Hello all!

Let me start by saying I’m so sorry for being gone for a month.  Yikes!  Can’t believe it’s been that long.  In short, three sinus infections and the equivalent rounds of antibiotics, High Point and sheer exhaustion have kept me away.  My apologies.  I won’t let it happen again.

Now that I’m back let me update you on a few things.  First, did anyone see the latest issue of Domino magazine?  The one with Drew Barrymore on the cover?  It’s been all over the blogs so I’m sure you’ve seen it.  It’s really one of the best issues they’ve done.  In short, I LOVE the kelly green on page 78, Dara’s answer to the Silver Spring reader on page 93 makes my heart skip a beat it’s so fantastic, the entryway tile floor on page 123 is truly inspirational, and you too can sit your latte on a side table like Drew Barrymore’s on page 138.  We have one in the store waiting just for you!  Oh, and the chairs surrounding the kitchen table on page 149 are stunning - the floors aren’t bad either and we sell the fleur de lis glasses at the store.  : )

Next, has anyone seen the HGtv Green House giveaway?  It’s a fantastic home. It’s stylish while being completely eco-friendly.  (Actually, hold on, I’ll be right back, gotta enter for my chance to win.  I still do it even though I don’t have a snowball’s chance of winning.  One can dream…)  In the living room, the house features our Cisco Brothers furniture.  As we keep telling you, their furniture at the most basic level is eco-friendly, but it can be upgraded to completely sustainable construction.  It’s what is called Inside Green.  That means all the wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, all the materials used including the cotton, jute webbing and down feathers are completely organic and the cushions are made from natural latex.  Stop by and see the chairs featured in the Green House - we have them in the window right now! 

Speaking of completely sustainable construction… as you no doubtedly have seen, we are running a promotion the entire month of April that gives away a free upgrade to completely sustainable construction on all Cisco Brothers furniture.  It’s a 20% savings to you and an immeasurable savings for the planet.  Happy Earth Day!

And speaking of Earth Day, come by the store as we celebrate with yummy treats this weekend.  Also, if you are on our mailing list you probably got the flyer promoting Old Town Alexandria’s Boutique District.  Seventeen retailers, including the Barn, pooled our resources to offer a fun shopping experience and in most cases a substantial discount on merchandise.  I’ll get a link up on the web site so you can print the coupon if you did not receive one.  I hope you’ll join us this weekend.  It should be fun and yummy.

Finally, we just got back from High Point.  It was a whilwind visit, but we accomplished everything we wanted to.  We purchased our Fall floor samples, saw our lamp vendors and their latest additions, and bought a lot of wonderful things.  I’m particularly excited about the vintage French bottle drying racks and the patchwork rugs from Turkey.  They are out of this world.  I’ll let you know when they come in so you can stop by and drool with me.

I think that’s it for the wrap up.  Once again, sorry to be gone so long.  I’ll try not to let it happen again!  I hope you are all well and we will get to see you soon!

Take care,  Amy

Hello all,

The fruits of our recent NY Gift Show trip have been trickling in over the last week and a half.  I was going to wait to unveil a grand spring redux of the store, but with the change in the weather I just can’t wait any longer.  So, we are going to spend this week re-arranging the store and bringing out all the wonderful new things we found.

One of the new brands that we are excited to be carrying is Serena and Lily bedding.  Their line spans all ages from infant to adult.  You can see a spread of Lily’s house in the March issue of Country Home.  The bed on page 62 will be in the store if you want to see it.  We bought that set in a twin size, but as you can see it comes in larger sizes.  Very exciting! 

Also in the March issue of Country Living, you will find our Elizabeth Allen bedding - page 22 - and one of our pendant lamps on page 44.  In the spirit of full disclosure, we don’t have that particular pendant, but we do have several pieces from that company and can order the one hanging in that great bathroom.  I love the salvaged door they used.  Fantastic!

