Charleston Day Four

It was another long productive day, we are still working and I'm pretty sure by the time I get back to my hotel, it will be too late for the post. We are at that stage where we are feeling overwhelmed by soooo many pieces of art yet to place, three rooms of draperies to hang...finishing touches and a photo shoot...never mind the master bedroom hasn't been touched yet!!

In light of all this, we took a few photos and will share them with you. I'm posting from my iPad, so don't have the creative license to use as I do on my laptop....this is the choice for tonight!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad


At the end of a long day, Fred asked me to steady the back hall desk while he leveled the legs...




Living room is progressing...love the art, and roses nestled with succulents.


How about these chartreuse vessels from Global Views?!




Linda is wondering how she is going to keep these white sofas clean with this large black cat!





We reinvented an former console used in the former family room by reprinting it...you guested it, SW Warm Stone. The art is new and the accents combined from old and new. But, the new Bling flush mount chandelier is spectacular!!!

Tomorrow will be crunch day for sure. It's all coming together in a very satisfying way.

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.

Wednesday magic!

In the lateness of the hour of leaving the store, I forgot to photograph the main thing I wanted to publish most! Yes, Spring! On this first day of Spring, the cherry blossoms and quince and pear blossoms all hit the floor to breath that "ahhhh" feeling into the air. So, although no photo to share with you...you really must come in to see the fresh promising hint of what is to come in our beautiful Bucks County. You'll get in the spirit. 

My comment to the staff tonight was how, even though I love a  certain visual display theme we create and personally am not tired of it yet, I make it a habit to change things up often to reinvent the space and give fresh ideas to my followers. That's what we did tonight and I'll share a few snapshots of a few of the changes. Like I have said, Thursday is always the best day to stop by to see the fresh offerings and newest inventory for immediate gratification.

I updated a favorite table with the fresh drama of white. Topiaries, succulents, hydrangeas...all beautiful, clean and crisp.

I love the modern twist of these porcelain vases. I was inspired to add this new exotic succulent (well, three to be exact!) and one tender willow cutting. I like it!

Here's a closeup of these bisque insect bottles that just came in! So cute. Well, bugs painted on things are cute...not the real thing! Just sayin'.

This fabulous segmented mirror came in today and I love the natural beach feel I felt. Of course, you could use it in any variety of rooms...I use mirrors as art often and this one really fits the bill. I'm sure it won't last long...but secretly, I really hope it doesn't go tomorrow. There is little that peeves me more than the disruption of a great visual the day after I've created it I also love the little cloche with maps, bookpages, driftwood and moss. It represents a collection of personal interest from any shore destination.

 

 

 

 

I love this solid stone top urban coffee table and the oversized pear and apple sculptures. They have real carved wood stems! But what I really want to draw to your attention is my new private label sofa that can be ordered and delivered in about two weeks! Better yet the price is just a bit over $1600.00 From the factory that manufactures for Restoration Hardware, this is a dream come true. I ordered it in an oh-so-current grey, but it is available in these three other colors, in stock and for quick delivery;

Cocoa, cream and linen...or the grey that I selected! This is a real find and is bound to be a standard go-to from now on. There are many new things to see and to inspire. Snap a photo on your phone and come in for a personal design from Susan or one of her staff members. Voila! Pure style.

 

 

Catching up!

So far my goal to post more often is not working...okay, eye surgery (no more glasses soon!), Charleston deadline, 6 new sofas and accompanying chairs to be merchandised, tables, mirrors, accessories...Bucks County Designer House coming soon, loads of fundraising baking...I feel somewhat justified. But, I still am disappointed.

Almost a month ago, I made a quick weekend visit to my daughter's in Charlotte and took with me some fun selections to complete an accessory call for a client while I was there. It had been about 10 years I would say since I last did her foyer and family room mantle and as you can imagine, it was time for a fresh approach!

This was the result;

Family room "before" mantle. It was really current so many years ago! Hey, it happens. As you know, I am in the process of updating my entire main level! I had some ideas to reuse some of the elements.

Here is the "after" shot. I re-used the cool square clock, laying it in front of a new large mirror. I added a current lantern filled with interesting organic things . The frames are filled with old book pages, documents and miniature clock findings. Obviously, I was not in tune with my photography! Sorry for the out of focus shots...but you can compare the two designs and see the changes. I like the new look! Of course, those orange orchids make my heart sing!

 

 

 

 

 

This is the "before " shot of the foyer table. The lamp was really outdated and I felt like we needed more impact as a focal point. Something large in art....or, another mirror! My clients often ask me if one can end up with "too many mirrors", and I guess you can see what my answer might be! There are times when mirrors can act as your art.

This was the new design. The lamp was replaced with this hip one, larger, yet narrow enough for the table. I added succulents and after this photo I recovered the books with document paper to neutralize the color. 

 

 

 The expense  wasn't tremendous and other than a nine hour drive, easily accomplished! 

Accessory calls are one of the most  popular services I offer. You can book a "House Call" as we deem it, or bring your own photos in on your iPhone with a few pertinent measurements. I  will lay it out for you on one of my store surfaces. Take your own photo , go home and recreate it! 

Look! Look! Oh Look! (this happens to be a favorite piece of art at my home!)

Come in, or you can book an email critique as well. The immediate gratification is tremendous! Be it a mantle, office, kitchen or foyer...it's pure magic.

Yes, the Wednesday magic!

