Curious Sofa has been extremely fortunate this year with receiving great press. First, the local Spaces magazine did a story on my home, then in August Romantic Homes did a great spread on my house and the store and now on the newsstands is Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas. Would you believe all these photo shoots happened within a three week period last February?! One angry customer had to phone in a complaint this summer saying, "Every time I need something, Debbie is on a photo shoot!" Sorry, but it just happened that way. We are also waiting on some press from Dubai, Saudi Arabia! Are you ready for that? Don't ask me how that happened as I honestly do not know. A newspaper editor found us somehow so an extensive interview and photo shoot happened, but so far, it has not surfaced. I also got another call from BH&G last week and we just finished a Halloween story for 2010. Whew.Seeing this issue of Christmas Ideas was one big wow. Yes, I styled it and was there during the shoot along with editor Ann Blevins and art director Shawn Roorda but each time an issue featuring the store comes across my desk I hold my breath; praying for great printing, lovely layout, good cropping and interesting text- and this has it all. It is perfect (if I do say so myself). The colors are soothing and I think there are some great ideas for you to use. One of my best customers called me from the local Barnes and Noble just screaming. I had to laugh at her, she loved it so much. Take a look below. On the newsstands until December 29th.
My infamous mantle above. How may variations of this poor thing have you seen? I started here with the fabulous Madonna picture so everything else I gathered I wanted to compliment that. I ran to Hobby Lobby for the hurricanes and black candles but all else is from the store. There was a black tree to the right along with kraft paper packages but they did not use it for some reason. Not shown below:
This is my linen slipcovered sofa above, two whisper linen pillows from Bella Notte and the vintage tapestry which set the tone for the arrangement. The giant painting has a small lamb in the center. I called the shop to rush over the sconce as it was all we needed to finish the vignette. That tiny little step stool is one of my personal favorite things as it is bleached raw from the sun and has tiny tacks up the side. It's a keeper (and I don't keep anything!) I love this overall palette.
The famous tufted headboard from Round Top. It is just leaning against the wall, the tree was a project from years ago originally white but sprayed with floral paint to make vanilla and my favorite white violin.
I have been collecting the spools of thread for our Xmas Open House all year. The cake pedestal and ironstone are my own.
And where would we be without the silver thing? Some of it is from my collection but most of it is from the store. Plate hangers or a little wire is all I used to hang them. The photo on the table is my grandmother and we rigged the buffet setting to make it look more purposeful. I love it piled up like this. Why are some customers still asking why we don't polish our silver?? Argh! 
I have always wanted to do a Xmas porch thing. A big garden urn for the chilled champagne, the bird bath for candles ...all we needed was real snow!
Our most challenging shot above. The black and white lettering items are what we will premier at the store this Christmas from artist Wendy Addison. The folded paper art was borrowed from Julie Reed our own Miss Frenchie's artist. We ran to Whole Foods for the dry foods, again to make it purposeful for the season. The flocked green reindeer and giant bottle are from my personal stash. ENJOY!ALSO!!!
THIS COMING WEEKEND, OUR CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE!
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
OCTOBER 30, 31 & Nov. 1
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FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
OCTOBER 30, 31 & Nov. 1
51 comments:
Can't wait to get the issue! The pictures look fantastic and I'd love to get some holiday inspiration now so I have time to implement it.
Beautiful pictures - and I can't wait to see the store next weekend!
I have devoured every page of this issue and couldn't wait to get my hands on it just to see your beautiful home. Love the wall with silver trays. You know I was out on the hunt for trays just today! Thanks for all the inspiration you most definately provide me.
Congratulations on the spread....I will be sure to pick it up tomorrow....already inspired by the tone on tone ivory colors and look forward to a closer look! Wish I lived nearby and could stop by the store!
That was a wonderful spread they did of your beautiful decorating. I just loved the old cast iron Wilton Icing Cake Plate. I've been scanning ebay for that one! Love it!
Girlfriend, your mind must work 24~7... I can't wait to get my hands on this issue... As always you just rock...
