A Short History and A Special Anniversary x Two

Here we are at the first of September, not just any September but one with two milestones! 

At Perfect Home we kick off our 10 year anniversary celebration and my sister store Perfect Dress of Rome begins their 35th year in business!!!  I’m not sure what it is, but I have always loved anniversaries.  Maybe it is the marking of time, maybe the opportunity to reflect, but I like looking back when reaching that certain special date on the calendar. 

Well, today is one of those days.  Way back when in 1978, today was the day I opened my first store, The Wedding Belle.   Bear with me as I indulge in a trip down memory lane…..

Actually, I think this is my mom in front of my original store, but since I look just like her, imagine it’s me!

In downtown Rome, just down from the Desoto Theatre my first business was born.  I, myself had been born a mere 23 years earlier!  When I think back on how young and clueless I was, it is a miracle the store survived at all.  When people ask how someone so young could make a go of it, my answer is I didn’t know failure was an option.  Both my parents had always owned small businesses in Rome.  My father’s business, Milton’s
Photography,  was around from the mid 60’s until his retirement in the mid 90’s.  My mother had opened first Wee Tot and later Storybook preschools and kindergartens, in business from the early 60’s until the early 80’s.  At that time  she began a catering business after I opened The Wedding Belle in 1978.  She continued catering weddings for many years.  So you see, I  come from “self employed” stock!

I still have my original desk, now it is charcoal gray and I use it for display.  Thankfully, I don’t have the shoes!

As most of my blog readers and customers know, I was in the bridal business until I sold it in 2002 and opened Perfect Home and Perfect Prom.  What many of you may not know, is Perfect Home actually began a couple of years earlier with in home parties.  This was prior to Southern Living stealing my idea {just kidding} and beginning their home party division. { I knew it was a good idea!  }

Setting up and hosting my first Perfect Home Party.  {sorry for the poor quality}

This was a great way to get a feel for the home décor and design business.  I learned how to buy, which vendors had the best product for the best value, and fine tuned my eye for design.

 

But, my heart will always be in “shop keeping”.  That is what I know.  In late 2001 I decided to sell The Wedding Belle and focus full time on Perfect Home.  Of course, I couldn’t let go of my formal wear roots completely, so I retained the prom division of my business and also opened Reesa’s Perfect Prom for the first five months of each year during prom season. 

Then……

And now……My formal wear roots run deep.  It is hard to give up dressing young girls dreams!

Check my blog soon for much more  about those early Perfect Home years in a later post as we celebrate our Tenth Anniversary this year, but today is the anniversary of The Wedding Belle, and it’s new incarnation Perfect Dress of Rome!!!

 

Approximately eight years after selling The Wedding Belle to Debye Culpepper, she decided it was time to move on and sold the store to my “niece” Alison Burton Smith.  I was thrilled!!!  Alison and her family have been my family’s closest friends for the past 50+ years and she is the closest thing this only child has to a niece.   No one could be a better fit  to carry on The Wedding Belle tradition  than Alison, she was actually born the year I opened.  I am thankful everyday that Debye chose to sell it to her. 

Alison and I in our matching dresses in 2010. No, not planned…   Obviously, we had been spending a little too much time together! 

Since taking the helm in 2010, Alison has relied on her eight years of previous experience at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce to bring her dream store, Perfect Dress of Rome, to life. 

Ribbon cutting in 2010.

I am so happy to spend each day next door to my “sister store”  Perfect Dress of Rome with this talented, motivated and hard working young entrepreneur.  Watching her become such a successful business woman in a store that I started so many years ago is a true blessing.  If you would like to read the post I wrote about Alison and  the precious story behind why she always wanted to own The Wedding Belle, you can read it here.   It is a very sweet story!

 

Happy girl at the opening of Perfect Dress of Rome

In today’s world celebrating a 10th anniversary, as Perfect Home will this year, is quite an accomplishment.   Celebrating  35 years as The Wedding Belle/ Perfect Dress of Rome will,  is truly amazing!

Please indulge me here…. Alison, I am so proud of you and what you have done with Perfect Dress these past two years.  It has been a privilege to mentor you, support you and watch you grow.   Here’s to another 35 years of creating that “ perfect day” for brides in Rome and the surrounding areas.   I know you are just getting started… the sky’s the limit!!!

Reesa

Technorati Tags: Perfect Home of Rome,Perfect Dress of Rome

Purple…hmmm..what do you think?

 

Well, for a while now, the word on the “design street” has been that purple is making a comeback.  Whether rich and regal or smoky and dusky, THEY say purple is the next big thing.  {Ever wonder just who they are?}

Now from my tone, you may gather purple is not my go to color, and you would be correct.  That is, as long as you never see my office which for some unknown reason, I painted a pale dusty amethyst color… ???!  I kinda like it actually.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike purple.  It can be sexy, moody, fresh or  fun.  Just like all of us, right?

I know in my life as “prom store owner”, I’ve sold my share of purple prom gowns.

Just a little can  be just right.

Or too much can be oh, so wrong…. check out those chairs!

Here are a few images of purple used in design.  Take a look and tell me what you think.

All these photos were pulled from Pinterest.  Thank you Pinterest for making my life easier, and for giving me an excuse to prowl through hundreds of design photos, and calling it “work”!  If you don’t already follow me on Pinterest , click here: Perfect Home on Pinterest  to view my design boards. 

So, let’s hear some feedback.  How do you feel about purple?  Love it or leave it?  Let me know.

Reesa 

Our Summer Fabric Sale

Well, it is that time again… dog days of summer.  So, what can we do to lighten up those hot and humid days?  Why, dress our homes in fresh new fabrics of course.  I’m sure that was the first thing to pop in your mind.  {Or maybe that is just me…} 

Or maybe because it’s time for Perfect Home’s Annual Summer Fabric Sale!

