Architectural Digest features Campion Platt

Our top picture is a page from this month's Architectural Digest (September 2009) featuring leading architect and designer, Campion Platt, in his renovated Palm Beach winter retreat. The lower picture is of a project featured on his website, and we think he has things to teach even those of us not in the luxury market.

His projects are said to embody luxury, innovation and an eco-friendly consciousness. I might add, his use of color and texture are amazing, and I think we can learn a lot by studying his designs. In the top picture, Campion designed the colorful banquette, which just fits into the bay window. We might not be able to do that, but we could find a small sofa or love seat to fit in our bay window. In his renovation of this 85 year old Palm Beach house he wanted to capture and make the most of the "Palm Beach" light, so that every room "almost dances with light"(text by Gerald Clarke) Platt used a large mirror to surround the white fireplace, high gloss finish on the floors to reflect light, white furniture and lots of glass. Even white stucco outside in the pool area reflects light into the kitchen which overlooks the pool. I learned to choose shiny tile for my kitchen back-splash because my kitchen desperately needs light, and the glossy tiles will help reflect the light that does come in.

In the Palm Beach house he uses high contrast in his color choices, but in other projects, he choose a softer transition between colors. The lower picture uses medium to lighter wood and brown tones, with that wonderful soft blue on the dramatic chairs, and the same color in the artwork above the table. Clean lines, confident colors and always, Campion Platt creates his own style.

A perfect day in Missouri

Today is a perfect day in Southwest Missouri! It's sunny and cool, but doesn't feel like fall yet - good thing, we're not ready for the season to change! But it's not hot, like August 21 is usually hot. So, what shall I do? Should I go for a walk? Make cookies? Or, reach out into the vast social network to find a friend? Any of these choices would be good...but I have some new products I want to add to my website, and that would mean new and exciting options for my customers...I'd better do that, and then, the walk! Ok, here's one, our large Shell Plate, perfect for jewelry or many other uses - or a wonderful, inexpensive, gift surprise!

Creative Client: Cachepot & Apples

It seems like a simple idea - but sometimes the simplest, cleanest ideas are best. Our client, V, has chosen our Ivory Ceramic Cachepot, and our Golden Green Apples....the result is very pleasing, as the colors play against the soft blue of the placemat, the warm wood of the tabletop, and ivory chairs which relate to the distressed Ivory Cachepot. And, look! The softest blue on the walls, with curtains made from a print that pulls all the colors together. As we always say - our clients are soooo creative! Thank you, V for sharing! A closer view of her Cachepot with Apples is on our website. To us, this is a perfect example of how our realistic artificial fruits and veggies can actually bring "life" to your rooms with their color, texture and reference to food! I think we react with very positive emotions, and our emotions don't care whether the fruits are real or faux!

The Wild Raspberry

When we received an order for our Artificial Raspberries from a store named The Wild Raspberry - we just had to ask - who were they, and how were they using our raspberries? Here's what they told us...they make the hole in the top of each raspberry a little bigger, add a drop of glue, and insert green embroidery thread, and tie on their beautiful gift packages! Hooray! Another great way to use Artificial Raspberries. And, you need to take a look at their website http://www.thewildraspberry.org/ and follow to their blog. It will make you feel really good.

The Wild Raspberry is a sister-owned shop in Bates City, Missouri. They make handcrafted home furnishings, gifts, and personal accessories. They love things that hearken back to a simpler time and their creations reflect that love. They offer one-of-a-kind handmade purses, totes, aprons, and pillows - many of vintage fabrics. Their wooden pieces, which include signs and stepstools, are painted in colors inspired by an earlier era. It's a nice feeling to surround yourself with items that can conjure up memories of the past - and bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. They call it simple, beautiful living. Thank you, sisters, for sharing!

I love this deck! Oh, and our artificial raspberries are featured too...

I love this deck! The blue cushions against the deeper colors of furniture frames and tables, as well as the classic and interesting rug - just make me want to climb into the picture! We were sent these pictures by one of our customers, and she had a great story to go with them! She was marketing her house for sale, and included these pictures. Well, she sold her house, and the buyers actually told her these pictures really made a difference...they said they completed the look of a warm and inviting outdoor space that made them just want to "hang out on the deck".

The Furniture Gourmet connection is, those are our artificial raspberries and boysenberries in the bowl on the table!!! We know, the deck design is fabulous even without the berries - but we were delighted to be a part of this successful house sale! We have very creative customers!