For the past thirteen years I have been attending North Carolina’s  High Point Furniture Mart. Every time it is a new source of creative inspiration. From the gorgeaus merchandised show rooms, seminars, conversations with other retail owners HP is a great trip to get renewed and inspired. A must for any retailer or designer. I don’t care how sexy the Vegas Show may be.  High Point kicked off its furniture mart in the early 1900’s and is the show I love going back to.

 Wondering thru the maze of Hallways at  the Main Building  I ran across Ty Pennington. Since I had a few cocktails at the last show room I was brave enough to offer Ty a big bear hug, he jumped back when I went for the hug. Ty  was very animated like a cartoon character. I must have scared the shit out of him. But I settled for a photo.  Pretty funny that everyone was uptight taking photo’s, maybe star struck . Next time I hope to run into Kathy Ireland.

 Of course the party’s and music venues are a blast. My favorite party is the Four Hands party. Its the one event to head to. Upon leaving Four Hands I came across this old warehouse with music and lights thumping. When I went in, three hundred people strong and the Temptations review playing their greatest hits. Maybe I am showing my age but it was a riot.

 The Ollie party was elegant and the food was amazing.

 Julie & Lara. Part of the crew that rooms together at the show.

Back to the amazing decor!!

Its obvious that the reclaimed woods are whats hot in decor right now. With the Green Movement ,customers are looking to simplify their lives. Les clutter &  collecting  and more cleans lines and simplification.  Customers are getting back to the basics with what their familiar with. The  hot colors at Highpoint  Turquoise and various shades of blue & french grey. Tarnished silvers were hot as well. Crystal chandeliers with distressed reclaimed woods are just fantastic. Especially in lighting. But we are getting away from the bling bling and embracing the natural element of the outdoors back into our interiors.

Some more eye candy! But I  encourage anyone who is nuts about Home furnishings to attend High Point. Let me know if your going. I can provide some helpful tips. Showrooms, where the hot parties are at, best location for free food & my favorite dive Hoagie shop. The Elm St Cafe. Best damn crab burger on the planet!!!! Come visit as my new High point Purchases come rolling into Muddlake over the next few months.

 Growing up in New Jersey my fellow East Coast patriots always  ask me, “How Da hell did you  end up in Minnesota?”  Well sometimes Iwonder myself, but I love it.  You could say its the diverse people, cold weather, wild life, acceptance of polka music, a former governor who wore tights for a living, Lutefisk?  I don’t know.  But what I do know is I like their coffee.   Antlers on a cup are always a good thing to start the day.

  Saturdays in MN are always interesting for me and my small furniture barn. Start the morning off sipping  coffee   while   sticking “Muddlake Sale Signs in snow banks, missing a occasional deer flying across a back road. This little guy was almost a hood ornament . Pondering if the store will be busy, and always getting a kick out off this sign greeting people In St. Boni. A small sleepy bedroom community!   I am so glad we are protected by the “Hercules Missile”. A left over from the cold war.  Its stands proudly by the childrens play ground.

   Now that the signs are stuck in the snow, coffee’s downed, its time to get the  doors open. Michelle & Ken arrive to greet our Muddlake Customers. Its a special day for Ken.Some Muddlake treasures are finding a new home at his warehouse loft in Minneapolis. Its like Christmas for Ken.  Tall asian panels that will be converted into mirrors.  Custom lockers, and a great deco high arm leather club chair.  Michelle looking like a Hollywood diva in the frozen tundra!

 Ken rejoices as the delivery boys dig out the lockers for Ken!

      Hey Bob O  “Kens coming out of the closet!”   Who Knew?    To be continued!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know it helps when your six foot four and weigh 300lbs to feel springlike when it reaches 38 degrees in MN. But what the heck!!  When I was out picking up ice for da wine  I almost pulled over and took the tops off my jeep. What does this have to do with Design & Wine? Nothing ,but the weather was great for a night at the farm.  Don’t worry  winter will break in June!!!!      

Michelle & Susan greet customers at the old check out counter.  Looking foward to a warm night of friendship and design talk.

     Another night of delicious food and wine. Many thanks to Excelsior Vintage Wine & NPO organic foods in providing a great spread. Delicious Shrimp corn chowder and Argentina table white combined quite nicely.  If you have not checked out these vendors please do. NPOfoods.com       ExcelsiorVintage.com.  Friendly service and great prices!!

 Kathy Chermak discusses  the possibilities of creating panels of faux finish as art in a commercial space. A creative and practical solution for their decor budget.

 Susan Weber from Reborn Design remodeling, provides some helpful tips  for a upcoming construction project this spring.

 It was great seeing Joelle Ramsey and girfriend in tow. Joelle has been shopping  the barn for the past twelve years. Her friendship and kindness is always welcome. Thanks Joelle!

 Ken O’brien of  Who New? Life stylizing ,consults a customers issue with her husbands Christmas decor.  You see there is one decoration he refuses to take down t’ll spring.    Two years ago he purchased on of those fish net leg floor lamps from the movie “A Christmas Story” “Its proudly displayed in our bay window”. What should I do?

  I feel your pain. Will someone pour another glass of wine for this women? And fill mine as well!!!    I recommend you hire   my services ASAP!

      Thanks everyone that attended it was a enjoyable evening visiting in the barn. The next Design night is March 18th

Join us this Thursday February 18th for our monthly edition of Design & Wine. This is a great oppurtunity to get aquainted with our friendly and talented designers.  This Thursday night we will be featuring Michelle Rabe, Ken Obrien, and new to Muddlake , designers Susan Weber from Reborn Design & Kathy Chermak faux finisher. Both of these talented women have over fifty years experience combined.  This is a wonderful oppurtunity to get free design advice and enjoy the ambience of our historic furniture barn.  Complimentary Excelsior Vintage wine will be served as well as Oragnic food from NPO food Co.  Start time is 5pm t’ll 10pm.  Discount of the evening is 25% off instock art work and lighting. This discount is only offered for this event.

Muddlake is committed in helping its clients achieve the comfortable lifestyle they deserve!!!  For the past thirteen years we have established endearing relationships with our clients in their pursuit  of creating home.  Our staff is respectful, budget conscience and just plain friendly.   No attitudes in this  furniture barn.  Our design team has taken on large projects to helping a customer choose the right  coffee table to finish off a room.  No project is to big or small.

This photo is taken from one our dearest clients home in the North Woods.  For the past three years we have helped create the ambience she was after in her vacation home. Michelle Rabe worked closely in coordinating the cozy yet sophisticated look they were after.  Listening to our customers needs and desires is most important.

Muddlake will not impose the same  repeat design on our clients. Let us say that each design starts from scratch catered to your tastes.  Mass production design is not in our hearts. 

 Muddlake has aligned itself with talented, passionate, and committed partners. From architect to remodeler, faux finisher to painter,  designer to home stylizer we have your project covered.  Most of all you will love our prices if comparing the quality of product we sell.  Hope to see you at a Muddlake Design & Wine. Remember that we are open every Thurs thru Sunday. We are here for you and your family for  the long haul.   Cheers Bob

Join us starting February 4th thru the 14th for our Winter Home Sale. This is a great oppurtunity in taking advantage of greatly reduced inventory. Dining, leather sofa’s, lighting, and great home accents. Our home furnishings our quality create comfort in your home