If you install window treatments, like I do, you have to be a dog lover! 

Here are a few of the furry friends that I’ve met during some recent installations: Champ, Maverick, Tucker, Bubbles, Curly and Barkley. They are always very curious about my sample bags, and tools - and of course whether or not I have any treats stashed away. 
​
I just love these furry residents of the beautiful homes that I decorate.  It’s always nice to make new friends.

We have a fun shop here in Sudbury named “Laurel Grove” where owners Michelle Palmer and Isabelle Palmer sell vintage furniture and home décor items.   Here’s a photo of Laurel Grove’s location at 339 Boston Post Road (Route 20) on the east side of town.   Their website is:  https://laurelgroveshop.com/

They were awarded Best of Boston Home 2019 - congratulations!  It’s nice to have Sudbury on the map for an outstanding retail home décor shop (as well as many other redeeming qualities which I totally enjoy in my home town.)
​
After touring through their large 2-level shop just this past week, I spoke with owner Michelle Palmer.  Michelle told me about how she and her daughter Isabelle Palmer, an interior designer, rotate the shop’s offerings and products seasonally.  With the Summer season coming up they’ll feature many beach and nautically-inspired items, perfect for all of the Metro-west residents who spend their summer vacations at the Cape or up the coast in Maine.  Several on-line reviewers have described the shop as having a “farm house” or shabby chic vibe, and I concur.  Plus, there lots of clever and ingenious gift items with inspirational messages that are sure to delight.  I just couldn’t resist snapping a photo of an adage I totally identify with.

The Laurel Grove website describes the shop as "… a special place where we hope our community can gather to find gorgeous, unique home décor and gifts and also inspiration and warmth. In it, you will find an eclectic mix of home accents and gifts ranging from vintage to handmade to new.”  I agree with that, especially since the offerings at Laurel Grove change dramatically with the seasons, so they're always introducing new things that warrant a look-see.

​One of the other things that I like about the store is that Laurel Grove is a retailer for chalk paints, including Maison Blanche. For those who are skilled and adventurous enough to paint their own furniture pieces, I suggest you check out Laurel Grove and their extensive selection of paints, finishes, supplies, and samples with various techniques applied. ​

For other tutorials on painting furniture, I recommend you check out Jann Newton’s website.  I'm connected to Jann through our work on window coverings and soft fashions for your home (with textiles), and this gifted lady has lots of talents, that she shares with her blog readers, related to painting furniture.

With antique season coming up, Laurel Grove is the perfect place to visit beforehand to consider the range of painting possibilities (and colors) available.  It’s nice to have that info in mind when you shop the Antique fairs and mentally assess just what you will do with the treasures you find. For those of you in the Boston area........

 2019 Brimfield Show dates in Brimfield, MA:
- May 14-19, 2019 (only a month away!!)
- July 9-14, 2019
- Sept 3-8, 2019

​I certainly enjoyed shopping at Laurel Grove this week and hope you stop in yourself during your upcoming travels through Sudbury.   You'll be glad you did!