It took me a few days to recover from our trip to Atlanta. It wasn't that I was tired from traveling (although the thunderstorm on the flight home almost did me in!). I was just a bit overwhelmed by all of the gorgeous shops and show rooms that I saw!
Steve and I visited Atlanta to get new inspiration and boy did we get it.
If I could have spent the whole weekend taking in the beauty at Phoebe Howard's amazing shop, Mrs. Howard's. Her attention to detail is what amazed me.
Even the little powder room was beautiful!
I was drawn to the details of this unfinished white oak desk.
Usually a chest like this would have a dark finish. Phoebe gave this piece a whole new look by stripping it. I loved it!
All of the rooms are beautifully photographed on her website, but I couldn't resist including an image of my favorite space. What a fantastic mantel.
The old barn beams set the tone for this room.
We were fortunate to visit on the day that Becky Davis was having a trunk show of her botanical artwork. You can see a couple of them on the wall in this oval sitting room.
Becky's work is much more colorful than other botanicals that I have seen.
The size of some of her pieces is incredible. How dramatic!
Phoebe and I are both admirers of MaryBeth Thielhelm's artwork. This large piece was above a sitting area at Phoebe's more casual store, Max and Company.
Here is the same seating area pictured on the Max and Company website with another one of MaryBeth's pieces.
I would be completely overwhelmed with just the one store the size of Mrs. Howard's, but Phoebe has several stores and is opening up a new beauty in Charlotte. Check out her blog, if you want to be invited to the opening party in August!
Plus, she and her husband just finished building an amazing new home in the Hamptons. How does she do it all?
Leslie, Angela, Steve (who always ends up taking the pictures) and I really appreciated Phoebe taking the time to chat with us. I felt like I was visiting her at her home. That's the comfortable atmosphere she has created in her stores.
After Leslie finally pulled us away from Mrs. Howard's, we were off to South of Market.
I was impressed by the wide range of unique lighting from this linen chandelier with an industrial feel....
that came in bunch of different shapes and sizes...
I thought this basket lamp was so much fun.
Love the scale and texture of these pendants.
South of Market carries great lanterns as well.
This green fixture gave caught my eye. What a great idea to do a simple light in a punchy color.
The "unfinished" look of these chairs is fantastic.
Steve and I found the shape of this rusty chaise to be so inspirational. As designers that is what we search for, a shape, a texture, a idea that will push our designs.
Stay tuned for the rest of our trip. Oh, and don't forget to subscribe to my e-mail feed so you don't miss a thing.
xo
Brooke
Wow! Everything is so beautiful! You look great on the pic! Also love the new banner, looks fresh! Have a great day! Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | July 14, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Oh my gosh, Brooke. I love Phoebe Howard's work. To get to see it all in person... what a treat!
Thanks again for taking us with you!
Posted by: Tracy | July 14, 2009 at 07:15 PM
* What a LIFE you two lead! It's just incredibly full of wonderful & seemingly endless new experiences & adventures~~~ how WONDERFUL that you are so blessed!!! (And it's "funny" ~ "I" sometimes get POOPED just READING how MUCH you've done!)...
What a delightful read n' fantabulous pics, as always! MANY THANKS, Brooke!!!!
Hugs,
Linda
(P.S. Picasso finished today as hoped! Love it! TNX!)
Posted by: Linda in AZ * | July 14, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Wow, Brooke. You had such a wonderful trip. If I was you, I'd be overwhelmed by all the gorgeous shops. Thanks for giving us a peak. I especially love the botanicals. That large one is fantastic! I also love the industrial linen covered lighting. It may be a trend, but I love the industrial pieces!
Thanks,
Karen
Posted by: Karen B | July 14, 2009 at 07:57 PM
Whew, what fantastic shops to visit. Must have been overwhelming to your senses to see all the wonderful stuff and gorgeous set ups!
marcie
Posted by: Unique Unique Design | July 14, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Add Scotts to the itinerary & you have my Design Dream Trip, the Atlanta edition.
Thank you for sharing your time Brooke.
Posted by: Alicia | July 14, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Brooke and Steve,
Glad ya'll are recovering! Such a treat to get to know you both. It was a great weekend full of inspiration! I've said it before and I'll say it again, look out for the next Mr. and Mrs. Howard! You two make a great team, so talented, so generous and just lovely!
~Angela
Posted by: Angela in WA | July 14, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Brooke - sounds like a wonderful trip - Atlanta seems like such a decor hub, such classic beauty in the decor there. I am envious of your visit to Mrs. Howard. She and her hubby are my two favorite designers - his architectural detail and her decor - impeccable. I have practically every photo of their work on my computer. I had no idea that they have a new house in the Hamptons - I am going to check out your link now!! Glad you had a great trip and South of Market sounds amazing also - I love Kay Douglass' rustic modern Belgian style (which has probably changed by now but it's how I know her)
xo Terri
Posted by: Terri | July 14, 2009 at 08:41 PM
The lighting fixture are really unique and stir the imagination! So glad you made it back, and the flying wasn't too bad. I would say it was worth the trip!
Leslie
Posted by: La Maison Fou | July 14, 2009 at 08:41 PM
How does she do it all indeed??? Such a talent. I could move right into her Atlanta store. Didn't you adore that amazing staircase?
