Store Flip!

Every few months, my team of merry magic-makers and I move the entire store around. I mean, as if everything single item in the store gets moved to a new place...

Sofas, tables, chairs, rugs, lamps...every table top is then re-merchandised with a fresh new look. Whew! It is a huge effort that take about three days and well into those nights as well...late, late nights! 

That move was executed last week...

We had a few unusual challenges to deal with at the same time...

 We lost our power due to the ice and snow storm right in the middle of this overwhelming task!

My building is a historic stone building...cold cold cold. We lost two days and nights work, but luckily got our power back much sooner than I did at home! I was actually happy to have such a project to keep me busy and give me a place to hang out that was warm and had lights! At home, I was not so lucky. I'm not much of a "rough it" kind of girl. I really need my makeup mirror , a hot shower and a hairdryer to make my day go well. So, that sets the stage for the few next long days and nights...

For those of you who read my blog and market reports, you may recall that Pantone announced their 2014 color of the year during the January Market. Radiant Orchid...and radiant it is! Not to be left out of the trend, I selected an impact wall and had it painted . Naturally, Radiant Orchid!

We paired it with chartreuse and charcoal. (Since this photo, I have had the inside of the fireplace mantle painted black, which looks great and more convincing of a room setting.) Taking in the effects of this horrid winter weather for the past 8 weeks, it feels fresh and happy! I'm not sure you would want to paint an entire room in this color, but if you pick up an issue of Local Living, currently on the news stands, you can read an article I wrote for them about how to incorporate Radiant Orchid into your rooms. It is a beautiful color paired with navy, gray or taupe's. Even an intense lime-y chartreuse room or predominant fabric would be the perfect compliment!

Team members were busy painting my prop furniture and my supportive and every ready painter, Walt, stepped in to paint several areas for us in order to make the change complete. 

When you look around the store and every surface is empty, and you see that everything is on the floor, piled high on permanent surfaces, and tucked into every corner everywhere, it is pretty overwhelming. Just picture 8000 square feet of containers, leaves, books, busts, art, mirrors....well, you get the picture.

There is a fine art to moving every single  piece of furniture at one time and a certain amount of engineering goes into it. Which do you move first to create a path? Where can that one go while this one is put into place? Sneelock and my son, Ryan were the man power and myself, Lisa and Kelly moved our share of whatever we could manage. Can I just say that one is very tired at the end of such a night!

Here is another area I'll spotlight, but the rest of the store will have to be a surprise for you when you next visit! There are lots of beautiful new accessories and lamps, new art and spring floral accents as well.

It may be an arctic blast outside, but it looks springy and refreshed throughout the store!

Navy continues to be a strong trend. We paired it with a backdrop of strong contrasting lime and white in the accent accessories.It is a very basic color and there are loads of accent colors to pump it up. You'll be inspired with the suggestions we have for you!

These curvy french feeling sofas talk to each other around an oval black glass table, grounded by the Heaven white shag rug.

Gray pierced lidded ginger jars dress the mantle along with fresh greenery. One of my favorite sets of mid-century side chests flank the fireplace and give surfaces for lamps and accessories.

Everything is fresh and bright! If you're looking for a relief from this dull, cold, icy cruel joke of a winter, I hope you'll stop in and have a tour of the new beauty! 

Black-eyed Susan was recently named Best of Houzz 2014!! Follow us on Houzz to be inspired with the newest trends and projects in progress. Our Instagram posts are regular and entertaining as well! Our Instagram address is besusanstyle. Follow us here: Black-eyed Susan Instagram .Come follow us to keep up with the trends!

Hope to see you soon. It's a whole new Black-eyed Susan for you to love!

Charleston Day Three

Wow. Some real magic happened today in the design process. With a very early start at 8:00am, the delivery truck rolled up side by side with the owner's contractor and the electrician. Full house!

Fred (Sneelock) instantly got to work hanging blinds, draperies, mirrors and art.

Jackie made all the beds with the new bedding ensembles, directed the delivery and helped me with the placement of the rugs, I think the young moving team was needing a stiff drink by the time I had them change each rug an inch over and three inches down. Rug placement is a real challenge!

Linda and I rethought the tween room I designed and  tried about three different layouts (in real time!). This involved moving two twin beds, two dressers, one rug, one chair and a desk . We tried three different layouts, each having its own merits. We decided on the perfect design and I'll tell you the comments of the cute occupant of the room in a bit.  I took some photos of the room as it sat as the family had placed it when they moved in.

a

It's a bit difficult to show the true impact of this room layout, but it was really a great design move. Linda has has teenagers a lot more recently than myself and it was her thought process that lead to the end result. She had an idea that the room needed to be more like a suite, a real personal living space for this young girl and her friends. It worked. This is where the beds originally were placed under a sloping dormer, giving the space a very lopsided design.

