Design Inspiration
Entry table vignette
Inspiration when designing can come in many different ways. In this blog, I wanted to focus on one area of the store that always gets center attention, and that is the main table of the downstairs dining room area; it’s the first thing you see when entering the store. For this reason, I always want this table to make a statement and set the tone for other areas of the shop. At this time of the year, I am starting the tear-down of the just-completed holiday season, while at the same time starting the design and bringing in decor for the upcoming spring garden season throughout the store.
Sasha, not helping
My two store cats, Sasha & Zoey, sometimes will lend a “paw,” but the holiday greens usually become nice resting beds for an afternoon nap. I work around them while moving all of the new elements for the new design into place. The inspiration for this new design and vignette is a beautiful antique French wood Champagne box/crate from the Bouzy region of northeastern France. This region is renowned for its many Champagne houses and wineries, and this gorgeous box displays all the lovely patina of many years of history and use.
This French antique now becomes the centerpiece of the display and commands visual attention when entering the store. To layer and add dimension to the design, I’ve added stunning faux grape leaves, a vintage dough bowl, antique demijohns, and the beautiful mossy European terracotta garden pots that always weave their way gracefully throughout the many displays in the store. All of these elements, combined together, produce a cohesive look and create an eye-catching inspirational display. For me, it’s about mixing antique and vintage pieces with new home decor that really creates a timeless, curated space filled with character and charm, where every detail tells a story.
In later blogs, I will talk about how certain decor items can be used throughout the year by changing the accessories that you use with them. As an example, this French antique box would look stunning at Christmas layered with cedar greens, pinecones, pomegranates, etc. Follow these design and decorating ideas and your road to success will be effortless, enjoyable, and filled with rewarding moments of creativity and style!
John 🌳🪴⚜️
Closeup of Champagne crate with added faux botanicals and dough bowl