Now, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten to increase our stock of antique and vintage items.  I just went antiquing this week and found some wonderful things.  A couple of my favorite finds are vintage 1960’s school charts.  The charts are enormous and would hang beautifully in a playroom or a dining room.  One is of the World and the other is black and has two skeletons.  And if that wasn’t cool enough, you can write on the skeletons with chalk.  It’s educational art!  (For inspiration, check out O Home on page 50.  There you can see how one genius used smaller versions.  Who knew they’d make great shades?!)

My other favorite find is a folding bench that used to comfort waiting passengers at a small West Virginian railroad station.  It seats five and folds flat.  It is remarkably unique and would be perfect on a porch or in a sunroom.  This piece needs a little TLC, but expect it in the store soon.  You don’t have to wait on the school charts though.  They are already in.

I hope you will come in and see what is new.  Please excuse our mess, however, as we make way for Spring. 

See you soon,  Amy

PS - our spring furniture should be arriving in 10 to 12 days.  Just depends on how quickly the truck can make it here from LA.  We’ll let you know when it arrives!

So.  I have an addiction.  The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.  So here it goes…  I am addicted to magazines.  My idea of literature is a three page article on the latest trends in everything or a list of the top 100 widgits.  My magazine addiction runs the gamut from parenting magazines to business magazines and from design mags to celebrity rags.  And the stacks of magazines next to my bed?  Don’t get me (or my husband) started…

Each and every day I go to my mailbox with great anticipation hoping beyond hope that there may be a new magazine in it that will lift my spirits and enlighten me.  The good days are when there is one in the box and the great days are when there are two!  I look forward to coming home from vacation - not to see my dogs and sleep in my bed (although they are great), but to read the stacks and stacks of magazines and catalogs that were collecting in my abscence.  After the kids go to bed, I scurry to my room, flip open the latest edition and pour over every detail.  It’s a great way to escape as well as to learn about those widgits.

This week I started receiving the March issues of my favorite mags.  I’d like to re-cap some of my favorite things and how they relate to the store.  Let’s start with Domino magazine…

I was flipping the pages of their March issue that is green-centric (a little early, Earth Day isn’t until April).  Now, I already knew that Red Barn Mercantile was eco-friendly and trend setting, but I was validated after reading the article titled “100 Easy Ways to Green Your Home” (page 31, when you get your copy).  Let me highlight a few of the items they mentioned that we carry…

Mango wood lamps:  We have a large selection of fabulous mango wood lamps with completely customizable shades made by Jamie Young.  Mango trees, like bamboo, are a renewable resource.  Their ability to grow quickly makes them sustainable.

Eco-friendly upholstered furniture:  our line of Cisco Brothers furniture starts out eco-friendly with wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and fabrics pre-washed in phosphate-free detergents, but it can be made in entirely sustainable construction - natural latex foam cushions, organic wool stuffing, natural jute webbing, etc.

Madera pine candlestick:  we have a whole collection of madera pine candlesticks that are quite beautiful in their simplicity.  And, they are on sale!

Tablerunners:  We just bought the hemp tablerunners and cotton and jute tablerunners shown on pages 34 and 35.  I think they are fresh and fabulous.  Can’t wait to get them on the tables.

Candles:  Beeswax candles burn longer and cleaner than paraffin wax candles.  We carry the line of candles shown on page 35.  In fact I’m about to place an order for that exact green and other spring colors.  If you have a color you would like, let me know and I’ll add it.

Hand Towels:  We have the simple, chic and eco-friendly towels seen on page 40.  They are made of vintage fabric and hand stiched by a Romanian women’s collective.  We also have pillows in the same design from the same company.  They are really quite wonderful.

I’ll stop there.  There is more to share, but that’s enough for one blog.  I’ll try to post again tomorrow with the rest of the things we have in common with Domino.  But, now I’m off to bed to enjoy the latest edition of Cookie magazine.  More on that later…

Take care and good night!  Amy

Big goings on at the Barn this weekend!  Sample sales and New York Gift Shows!  It was madness I tell ya!

