One of my favorite parts of participating in a design show is collaborating with others to bring my vision for the space to life. This year, I was fortunate to have a number of North Shore area businesses partner with me to create “A Modern Family Mudroom.” Cindy Barry of Circle Furniture accommodated all of my design requests when I visited the Danvers location. Circle has so many pieces that would work in a mudroom ... from the cushioned bench to sit on, to the six-cubby storage unit (on wheels), to the small step stool with long handle (perfect for holding a backpack), to the black metal table with industrial looking crank ... I truly wanted to take each and every item home. And I can’t forget the gorgeous peacock print that set the mood and color palette for my vignette. Everyone loved it!
Accessorizing the space involved a few trips to Home Goods and Target along with searching through my personal collection of props-on-hand and life-with-kids artifacts. When faced with a blank wall over the cubby unit, I decided this would be a great place to effortlessly gather those bits of paper that arrive in the mail or come home in the kids backpacks (think permission slips, artwork, invitations, etc.) to the saving-in-case-I-need-them-contact-numbers found on business cards and brochures. The artful install involved some kitchen twine, clothes pins and eye hooks. Couldn’t be easier, and it ends up being much more interesting to look at than a standard bulletin board. Plus I really wanted the mosaic tiled chalkboard on the other side of the room to be the main focal point combined with the honed black granite farmhouse sink and the amazing chandelier from Lucia Lighting hanging front and center. The living terrariums showed off the inspiring functionality of this space which was designed to help organize life’s everyday moments while providing room to create.
I have been working with Sue and Beezee on the logistics team for the upcoming Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz taking place next week in Lawrence (Designer Bath is donating fixtures from American Standard). Lucy Dearborn is also on the list of Blitz sponsors along with being my go-to-person whenever I need to illuminate a room.
Owners Ralph and Jason Sevinor of Designer Bath were happy to see the Stone Forest potting sink get so much attention outside of the showroom. Designers and visitors all commented on its natural beauty and charm. If you want to see it in person, it is now back at its 97 River Street location in Beverly. Stop in or call to make an appointment (there is so much more to see with several new displays including collections from Kallista, Duravit and more being built as I write this post!)
Being able to showcase North Shore design-related businesses at the Wenham Museum Design Show this year was a lot of fun for me. Equally enjoyable was spending time with visitors, answering their questions, and meeting the other designers. Here are my promised photos from the week-long event.
with my sister Linda
with my dad Charles
Same pose on two different days ...
a little boy who stopped by to check things out
with Wenham Musuem marketing director, Mary Barthelmes
Their space featured a 90th birthday celebration
(in honor of the museum’s 90th anniversary)
Interesting fact: I used to work for Marie Barron (far right) one summer when I was in college! She owned MVP Sports and I worked as a graphic designer on their weekly sales fliers. We were neighbors at the show - small design world!
I especially loved her painted windows combined with fabrics.
with Lawrence Perna, furniture maker
Designer Mary ONeill’s tranquil seaglass-colored summer cottage guest room
A charming niche by John Kelsey and Sally Wilson
read about the transformation of this room here
Thank you to the dedicated staff at the Wenham Museum,
plus the volunteers and show supporters who contributed
to making this year such a success. It was a pleasure
to be a part of the show! xoxo yvonne
