BOUTIQUE REFRESH

Q: WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA OF A BOUTIQUE REFRESH?

Through my career I have seen the positive effects of creating beautiful, organized surroundings and have learned that is my superpower. The first half of the year has been so devastating that my "Fix It!" instinct went into overdrive. I am the family "fixer" I always have been. When something needs to be fixed, I run around and try to get it done as soon as possible. I am not referring to a plumbing issue or a broken appliance, rather fixing emotions. When my family is hurting, I do everything in my power to fix it.

While there is no doubt the boutique needed a refresh, it only made perfect sense to Make The World A Prettier Place during this dark time. I wanted to see my team smile and look forward to beauty. I also wanted to look forward to coming to work when much of the work we had was placed on pause. I have found if we don't have things to look forward to, depression can be close by.

While Interior Design & Home Styling is viewed as a luxury, it can also have a positive impact on our mental state and that is more than a luxury, rather a necessity. For me, pretty surroundings balance my mental health. Working with my hands and keeping my mind busy is therapeutic; there is something magical in creating beauty.

Color, fresh paint, order, a sense of renew is what the soul needs when the world goes topsy turvy. It is a tough balance; when there is time, there isn't always money and the reverse. It is always a risk to make change when there are unknowns but change allows us to consider different viewpoints, a new position, a different angle. More now than ever is this needed.

So - it happened! I now have pink walls in my office, my team has beauty around them and we gear up for wonderful Clients; new and old to come see us and what we have been up to.

Q: WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES?

A: It can be a challenge for all designers as we are emotional people, so when the world feels up-ended, we feel up-ended. Hence why it’s really important during these times that we continue to create. I think of writers with writers block. I think of amazing fashion designers that felt the pressure of their next runway and how they could easily shut down. There is so much pressure when your mind gets foggy. Nonetheless, during times like these, my natural response is go to "white." When the palette is unclear, when everything feels heavy, go to white. Strip the palette to simplicity and then build on it. Add the colors that make you feel happy, youthful, and pretty. Versions of white (I referenced a few below) can set the stage for a clean, crisp palette. Whites do not have to be stark if that scares you. Layer with color to create the interest and personality of your space. For me and the team, crisp white feels good right now; it gives us the ability to write the next chapter without conflict.

Dunn-Edwards: White DE380 and Picket Fence

Benjamin Moore: Decorator’s White and Super White-102

Q: HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED AND ADJUST WHEN UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES COME INTO PLAY AS A BUSINESS OWNER?

A: You have to write your plan and, perhaps in this case, re-write your plan. If you don't lay it out on a vision board and state your intentions, you will be zigging and zagging. After a written plan, I chisel away at the goals and I listen. I listen to my team, I listen to my Clients and I do not fear the feedback. I have been in such admiration with businesses today on how they adapted to the obstacles at hand; I applaud them. I have found in the past, the saying, "when the going gets tough, the tough gets designing" works best for me. Design a business plan, perfect the brand, implement programs and services, and that is what we have done. We are excited to share over the weeks to come.

Q: WHAT SHOULD WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN WE VISIT YOUR BOUTIQUE?

​First of all, our gratitude. We are always grateful for our shoppers and those that think of us for beauty, problem-solving, home-fashion and timeless interior design.

As far as product goes, we have new products rolling in every day and more later this month. Light and airy, happy colors, plush upholstery and some great sale items can be found. We took the time to pre-assemble some beautiful palettes and paint colors for those looking to refresh; for many I think we will be home much of the summer so being Home With Style is our focus.

Q: WHAT ARE THREE CURRENT BOUTIQUE FAVORITES YOU RECOMMEND TO SHOPPERS?

1. I cannot get enough of Agraria Petite Diffuser - I love it and it makes me happy. It is making my girlfriends happy too! - they like to purchase it as a birthday gift. My favorite scent is Lime & Orange, although they are all beautiful.

2. The Michael Aram Calla Lily Marble Dish is still a favorite. It is feminine, beautiful and usable.

3. Finally, oddly enough, Lepidoptera Brass Butterfly! It is just a perfect table top that invokes discussion and I love that.

“Making The World A Prettier Place One Room At A Time” - KF

photography: KARYN MILLET, PETER VALLI, KELLY FERM, INC.

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