Hugs,
Shelley
I saw it last weekend and bought it on the spot. Just because you were in it. It was a wonderful spread, that's for sure. Nice job!
Oh hopefully I can get hold of an issue. This is not easy living in Germany, but it is so my color palette and you have great ideas!
Thank you for sharing the pictures here!
Warmest wishes from Boxwood Cottage sends you
Carola
Ok, Debbie, you've just convinced me to buy the BHG issue - your fab spread is reason enough!
Congratulations Debbie ~ I will stop by the store and purchase that issue tomorrow!
I never could find the Romantic Homes issue that featured your shop and home in any local stores.
I was so sad about that. :(
Your blog and the articles about you are always inspiring. Thank you for sharing your gift with others.
!!! On my way to B&N to get my own copy !!!
Now I'm off to buy the magazine! It makes it so much better when there is someone you feel like you know in them.
Oh congratulations!! How wonderful!
If only I could see the famous Curious Sofa in person!
I will definitely purchase the magazine just to get a closer look at the article!
Well deserved!
Ruth
Those platters on the wall are to die for! Congratulations on your spread!
xo Isa
Oh, Congrats Again...cannot wait to pick up the issue! Thanks for being so inspriing!
Jena
Congrats to you! It looked great!
Wonderful news!!! I will have to look in Saint Joseph for a copy!!!
Patty
LOVE IT ALL!!!!!!
Can't wait to sip my mocha & look at all the Fab Photo's!
Oh how I could look at your decor all day long! So lovely and creative and just candy for the eyes! Congrats on doing so well and on all the publications. That must be such an exciting feeling! You deserve it!
Salute...! Do you think maybe it's the way you style? Showing all a way to use just stuff is always in style, and you've done so very well. You've shone a way in hard times, so yes, Whew!
I purchased the issue as soon as it came out in anticipation to see the "Curious Sofa" layout. I went to college in Olathe and have a brother now in college so plan on coming to visit your store in April. Can't wait!!
Everything looked amazing!!
Blessings
Roxanne @ BeverlySanhills
Congratulations, looks like a wonderful article, can't wait to read the 'real' thing
sarah
loved the magazine section. Brilliant as always and am anxiously awaiting the pics from your open house.
kath
Congratulaions! Fabulous pics, your attention to detail is always perfection! Angie
and this is just the article that has brought me here ;)
I opened the zine up in the store right to your page & was mesmorized, especially with the lovely Madonna photo!
What amazing treasures you have put together!! Wish I lived closer ;)
thank your for the inspiration & lovely eye candy!!
till next time.... ~Bella
Wow! It is just fabulous! Your design aesthetic is so elegant yet comfortable, and your ideas are always, always fresh.
Hope there's a nice big blow-up of the whole article displayed in the window at Curious Sofa! Everyone needs to know how they can take a little slice of heaven from Curious Sofa and make their own interpretation of a white Christmas.
You sure have the "tools" and inspiration for everyone, and you are generous to share it on your blog, in the newspaper and the magazines. Congratulations, Deb.
Here's to a successful holiday selling time at your store!
Joan
Wow, thanks Joan. That was a humbling comment. The statement that I am "always, always fresh" stopped me in my tracks. I worry about that probably more than anything when I style. It seems everyone is doing the same look. Thanks again!
a bit self serving don't you think? how many times did you use "I" in that article? you might find that bad mouthing customers multiple times might just turn off a potential customer or even a current customer. you may be a good designer, but your writing skills lack professionalism. you wrote about one of your "best" customers, but your potential "best" customer could be reading your blog and might not be impressed... i wasn't.
You always manage to find a way to get a dig in. Why do you keep reading this blog anyway?
Nice job, Anonymous. Susan thinks that she needs to illustrate how silly third person would be in a blog post. Avoiding the word "I" under some pretense of not appearing a certain seems awkward to Susan. Susan hopes that you are able to find joy soon in something besides negative posts. Don't like it? Don't read it. I (oooh, bad self-serving word there) wish for you to find something you find pride in and pursue it. Signed, Susan
I have the magazine and thought it was a fantastic layout. Wished I could be closer to visit your store for inspiration.
