We’ve made it a full year! Granted, not one step of it has been easy but EVERY step of it has been blessed. Thank you to all of my wonderful clients/friends who have made it so incredibly worthwhile. It seems impossible that I could have met so many wonderful people just by collecting things I love but I’m so grateful for it!
Inspirations
A lot of things inspire me. In fact, I have the “shiny red ball” syndrome when it comes to creativity. I can be traveling down a path when suddenly, OH! A shiny red ball! And I’m off in another direction. It makes for some interesting chaos but in the end it all comes together quite beautifully.
Rainy Days and Escapades
First, I want to thank all of my wonderful customers for continuing to support and love Apartment 46. For those of you that don’t get the eNewsletter, I had to take a full time job to keep afloat during these unsteady times. The desire to provide a beautiful, comfortable and interesting shop is so important to me that I’ll do what it takes to keep the doors open. Valentine’s Day was outstanding! I was caught up in such a flurry of bouquet-making that I didn’t actually have time to photograph the flowers!
Things to be Thankful For
It’s been a little while since I’ve had a chance to update you all but good things are happening. When times are slow, it gives me the opportunity to reevaluate the space, and how I want it to flow. I’ve removed a lot of items but added others that work so much better. If you haven’t come by in a while, I invite you to stop on in! Oh, and if you can, bring me a skinny vanilla latte. 
Celebrate Your Space
As Summer comes to an end I’ve been exploring new themes in anticipation of Fall – darker colors, warmer woods, and interesting plants that invite a second look. Creating sacred space to me is about combining things that you truly, deeply love, with comfortable furniture or warm, soft, textiles.
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.
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.