Duchess of Downtown Tacoma

  Hi All! Sorry to have missed you these last couple of weeks. Even a Lady has to work overtime sometimes and due to a job transistion I sadly just couldn't fulfill my royal duties. But, here I am back in action and I want to introduce you to a new fun idea: "What does your couch say about you?" We will be delving into the psycology of the couch. Our buying habits say so much about us and and home decor speaks volumes as soon as folks walk through the door. The couch can lay the foundation for the aura of your entire home. Let's face it. Now I'm going to start with an example of what was once thought of as an "All American" couch. Not the type of family living the American Dream so much as a blue collar, average family with family spats, loads of laundry, hell even the opening scene of the show had them eating pizza around the table (not a shiny, white kitchen, imaculate, chef prepared meal). It was this couch: This was the couch where a

Is there anything more rewarding than a project to improve the home paired with a newly learned craft? Like when you invest yourself into it and lo and behold, there is an actual finished product? Not to mention the sense of pride that comes with a job well done. Who doesn't love that feeling? Well done you!   In my pursuit of local courses and workshops I came across Throwing Mud Gallery. Located in the heart of Old Town on North 30th. They have hand-made goods from all over the Pacific Northwest including jewelery, teapots, goblets and other stylish home accessories. Whether you want to spend $10 or have thousands to splurge - plenty to choose from. Amongst all of these gorgeous wares there happens to also be a pottery studio that provides classes! Throwing Mud Gallery 2212 N. 30th St. Tacoma, 253.254.7961 Connect on Facebook Website Recognize the window front? Here we see pottery wheels lined by stools - enough seats for 7 people per class. Classes include whee

Hello my lovelies~ Sometimes you just need a little help finding those accessories that set your house apart from all else. Here's are some fun, unique finds from our own Gaudy Girl Sales and artist Julie Luke. Gaudy Girl Sales Visit Ruby Lane Shop on Craigslist Or Connect on Facebook for all the updates on items sales and more! Little girl lamp. Kitschy goodness. Leopard print cocktail glasses. Why does this bring to mind a bar a la Austin Powers? Groovy baby, yea! Picasso Pillows.  I love this cabinet. It can easily be up-cycled for a more modern look.  Julie Luke Connect on Facebook LukeArts manages to leave me with a sense of awe after every viewing. She weaves epic stories and creates divine characters. AND right now she's having a sale on her prints! For only $10 you can get a 5x7 and when you buy two you receive a third for free. Yes, you heard me. FREE. This includes shipping. Cirque and the Duellum  Petunia  Helmet of Faith

I have loads of thrifty pretties for you to behold. So let's get started shall we? The Giving Place 430 East 25th Street, Suite 3, Tacoma, 253.307.6271 Connect on Facebook Located in Freighthouse Square for the last 15 years (most recently moving from one inside suite to another as of May) The Giving Place is not just another gift store. It's so much more.  Owner Gary Pieterman spent years as a care giver, both volunteering his hours and as a career choice. This store was a way for him to "retire," (though the man is always on-hand there), and give back to the community. They sell all sorts of cool things and 50% of all net profits are donated to causes that support those with life altering illness and afflictions. So the title in itself is not just a clever name for a gift store but precisely what Pieterman aims to do. His enthusiastic positivity exudes, really it's hard not to smile while talking to the guy. Here are a few of my favorite examples of thi

Last week I announced some of the movers and shakers making their way on the scene in Downtown. This week we take a peek into one of them.   Modality Furniture 821 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, 253.327.1198 http://www.modalityfurniture.com Connect on Facebook Owner and interior designer Laurel Whittaker is looking to bring functional, beautiful pieces to your home. An artisan shopping experience, with artisan quality and personal service. All pieces on site are custom upholsterd but also available to be taken straight to your home. As a furniture dealer Whittaker has a huge inventory to choose from whether it be versatile rugs for inside and outside use to an array of comfy couches and plush chairs. Still in the beginning stages of setting up the store, the displays are warm and welcoming. Whittaker says we can expect an expansion to the back room space and she hopes to utilize wall space allowing young, student artists to hang their pieces for sale and exposure for a small percentage

There's nothing better than saving a buck and filling your home with unique pieces. Whether fabulous art that speaks to you or a vintage piece of furniture that your friends will drool over, today we will show you some goodies.  Gaudy Girl Sales Visit Ruby Lane Shop on Craigslist Or Connect on Facebook for all the updates on items sales and more! Multipurpose table. Storage trunk and coffee table. I can think of a whole room vibe/theme to go with this! Padded headboard. Gaudy Girl currently has two parasols to choose from. I think they are just lovely. Pillows. The accent your couch has been begging for!  Now on to art! Whimsical, dark, profound and enthralling are just a few of the words that describe the following artists work. She speaks of divinity and conveys an ethereal presence into her craft. Introducing..... Julie Luke Connect on Facebook Website Funny thing, it didn't occur to me until laying all of these out that I am going with a bi