My kind of museum

What a great summer it has been! I am officially back to work tomorrow, and I have to say I am very much looking forward to the new school year (as is my bank account). I have missed the kids, my co-workers, and even my true sense of purpose over the summer. But I had to spend my last weekday of summer doing what I do best - small town shopping!

I needed to go west to take my fury feline Tom for his quarterly haircut, so I justified going even further west into the beautiful Texas Hill Country from there since I was already headed in that direction. I went to Fredericksburg and made a very quick stop at Trade Days. I got hot and hungry so I went into town for lunch; I never made it back out to Trade Days as I got distracted by perhaps the most unbelievable home furnishing store I have ever stepped foot in. 

I have read several blogs about Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities warehouse shop and knew this place would be good, but I was truly blown away. I am nearly speechless about the store. There are few words I could use to accurately capture this experience, and while I did take tons of photos, I am certain they don't do the place justice, especially since I was using the camera on my phone. 

After entering the 14,000 square foot museum of international treasures, I stood paralyzed trying to figure out where to look first. From the windows to the walls (anyone know that song? I couldn't resist - I have maturity of my middle school students!), the decor is breathtaking. It is the perfect mix of French countryside, industrial charm, whimsical romance, classy taxidermy, and historical curations (is that a word?).  

In the midst of my gawking at the entrance, I was warmly welcomed by Tim Bolton. He made sure I had a flyer on their upcoming trips to Provence - could you imagine?! Nine glorious days in France shopping the markets with the most talented of designers. Sigh. Maybe one day. 

One of the first displays that I focused on was this great school house vignette.  

 

 

That is one ferocious rug. 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a fan of this stuffed parrot. 

 

 

These book shelves were impressively massive! 

Countless law bookcases. 

 

 

We have a bike rack at school but none of the kids have bikes quite like these!

My favorite formerly animate object in the store.  

 A perfectly worn in chair. So inviting!

I was awestruck by this warehouse and want to also share Curious Detail's blog post because her pictures are so good and give you more perspective on the enormity of shop's beauty.  

Tim was so good at checking back with me. I probably insulted him when I said that the store was like a giant Anthropology filled with just home goods, but he smiled and shared a story of seeing buyers for Anthro on his trips to Europe... so I guess my comment wasn't too far off. This store was better than any home furnishings store - more eclectic and original than anything you would ever see in Anthropology, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, or the like. There are no reproductions here - just classic pieces woven together with designer touches awaiting a new home to live on their legacy. This was my kind of museum. On my way out I thanked Tim and told him they need to charge admission! 

I will leave you with a picture of my favorite non-human animate being in my house, Tom, sporting his stylish new Lion/Line Cut. He is definitely the king of this castle.  

Have a chic week!

~Sarah