Party Hat?

We stopped in to visit with Cindy at haley's cottage last week...

and oh, my , folks, you really should get in there and see how lovely the shoppe is! Her post-Holiday / winter-into-spring decor & displays will just perk you right up and inspire you to freshen up your homes.

We loved seeing one of our unique lampshades 'worn' by a mannequin - was this a New Years' Eve party hat, perhaps?!  It's whimsical and imaginative touches like this that add to the wonderful atmosphere of Cindy's shoppe. So easy to do this in your homes, as well... even the smallest changes can bring a big impact and a smile to your face every day. That's what decorating is supposed to be all about - making you happy in your rooms.

We are so blessed that Cindy has found our products to be complimentary to her style! {And while we were there, 'a little birdie' told us about some exciting news coming soon from haley's cottage, so stay tuned here for an update when it breaks!}

bittersweet

There's a room full of sweetness waiting and a party goin' on at Poppyseeds!

In celebration of a new year, Valentine's Day, and spring, we have filled our room at the shop with lots of white & pink delicacies. You'll find vintage products and handmade items created from vintage & reclaimed components. It's really over the top cute, and we feel it's only fair to warn you that this room could cause cavities.;0) I was inspired by my eighth birthday party, all the way down to the kitchen setting and the pink crepe paper streamers.... my mom will be shocked that I remember it, I'm sure, but it was a little girls' dream!

 

Now for the bittersweet part...

Retreat will be leaving Poppyseeds at the end of January. We adore owners MaryBeth & Julie, and have really loved being part of our local community by having this space in their shop, but it's time to move forward with other parts of our business plan. (this gives them more room for their fabulous furnishings & decor, too!)

Retreat's last day at Poppyseeds will be Wednesday, January 28th, 

so you only have 22 days to get our sweet stuff there! This is the last colorful, themed display you'll see from us, as well... Retreat's palette and style will be much more refined and relaxing for the coming year. Poppyseeds is such a colorful, cute shop, we had to do one last blast before leaving!

Poppyseeds is located on Hwy. 532 West in Stanwood, WA. just 20 minutes North of Everett (60 minutes North of Seattle). The shop is open M -W -Th - Fri - Sat from 10:30 to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 PM. Closed Tuesdays.  Call 360.629.SEED (7333) for more info. Visit http://poppyseedshop.blogspot.com.

New Year Blessings

We'd like to wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year!

2010 is going to be a banner year for everyone... We've been working on quite a few things behind the scenes, and are pleased to share them with you!

First up: our new web site, at www.RetreatStyle.com

Yep, that's a name adjustment:

'Retreat' is who we are.

'Retreat Style' is how we do what we do!

We'll be using our web site to connect with retailers and the press as we grow our business to the next level. We think of it as a 'resume' of sorts, able to share vital biz info at a glance. The site connects to our blog, our Facebook page, and our photo portfolios for a more in-depth look at Retreat.

Here on our blog, we've cleaned up a bit and made things easier to find. We'll continue to offer updated info about our products and shows, as well as decorating inspiration and ideas for green living. We know you love vintage style, junking, & thrifting, so we're dedicating ourselves to the task of providing you with more ideas for your creative decorating projects. Our blog links to our Facebook page to keep it updated, as well. If you have photos of Retreat products in your home,  post them on our Facebook wall or send them to us - we'd love to share them with others!

We've been a'flitterin', and now we're a-twitterin'...

Yep, you can keep up with our 'Retreat Tweets' here.  

A button on our sidebar will easily connect you. (I may regret adding one more online responsibility to my list, but like blogs and Facebook, Twitter is a viable business tool, so we need to jump into the pool!) We are just getting started with this, so bear with us... but please DO follow us. We'll follow you back, we promise!

What's up ahead for Retreat?

At the request of some of our customers, we are developing a wholesale line of furniture that we can replicate consistently and provide to retail stores as merchandise for sale - and also as their display fixtures. Based on the 'one of a kind' creations that we are known for, these basic pieces will also be available at retail prices in our show booths later in the year.

