Sweet Home.....Missouri!

Oh hello!

In the rolling hills and vineyards of Southeast Missouri lies a beautiful rural community. Farmington, Missouri is rich with history, culture and community (www.discoverfarmingtonmo.com). This may be a quant little town, but it’s big on home décor…country style! I only had time to visit a couple stores, however I will be blogging about a few others when I visit again (keep an eye out for the future blogs).  Down the historic main street is a potpourri of home décor and accessory stores. 

Across the street from the Court House is a beautiful store that almost seems to be the cornerstone of the entire block.  Botaniques on the Square is an example of high style and elegant living. When walking in it’s like being transferred to another place.  The ladies there are great for conversation and assisting you with your décor needs. Beautiful accessories made of silver and glass greet you at the door.  Unique French Country design and elements tease your senses.  The store displays wonderful little vignettes of small furniture, plates and beautiful nick knacks. Sculpture, yard pieces and flowers are displayed throughout.  They also provide a wonderful full floral service as well.  Original paintings adorn the walls and there are even more surprises upstairs! This is one my favorite spots to visit and adventure through; it is truly a feast for the eyes! 

Botaniques on the Square

20 W Columbia Street

Farmington MO  63640     

573-756-9991

Just down the street is another treasure...Jennie Annie's.  Country is definitely in style here...you immediately have a sense of home.  This store has bright colors, flowers and miniature topiaries.  I especially like the vine of flowers flowing up the stair banister.  Before going upstairs try not to miss the wall of beautiful and colorful handbags near the back. Adventuring upstairs proves to be a continual "search and fine" of treasures.  The upstairs is broken into small rooms and vignettes. Each room has a distinct style and ambiance.  Looking at all the wonderful home décor items you will loose track of time!  Jennie Annie's is a great place to find that something special.  This home accessories store-front is a wonderful find and a great place to get lost in. 

Jennie Annie's

14 W Columbia Street

Farmingon, MO  63640

573-747-1170

(other location in Webster Groves, MO)

http://www.facebook.com/JennieAnnies

I will be back to visit this community soon (maybe the holidays?!) Look for more blogs from Farmington, Missouri soon!

Good day!

--D Charles 

Jennie Roberts, Owner, peaks around her fresh flower arrangement.
 Bontaniques

Botaniques on the Square

Botaniques on the Square

Botaniques on the Square

Botaniques on the Square

Botaniques on the Square

Botaniques on the Square

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Jennie Annie's

Jennie Annie's

Jennie Annie's

Jennie Annie's

Jennie Annie's

Jennie Annie's

Jennie Annie's

Rooms Speak Louder than Words...

Oh Hello!

I recently went on a trip to visit my Mom and family back home in Missouri. I had a great time, it's always nice to go home for a little while and relax (and of course to have some home cooking!)  I was really excited about my visit and to see a project that my dear sister and family had been working on for a couple months.

My Mom had a spare bedroom that used to be my father's office. My sister thought my Mom needed a "girl" room.  So after clearing out the office, painting and buying a bunch of country nick-knacks my Mom has her "girly" room.  They painted the room a pale green with an accent of pink, all in country style! They had a great time collecting all the nick-knacks from garage sales and specialty stores and didn't spend over $10 for any one item.

It looks great!  My sister(s) and family did a wonderful job.  It is now a very cozy and inviting room. My Mom loves it; she now has her own county girly room!

Do YOU have a room to call your own?  Or does your sense of style speak louder in certain rooms?  I think it's great when someone has a room or area that reflects their personality.  Ladies usually have the bedroom, or family room, whereas many men have a man cave (basement) or utility garage.  It makes oneself feel comfortable, or motivated when an area reflects the individuality of the person.

Good Day
--D Charles  

  

 

My Grandfather hand-crafted this little chest.

Re-Build It and They Will Come

Oh hello,

While adventuring through the Bucktown neighborhood in Chicago on a mid-summer's day I began to notice folks walking with fixtures, tables and chairs...oh my!  Where was this Land of Decor Oz??  Following the trial of people I discovered a mecca for refurbish-ers, Do-It-Yourself-ers and designers!

The ReBuilding Exchange (a project of Delta Institute www.delta-institute.org) is a not-for-profit re-use materials organization.  They received the majority of their materials from deconstruction projects as well as donations from the public sector.  They are housed in an enormous warehouse full of fixtures, doors, windows, cabinetry, bath tubes, sinks, wood, etc...  It was amazing to walk through and see all the reusable materials they have salvaged.  According to their website they have diverted 3000 tons of building materials from landfills!

Not only do they just sell material they have a great programs and workshops.  They have a department, RX Made, which will build custom pieces from their salvaged materials.

This is a great organization that is helping Chicago to be green.  With a dedication of helping the environment and helping people, this organization is true gem!

If you live in the Chicago-land area, you should check it out!  It's at the corner of Ashland and Webster (enter on  Webster).  For  readers who do not live in Chicago, I encourage you to look through ReBuilding Exchange's website.  It is inspiring for us all to be greener and possibly doing a little "re-purposing" ourselves!

Check it out!   www.rebuildingexchange.org

Good day!
--D Charles

Interesting Sun glare coming through the window.

Plus a great view of Downtown Chicago!

The Grandeur of a Wing Chair

Oh hello!

I am awe-struck by designer Christopher Guy.  His home furniture and accessories design is elegant, classy and timeless. Every time I go to his website and "window shop" I find something that inspires me.

For example his collection of chairs, particularly high-back wing chairs!  First of all I love the scale, drama , sophistication and class of a beautiful high-back wing chair. I have one in my apartment tucked beside a book case and guests LOVE to sit there little fannies in it. However I notice most of them suddenly protrude good posture and their annunciation sharpens.When sitting in grand piece of furniture one feels grand.

I encourage you to wonder through this great website and see some remarkable furniture! I will be blogging about other pieces i'm sure!!

http://www.christopherguy.com

Good day!
--D Charles

My Favorite!