 

My extensive selection of fabrics are ALL 20% OFF UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1ST!!!  If you have been thinking about that design project, now is the time.  Maybe you are dreaming of new window treatments, fresh bedding or reupholstering that tired old chair that has seen better days, why wait?  It is a great time to select your fabrics and get them ordered, even if you wait until fall for the actual work to be done.  Who doesn’t like to save a little money, right? 

Just to get you in the mood, here are a few dreamy fabrics that are available for special order.

Thibaut Designs

If you are looking for a fresh color palette with classic design, you will love Thibaut.  Established in 1886, they are the nation’s oldest wallpaper firm.  Their fabrics and wallpapers are perfect for our southern style. 

 

Eastern Accents Bedding    

Our bedding collections are also included in the fabric sale.  If you aren’t familiar with Eastern Accents bedding, stop by and take a look at their portfolios.  Very elegant and well made bedding, Eastern Accents has a vast array of fabrics and styles. 

Schumacher

If you are not familiar with Schumacher, they are an upscale fabric company established in 1889.  Their exclusive fabrics have even been used in the White House, and now can live in your house, as well.  I have several samples at Perfect Home.    If you are looking for a higher end designer fabric, I will be happy to source samples for you from their Atlanta showroom.  I recently used two of their fabrics in my bedroom and breakfast room, and I have to say, they are beyond beautiful.  A bit of a splurge, but so worth it!

Carole Fabrics

Just a word about Carole Fabrics.  They are simply one of my favorites!  Well priced, and usually all special orders arrive in one to two days.  A really great manufacture with an abundant array of styles and colors, this is certainly one of my most popular lines.  I have used it in many projects and am always happy with their quality and service.     If you are looking for an affordable and stylish line, you must see Carole Fabrics! 

Thibaut Designs

I almost forgot to mention, wallpaper is included in the Summer Sale.  Wallpaper is finally seeing a resurgence, and I for one, am thrilled.  I have always loved using wallpaper and really never stopped.  Whether for an entire room, or just as an accent wall, nothing gives you that pop of “wow” like wallpaper.  I recently used it on the ceiling of a dining room and it was so dramatic.  Think outside the box, and think wallpaper!!!

Please  stop by Perfect Home before September 1 and see our incredible selection of fabrics, wallpaper and bedding.  Our fabric design library can be a bit overwhelming, but I actually know where to find what you are looking for….most of the time….  Believe me, that is no small task!   If you are interested in custom window treatments, as always I will be more than happy to come to your home for a free consultation, just give me a call. 

Hope to see you soon,

Reesa

Technorati Tags: perfect home of rome,thibaut,carole fabrics,eastern accent bedding

Beautiful Bedroom

 

As I was strolling through one of my favorite blogs, House of Turquoise I found this photo of a beautiful bedroom that seems to capture our southern style.  I just love the classic furniture and the way it is arranged.  Let’s take a closer look.

Lovely arrangement over the bed.  Notice the oyster shells over sconces, a motif you will see repeated throughout the room.

Such pretty fabrics.  I just had a couple of pillows made for Perfect Home in a very similar ikat print.  Also, the vintage egg prints classically framed are such a refined look.

Yummy chandelier

Isn’t this a nice arrangement at the foot of the bed?  Again the oyster shells, this time glued to the top of a lantern.  Might have to steal this idea.

I have a very similar chair at Perfect Home, if anyone loves this look as much as I do.

Pretty, pretty room! 

This home is actually the home of a blogger from a newly discovered and delightful blog, the aptly named  Dixie Delights  which truly captures the southern style we all love.  Check her out, I think you will enjoy your visit!

Reesa

Technorati Tags: Perfect Home of Rome

Perfect Home Summer 2012

OK, I am not even going to mention how long it has been since I have written a blog post.  Let’s just say, way too long.  I’m also NOT  going to promise that I will do better, so maybe then, I WILL! { No pressure, Reesa. } Hopefully, someone is still checking in or seeing my blog posts on facebook.  If so, welcome and let’s take a little tour of Perfect Home this summer, shall we?

This summer we went for a cleaner, fresher look at Perfect Home.  Not as much fluff and stuff…. just a lighter look that is more what you would want in your own home.  I love this vignette.  You will see lots of blues and greens throughout the store this summer.  I just completed a lake house project and the entire bedroom was created around these prints.  The colors were so ethereal and soft, I just loved it.  Photos of this project coming soon, I promise.

This is a new piece of furniture that just arrived.  The color is a soft gray with honey colored wood top.  It is narrow which is always a plus.  The open shelves are great for display.  I have the same succulent arrangement in my breakfast room and it is such a nice piece.  Would also be perfect on a kitchen table or island.

Crisp black and white… always a favorite.  I love it mixed with fresh green.

Loving pops of turquoise this summer.  How about this mirrored chest… so chic!

I am always drawn to rich reds mixed with greens and golds with a touch of black.  This new console table would work in so many areas.  I can see it in a foyer, as a server in a breakfast room, or the perfect sofa table.

Lots of pops of orange… it is THE color of 2012… don’t cha’ know!

Several pieces of abstract art have arrived.  Yes, I know in our traditional south this is a stretch, but I am using it more and more in projects. 

Just a few  “moments” from Perfect Home this summer.  Off to market in a few days, so there will be lots and lots more to come.  Plus, I have been working on several interesting projects over the last few months {one reason this blog has been rather quiet} and will be sharing before and after photos soon. 

I hope you will come by for a visit to see what is “in store” at Perfect Home.

Happy Summer,

Reesa