I just need to say how incredibly fortunate and grateful I am that you are in Kansas City and nearly in my backyard?! I adore it all... and I'm dragging a gaggle of friends with me on Friday morning to check it all out. MWUA!!!!
Meh! to "Anonymous" and kudos to Susan! Seriously... Anonmyous's post left me laughing and wondering which hateful competitor (not a peer) that could have come from... because you know it's not from a person who knows how to be happy for others... like your regular readers are. And what a chickenshit way to express their opinion, as "anonymous". If you're going to have an opinion about anything, at least own it. It's probably my mother in law. She can twist and distort anything good and make it bad. LOL!!!
Alexis thank you so much for that unsolicited post! I have received a few anonymous comments (from this person I am sure of it). I do not post them as they are worthless. When reading such a thing you cannot help but wonder, "What the heck did I do to that person?" I do not have a mother in law but I do have angry ex-employees. I never believe it when someone says, "Oh they're all just jealous of your success" but really, I am beginning to wonder. Especially when they keep coming back and reading my blog! Enough already. Move on.
Just a follow-up... I had my daughter get the BH&G issue for me on her way home ~ lovely article! I too have collections of cream and ivory thread, LOTS of tarnished silver (trays, pedestal compotes, silverware, etc.), ironstone pieces, and of course paper whimsies (one of my artistic endeavors). Thank you again for always being an inspiration.
I agree with Susan and Alexis - if Anonymous doesn't like this blog, Anonymous can just stop reading!
Debbie, I also believe that you should be able to use "I" as many times as you want to! You've worked very hard to be successful and you deserve some bragging rights!
An avid fan and supporter,
Julie G from Iowa
Deb, I have run all over town today trying to get my hands on a copy of this magazine. It's not out in Sherman, TX yet!!! LUCKILY, you posted copies on your blog, or I fear I would have perished not being able to see what treasures you unveiled. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your amazing talent! And for sharing it with all of us! I have every store clerk in town looking for this magazine now; they're wondering WHY I was so determined to get a copy.
Holiday blessings,
Mz V
Oh, and one more thing....PLEASE don't let "Anonymous" rent space in your head. None of us who own our businesses believe we're capable of making everyone happy. As talented as you are, it's just not possible. And there are those who relish the idea of tearing others down. Bless their hearts. You simply MUST know you're hitting the right notes with those who sing your praises, me included.
Actually, it's kinda fun to watch your fans beat up on the little weasel who doesn't give out their name along with their criticisms.
Toss 'em out there among us! We've got your back!
Bless you for that!
i am not the "anonymous" however i choose to remain so myself. due in part to a couple of your early comments. do you really care if i am a customer? "we need more than cheers and concern, we need your dollars" to quote you...was some what of a sting. as i had been in your store and not even spoken too, i thought i was not welcomed. then in a more recent blog your comment "come in and SPEND MONEY and not just say how are you doing" made me feel that you only need and want "regular customers". you never know if a customer who only comes in to look will be back to really purchase and purchage a large, expensive item! maybe you don't need those of us who are on a limited budget.
Ok, I am going to finally address the comment above because I am tired of a few readers who are thinking this way and assume this is only me sharing a selfish, arrogant opinion about my business. I am going to speak for ALL retailers, not just myself. And if you think I am not, just ask them.
Your favorite local boutique is not here to inspire, be cute, gather lovely things and sit and chat with you. Are those some of the things we love? Well of course, but it doesn't keep our doors open. We are running a business with rent, payroll and overhead. The majority of us without wealth are flying by the seat of our pants, especially this year. The beauty you see in the front of the store is nothing compared to the problems you don’t see in the back. You have no idea how hard this is. For me to thank my customers who spend their hard earned money was sincere. And those few customers who come in and squeal and cheer and say, “Oh, please don’t close, you are our favorite!” and then walk out without buying a $3 greeting card is who I am talking about. This happens frequently and crushes the soul of every small business owner. We juggle and struggle and pretend we are living the dream but we make minimum wage (if even that) and to hear how much someone loves us but never supports us financially is just heartbreaking. How are we to stay in business? With compliments?