It all started on Friday with our big End of Season Sale.  In just one day we sold two sofas and a slew of accessories!  We’re off to a great start.  But, don’t fret.  If you like the beautiful Paprika color of the Catalina Sofa or the sleek lines of the Serena sofa you haven’t missed out completely.  We can special order your favorite pieces at a 15% discount until the end of February.  If you were even remotely thinking of furnishing your home stop by tomorrow.  I know we can help you find the perfect piece!

If the sale weren’t enough…Sara and I traveled to New York to attend the NY gift market this weekend.  It was so much fun!  We walked for miles searching for things that we believe you will LOVE.  We found new products from new vendors and new products from our favorite designers - things that we are truly excited about.  Now that we are clearing out the Fall/Winter merchandise we have room for all our fabulous finds.  Watch for the first signs of spring to arrive soon! 

See you soon!  Amy

Bonjour!  My friend, Laura Dowling of Interieurs et Fleurs, has just written a wonderful piece for StyleMePretty.com a great all-things-weddings blog.  I just had to share it with you!  It includes an impressive list of trends in French flower design and stunning photos of her work.  Laura is a floral designer in Old Town who creates the most incredible pieces of art.  To view her masterpieces go to LauraDowling.com. 

She was also kind enough to mention us!  One of the recent trends in French floral design is the use of mirrored cubes as vases.  She recently did a wedding where she used our mirrored cubes as centerpieces.  They turned out great!  We have several wonderful mirrored pieces - orchid pots (above), boxes and cubes.  Pick one up today and you too can be tres chic!

Merci!  Amy

Hello!  I’ve been wanting to talk about this since Thursday…  Did you see the article in last week’s Washington Post Home section about family-friendly interiors?  It was really well done and very comprehensive.  The tips were spot on!

I especially agree with the thought that good-quality furnishings that can be refinished or recovered over time are better than flimsy new pieces. 

It is better for your pocketbook and the environment if you buy something that can be used again once it has outgrown it’s intended purpose. 

They give an example of a pine kitchen island as a changing table in a baby’s room - can I just tell you… that is exactly what I did four and a half years ago when my son was born.  Now my daughter is using it.  Great minds think alike!  When she is out of diapers - hopefully VERY soon! - I’ll clean it up and use it somewhere else in my house.  Maybe in the kitchen… or maybe not.  : ) 

I could go on and on about the article, but you should read it for yourself.  I think it sums up a new style of thinking for the whole home, whether you have kids or not.  Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Speaking of tips…  Please take a look at Vintage Indie’s blog.  She very kindly asked us to write some design tips on how to mix old and new.  We were very honored to contribute.  You can view the three-part series here, here and here. It’s a great blog with really neat handcrafted features. I hope you find my tips helpful as well!

Finally, I wanted to give you a proverbial heads up about an upcoming sale.  Beginning February 1, all upholstered pieces on the sales floor will be discounted 25%.  And, if that weren’t enough, we are giving 15% off all upholstery special orders.  Oh, and there will be several accessories on sale too.  More details to follow. Sign up for our email list for more information and reminders.

That’s it for tonight!  Take care,  Amy

Now that the holidays are over it’s time to start thinking about furniture!  My mom and I are itching to get back on the antiques trail.  In fact starting this week we will be hitting all our favorite haunts.  So, I wanted to put this out to you all…  If you have anything in particular that you are looking for, please feel free to email us or post to the blog your desires.  At the store we keep a “Wish List” for our clients and every time we set out on one of our treasure hunts we take it along.  We are happy to hunt for you too just let us know what it is that you need.  Although not as life altering as pairing an orphan child with a new family, it is tremendously gratifying to pair someone with just the right piece for their home.  : )

Speaking of wishes, if you are in need of a dining table we just brought in a wonderful old Heart-of-Pine farm table.  We also brought in an antique shipping crate that is really unique.  It would make great storage and a neat console table.  Finally, we brought in a beautiful farm-table-come-coffe-table.  Mom and Dad were able to save this little table that we bought at a recent flea market.  I love the look of an old table used as a coffee table.  However, I’m the last person to cut the legs off of anything in order to accomodate my antique needs.  But this little table was a prime candidate for such a thing.  The legs were damaged irreparably so we felt no remorse in cutting off the legs to make an extremely handsome piece of furniture.  I think you will love it once you see it!  Those two are miracle workers!

