Haul Out the Holly

Whew! The second day of formal Christmas setup over. We got a lot done today...two trees completed by Linda and helpers while I detailed two mantles, several large tables and moved a gray deal of furniture and rugs with the help of Sneelock.

My joints ache.

But, at the end of the day, we checked off many major things off our list and are ready to tackle several more tomorrow!
Here are a few of the things we did today...

Ugh. It's 12:15 am and the photos from my phone have not uploaded...so many cute things to show and several funny ones! The only one to upload is the one of my new moto boots with seasonal glitter covering them...oh. Dear.




Here is a shot of what we will tackle tomorrow...the organic tree. You will love it. ( I keep telling Linda she will too...there isn't much glitter on that one...it's not her personal favorite!

Here late my boots...sorry, not the best light. But take my word for it, they are a mess of glitter!




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There is la lot to do the next few days. We are hoping to make time to get to the grocery store for essentials ( like lunch!).

Hopefully the remaining photos will upload while I slip into a deep slumber and I can catch you up tomorrow night.

Good night. My eyes are closing.......

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

At least that's what I always think before the 14 hour days start for 7 days of Christmas setup.

When I look around my store, I think it is the impossible task to complete this transformation within the week. I'm so thankful and happy that my dear friend and creative helper, Linda, is here this year. I blogged last year that she was absent due to breast cancer treatment. We have spent this time together for as long as I can recall, back to my first little Yardley store on Stony Hill Rd. I'm thrilled and filled with gratitude to have her back this year.
Her support and encouragement, sense of humor, wit ,and common sense make for a very productive and entertaining week.

We spent the day sorting, unpacking, moving, planning, reviewing and creating...long into the night. As we left the store, looked around at the day's accomplishments and counted the days left to complete the setup, we couldn't help but fret a bit about how much there is to do. Four trees designed to make one sigh...every mantle dressed, garlands hung, lanterns filled, wreaths dressed and tables packed with glittering branches ,snow and ornament filled glass vessels. If we hadn't done this year after year, we would think it the impossible task.

I spent much of the day putting disclaimers on the appearance of the store to all who entered...and this is why;






Box after box of glittering ornaments and branches...



...it's really overwhelming.





Another room awaits the magic touch...




It goes on and on...



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...and on.

I had a great team today with my staff members to help...Jackie, Kelly, Lisa, Brian, Patty- each one digging in to meet the design deadline. So, we're on our way to the 2013 Christmas Season at Black-eyed Susan. With a wing and a prayer ( and 6 more 14 hour days, we hope to complete the transformation within the coming week.

I'll try to keep you posted with some enticing g photos...come see the magic.

High Point Market 2013 Day 4

We had another day of style sightings and fresh inspirations.

Each of us experienced tender feet but pressed on in stylish shoes...we had multiple comments almost hourly regarding the orange rolling briefcases...wish I had a secret stash to sell.

I have noticed that there is an abundance of fabulous ottomans and I thought I would share some of my favorites with you. Look for color, shape, pattern, size and form....every one more darling than the next! Ottomans can be used as small benches, extra seating, foot resting or simply a stylish accent. It seems to be a key ingredient in today's current room. Pick your favorite and give me a call!




Kilm covered ottoman in front of bench...



I love this ottoman used in conjunction with two corner chairs to make an interesting conversation pit...so stylishly thought out.




Color, pattern and shape!



(Another view, ignore the sun factor),



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Color and texture + unique shape. Use as small benches for extra seating.




Cutest ever pink! Naturally, Linda spotted this one.



Stripes make this interesting, and the length a bit different.




Two small ottomans take the place of chairs...





This oversized ottoman was unique done in leather with nail heads. It could double as a table.



These round ottos were upholstered in natural alpaca and very posh.



...another view




Rounded corners and chrome yellow...holy smokes!





faux leather in gray and orange, swivel chrome base! I ordered these for the store...and one for myself!




Longer ottomans seem to be trending as well, this one in linen with an unusual leg treatment.





Two square ottomans with boxed cushions, metal framing. Use them as stand alone or pull them into the room as seating.




Extra large ottoman in an exaggerated pattern, oh so cute! I'll take one, please.



This X-leg ottoman was upholstered in a fabric that could have been used for couture...a tweed like pattern in gray and chartreuse with stylish texture.




Another oversized square ottoman used as a coffee table...comfort for all!




Used in a previous post, but I love this idea...four matched small ottomans alternating colors...makes one big square. Great idea.



....again...



long bench ottoman in a cool graphic pattern and, what better than chartreuse. There is still a lot of this out there. (I'm sure happy about that!)

