was he?? Donna got up and got dressed. Now I decided to check the back side of the drapes, and there he was!!, hanging on the inside of the drapes!! How do we get it out? I picked up a wicker garbage can instructing Donna that I could sweep it into the can. She pointed out that a lid might be helpful to keep it in the can, so she went off to the kitchen to get a lid. Alright, we were just about ready to execute the plan when I had another brainstorm--what if I OPENED THE WINDOW? Donna solemnly held the broom handle against the drape to trap the bat in the fabric while I, summoning great courage, opened the window. We closed the drape and then I gave it a good wack with the broom and voila--the bat was gone into the night!! This episode started at 2 a.m. and when it was all said and done, it was 4 a.m.!!! We were certain we wouldn't be able to fall asleep again, but guess what, Donna was up at 8:00 making coffee. We had both fallen asleep. We had a good laugh over coffee and cinnamon rolls as we discussed our escapade that we can add to our repertoire of over 40 years of giving our husbands and children fodder for amusement.

Thanks Donna, for our years of friendship and adventures--you're one in a million.

4TH OF JULY!!!! ALREADY!

2011-06-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Can it really be time for fireworks and picnics?? Well I guess it is, the kids are out of school and I see the fireworks stands going up in our neighborhood. It's time for outdoor entertaining and of course, here in Oregon, not a moment too soon! Speaking of picnics I want to share with you this great picnic table that we at said can have custom made to your specifications. The legs are metal and can be just varnished for that industrial look, or painted for a happy colorful look. The top is re-claimed lumber and I think it is the perfect piece for outdoor gatherings. I can see a cotton tablecloth and a beautiful vase of flowers along with all the bbq'd chicken, ribs and potato salads. We can also have benches made to go along with the table.

I wish you all a fun filled 4th of July!

Let's Get This Party Started!!

2011-01-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is just around the corner and who wouldn't like the most adorable dress to wear for this most romantic of calendar dates? Even better, what if you made it yourself? Here at said we have a new book by former Portlander Mary Adams, called The Party Dress Book (or how to sew the best dress in the room). I loved this book so much, that I was inspired to make a garment for the first time in many years and as you can see it turned out so cute. I used vintage fabrics that I had had for years, added a crinoline and voila! The best part is that the patterns are included in the book and Mary's instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Mary has been sewing all her life and for a short time in the late 1970s sold her designs at the Portland Saturday Market where, believe it or not I had a booth around the same time. I am sure we must have run into each other at one time or another. Mary later moved to New York where she still has a shop where she will design a custom dress for you or you can buy a dress off the rack. You may even run into a celebrity or two as she has designed dresses for the likes of Amy Sedaris and Bernadette Peters.

We hope you will be inspired to pick up the book and make your own creation. Stay tuned for events here at said to inspire you to look at fashion and home design in a new and creative way. See you soon!

A Beautiful Saint

2010-10-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

It's not everyone who has a saint watching over their home but several years ago I had the good fortune to find this sadly beautiful saint in an antique store in Sellwood. I have to tell you I took a double take when I saw her standing there in Spencer's Antiques looking quite out of place. I don't think I have every seen a Santos this old or wonderful in a local antique store. I immediately knew I had to have her. I was told that these Santos were in Churches where worshipers would look up at their exquisitely sad faces as they lit candles and said fervent prayers. Artist Sharon Bronzan told me she thinks my saint is Delores, Our Lady of Sorrows. Her hair is long gone and all that is left of her skirt is the waistband, but none of those things deter from her ethereal beauty.

If you have never seen Sharon Bronzan's art check it out at augengallery.com. You will be able to see how she has been inspired by these wonderful Santos. In addition, if you google Sharon Bronzan you can watch her at work in a video from Art Beat that aired August 3, 2006.

In these busy days full of places to go, people to see and technology that keeps you connected at all times no matter where you are, I like to reflect on this simple form of connection from times past.

Take care.

Sue

let's try twitter........

2010-09-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Please pardon our dust as we try to connect the blog to twitter....no small feat, it seems.

YIPPEE!!!!

2010-09-14T15:41:00.001-07:00

I am sooo happy! I just got Miss Sue signed up for Networked Blogs so this blog links directly to Facebook! One less thing to do...

0 Calorie Cupcakes!

2010-09-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

Flower Angel

Cupcake Angel

Hi there readers--

yes, believe it or not, it is me blogging 2 days in one week! Well, I am feeling particularly inspired and wanted to show you some of the new things here at said.

You know how we like to bring our friends cake on their birthday, but then it turns out they have given up sugar and they have the will power of Joan of Arc and we end up eating cake for two, even though we said we were going to save the extra cake for for our husband, but end up eating it in the car? You know who you are.

