I get asked a lot about what this space looked like before I moved in. As some of you know, it was a "thrift store". When I first signed the lease, I had not seen the inside, because it was so full of stuff to the ceilings. I only had the shop next door (other half of this building) to give me an idea. It is a 100 year old building with 12' ceilings, so how could I go wrong?
I have no idea what possesed them to paint the ronald mcdonald rastafari colors. All I know is that it took many coats of paint to cover. The final spray of white was done by a local painter, Bret Carlyle. I did the rest, myself, with a little help from Jove (thats him in the next picture, trying to be positive so I don't lose it) (update on jan 17, Jove helped A LOT)
There were 2 layers of the filthiest carpet you have ever seen. Never ever vacuumed, dead and alive animal traces all over it. Notice the wall on the right does not go all of the way up, a cost saving idea (drywall comes in 8' lengths)
Week 2. I can not believe the amount of work I did here, while working 2 jobs (bookkeeper at Petroglyph, also gaining great experience as a shopgirl at a local home furnishings store - they had no idea) The carpet is gone, again with some help from Jove. The drywall and new smooth plaster was hired out. See the next layer of floor - asbestos tiles.
Yes, the tiles were properly removed one at a time and properly disposed of. I have blocked this part out. I also pulled out about 1700 nails and screws from the walls and ceilings. Jove did the baseboards and trim, (update, he also replaced all of the bad plumber patch jobs with nice wood, helped me move a lot of furniture, hung the antique fretwork in front of store - not an easy task - we shared a ladder, and much much more. I blocked most of this out, kind of like childbirth I think, so I heard from him last night that he needs more kudos, well deserved). My good friend Brigit helped me paint the green walls.
I hired out the building of the back room, and the seagrass installation. Looking good! Jove did the finish work on the back room. I must say once again I don't know if I could have done this without his help and encouragement. Thanks so much, baby!
There are STILL things on my original punch list that I have not done. I don't know if I ever will. Thanks to all of you for not noticing.
I LOVE this vignette in the front of my shop. The green and gold thing just came together. Even better in person. (books, painting, print SOLD)
The new, more neutral front window. It's interesting how people are actually sitting and hanging out up there. The fabulous pair of vintage chairs, recovered in hemp, will not last long for sure. Update all pieces are SOLD
Isn't this the prettiest chair? It's vintage, new down, covered in the most durable hemp fabric. The nailheads are put atop white cotton twill tape. I like how it can be masculine and feminine.
A new vignette with my beautiful rose colored ralph lauren distressed linen on this fab antique chair. Don't think it's not cozy, because it is. Update - chair SOLD
My newest exciting purchase. 6 beautifully framed Elizabeth Blackwell original hand colored botanicals from 1755. Matted in linen. Yes, they are for sale.
Last but certainly not least. My freaking amazingly wonderful Swedish Armoire. This has been hiding at my house because I was holding it to use in a showcase house in December. The homeowner does not want to move her current French armoire out (which is fine, I can work with it), so I will be bringing this into the shop very soon.
I hate to show this, because the set of four french iron chairs with custom linen slips went super quick, but isn't it fabulous? SOLD
Above is a vintage hutch I took the doors off of for display space. Below I keep kitchen appliances. These are some of my favorite things, the pencil drawing on top is my mother in '43. Isn't she cute?
This amazing (or, it was and will be again) Pennsylvania chest has been sitting in my living room for a month now. It is early 1800's with original paint. Some numbskull decided he wanted to access it from the front so he CUT the panel willy nilly and put hinges on. The hinges are very old so this was done ages ago. Normally I love when people modify things to suit their purposes but come on, do you SEE the wonderful paint you are cutting into? My wood master will make it beautiful again. If it was not cut this could sell for $3500-$4000.00. I still love it, it will be in the shop soon for much less so you can enjoy it in your home.
The girls, they live alone and like it (see book). I fell in love with these in Texas. The dealer loved them as much as I did. One - Isda - was missing a leg, so she put antique ribbon and flowers on it. The other - Corinna - had a tear over her heart so she made a rhinestone seam to patch her up. She named them. Update, they now have a new home at a fab shop in Carmel Valley.
A cute little display of some great books for childern and adults.
This dream of an artist's studio came when we saw the back of our lovely painted spring scene. I love how the settee looks so at home there, although it's been sold and is going to an even better spot. This is one of my new reproduction spot lamps. It is so cool!
Teresa Goodall is another line I love. 
Of course I still have my jewelry here too. Right now I have an excellent selection of vintage and antique pieces put on very unique chain. They are all one of a kind, so although you might walk in and see 3 or 4 customers wearing them, there is a different story and look to each one. You might have seen something similar in last months Country Living magazine (they must have copied me). I recently found some really cool medals and vintage chain. Some of my newest creations are here already, and I am constantly playing around at home with new things to make with them.