It's plain to see that my resolve to post several times each week is not working...somehow, my love of blogging is being over run by several things...too much inventory to place (!), eye surgery, my personal design project (not going very fast), just to name a few. I'll have more about the 2 latter sometime soon.

For now, we had another successful night oohing and aahing over the new shipments and then finding homes for as many as we could. Ann chuckled when I exclaimed, "We have sooooooo many cute things!". I suppose since I am the buyer, she was surprised at my glee. I must say, however, that we do the buying months ahead of shipments and oft when inventory arrives, it's a sweet surprise!

I am getting ready to put together our room for the Bucks County Designer House, so much of what comes in is earmarked for my design vision. The staff knows that I have to review the inventory and pull what I have ordered for the room before it can be subject for store offerings. Soooooo many cute things, can I just say?!

You really need to take a trip into the store to be inspired and share in my delight.

Oh my goodness! I preordered one for myself...orange! You know how I feel about that. Birds, orange, down pillows...what's not to love?!

This stunning silver rimmed bubble bowl arrived. The whole staff wanted one! I placed a piece of coral in the bottom and my all time favorite orchid, That's a winner! Three out of four are gone...I really want the last one!    Hope to see you soon. Remember, Thursdays are always a nice surprise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Magic!

We set this charming French bed up with assorted linens, combining several vendors to achieve an interesting mix. 400 thread count duvet and cases...ahhhh! (You just know I would love to get my iron on these...)

Another productive night with loads of new things to put out! Ann, Kara and I worked feverishly to replace the holes created by the days sales and make room for some great new offerings.

I got a new delivery of vintage books and this 50 volume set was the winner! Harvard Classics, great color and in good condition. A real find. You really need to take a look at this beautiful console-refined, reclaimed and mirrored-what a combination for style! Use it for a media cabinet, dining side board or grand hall piece...that is, if it doesn't come to my house soon!

Our first task for to create a donation for the Buckingham Friends School fundraiser. Their theme this year is nesting...we thought this appropriate! Birdcage/lantern with driftwood bundle, nest, eggs, coral fans and just the right amount of intrigue. (You'll see my book pages rolled up to create this!) I hung an old key on one of the twine wraps...too cute! Hope it's a hit.

These stylish lined panels are perfect for beach or guest room finishing touches at a very affordable price.You can get a peek at one of my new Vanguard sofas (on sale the whole month of March!) and one of a pair of fabulous shore bird art. I can't get enough of that this time of year. And that lamp with a refined burlap shade is a great find as well.

 

 The "night shift" takes its toll, but also has its rewards. I'm trying to make more time to keep you inspired with what is happening at Black-eyed Susan and find new friends to love the look as much as we do! Take a look at a few of the interesting and creative ideas that might inspire your own ideas. Don't forget, Thursdays are about the best day you can visit...all fresh and just right!  

You'll find four new furniture vingettes and plenty of new accessories, art and lamps to complete your new look. See you soon.

Wednesday Magic

The locals and my staff know that Wednesday night creative magic happens after hours at Black-eyed Susan. It's a test of creative moxie, as there are many weeks that we stay until the wee hours of the morning, locking the door well after midnight. 

For the most part, Ann and I spend the first few minutes ooh-ing and ahh-ing abut the new merchandise and what we think we need for our own personal stash...then reality sets in and we see the long road ahead. Sneelock (if you are a new follower, you will come to know this as an affectional name for my darling husband Fred)  has a standing appointment for Wednesday night hanging, moving and manpower support.

For months, I've been wanting to document our late night ventures.I'm going to try to give you the first peek at what we do each week. Some weeks may have to be the night after report, depending on the lateness of the hour.

Tonight we made some fresh changes with new additions. It's really as if little magic elves come in after the staff leaves and brings a new look to the retail floor. All in all, Thursday is always a good day for a visit to the store. I can guarantee you an inspiring look.

 Fred spent the first   part of the night unpacking and assembling this great new work table. Potting table, island, or studio addition...it is a great piece with a cool metal top. Durable, beautiful and darned heavy! What a project. I'm not sure how in the world he did it, but look at my new addition! After wrestling with this  72" table and getting it turned right side up, I talked Sneelock into hanging this three light industrial style pendant "for show". 

Then Ann and I went to work putting the visual inspiration into place!  

A mix of succulents, exotic foliage, cloched objects,and interesting containers was used in our mix. That's a tiny glass ladybug you can see! $1.00 each, there are 50 scattered about the store. So cute. One of my favorite new purchases is a selection of staghorn ferns. You can see them in the large cloche. Organic influences are everywhere, and I had great fun at market making the selections.

Here's a closeup of the table, legs, base and top. Wow, I love it!

Zoom of glass ladybug!

These burlap printed placemats just came in. Oh. My. Chevron design...so cool.

 Here is another graphic print. Note the wooden bowl with moss and sprouting bulb. Ahhhhhhh.

 We placed this new rolling bookcase in the front orange room. Who can deny that orange and  aqua are such good colors to play off each other?! A selection of assorted cloches, pottery, frames and succulents found homes on the shelves. What a fresh feeling!

 Ann placed one of the ladybugs under glass on this moss mound with great glee! Great idea.

 

We parted ways a bit before midnight. Good thing visual merchandising has its rewards!

I'll try to give you a report on each Wednesday night favorite find. Call or come in for more information. As for me, enough creative stimulation for one night. I'm heading to bed.