Well here is the perfect solution. These adorable cupcakes complete with a candle and the willpower angel are the best no calorie gift you can give. It turns out you can have your cake and not eat it! Who wouldn't love to get or give these little sweets.

Also by the same artist from Corvallis, Oregon, are these for lack of a better word, Flower Frogs, but these are actually Flower Angels! You can put tiny little flowers and leaves in them and nestle them on the nightstand by your bed--or in the bathroom or guest bedroom. They are sure to bring a smile to any ones face! These would make great gifts too. It is not too early to start thinking about the holidays. Yikes!

Have a great week, and stop in and see me sometime!

Cheers,

Sue

Worth the Wait!

2010-09-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hello again readers--

Can it really be September and my last post was in July??? I must be having fun, because time is flying by! Our family room is nearing the home stretch and we are very happy with the results. Our sofa was finally delivered and we now have a place to sit and watch tv or lie down and read. The sofa is extra long making it comfy for two people even if one of those people might be lying down. Guess which people that might be? Anyway, let me tell you the details. The sofa is from Hickory Chair, and I have to tell you it is so comfortable. It has 4 back cushions, 2 seat cushions and is just the right firmness. The rug is from Designers Guild in, of course, my favorite color of chartruese green and features a great geometric design that I felt was a nice foil to the vintage pieces that we have. The coffee table is from the 70's--a large burled piece of wood with an organic shaped piece of glass on top. I love this table! The chairs are from a consignment store, leather with oversized tacks adding a smooth texture. I wanted to show you the new flat screen tv and media center, but the photo was poor so I will post it next time.

On the far side of the room, I have a desk from Hickory White--different company from the sofa company with art books to peruse or to sit with a laptop and have a view of the back yard as we work. Above the desk, family photos. Finally, the adorable drawing with the saying "be a dear to our forst friends" was a contest winner painted by my son Marv when he was in the 3rd grade! He is still an artist today.

We still have a few things to do. I am having roman shades made for the window and drapes for the door--but it feels great to be this far. Let me know what you think! I would love to hear from you.

Color!

2010-07-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

Here are all my tans and beige!

Here is my final answer!

You know how we designers always say "it's only paint!?" Well I am here to tell you that when it is your paint, it feels like a really big decision. I have been in the process of selecting paint colors for my entire downstairs. (remember my flood?!) That consists of family room, bathroom, hallway, laundry room and sewing room. I had paint chips every which way and even though it is only paint, I like many of you felt overwhelmed at first. Just like many of you I had various shades of tans, creams and beige and then I thought--What am I doing? I don't like these, I like bolder colors. So I started over again, allowing myself to look at non-traditional colors for family rooms starting with blue grays and moving into--gasp--purple-y colors!

Those of you who know me, know that I used to say that I hate purple--what I didn't realize is that there are only some shades of purple I don't care for. The name of my new family room wall paint is Lavender Blue! The lesson here is to always keep an open mind when it comes to design. Most of us will say "I don't like this or that" and we won't allow ourselves to consider something we think we don't like. Through my years in design, I have learned to look at the room as a whole, and not as individual parts. If the room works as a whole, then it is a success. Above are the tan paint swatches as well as the blues/lavendars. If you are in the process of picking paint--be brave! Be sure to buy the little containers now available at many paint stores so you can test your choices and then go for it! Happy painting.

Sue

Garage Sale Day

2010-06-17T19:00:00.002-07:00

Hello dear readers,

Well I am getting ahead of my flood story, but I while it was fresh I wanted to share with you my musings on stuff. I have been collecting "stuff" for years, thinking how delighted my children would be to have this fabulous stuff some day when I am gone. Well now that my children are 37, 35 and 35 respectively--it came as a bit of a shock to find out they don't value the same "stuff" that I do (or did)! Time has a way of changing the face of what we see as cool--if you lived through the seventies, you know what I am talking about. Oak anything was about as cool as you could get, especially oak commodes, oak Hoosier cupboards, round oak tables, you get the picture. Today--not so much. What is cool today is Mid Century Modern, Hollywood Regency, pottery from the 70's and so on. Well I decided it was time to purge my children's inheritance and have the garage sale that now they won't have to have!!! It was fun, we sold tons of stuff and now I feel liberated. I have found that sometimes we are held hostage by our stuff. In the future, I will be more careful about what I buy keeping in mind to just buy what I like and not worry about what will be "in" in the future. Here are a couple of pictures of my stuff, we had a beautiful sunny two days and we had a lot of fun--what more can you ask. Let me know your relationship with stuff. I would love to hear about it. Take care of yourselves and I will be back to my remodel next week! Cheers

2010-06-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

2010-06-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T12:22:00.001-07:00

2010-06-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

2010-06-15T12:20:00.001-07:00

New Walls!!

