GUEST BLOGGER: Mrs. French from Bliss

I am so happy to be back.  Last week I posted about my favorite shop here in Portland; Noun: a person's place for things and it's genius owner Stephanie Sheldon.  I may have hinted a bit as to what this week's post would be about (ok maybe a lot)....I was fortunate enough to get the grand tour of Stephanie's eclectic home, in the process I snapped hundreds of photos.  I chose some of my favorites in order to take you along with me.  I also asked Stephanie to answer a few more questions...

What inspires you?

Hmm...I don't know really.  People being nice to each other?  But if you are talking artistically and aesthetically I would say that my childhood growing up in Ohio often (unknowingly) inspires the vintage things I choose for the store. I don't realize when I'm choosing, but then I get it back to the store and I remember that I used to play with something similar at my Grandparents' house or something like that.  Here's a good example: I had this big thing for garden gazing balls for a long time and I just didn't know why I was so attracted to them.  Then I went home for my annual visit and as we were driving down the streets of my town I start noticing that every yard has a gazing ball in it!  I was like...AHA!  I know there are a lot of things and people that I admire too.  I think what I call "admiration" other people call "inspiration."

What is your absolute favorite object in your home?

I have so many pieces that are precious to me that it would be hard to pick a favorite.  But I think my newest love is my vintage Hans Wegner wishbone chair.  It was broken and seatless when I found it but I had wanted one for so long and I knew this was the only way I could afford it.  I had it fixed and it's as good as new!

Where is your favorite spot to be in your home and why?

My bed, of course!  It's super cozy and I love all my pretty throw pillows.  Not only do I love sleeping, but from it I can see some of my favorite artwork and most precious family heirlooms.

What advice would you give to those who want to create a unique home environment? Where should they start (I asked this one for purely selfish reasons)?

I always tell people that as long as you consciously and deliberately choose pieces that you truly love and that are functional in your life your home will always be cohesive and beautiful.  Because if you are the one choosing everything, then despite its age, vintage or color your home will always have a common aesthetic-you!  As far as making it unique...I love to fill our home with pieces that connect me to my family and to good memories-my great-grandmother's bible, my grandfather's artwork, a rocking chair like one I grew up with, a photo from the gallery where Thom and I were married.  And I think people have to remember to take their time when creating their home.  Again, it's about being deliberate and thoughtful about your choices.  It's when you have it finished today that your house ends up looking like a Pottery Barn catalogue.  It's hard to wait for the perfect piece to come along but it's totally worth it.

I have found my time with Stephanie and Noun to be so insightful and enjoyable.  I have been in the process of trying to make my home a more meaningful space and have felt overwhelmed at times...however, through my discussion with Stephanie I now find the project to be much less daunting....after all, I know what I like.  The key, to me, is patience...

If the process still seems a bit overwhelming you can hire the masterful Stephanie as a design consultant....I plan to utilize her services soon...feel free to contact her through her website if you are interested.

I will be posting more photos from this tour on my blog, Bliss, please do stop by.

Thanks again dear readers and the always gracious Stephanie...same place and time next week...xxoo