The past couple of weeks have been really rewarding and exciting for me as a floral designer. I’ve had the opportunity to finish a number of very different floral arrangements – from dramatic to laid back summer dinner party – and with each new arrangement comes a new opportunity to learn and grow.
Exciting New Lines!
You might have noticed that I’ve been absent for a little while but rest assured, all is well at Apartment 46! I recently attended the San Francisco International Gift Fair (SGIF) to hunt for new and unique products. To say that the show is overwhelming is an understatement, however, it was easy to focus when I stayed true to the philosophy of the shop: It must be beautiful, natural, creative, unique, and bring the buyer joy. Lastly, but probably most importantly, I also have to love it!
Treasure Hunting
Over the last several weeks I’ve been hunting and gathering for clients, looking for those one-of-a-kind, “Where did you get that?!” sort of items that feel right the minute you see them. While I have carefully curated the shop so that I display only things that I myself would want to buy, there are always a few items that come through that almost don’t make it here because I want them so badly for my home.
Big Things Come in Small Packages
My love affair with succulents continues. I have just discovered the beauty of Carpet Sedum which is so soft and spongy that I have a hard time keeping my dirty little hands off of it! It looks so elegant in a worn stone urn that it would be as perfect indoors as it would be out.
It’s Wedding Season!
Although I am always saying that I am not a florist, I enjoy providing special occasion flowers and creating something beautiful. I was extremely honored to be asked to put together something very small and meaningful for a couple that is getting married today in San Francisco.
Raison de Etre – And I’m not even French!
A big part of the philosophy behind the store is my desire to connect with people on what matters to them and what they find beautiful. A few posts back I shared how much I love my customers, and that is definitely true. As all businesses try to weather these very tough economic times, the kind words of those that visit and who genuinely appreciate what I am trying to do, keep me afloat.
One of a kind treasures
One of the greatest things about Apartment 46 (and of course I am terribly biased!) is the unique nature of every item in the shop. I do carry a few vendor lines, but they have met stringent criteria and are both beautiful and natural.
I am often asked where I get all of the things I have on offer. They come from all over the place – from outdoor markets in Amsterdam to highest bidder estate sales in Hillsborough. I am constantly on the hunt for cool new items to share with my clients.
Small Space? Big Style!
It doesn’t matter how small your living space is, you can still create a cool, comfortable and well-designed place to spend your time. I’m not talking about a home full of IKEA Lack tables and woven floor cushions. I speak from personal experience when I say that even a one room apartment CAN have huge style. It’s how you feather your nest that counts!
I Really, Truly, Love My Customers
As the shop is still new to the neighborhood it’s taking a while for folks to come and visit. There are definitely days I wonder if anyone else “gets” my interior design philosophy. It was on such a day this past weekend when I was visited by two customers that had been there once before.
It’s All About the Mood
I am ALL about vignettes. I was looking at a photo album a while back and realized that even as a 15 year old I was setting little scenes in my bedroom. One shelf was my “Rock shelf” where I displayed a Led Zeppelin bandanna as a backdrop for my moccasin suede purse, a leather bracelet and all my little rock and roll collectibles.