Grateful Heart

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!

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!

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.