like mother, like daughter

My mom surprised me with this beautifully framed, signed print from Suzanne Kasler for Christmas. She met her at an incredible home store in Chattanooga called Revival. (BTW, If you're ever in Chattanooga you must stop by this store, recently featured in Southern Living! So chic and awesome.) Anyways, mom had Suzanne (yeah, we're on a first name basis) sign a page of her new book. She wrote, "Design makes a difference." I love it, and every time I see it I'm reminded of my mother and our special relationship.

So, I can't have a design blog and not mention and credit my mom for everything. It's true, anything I know about design I learned from her. Here's a little background on me and what brought me here in the first place...blogging about antiques, paint colors and fabric swatches...

I grew up in a fabric store. 

I remember the smell of new fabrics and the cold, concrete floors like it was yesterday. As a child, I hated that place, and could not understand what was fun about it — whatsoever.  I remember thinking, if it was up to me, I'd never walk in another fabric store for the rest of life.

It's ironic but very fitting, that today I spend hours in fabric stores, going through every sample book and studying the different fabrics and trim. I remember being on a long, delayed flight with my mom as a child, and telling her I was bored. Her response: "Hadley, just close your eyes and rearrange your entire room in your head." And so I did...I was THAT nine year old child rearranging her bookshelves on a plane ride.

My mom is a talented interior designer, who has the rare ability of turning a shoebox into a masterpiece. Everything she touches turns to gold, and I'm not just saying that because she's my mom! I think my favorite part about it all is that she absolutely LOVES what she does. How many people can honestly say that? She thinks and breaths design 24/7, and even on her days off, you'll find on her "mystery ride" (as she calls them), driving down country roads outside of Chattanooga...most likely in her overalls and a baseball cap...searching for antique stores, estate sales or any place she may be able to find that "perfect treasure."  

These are cards for my mom's antique booth, Sisters. She named it Sisters in honor of her big sister, Beverly Bangs, who owns a 10,000 sq. ft. antique store in Kennebunkport, Maine, Antiques on Nine. If you're ever in Kennebunkport, you must stop by! This store is amazing and Barbara Bush is regular :) It's full of American and European furniture, paintings, decorative items, architectural elements and garden accessories!

Mom, I love and admire you more than you know...

Design makes a difference.