So that's my last market report. We have one more day, but will leave straight from market to head back to Charlotte. We have been entertained by the ridiculous and inspired by the sublime. I'm ready to implement the new ideas and styles for the next 6 months until the April Market. You'll find new merchandise at the store beginning to come in and I'll show you new ways to arrange your rooms. It's all about style and presentation.

Hope to see you soon!

High Point Market Report Day Three

Just as the rest of the design world, rugs have taken a turn towards modernism with bold color and pattern. We spent a good portion of the day shuffling client fabric memos and juggling the ipad, notes and paint memos for the perfect match. That can drive a crazy man wild....as my darling father would say.

I will have to say that we met the challenges quite well , finding fabulous choices for about 10 projects. Chartreuse, cobalt, taupe, greige, chrome yellow...all colors in our current projects. The design industry always seems to present the most current collections at Market time and we were not disappointed. Ahhhhhhh....




Perfect for a yellow and charcoal bedroom...




This one was soooo fun to search for. The pallet delighted everyone who helped us and we found so many perfect selections, it will be hard to choose!



Possibly for la young man's bedroom in Bucks County...or...




This one....or....




This colorful and cool one!



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This is an example of interesting graphic pattern with bold contrast...I was thinking it might be a good choice for my master bathroom.





There seems to be even more mid century influence in most design. This sofa was patterned after one of my retired sales rep's father 's sofas! They named it the Kempner after him! Great pricing and great style. Young modern professionals like this, and who wouldn't? It will be a great starting price point as well. Look for this and the matching chair to show up on my sales floor!





Great example of a mid century chair in bold marigold !




This "his and her" chair brought back memories of the stylish vintage chairs I found a few years ago in Connecticut. I had them reupholstered in a handsome gray strie velvet with an orange contrasting welt and used them in the Princeton Designer House. I reluctantly sold them...why?!




Pops of red can be seen as a popular theme...so unexpected with this pale sea salt colored sofa and shag rug.




I'm a big fan of mirrors as art. This one is spectacular! What's not to like?




Most of you know I occasionally have to document "what not to buy"....well, what do you think? Linda sat down to give you the proper scale. Color good...nothing else. Oh. My.







This curved white sectional ( cool for sure, read yesterday's report on white!) caught my eye and note the vibrant punches on the pillows.

We had a full day for sure and felt satisfied with our hunt. It was reported that the attendance at Market is 75,000. I guess that explains crowded elevators, long lunch lines and waiting for shuttle buses, along with the expected backup of orders that are written.

Tomorrow is planned with an aggressive list of "must-sees". I'll let you know if we stay on task!



And just for the record,I'm rethinking what shoes to wear for the fourth day of trecking...

High Point Market Day 2 Style Report

Another early morning kept me from taking a cute SP of Linda and I...well, maybe a late night that left bags under our eyes too, and the fact that I really don't have taking self portraits down very well with my phone...give me back my camera!!

Today as we walked the floor of high style vendors, we took note of one particular trend-white. White is both neutral and dramatic in contrast. We saw fabulous chairs, tables, lamps, art and accessories all focusing on white. I, myself, recently reupholstered my favorite bedroom chair in a pearl white reptile fabric and my vanity stool in patent leather white crock. Love.




Take a look at this bedding ensemble from Legacy Linens, a favorite resource. The strong contrast of this white and graphite pattern is dramatic, crisp and clean.




I ordered this white crock bench for the store...can't wait! ( But I may have to take it home for myself...)





White vinyl leather look dining chairs with a chrome base - so beautiful. Modern trends interpret beautifully in white.




Note the white chair in the foreground and the background, both stylish and comfortable. The accent of wood framing is a favorite too.




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I love this white lacquer console . I'm proposing booking two together to fill a long window footprint in the living room of a stylish client! Add two great lamps and wow! Or, use it as a desk. Glamour for sure.





More white in the upholstered benches. I'm loving these.





This white ostrich leather chairs were a real hit with both Linda and I. Fabulous lumbar support...cool legs and a higher back. I could relax in this!
(Could I take it home tomorrow, please?) give me that little mid century modern, please!




One last thing for this post...the strong contrast of color and white...in this case, a great barstool. Note the coordinating contrast welt on the white fabric.

White. It's all over the Market. I like it. I want it. I'm buying it! watch for more white to be arriving at Black-eyed Susan!

Tomorrow, rugs rugs and more rugs...Many for clients, some for me (!), some for Linda, several for our cute friend, Jan, and some for the store! Rug shopping here is at it's best and is a very strong home decor category.

More reports after our finds tomorrow...stay tuned for day three. Whew.