This is the entrance into the room as originally placed...it almost made a long narrow hallway with the beds on the left.

This is the alcove that we placed the twin beds in the new room plan. They still sit perfectly under the dormer roof, but in a symmetrical setting with a bit more space between them. Cozier than ever and in the process, creating a true living room area. We took the cool graphic rug out from under the beds and grounded the seating/study area with it instead, defining that space as comfortable and personal. I'm sure it will become the favorite gathering space for the hip young crowd.

Just a corner shot of the dining room...

When the living room pieces were delivered and placed, it took restraint not to put everything else aside and seek out the dramatic accessories I selected for the room. Here is a corner shot of one of the flanked sofas with the colorful accent pillow. I can't wait to show you the rest!

 

This photo is so disappointing, but I'll share it anyway. Lots of riff- raff in the background, my accessory stash. The colors are graphite and orange accents.It's turning out to be a great room.

Tomorrow we have another full day planned. Lots of finishing touches, draperies to be hung, art placement and some of my favorite work in the finishing touches. We have a few errands to do to find replacement lamp shades for some lamps we want to re-purpose and several small accents we just realized that we needed. 

I'm glad you're along for the ride. It's a really rewarding transformation.

Color Makes My Heart Sing!

I've been asked to do another whole house project in Charleston, SC. 

It's always a pleasure to work in the South...even nicer if we try to install it in early winter instead of mid summer! Last December, Jackie and I flew down to take a look at the project. It was inspiring and exciting! As we drove through the downtown suburb, Jackie made the comment, "This is beautiful. It's like Bucks County meets the Live Oaks"! She was correct. The neighborhood was full of historic charm, lush vegetation and  live oak trees with Spanish moss! Bucks County and Charleston married into one fabulous neighborhood. We knew we were off to a good start and a project that we would enjoy. I think you'll enjoy following our progress.

 You'll have to admit, it's a pretty happy pallet! I've always been a lover of color and this vision of chartreuse, coral, cream and taupe just makes my heart sing! 

We proposed it to our client and she did not hesitate. *sigh*

We're out of the gate and running!

 We'll be using some graphic and colorful papers for the dining room, powder room, master vestibule and possibly foyer...

 

We selected graphite and coral for the great room, a slight variation on the theme.

Can you just imagine the fun we'll have with accessories and art?!

You can watch for some further updates over the next few months! It will take most of the remainder of 2012 to complete the design, but I'll keep you posted for a fun ride. 

Yes, definitely installation in early February! A great time for a trip to Charleston. 

Come see the magic.

Day 5 Style Picks

I love my blog! Blogging lets me share inspirations and express the joys of creativity. 

 We had a busy day today indeed. 61 photos later, I have edited the pool and will share the inspirations of the day.

 SO many inspirations today! 

There are always market trends in color. I know I've said that we are almost always ahead of the curve...but really, I painted my Buckingham location SW Yam (a great orange) almost 30 months ago! Recently, Pantone named their color of the year as a particular orange, and this market two colors predominated...

 ORANGE!  What's not to love?!  Check out these high style ottomans.

Orange, taupe (always a significant neutral) and white. Contrast, strong drama... style. That orange chair is calling my name as well. I'll get to the other significant color a bit later.

Strong contrast was abundant throughout most color stories. This season is not for the faint of heart in regards to color. Lime and eggplant. A most traditional print ( chinoisery toile) is shown in modern colors with a graphic print. Now that's a way to spin traditionalism with a modern twist.

 I love this settee shown in grey linen with nail head accents. The fan back shape and slight curve of the seat in simply engaging. I think this would be so fabulous in the curve of a large foyer staircase instead of the expected round table. Hmmmm. Who will do it?!

 How about this French inspired coffee table, combining a rather rustic cabriole leg with a reclaimed top? The size was what really gives it personality---about 6 feet long and 24" wide. This is a perfect fit to marry transitionalism with modernism. (Note the teal sofa in the background). Oops! There it is, the other significant color-Peacock. 

 

 Here is a great view of the juxtaposition of these styles. The color didn't translate very well from my photo, but peacock is an apt description of the true color. Over one year ago, I had a great project in Yardley, Pa. using this strong contrast color in a truly exciting design project for a visionary client. It was a bit outside the box then, but oh so current now. Love. It.

 Once again, chartreuse enters stage right. I have a client in a wonderful historic farm house who is looking for a piece of furniture for a large stone foyer (a room in itself). This may just be it!

 These beauties are coming in soon! I've had them before,but as previously stated, the trend wasn't fully embraced. Now, yes. Watch for them to appear in my windows soon! (I may take my pick first before offering them to my following).

 Several shapes and sizes...great color. No fail formula.

