Tired But Happy

Blogging is sometimes a luxury for me. There are days when I cannot tell you what I did but I know that I was so busy that the day just flew by. The shop is doing well now that the weather has warmed up and I spend my days welcoming visitors and chatting with them about, well, just about anything that seems relevant at the time.

Just this past weekend I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Bobby Cooper. Many of you may know his amazingly talented wife, Dorothy Blum Cooper, who has not only been an inspiration to me and my work, but also a much needed pillar of strength when days are slow and I question my ability to be and call myself a "designer."

Bobby was much younger and much more handsome than I had expected and from the moment he walked in through my door, we began a conversation that would last well past my closing hour. The stories he can tell!!! His life and work (and that of Dorothy's) are truly humbling to those of us who have recently jumped off the cliff to follow our bliss. If you don't know them, please visit their website where you can see their beautiful photography and work.

And like Bobby, Kit Golson of Chic Provence also dropped by my shop a few weeks ago on her way to the airport after spending a few days in New Orleans. Kit and her husband are wonderful people and in just the few minutes that they were here, I felt like I've always known them.

And so people have taken to stopping by to say hello. Those are the times I enjoy most about what I'm doing -- having the opportunity to meet each one of you amazing, creative people. My door is always open and you are welcome to stop by and stay awhile.

My shop is dressed for springtime. It is bright and full of vibrant smells and colors that resonate from the mostly all-white-room decor. Some people ask me if my house is like this and my answer is, "Of course. It's what I love and what draws me." I may try to change from time to time but I always gravitate to the same pale greys and whites and pale blues. I find a certain serenity in being surrounded by time worn fabrics and faded colors. There is no real magic in this -- just an inert feeling that pulls me into a certain direction which always leads me "home." A room must feel comfortable and beautiful to the person living in it. If it doesn't, change it, move things around, add a touch of sparkle or a vase of fresh flowers. I tend to do that a lot at my neighbors' houses. I walk in just to say hello and by the time I leave, I've rearranged their house. I can't help myself! It's a disease. Just ask Bonjour Madame whose house was completely transformed.

So please, feel free to walk in, but do so at your own risk. You may end up catching this disease of mine that is highly contagious once you set foot in this little shop on the corner of the world.

My shop in Springtime:

A corner view of my so called "bedroom" at the shop. The vintage dress on the chair was an ugly shade of white, irreparably yellowed by time. I died it this lovely aqua color and now it adds a bit of whimsy to the room.

My front parlor fireplace. I always have fresh roses on hand. And my corals always add a taste of summer to the room. I place them everywhere I have room. They add texture and "whiteness."

My littlest jewel -- a petite french crystal, empire style chandelier that will be beautiful in a powder room or above a baby's crib. Measures 12" high x 8" wide.

One of my favorite corners in the world. A swedish ticking covered french chair is made simple with a vintage grainsack bolster. A small gilded florentine table adds glamour to an otherwise plain pastel of colors. The mirror above has the original, chippy pale green patina.

Below, a pair of Antique French Bergere Chairs covered in their original scalamandre silk fabric and pale blue gimp. The upholstery is vintage and has its signs of wear but I adore it this way. The vintage grey silk is contrasted by the simple muslin that covers the arm rests.

These will soon be listed on Etsy and 1st dibs.