Posted by: Pamela | July 14, 2009 at 09:04 PM
I love Phoebe Howard and Jim Howard's work. She has beautiful furnishing in the store too. I need to book a trip to hotlanta soon!
xo,
cristin
Posted by: Cristin | July 14, 2009 at 09:20 PM
noticed the framed vintage hangers... what a great idea!
Posted by: Kandace | July 14, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Hi Brooke!
What a fabulous group of posts! Some of my favourite shops and vendors! And as for pendants- a favourite too- I loved the ones you featured!
Glad you are home safe- take care!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Zuniga | July 14, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Hi Brooke, I love Phoebe Howards work and it is so much fun to see it through your discerning eyes. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences with all of us in blogland, Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | July 14, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Atlanta looks very inviting Brooke - an amazing Aladdin's Cave of goodies. I am sure you have found many treasures for your shop... and perhaps for yourself and Steve?? xv
Posted by: Vicki Archer | July 14, 2009 at 10:59 PM
It is a little surreal to see all of these familiar places on your blog! I am so sorry that I was out of town, and did not have the chance to meet you and Steve and Angela! Bad timing on my part.
I love Mrs. Howard and Max - I go there at least once a month (and often more) because things are constantly changing. I have also learned that if you see something that you fall in love with, buy it immediately - because if you go home to think about it, chances are it will be gone within a week!
Phoebe and I have discussed how wonderful Atlanta is for those who love houses, architecture, and design. People in Atlanta definitely love their homes, and like to decorate them!
Posted by: Things That Inspire | July 15, 2009 at 04:25 AM
looks like you had a wonderful trip, so many amazing finds :)
Posted by: Tina {Luphia loves...} | July 15, 2009 at 04:59 AM
Living in Knoxville, I am able to get to Atlanta periodically and always make Mrs. Howard a stop. Wonderful, isn't it! I just got back from market there which was great. We found beautiful flowers and new containers.
Posted by: sophiedahydesigns | July 15, 2009 at 05:06 AM
I'm glad you had such a fantastic trip! Thanks for sharing the highlights with us. I love Phoebe Howard's style, and I appreciate your comments and views on her shops, and the items in her shops. Those botanticals are just beautiful.
Posted by: Design Esquire | July 15, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Seriously Brooke- you lead a "Glam" life. =)
Thanks for sharing- love it.
Posted by: teresa | July 15, 2009 at 06:41 AM
I still have to browse the links that you included, but oh this was a wonnnnnn...der...ful excursion. Thank you Brooke! Also, glad you made it safely home.
P.S: The 'form/style' of the chaise lounger reminds me of one very similar to what Ikea carried a number of years ago.
Posted by: mrsben | July 15, 2009 at 07:32 AM
Haha, did the same shopping trip last week...those are my favorites as well!
Posted by: doug | July 15, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Atlanta has so many places to go & so much to see. I could spend weeks shopping around there!
Posted by: Blueprint Bliss | July 15, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Thank you for sharing details of your wonderful trip Brooke.
I had to snicker when I read your comment about Phoebe Howard, "How does she do it all??"
Honestly, I think that everytime I read YOUR posts. Passion is amazing fueling though, isn't it? You are a true inspirtion.
Jan from Vancouver
Posted by: Jan | July 15, 2009 at 10:49 AM
It appears Teresa's and my comment somehow got switched, but how I wish that I had made that trip last week. :)
-Brenda-
Posted by: mrsben | July 15, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Brooke,
What a fabulous trip...I love the botanicals, they are gorgeous (I am going to visit Beckys website after I finish typing this!) The powder room at Mrs. Howards is absolutely perfect! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us...
xo,
Christy
Posted by: Christy | July 15, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Brooke,
I am so glad you, Steve and Angela had such a wonderful time here in Atlanta. I am just sad that I was out of town, as it would have been lots of fun to meet all of you. I love South of Market and haven't been to Mrs. Howards, I can see that I NEED to go..Things that Inspire...always talks so fondly of them too. I imagine you all were glad to get back to CA after the heat and humidity here!
Blessings...
Posted by: Renae Moore | July 15, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Have I mentioned I really love the name of your posts, they always make me want to come and take a look! Beautiful, wish I was there!
Posted by: Maria Killam | July 15, 2009 at 11:09 PM
I agree with Jan from Vancouver (BC or Washington?)...I always ask the same question "How does she do it all?" (referring to you of course)
Posted by: Brillante | July 15, 2009 at 11:36 PM
great pics, what a lovely shop!
Posted by: Annie | July 16, 2009 at 02:45 AM
Amazing!!! Nice pictures. I liked linen items so much.
Posted by: LinenKids.com | July 16, 2009 at 03:36 AM
What wonderful items. If they haven't given you inspiration , nothing will . Even a storm on a plane wont damper your enthusiasm !!!!
Posted by: Jacqueline | July 16, 2009 at 06:36 AM
I die for that chaise. I want to thank you for listing all of the wonderful Scandinavian blogs. I'm doing a charity christmas tree with that theme and they are so inspirational. Great post, as always :)
Posted by: colleen hickey | August 11, 2009 at 05:58 PM