We have been honored with an invitation to participate in BarnHouse's upcoming Online Market, and are preparing some of our smaller signature products to be available there. Keep an eye on their site for more info about when Retreat will be featured this spring. (Yes, friends, this DOES include my original Junk Queen Crowns!)

Our schedule for 2010 includes our favorite shows (Farm Chicks, BarnHouse, Sand Point, plus more as we add them) and plans for some very special events, offers, discounts, gifts, and giveaways.

We'll unveil our own seasonal boutique, which we are calling ' Petite Retreat'! One of our small barns here on Retreat Farm will be open for one day each season, offering our wares and a party atmosphere in a setting close to our hearts. As we progress through the year, we'll be adding featured guests to the roster. Stay tuned - the first 'Petite Retreat' will be for Spring, in late March!
 
Some of these special offers will be available only to our mailing list. If you have signed up at a show over this past year, don't worry, you're already on it! If you haven't done that, send an email to retreatstyle@gmail.com with 'mailing list' in the subject line, and we'll add you! We'll also offer some giveaway goodies to our blog Followers and Facebook fans, so even if you aren't one of our local show-going Retreat Peeps, you can still get in on the action. 

We want to thank each and every one of you for your friendship, encouragement, emotional & financial support, and time. We consider the fact that you share part of your busy lives and days with us an honor, and we appreciate you! We love what we do, and we love sharing it with you. May this year bring you an abundance of blessings, friends!

Blessings,
Bob & Deb

Ready? Set.....

GO!

Take advantage of our Holiday Retreat Treat just for you:

Save 50% off your purchase of Retreat products at Poppyseeds Antiques, Vintage, Gift & Home in Stanwood, Washington.

((This offer has expired and the coupon image has been removed))

From now until December 24, you can get your hands on some great vintage Holiday decor, original Retreat furniture, accessories, and artwork, and restyled home decor items - including lighting.

Simply save the image of the coupon, print it out, and present it at Poppyseeds to receive your discount. This sale is just for our blog readers - we're not advertising it in the shop.

Add your name and email address to the back of the coupon before you use it, and we'll enter you in a drawing for a bonus giveaway in January. You'll also be added to our mailing list to receive special updates, more Retreat Treats, and exclusive invitations to fabulous events coming in 2010. We have SO much planned for the new year - You don't want to miss this!

For Poppyseeds location, hours, and phone number, check their blog: http://poppyseedsshop.blogspot.com 

The Long and Winding Road...

...that led us to this place on Earth and in our lives has been quite a journey. Thirty years in the making. (Amazingly, our farm was built in 1979. The year that Bob and I started dating. Coincidence? Nah.) At times it has moved quickly, other times it creeps along, and sometimes it doesn't look like it is moving forward at all. Or even seems like things are sliding backwards. (We really hate those times.) We are action people - planners, creators, do-ers. We don't sit still for too long. Ideas are constantly swirling around in our heads and hearts and conversations. New ideas. Big ideas. Crazy-to-anyone-else ideas.

Since the day we first saw this place, we've seen the big picture. Doesn't scare us in the least to take an idea all the way to its greatest possibility. We did, and planned for that achievement. Of course, we'd love to jump from point A to point B,C,D, and E and be in the daily running of our business at that level! But it's all of the smaller steps along the way to that big goal - the ones that we are learning to take each day - that are spurring remarkable growth within us.
We have an incredible resource here - and yet our ability to access and use it ALL right now is limited. We know our goal. Everyday we stand in the physical space and envision the whole thing unfolding, but we can't access or prepare the barn and fields for it just yet. That can be frustrating! Some days, it can be downright depressing, to be truthful.