On another note, if you have a favorite haunt that you would like to share with us, we’d be ever so grateful!  Mom and I are always interested in finding new places to shop - no matter the distance from NoVA.  We love a good road trip!

Thanks everyone and wish us luck out there on the trail!  Amy

Hello all!  Today we made the papers! 

In today’s edition of the Washington Post Express there was a great article about Home Decor in 2008.  It was very cheeky and full of great advice!  I especially loved the reference to desperate Tennessee Williams characters and the correlation made between the chair-and-a-half phenomenon and the obesity crisis.  Brilliant!  Here is a link to the article in case you didn’t get your copy on the way to work today.

Oh yeah, that’s me on the paprika sofa.  Yikes!  Family and friends agree, the furniture looks good!  So, it’s not the photographer’s fault that I look like that.  : )  Preston had to reassure me that I’m just not that photogenic.  I don’t think she would lie to me….  My mug staring blandly back at me aside, it’s a great article and I’m terribly grateful to Jennifer Barger for, one, including us and, two, making me sound articulate.  When we spoke I rattled on about the demise of Shabby Chic and poorly painted white furniture.  Kind of glad she didn’t use that. 

I would like to point out that we carry a couple of things mentioned in the article.  We have the Thomas Paul pillows mentioned in #7 and the Wooden Stag Head mentioned in #5.  Both are fantastic and really add a chic touch to any home.

I hope you will stop by the store and check out those things and the items in the photo - there is another row of four presidential pics that didn’t make the shot.  This little vignette looks great!  I think you will like it.

Take care and Happy New Year!

In the spirit of the giving season we have extended the 20% discount on any one item in the store to Xmas Eve!

Everyone has been so supportive of the store that we wanted to say thank you!  It’s not much, but we hope you know how much we appreciate your business, your referrals to friends and your kind words of encouragement.

Thanks and we hope to see you soon!  Amy

We have two kids and my favorite part of the day is when all four of us climb in my son’s bed to read bedtime stories. 

It’s a nightly ritual. Each child picks a book and then I read it. And, only me, because my kids like it best when I read to them.  (I have to say that I take great pleasure in this fact!) 

Our library consists of the classics like Where the Wild Things Are (my personal favorite) and the soon-to-be classics like Knuffle Bunny.  It is ever expanding.  I take a lot of pride in my children’s love of books.  My two-year-old daughter loves them so much that she even takes a book to bed with her! 

At least I’m doing one thing right…

Because books are such a big part of our family, it was really important to include them in the store.  Just in the last two weeks we have received oodles of great children’s books!  Here are just a few of our titles…

• Where the Wild Things Are (of course!)
• Madeline, Madeline’s Rescue, Madeline in London
• The Giving Tree (my other favorite!)
• Cowboy Small
• This is New York, This is Paris, This is Rome, This is London
• Corduroy (Preston’s favorite!)
• Kitten’s First Full Moon
• Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
• Blueberries for Sal (Sara’s favorite!)
• Yummy Yucky (Will’s favorite!)
• and Goodnight Gorilla (Kate’s favorite!)

Children’s books are so personal. They teach so many important lessons and are filled with so many memories. 

As we opened the boxes to find these treasures, we found ourselves sharing our fondest recollections. Preston spoke of reading Corduroy at her grandparents house each time she visited. Sara told tales of visits to Maine and reading Blueberries for Sal on her mother’s lap. And, I spoke of making memories with my kids every night.

If you have a special memory or a favorite book, we would LOVE to hear about it!  This weekend is the big Scottish Walk in Old Town.  If you are in town come by and share.   If I can find the book I would be happy to add it to our shelves… and to my library at home!

Warm regards,  Amy