 I wanted to show this grande drum chandelier (check out the rope "chain") with this 10 foot table in order to show the scale. Burlap shade! Oh, that organic feel. Another style not to be ignored.

Could I possibly replace one of my vintage crystal chandeliers with such a statement?! Perhaps.

 At the end of the day, we met with a favorite resource for style! These large format photos framed in rustic reclaimed wood just stole my heart- all personal family photos taken by the owner of the firm and coll aged to make a real statement-a great statement!

This design would be perfect for a large foyer or rear hall, two story great room...perhaps the master hall or sitting room. If you have the perfect place for these, give me a call. I can't wait!

 I reordered these creative tea towels. You may have seen them previously in my merchandise mix. Watch for them to come back again, along with several new offerings from this cute designer. 

 The organic look is yet another trend that has made its mark. Look at these storage boxes made from reclaimed wood. I would have loved to have that mud room box in the day of my young motherhood life. *sigh*

But you can still have them! Give me a call.

Lastly, at the end of the day, I found this covetous item. That's me standing next to the stallion just to show you the size. It's a bit difficult to tell, but it is entirely coated in charcoal glitter...a good example of glitter gone wrong. 

You too, can own this for a mere $9000.00. I'll be waiting for your call.

Tomorrow, day 6. More style searching.

High Point Style Trend Report Day 3

Rain. 50 degree weather. Mid April. North Carolina...what's wrong with this picture?! We elected to stay in one location today due to the above. Holy Moly. I certainly did not bring shoes for this combination of unfortunate parts of the design puzzle.

We saw some great things and worked almost 12 hours, ending our day with heavier rolling carts, tired feet, and more information than our brains could retain. Design is inspiring! (Well, there are always a few things that should never make the vendor lists...).

 

I bought these Ming zodiac figures for library accents! (Don't worry, I'm saving several of them for each of my daughters...)

Lots of color again...everywhere! Orange and hot pink high gloss drum chandeliers, Oh. My.

 

 

 

I couldn't resist these chartreuse porcelain accent vases!

Great graphic rugs everywhere!

Another colorful bounty! The colors were much more vibrant than my photo indicates....all shapes, sizes and styles. Color reigns in accents.

There are still beautiful, delicate colors available. This fabulous French oval table is just waiting for your beach house.

These lidded urns were almost the exact color of Sherwin Williams Sea Salt. As the name implies, it is a calm, soft blue-gray, a personal favorite and often specified in my designs.

On one of our last stops through the High Design halls, I ran across these high polished stainless steel dining chairs! Great price. Great style. (Linda pointed out, however, that a mother could keep busy all day long polishing the fingerprints off). *sigh* The price we pay for style.

I'll leave you with one last design vision! Who wouldn't want to have this art gracing the walls of their laundry room?! I know that's how I look when I do my laundry.

Another full day completed. Many style sightings. 

I won't deny that I'm happy to be in comfy wool socks and fleece lounge clothes, even in North Carolina.

Sneak Peak!

Each Spring, I usually participate in one of the area Designer Houses as a first tier contributor.
This year, we are putting our efforts into the Bucks County Designer House, supporting the Doylestown Hospital.

There is so much thought that goes into our room design! First, all the participating designers view the house and "bid" on the room they want to do. A design board is submitted and reviewed by the Designer House Committee and you are assigned a room. It' not always the room you selected as your first choice, but it's a happy day when it is!

We struck gold this year and was asked to do the room we bid on, the dining room.

I'm pretty well known for color and I don't think this years room will disappoint! While the room is now completed (the paint, that is!), I only have photos of the beginning day to share.


My totally darling and agreeable painter (always first on my list!) started right in covering the dated and not "oh so susan" trim color of Wedgwood blue. My pallet is, on the other hand, "Oh! So Susan!". Lipstick, warm stone and a taupe-beige. I always like using the impact of a color from current trends, and I was impressed with this one which was shown in abundance at the winter Atlanta Market! It's daring...high gloss...and lipstick! That should paint the picture in your head.

Walt putting the last stroke of new trim color on the window! Just compare it to that baseboard.

*Whew*


Here's the first peak at the wall color (look up!). I always paint walls and ceilings the same color...don't fear, you'll love it! I decided to pick things up a bit with the high gloss finish. It is some kind of industrial finish from Sherwin Williams!

The room is completely painted now. I heard a few comments today that it is quite the talk of the house! It's a shock for sure in the state that it is in, but I can promise you a fabulous transformation from drab to fab. I suppose it's good to be the talk of the town and a little hype and buzz doesn't worry me.

I'll be delivering furniture soon and will keep you posted with some more photos.

Hint: Jeweled buttons, zebra, urban drapery panels, and lime accents.

Just you wait!

Walt is the best.

Atlanta Day 6 ...more santas?!

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 2 Trend Report

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.