Today, things changed. From out of the blue, we overcame that inertia and hatched a plan to use PART of it until we can use ALL of it. We feel energized and excited about this new, heretofore unseen, opportunity to move our vision-dream-goal one step further along the path to reality. We CAN start small, and let that energy build to help us reach our larger goals. And before you know it, we'll be announcing the big stuff and flying from point A to points we haven't even imagined yet. So stay tuned. We'll soon be announcing some fun things from Retreat that will be comin' up in November! (This big guy?....well......some REALLY fun things are going to happen in there, but not quite yet.....then again, tomorrow it may all break loose and be possible! )

'We B Junkin!'

'We B Junkin'!' - that was Bob's Facebook status on Saturday morning.
The Skagit County Fairgrounds hosted their semi-annual 'Giant Garage Sale' this weekend, and we were there in line before the gates opened. Armed with our carts and twine and bungee cords, we sailed through in record time and snapped up a bunch of goodies. These 'junk' items are destined to be recreated into fabulous furnishings & decor accessories for upcoming shows...

My cart seems just a little out of proportion to Bob's shown above, but it's filled with small stuff - and one load already went out to the truck before I took the photos! I unearthed some really neat smalls (to add to the hoard I already have....sigh.....)

I had to laugh at the reactions I got to my lined cart. I threw that thing together in half an hour (and Deb is no great seamstress) but you'd have thought I created an masterpiece! Most people at this show don't frequent the big antique sales, so they don't know about the cart revolution that has been born....the shabby cart liners and blog badges and such. I had women asking me for directions on how to do this and saying things like 'Oh.My.GAWD. look how CUTE that is!' and 'Oh, now just look what she's done to that......' as I walked past. Funny! Um, it's a burlap bag, girls. With a bit of muslin attached as an inner liner. Tied on with twine. Done. They'd keel over if they saw the ones at Junk Revolution and Farm Chicks!!!

This is a shot of one of the booths at the sale... not your average Garage Sale setup, is it?! This one and Shyla's booth (and I can't believe I didn't snap a photo of hers......) and Debi Burton's were the prettiest ones there. We ran into so many friends - Dona, Jo Marie, Julie, the guys of the Coleman Lantern Club from BC (oh, there's a story!), Jim my piano player music supplier guy - and then our sweet daughter and grandson joined us later that morning. We took a quick spin thru the barns again, then it was off for some bouncy-house fun for the lil' guy!

This week we are busy adding a few new things to our 'Danish-Inspired' space at Poppyseeds, prepping new 'French Flea Market'-style product for Sand Point, and will soon be starting some 'Industrial Revolution Country' bits. Stay tuned for sneak peeks!

Oh, and Joe just emailed us a link to an article about the BH sales in The Oregonian. We got a mention in it from Brigitte the reporter - who fell in love with a lamp we had and just had to take it home with her! Edit: Ahem. I was reminded that Mr. Apodaca does not 'DO' the computer stuff, Mr. Swendell does. The email was from Jermonne, of course, and not Joe. I don't know how I got it in my head that it was from Joe. How silly of me.....! ;0)

If you are reading this post anywhere other than a site/page that is licensed/owned/maintained by KENNEDY|kennedy Design, you are viewing stolen content that is being used without permission. All content in this post is original to KENNEDY|kennedy Design, KkD, and RetreatDesign.blogspot. As such is protected by Copyright. Reproduction or rebroadcast of any content in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Content copyright 2009 KkD; All Rights Reserved. Photo credits: Debi Ward Kennedy, 2009

The Wheels On the Bus Go 'Round and 'Round...

Timi took her fabulous Junk Bus on its maiden journey on Saturday, down to the BarnHouse Show! As part of the festivities, she doled out treats, swag, and prizes as they rolled down the road. We donated one of our original 'Junk Queen Crowns' for the giveaway, packaged up all swanky with a tag that gave it instant 'provenance'...

Norma was the lucky winner of the crown, and we think she looks quite regal in it... don't you?! We hope you love it, Norma!