2010-06-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

It was so exciting to see new sheetrock go up! Gone was the old 70's paneling and up went the new drywall. My husband hired Chris, who was laid off from his drywall job a while back and they went to work installing the new walls as well as the ceiling in the family room. I really wanted a smooth finish in the family room, so they did smooth on the walls and ceiling there, but did a light texture in the remaining rooms. The texture cuts down the time and expense as the smooth walls are significantly more labor intensive, but they look fantastic. I am really getting excited at the prospect of a whole new space.

Stay tuned and see you next time!

Drying Out!!!

2010-06-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see dear readers, everything was emptied out of our basement, which consisted of a full bath, a laundry room, a family room and a sort of odd but large bedroom. Everything (and I mean everything, who knew I had so much stuff?!) was loaded into a "pod" that is currently sitting outside of our driveway waiting for the construction to be done and at which time it will be unloaded into our "new" spaces! I can't wait. Now, we are in the process of making what seems to be a million decisions as we re-create our living space and bring it into the 21st Century. Gone will be the burnt orange carpet, again original to the house when we bought it in 1985. Gone, odd little closet door with a 8" step up into it??! Gone, aluminum windows which actually allowed bugs through the casings--weird, but true, and gone, asbestos linoleum tiles still in the laundry and odd bedroom where our daughter once slept. Let the decision making begin--stay tuned.

2010-06-01T16:30:00.001-07:00

Yikes! Showing you these pictures feels like going out with no
makeup! Is that not the saddest little window treatment you have ever
seen? It was original to the house when we bought it in 1985!!!

2010-06-01T16:24:00.003-07:00

2010-06-01T16:24:00.001-07:00

Serv-Pro drying the place out!

New Kitchen!

2010-05-18T17:22:00.001-07:00

said Interior Design: One Thing Leads to Another...

2010-05-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

said Interior Design: One Thing Leads to Another...

One Thing Leads to Another...

2010-05-18T14:37:00.001-07:00

My longtime friends Dan and Donna Bush took the plunge to do a major remodel of their home which was featured in the May 6 edition of the Home and Garden Section of the Oregonian! They did what many people would consider folly, hired a friend to work with. As it turned out for me, they were the dream clients that every designer hopes to work with--it was really a collaborative effort and I think the results speak to that. You can see the "before" pictures of their kitchen on my website as well as photos of the master suite.

Cutest pink flamingo ever! Wouldn't this be adorable peeking through garden flowers? Love it!

2010-05-13T15:24:00.001-07:00

Fate Intervenes

2010-05-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, fate works in curious ways. Our family room/sewing room/workout room was in desperate need of a remodel. (You know, the shoemakers kids going without shoes syndrome.) However, it wasn't in the budget for another year or two but the aforesaid fate and a broken water main intervened and now we are knee deep in a full remodel. Our fantastic insurance company Safeco and the cleaning service Serv-Pro have made it possible for us to remodel immediately! I will be posting the progress in the next few weeks. It took quite awhile just to dry out the space and then to empty it of every single thing!! Can you imagine?? I have learned I really don't need half of the things that I had been saving! Now my wonderful husband Phil has been working seven days a week to create the "new" space and he is doing a fantastic job. Anyway, this is a before picture--and I will be posting the progress as time goes on. Thanks for reading!

February 20, broken water main floods our family room!

2010-05-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Look who showed up at my house

2010-03-02T19:30:00.001-08:00

Vintage Dresser

2010-02-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

Check out this fantastic blush color vintage dresser!

Dear god!!! Look what I found today!!!!

2010-02-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

2010-02-16T20:33:00.001-08:00

Yippee!!! Mobile texting to my blog. Maybe now I will actually post something occasionally!!!! Look out world. Here I come!!!!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that we were worrying about Y2K and the turn of the new Millennium? Well, that was a full decade ago, just proving the adage time flies! I thought I would talk about some of the design projections are for this new decade--

Vintage and Antique--You have probably noticed this trend in the Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn catalogs among others. Pottery Barn even has a replica of an old workbench! You certainly could buy these reproductions, but I say why? Scour your local thrift shops, antique malls and estate sales and you will probably turn up the real thing for the same price or much less, and you will have a lot of fun in the process.

Warmer Minimalism--Minimalism warmed up with natural materials. Again this is a trend that has been on the rise for the last year or so--lots of natural materials from wood to hemp to birds nests. You will also be seeing lots of birds and animals in fabrics, on pillows and in accessories. Of course, this trend does not hurt my feelings as I love birds and images of birds. It is also the perfect time for taxidermy if you happen to love it which I do. Just make sure what you buy is truly old or from a reputable dealer.

