My Friend ~ The Decorating Diva

on't you just love gals who aren't shy when they come to your home? I've never used the services of a professional decorator/designer. However, I was a winner in the Valentine contest at SuzAnna's Antiques ~ my prize, one very special hour with Linda, their assistant at the shop and a decorator/organizer extraordinaire!! After showing this bundle of energy around the cottage last Friday, enjoying a cup of Earl Grey and a slice of French apple cake with a dollop of creme fraiche, we started playing house!

Linda removed her fabulous black suede MOD wedgie Maryjanes and proceeded to hop up on my bed. She removed the little carving I'd temporarily hung above this mirror, and placed this already painted and shabbied iron piece ~ the roses being the perfect grey blue of my wall paint and shabby shutters!

Voila, love at first sight ~ different, unique, brings the garden in!

Before reaching the French inspired guest room still languishing in makeover mode, Linda hauled this amazing old, heavy, slightly shabbied frame up the stairs. No place in the guest room but how about here, bringing a little life to another blank and boring attic storage space door at the top of the stairwell. It really looks wonderful as one glances up the stairs from the cottage entry and works well with the damask covered chair.

This European mirror with slightly marred glass, pretty etching and a graceful shape is another piece Linda brought along. The color and design is perfect with the hand painted chest I've had many years.
Moving into the guest room, Linda was excited to see many of the pieces she'd help me choose earlier from SuzAnna's ~ the secretary of course, along with picture frames, the bedside table and other small decorative pieces. We discussed the chair seats and she agreed with my decisions on these which I'll show later after the sewing part is completed. I did splurge on this beautiful trim for the little toile pillow on the chair next to the window - perfect color with the shutters and quite French looking with the generous ribbon loops.

Linda's decorating hour passed far too quickly ~ we had a lot of fun and she helped me no end when it came to taking things just a little over the top. Her eye sees quirky beauty in everything old and previously loved. She is never at a loss as to what something unusual, scuffed or chipped can be used for around the house or garden.............and she will paint anything that will stay still long enough to give it a new life!

Thanks so much Linda, it was great fun................and thanks again Susie and Anna for this wonderful prize.

I'm off to sew now ~ darkening storm clouds are gathering outside our windows and hopefully we'll get much needed rain this afternoon and evening.