Timi will be heading down the highway again next month, taking a sleek chartered bus (don't let the logo photo up there fool you - it's not an old truck!) to many other shows in the Northwest! Be on it for a roarin' good time! Check her website for info. We'll be donating another special original Retreat creation for other trips, too.

Photo Credit: 'Come Junk With Us!'

Tres Jolie!

Oh, just wait until you see what we have in store for you tomorrow! This is our BEST yet!

Haley's Cottage Presents
A French Flea Market at the Clocktower
15021 Main Street in Mill Creek Town Center
Mill Creek Washington 98012

10:00 AM 'till 8:00 PM

Parlez Vous Francaise?

Whether or not you speak or decorate in le French style, You won't want to miss the French Flea Market at the Clock Tower in Mill Creek, Washington next weekend!

Presented by Haley's Cottage, a gorgeous home decor boutique in Mill Creek Town Center, this open air market will feature dozens of fabulous vendors offering their beautiful wares in inspiring settings. We'll be there, with a Retreat Collection of fabulous fall inspiration in cream, ivory, wheat, white, and gold with a smidgen of mossy green just for good measure. From one of a kind furnishings to home accessories and seasonal decorating inspirations, we'll be packing out our HUGE space (we're using the 20X20 Taj MaTent, people!) with everything you need to prepare your rooms for the change of season. And we'll be sharing a part of our 'big top' with sweet Miss Tiffany, of ShabbyScraps - so you know there will be treasures galore!

The show opens at 10 AM and runs until 8 PM - lots of time for you to come shop the market, browse the other shops in the Center, and enjoy all of the wonderful restaurants -including FROST donuts! For more info, click here. We hope to see you there!

Creating a Mood....

The work is done (after a remarkably easy, low-key day!) and we'd like to share a few peeks at our space at Sand Point for Sunday's show.... (and after viewing this photo, I'm taking in a canvas rug to place under this table in the morning. You can't even see the cute black vintage metal chairs in the shot!)

Inspired by our love of late summer leading into fall, and the simplicity & calm of Danish/Euro design trends...

Classic lines, fresh approach....

And FAB.u.lous lighting fixtures & shades!

Yum! I love this palette: Soft tan, warm brown, mottled zinc, tarnished silver, rubbed white and velvety black paint, and a bit of creamy vanilla for good measure. The perfect mood for an Indian Summer/Autumn season....

The finishing touch to our setting was an art installation on the wall.... I found a huge portfolio filled with charcoal & pencil sketches at a garage sale in Portland last weekend. FREE! I was thrilled because this effect is exactly what I thought of when I opened the portfolio and saw black & white. To Joanne, the artist, and her sweet daughter (never found out her name) who was selling/giving away mom's belongings after her passing: Thank you. Your art is beautiful, and it will be appreciated by all who see it! (I particularly like the sketch that includes a pair of Mickey Mouse Ears.... ;0) )

We hope you will come by and say hello! (or Gut Morgen!)

She's ready for her close up, Mr. DeMille.....

So, she's been to the 'spa' for some beauty treatments. Been pampered and polished. Been accessorized with swanky hooks and a foofy mirror...

Painted three shades of soft dove gray and whitewashed, drybrushed, and detailed to within an inch of my life to imitate years of age... yes, the kind of age that was present on her original red coat of paint! Irony, I guess.

She's ready for not only a close up, but the beauty shot:

You'd never guess this was the same red Butler's Table! Amazing what a marvelous application of paint can do for a piece. She's gone glam. Totally Jeanne d'Arc Danish Living style, don't you think?!

Oh, yeah, and that's her little sister standing next to her in the photo above. These two 'Butler's Tables' or 'Hall Trees' are just perfect for an entryway, hallway, stairwell.... back porch... front porch... store display..... (shall I go on?!) small kitchen that needs a spot for your morning cuppa'... powder room.... you get the picture!