Rococo and Neo-Baroque--This look is about layering ornate details in a contemporary way. If you are a reader of Elle Decor, you will often see this look in their pages. This is a look that I love, a great way to mix old and new, shiny with faded, old world with a look to the future.

Another look that I love, is the Mid Century Modern look as seen on the AMC drama Mad Men! Don't you just love that brooding but handsome Don Draper!! The sets on that show are full of inspiration for me. I recently found a pair of these chairs at an antique mall and had them reupholstered in this fantastic Jim Thompson fabric. Mid Century Modern with an updated look. I love how this fabric has pastel colors but such a vibrant design--it really works in a lot of spaces. These chairs both rock and swivel. Hey wait a minute, that sounds like Elvis!! (I think I am aging myself). Ok--enough for now. Give some thought about how you want to live in this next exciting decade. Here are the before and after photos of the chairs.

Til next time, happy decorating.

Sue

Antidote to the Snuggie!!!

2009-11-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking--it's soft, it's warm it's only $19.95 and it comes in fashion patterns like zebra and tiger! Listen to me--NO! May I suggest some alternatives to the Snuggie? Here at said we have beautiful throws priced from $59 to $285. A black wool mohair throw from 18K is as luxurious as it is beautiful, and is priced at $75. This would make a fantastic gift this holiday season. For $59 we have a soft light wool throw that comes in a lovely variety of colors and my personal favorite is from Kelly Wearstler for Sferra is a 100% Merino wool throw in a faux bois pattern that is to die for! This one runs $285 so it is really a special gift.

We like these dining chairs from Nathan Anthony with the nailhead trim. They are not oversized so you can comfortably fit six around a dining table without feeling squeezed and they are available in a variety of fabrics.

I wish all you dear readers a wonderful holiday season and the most wonderful New Year.

Cheers!

Sue

Bird by Bird

2009-11-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

The days are definitely getting shorter. Today it is dark and rainy and I just feel like curling up with a glass of wine and a good book! Speaking of books, my blog title today, Bird by Bird is taken from the book of the same name by Anne La Mott. If you have never read it, I would most certainly recommend it! I loved it for several reasons; one it is about procrastinating, something I know quite a lot about. Second, Anne LaMott's writing style is laugh out loud funny, and lastly, I love birds, and although very little of the book is actually about birds I had to throw that in! Put this book on your must read list.

Bird by Bird came to mind today because I have acquired the coolest bird paintings that I currently have in the shop. The artist is Jay Hill, and I find his simple depictions of birds (and horses) delightful and also easy on the budget. One thing I feel really strongly about is if you can buy original art, you should! Why settle for poster art or reproductions when there are so many wonderful artists right here in Portland. If you are not in Portland, I bet there are lots of artists where you live as well. Almost every town has some kind of First Friday or First Thursday art events. Check it out in your city. Make that a resolution for the coming year, that you will buy at least one piece of original art in 2010. Hey, that's way easier than losing 10 pounds--right?

I also wanted to show you a line of furniture that we are carrying here at said-- it is Nathan Anthony Furniture. There are lots of fabrics to choose from, the size can be customized and they also have a green line called Envi that is getting lots of great press! Come in and test sit our love seat here in the shop. We would love to order one just for you. It is super comfortable--and now that I think about it, the perfect place to curl up with a glass of wine and that book! On that note, Cheers and I will see you next week.

Back on the Blog!

2009-11-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone--

Well as you can see, I fell off the blog bandwagon, and I realize that it is very much like exercising. If you quit, it is really hard to start back up! So note to self, don't procrastinate, BLOG! Even though it is now incredibly old news, we did have a fantastic time in NYC. The plays were great, the food fantastic, museums inspiring; it all went by too fast. We could have easily stayed another week. If you have never been, go to New York, there is nothing like it.

Fast forward and Thanksgiving is bearing down upon us! Can you believe it? It's time to get ready for entertaining, holiday dinners and decorating! In the shop right now I have a beautiful dining table the perfect size for large dinner parties. The armchairs are a pair of fantastic Hickory White modified wing chairs upholstered in a heavy linen. The scale is a little oversized and it creates a stunning effect at the table. Of course they are beautiful as living room chairs too, but I really liked them paired with the dining table. On the tabletop I have a wonderful set of vintage dishes. As you prepare for the holidays think about what you have. Do you have a set of dishes that you rarely use--or does your mom? If not think about looking for vintage dishes that you can mix and match. Remember, you don't have to wait to inherit dishes--they are readily available at estate sales and thrift stores or here at said!

