The Store with a Smile

I snapped this photo of the original sign painted on the brick of Shaw's in Perth, Ontario. Sounds cheery!

Details of Anthropologie

The thing that impresses me the most with Anthropologie is the level of creativity and detail that goes into their merchandising and displays, including their use of found items as fixtures. I have had the special opportunity to help set up the new Ottawa store, and snapped some photos within to highlight the thoughtfulness that went into every last stitch and nail. Their merchandising complements their delightfully detailed products.

The glowing name and curious quilt draw the viewer in.

Stenciling on the exterior

The vintage door at the front is mounted on a barn door track.

One of the found pieces is this huge light green chest--lovely colour and distressed surface.

Ladder shelves

Guardian beaver

Can you guess what this gigantic quilt is made of?

Leather? Denim?

Envelopes!

The bright Pantry section with rough mustard walls

A mural made of chicken wire, string, and muslin

These plates

These knobs

These flowers made of twist ties, coffee filters, and paper tags.

Velvet kimono

Vintage printing screens used for display

A chandelier made of rubber bands

This necklace

Found cabinet and clock

This end table

This winding display of colour changing leaves is made of cut, scored, and dyed manilla tags.

This sign is edged with sharpened pencils.

Stunning necklace and kimono

The moody blue wall makes these glamourous vases stand out.

These jeans

The wall behind the cash

Luxurious and cheery textiles

Every last cactus flower and prickle is in its place!

Creatively Graceful Boutique Design

I am thrilled to share the design for my Creatively Graceful Surface Pattern Design Boutique! This store sells my surface pattern designs on homewares, gift items, clothing, and textiles, and reflects the whimsical style of my designs through the fixtures and décor. My analogy for the space is a ball held at a vintage textile factory in the spring! Though this boutique is not yet a reality I hope that some day it will be, and when that day comes I will be all set! The storefront windows are masked with the silhouette of my logo and the items within represent the imagination and creativity bursting out of the logo's brain.

Here's an interior perspective looking into the Textile section through the Gifts section. The cash counter has a central space for the Surface Pattern Design of the Month and window space on either side to display the vignettes of the items of inspiration for the design.

The rendered floor plan

The rendered reflected ceiling plan

 The rendered planogram for the wall of the Clothing and Gifts sections

The rendered planogram for the wall of the Home and Gifts sections

The renderings board and my company manifesto

The board for the antique and eclectic furnishings and electrical specifications

Finally, here's the finishes board. Scalloped concrete tile, Carrara marble, a spray of blossoms over the cash...the elegant, graceful finishes allow the chaotic, creative products to stand out! Above all, I want to make the customers' days with thoughtful touches, and invite them to discover the story behind each design!

Tinseltown

Tinseltown Christmas Emporium is a year-round Christmas store in Ottawa, Ontario. Attached to Tinseltown, and run by the same owners, is Marie Antoinette & co., an equally astounding boutique of luxurious décor. They are the type of place you walk into and spend half an hour gaping at the first bursting, glittery display. Then you realize you've only stepped one foot past the entrance. Every time you turn around there's some new, wonderful, glamorous item you missed in your awe-struck meandering--items like these: 

Really, if a store's ceiling is this gorgeous, you know you've found a true treasure.

 Obviously I highly recommend visiting these lovely locales! And what's the best news? The two stores are expanding in the spring!