She's loving the close ups, too... Do come and meet our beautiful girls on Sunday, won't you?! We can promise you more wonderful Retreat products and inspiration. And THAT's entertainment!
_____________________________________________
Sand Point Antique & Design Market
Sunday August 30th 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Warren G. Magnussen Park, Seattle / University District
Check their blog for info & maps
_____________________________________________

She's DONE!

OMG, be sure to check in first thing tomorrow morning. Have we got something to show you! ;0)

Great Debate

The table in this photo has already sold, but we still have the 'Butler's Table' (old door with half table attached). Red does NOT seem to be a selling point, even tho it is the original paint and in crazygood condition. Curious. So, I am debating a paint job for it. Question is, what do I go with: a similar white, crisp black, or soft dove gray with a whitewash over it? It's gotta' be one of those to fit into the plan for Sunday at Sand Point, to coordinate with the Swedish/Danish/Euro-inspired decor theme we'll have goin' on.

What do YOU think would be most popular? Leave your comments, then come by on Sunday and see what I decided to do with it! ;0)

What a Flea Market Find!

It's here! Well, the BLOG is here, anyway! Flea Market Style Magazine, coming soon from Ki Nassauer (formerly of JunkMarket and now of Junk Bonanza & Junk Revolution) and Matthew Mead (formerly of Country Home), has a stable of uber stylish, talented editors, contributors, designers, photographers, writers, scouts.... you name it, they have it. This is going to be a good one! I'm devouring the brand new blog right now and can't wait to meet up with Contributing Editor Heather Bullard this Friday in PTown... I hope to hear lots more about what she's up to!

It's Always Somethin'...

Today has been a BANNER DAY for Retreat! No, we haven't inked a book deal (yet) or appeared in a magazine (yet) or signed up for another show or store space... but today we made some discoveries and decisions about where Retreat is headed from a design standpoint. A drive, a bit of research, a lot of conversation, some decisions and a plan, and here we are. We sure can accomplish a lot in four hours! We have a refined outlook for our presentation style and our product lines, and a marketing plan that has us hoppin'.

As the great philosopher Roseanne Roseannadanna said, "It's always somethin'. If it ain't one thing, it's another..." She was so right! And we mean that in a good way - there is always somethin' going on that is grabbing our attention, driving our imaginations, and inciting a riot of creative ideas. Our life is our business is our life and so on in a circle, and every part and parcel of it is our passion. We love how it entices us, draws us in, pulls us along to ever bigger & better things.....and OH! Are we excited! We can't wait for you to see what we have in store for you at our upcoming shows..... and we thank you for being with us on this amazing journey.

We'll Be There!

Cindy has just added info on her blog & web site for her upcoming show, so we're doing our part to help promote it. Join us on Saturday, September 12 from 10 AM to 8 PM for a French Flea Market at the Clock Tower in Mill Creek Town Center! Cindy's store 'Haley's Cottage' is sponsoring this lovely gathering of artisans right in her own backyard, so to speak - the event will take place in the parking lot right behind the store.

We are so thrilled to be participating with amazing vendors like sweet Miss Tiffany of Shabby Scraps. We'll be bringing a lovely selection of restyled furnishings & home decor inspired by French and Danish interiors, all in grays, whites, golds, and of course our trademark use of vintage sheet music on collaged items. These looks are perfect for the transition from Summer to Fall decor, setting the stage for cool weather and creating a perfect background for your winter holiday celebrations. We've got some great things in the works for you!

There are marvelous restaurants, the fabulous Central Market, Starbucks of course, and - yes -even a donut shop/cupcakery called FROST (thank you WSU Laura for the correct info!) in Mill Creek Town Center to fortify you for a day of shopping and fun. So put it on your calendar, call your girlfriends, and get ready for a wonderful day. If you are going to attend, snag the blog button on Cindy's blog and post it on your own blog to spread the word!

Photo Credit: Event Flyer courtesy of Haley's Cottage 2009, from their website.