Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year Decorating Inspiration


Its the last day of 2013! 
When a new year comes along I find it brings a unique energy. 
One of all things new, a brand new start, and a time for reinventing. 
 Naturally I think of my home decor and now that includes the store decor.
Even if just a little bit or a whole lot, everything is 
open to renewing and review.
So with that we have been working on our shop during
our closed Christmas holiday to do a little bit of tweaking,
some redesigning and remodeling.
Together with my sons, we hatched a plan to create a little
more ambience in the Maison Decor shop.
It was a basic box with 4 walls, which doesn't give us 
the interior display space, nor does it give our shoppers the
experience we want them to find when they visit.
And so a wall. 
Yes, my guys built us a wall in one day. 
Justin used previous builder's experience and together with Colin they
had this amazing L shaped wall constructed in short order.
What a difference it is going to make!
I was so surprised at their skill in getting it up
and so excited to think of the fabulous things to come.
Funny how a simple thing can be so powerful in design.
The fun part comes next with using the wall for a backdrop of
placement for furniture and home decor accents.
So look for some changes in our shop and I will 
be sure to share it online here of course.
The guys and I have business meetings where we discuss purely
esthetics and our design vision for Maison Decor.
We are excited to execute our vision in 2014.
Justin and I will head to Atlanta in a few weeks
 to the big Home Decor & Gift Market
in search of things to bring back for our shoppers,
all selected with the Maison Decor esthetic in mind.
Our esthetic is going to be a mix of my true love 
of Rustic French style mixed 
with a bit of Shabby Chic along with Justin's preference 
of Rustic American Classic Farmhouse style.
This wonderful eating area is a good example of the mix of styles
we will be focusing on for the shop.
Rustic with classic elements that have 
a European antiquity about them.
Lanterns and chandeliers with tons of neutrals in 
greys, black, ivory, white and beige.
Metals, both rusty and gilded, will mix freely side by side.
Its so invigorating to think of decor plans,
whether its for a home or for a retail location.
Maybe you are thinking of switching things up a bit too?
Perhaps start an inspiration board, whether its on Pinterest
or created in reality on your dining room table.
via House Beautiful
An inspiration board will pull all your thoughts together
and keep you focused on what you really like.
I am working on a giant inspiration board for
the shop called Maison Decor Style.
One look at the board will tell our shoppers
 what our design esthetic is all about.
Finding inspiration comes from so many different places,
from fabric patterns, magazine images, paint colors etc.
My newest source of inspiration came from a long awaited book
I purchased for both the store and myself.
by Rachel Ashwell, the Shabby Chic maven and legend,
it is her latest book Couture Prairie.
It is a pictorial compilation of the ranch in Texas 
that she purchased and operates as a B&B.
It is a fabulous book filled with gorgeous photos
and a mix of design styles that I am captivated by.
 I have a copy in the shop opened to a page showing a big ranch hall
that has the most wonderful mix.
I posted this photo on my instagram telling my followers that
Rachel's book is now on the shelves at Maison Decor.
And just look who wrote me back....
Rachel left a comment: "Glad to be on your shelves"
It was the second time she left me a personal comment,
the first was on Christmas day when I instagrammed a pic
showing her book in my home and how I had caved in and couldn't
wait for Christmas morning to open the book and start turning the pages.
She wished me a Merry Christmas too.
She has inspired me through the years, not only in her decorating
style but also her being a small independent business woman.
So much fun on Christmas morning to get a message from one of 
my decorating icons! Thank you Rachel!
I look forward to being creative and having more
decorating opportunities in the new year.
More home decorating blogging and doing,
more exciting things for our store and working together
side by side with my sons Colin and Justin as well
as having Justin's fiance, Madison join the team on a regular basis.
All these things are on our horizon as the clock
dial turns and we head into the year 2014!
via Eloquence
Happy New Year to you all!
Inspired to do just that!



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13 comments:

  1. Happy New Year and all the best with your business again this year~great job!

    Carolyn

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  2. COOL! That must have tickled you to death to get those comments from Rachel! I will have fallen over right out of my chair. I know what you mean, to us she is like a super star! I have her book too, and it is so inspiring and yummy. It's such a total treat to look at. You're so funny that you couldn't wait till Christmas to open it... I love your look for Maison Decor... and i think the wall will be great! You can really do a stunning display there for customers to see from the street and as soon as they walk in. So awesome that the guys got it up just like that! Must have made you feel really proud of them, and thankful for the quick solution and help!

    Cindy

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  3. Oh my, you just made me realize I don' t have the champagne glasses down yet! Happy New Year!

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  4. I love reading your blog because even though you are busy with the store and teaching, your comments always center around your family. It makes it so nice to click on the blog and hear what is in your heart. Your pride is enormous and easy to see why.

    Wishing you and your family a new year that is filled with fun, success and happiness.

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  5. Hi Amy,
    I saw Rachel's comment on your instagram post and I swear I was as excited as you! How fun! It always makes me laugh when I think as a grown woman I can get so giddy over some of lifes quietest happenings.
    Happy New Year and here's to an amazing year for your shop!!
    Fondly-Lisa

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  6. Amazing inspiration- love the direction you are going in..... Think 2014 is going to be an incredible year!, wishing you all great things for the new year!

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  7. Wonderful!

    ~Dona

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/wovenheart/with/11656266073/

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  8. Amy -- may you and Team Maison Decor have a fabulous 2014! I know I'll continue to come to you for inspiration.

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  9. bonne et heureuse année à vous et votre famille !!! qu'elle soit riche en partage et rêveries une fois encore sur votre joli blog ! Happy new year!!! Carole

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  10. I love the style direction you're taking your shop in. I can't wait to see the changes you're making. I hope 2014 continues to bring you much success in your new business and with your family life.

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  11. I love the addition of the prairie/shabby chic style that you're adding to your shop, Amy! That style truly speaks to my heart, so I'm looking forward to the treasures that you'll be offering! Soooo cool that RA responded to your comments, too! :)

    xoox laurie

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  12. Love the idea of more walls in the store...it will make the space seem bigger by giving your more rooms to decorate! How thrilling to have Rachel comment on your carrying the book and you reading it. I haven't seen a hard copy...yet. I need to do that. I love the new aesthetic for the store. Looking forward to seeing all you do in 2014!

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  13. Your stores just keep getting better, and better, Amy!!
    I love RA's book too. How awesome she is communicating with you on a personal level.
    I'm so happy that your life is so full, and your family is able to be a part of the business with you. You are truly blessed.
    Debbie
    xo

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