If you really did come into my store and were not spoken to I am crushed over that and it was a terrible oversight. I apologize as we must have been very busy because this is rare.
Also, a limited budget is what we are all living with so how much you spend has nothing to do with my comments. It has to do with the random customer who thinks we can go on running this show without their support. It can’t be done.
Comments like this one above is what will make most of us close our doors sooner rather than later. Just watch.
Deb--
Speaking as a fellow retailer...
You are one of the few independent specialty retailers out there who puts herself out on a limb again and again, not only through this blog, but through your public and private blogs for other retailers and through your {very public} work with a renowned retail consultant, the result of which was NY Times coverage! You have shared much, exposed much, and reaped the respect of those who *truly understand* what a tough proposition it is to keep the doors of an indie retail establishment open in the U.S. today. Those who truly understand--the fellow retailers, friends, customers, and blog fans leaving supportive comments here--stand in awe, admiration, and respect for you. It's interesting to me that those who dislike your tone or content yet GO OUT OF THEIR WAY to regularly read your blog, and then GO OUT OF THEIR WAY to leave a critical comment, do so Anonymously. Hmm. Criticize a stranger in a public forum, yet hide your face in shame for fear of being...criticized. Interesting. Clearly, Deb, this is not about you; the Anonymouses of the world are having personal issues.
Congrats! on the BHG article! And thank you for sharing pictures and a narrative. The wall with the sterling silver trays {tranished ~ so chic} is fabulous! Never thought to hang them on a wall. Wouldn't they be wonderful going up a staircase wall? Ah, a weekend project!Have a great Holiday open house!
CONGRATS! I'm going back for a second and third look.
GORGEOUSNESS! How exciting to see something from Round Top too! My sis and I were there on the Square this past show (Wanderlust)! The heat and rain nearly killed us, but what a fabulous place to be! Love your inspiration and creativity! Keep up the great work! - talula
All that's left to say is "keep on keeping on Debbie". Your talent inspires many of us to shop at other places, thus bolstering the small independent businesses in our towns. If it were possible, all of us would shop Curious Sofa I'm sure, you are the best when it comes to a look so many of us adore. I keep trying to arrange a trip in your direction just to visit your amazing shop......one of these days I'll make it, just hope you are there so we can chat while I buy, lol!!!!
Meanwhile I'll head out later today and look for the magazine. Best wishes for your open house this weekend - lucky are the gals/guys who can get there.....make sure you buy tons of beautiful stuff people!
Hugs - Mary ACROSS THE POND
P.S. My silver is tarnished big time - black crows are decorating the porch - white ironstone stacked - words are everywhere - oh yes, Curious Sofa touches are even here in North Carolina!
Wow. I just found you and cannot find the proper words to express the gratitude for you living your authentic self. If there is one thing I have learned it is, if you do not ask for what you need you will not get it. The second is it is always best to be honest. Honest with yourself and your customers. Unless you have actually been in the retail business you cannot understand what goes on behind the beautiful merchandise and displays. Thank you for your courage. I also thank you for your frank soul-expression as it made me want to be better as an artist putting my wares out there for the public. I look forward to actually stepping foot in your store, but until then I will be back again and again to visit via your blog. You are truly a gem who makes a difference in the world.
Looking forward to perusing this issue. Your store display and your home are, as always, rich in texture and layers. An absolute marvel. Thank you for sharing the magic ~ Angela
I love your store and I can't wait to go in soon to see your lovely Christmas decorations!
I hope you don't mind a correction though. Dubai is not in Saudi Arabia but in UAE. I wouldn't know this, except that my husbands father lives there.
Came by the store on friday and loved it all! Your displays are amazing. I picked up a few Wendy items, they are always my favorite! Sorry I missed the Halloween displays, but the Christmas is the best! Picked my copy of BH&G as well. yes, it is perfect! You did a lovely job, can't wait for the Halloween 2010 you spoke of.
Hugs, Tricia
vintagebliss.typepad.com
I want to drive to your store....right now! Too bad I live so far away!!!
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