Thanks for reading, and I promise to not fall off the blog bandwagon again!

Cheers

Sue

40 years, 3 kids, 3 grandkids = Trip to NYC!

2009-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Can it be possible that 40 years ago I walked down the aisle with my high school sweetheart, honeymooned at the Dunes Hotel in Lincoln City and came home two days later to see my brother off to the Marines and shortly thereafter to Viet Nam? Well the answer to that question is YES!! To celebrate, my husband booked a trip for us to NYC, so this Thursday, the 21st we will be on our way for 7 days in the Big Apple. We intend to take in several plays while there. We already have tickets for South Pacific and I am hoping to get tickets to West Side Story as well. So you're asking what does this have to do with interior design? Well, travel is such a great source of inspiration! Museums, architecture, fashion and different cultures just to name a few, are all sources of inspiration that can be translated in your home. Of course, we will be mixing pleasure with business when we take in the Architectural Digest Show that conveniently will be taking place while we are there! I look forward to sharing with you what inspires us when I return. In the meantime, have a chuckle at our wedding--circa 1969!!! See you soon.

Sue
P.S. Be sure to check out our new videoblog at homestylehappyhour.blogspot.com!!!

Here we are--Bride, Bridesmaids and Flower Girl!

From left--Charmain (Merz), Janis (Cappola), Moi, Julie (Murray) and Jeanne (Rintell)

Note the little daisy headpieces!

Cutting the cake in front of the accordian doors in the church hall. Note the very "pointy" bustline!

Our friends tricking out our '61 Chevrolet Impala for our exotic honeymoon destination--Lincoln City!

I think I'm due a trip to NYC!!! Cheers!

High Times in High Point!

2009-05-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

We have been back from Highpoint now for a week and JJ and I are still buzzing about all the cool things we saw and making plans for next years trip! I will sum up our week there for you--red eye flight to Highpoint, crash at hotel until next morning. Up early and hit the market every morning thereafter, seeing everything from fantastic antiques to the newest in furniture and accessory design. We had dinner and cocktails at the only Leed Platinum Hotel in the country called Proximity. Went briefly to the Metropolitan Home Magazine party and rubbed elbows with Barclay Butera. We flew home, exhausted and inspired! Below are a few photos of some of my favorite finds. Cheers!

I love these Belgian light fixtures from BoBo!

Your puppy will sleep like King Tut in this adorable bed!

Before your acupuncturist attempts those needles on you, he first learned on these guys (and gals). They are also the coolest of sculpture!

Love, love these as dining chairs.

I ordered this for me--ok, you can have one too, give me a call!

Highpoint--Here we come!

2009-04-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

I know it's spring--but wow! it has been cold. Nevertheless, we are getting ready for spring here at said. On Friday the 24th, I leave for my annual trip to Highpoint North Carolina to attend the furniture mart. Highpoint, if you have never been there, is actually a small town that explodes with activity during the two week furniture mart where people come from all over the world to see what's new in the industry! My friend JJ (who owns the most delightful shop on Alberta--Digs Inside and Out) have been making this trek for the last 5 years. We always have a great time, find fantastic new things, see what the latest trends are, attend seminars, have feet that are killing us and consume quite few cocktails during our stay. Because I am a Starbucks junkie, first thing in the morning before we start our day at the mart, JJ is gracious enough to drive me a couple of miles out of the way to the only Starbucks in town to get my morning fix. I think she realized that without it I can be intolerable the rest of the day. Hmmm, could I have a problem--cocktails, Starbucks, shopping--oh and I forgot to mention my M&M addiction. Oh well, I'll worry about that later. My next post will have details of our trip as well as photos of what we saw! See you then! Here are a few things that are new at said.

Just Do It!

2009-03-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true in life that sometimes, as Nike says, we have to JUST DO IT!! With that in mind I am taking the plunge into the world of blogs. It is with the curiousity of a 5 year old and enough life experience to remember TVs without remote controls, telephones with cords and clocks that had "hands" that I attempt to navigate this exciting but mystifying world.

My passion as well as vocation is interior design--not the plucked directly from the showroom kind, but the kind that incorporates art, collections and antiques, beside the new and the latest. My retail store/showroom reflects that aesthetic, with finds from estate sales along with things that I can't live without from trips to the Highpoint North Carolina furniture mart as well as travels that take me from New York to Europe. My mission statement here at said is "to artfully blend the present with the past and to create an elegant and soulful environment. I hope in this blog to present to you my ideas and thoughts on creating an inspired place to call home. Hope to see or hear from you soon!!