The last week has included getting used to a new reality for most of us, including working from home, kids being out of school and social distancing (those in other parts of the world and country have been dealing with this for a much longer time). People are trying to be creative and productive in a very challenging time. We are all spending more time at home than we probably ever have.
Cleaning, de-cluttering and painting projects are in the works for many in the hopes of making the best of a difficult situation. And for our collective well-being, it feels vital to come up with positive activities and distractions in such a stressful time. I am planning on helping my teenage daughter paint her room, as well as cleaning out closets and getting new pillows to brighten up our space.
One way that I like to give my mind a break is to focus on what I find inspiring. A few weeks ago (before life changed in my part of the world) I was lucky enough to be invited to the loveliest event.
On February 29th I attended a Designer Home Event at the Anthropologie Store in Downtown Bethesda. The new home collection for Spring was being unveiled, and it felt as if the whole inside of the store was in bloom! The way that Anthropologie displays their products is pleasing to the senses and completely inspiring. The home floor is dotted with carefully curated living spaces. Each living room vignette creates such a vivid sensual experience that one can actually see themselves living there. Each “room” is like a thoughtfully crafted movie set of the coziest and most inviting interior space.
Anthropologie style is feminine, artsy and bohemian, combined with a classic touch of relaxed glamour. The store feels like a magical Spring garden of enchanted sensual delights. The furniture and fabric selections contain a rich mix of pattern, texture and whimsy, including bold shapes, romantic curves and elegant tufting. Fabrics include rich velvet, patterned cotton, rustic wool and leather.
In addition to inspiring room vignettes, Anthropologie stylists also do an amazing job of creating beautiful art and gallery wall displays. Most of my clients want to create spaces that feel unique and interesting while telling the story of the family who lives in the space. They also want their spaces to be cozy, inviting and eclectic, with a relaxed and effortless feel. This is definitely a strength of Anthropologie style, where retro and vintage pieces are mixed with fresh and modern elements to create a deliciously welcoming sense of home.
Another element that is unique to Anthropologie displays is that each store contains found objects which are either antiques or objects found in nature that add an entirely unique touch to each store. The artistic displays are a work of art in themselves and are handmade by local artists. These installations are crafty, handmade and full of rich detail.
The Anthropologie Store is closed for business for the time being, so you won’t be able to check it out on your own. But I would recommend taking a look at their website if you are looking for a welcome distraction:
https://www.anthropologie.com/anthroliving
Spring is beginning in the DC area, and though we can’t go into our favorite stores for the immediate future, we are lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty.
Behind my apartment, which backs into Rock Creek Park, there are lots of signs of the new season appearing. There are daffodils and crocuses popping up through the blanket of green leading into the forest. I find all of these changes in nature to be inspiring and hopeful while we navigate this very stressful and uncertain time. Take good care of yourselves and find inspiration wherever you can.
-Holly