May is just around the corner and I am so excited. It is one of my most favorite months of the year. We will leave April's mainly moist weather and emerse ourselves in May's continuing greening and blooming blossoms. May causes me to throw open the windows, fill the flower pots, and rearrange every room in the house. This May I can also look forward to the Grand Rapids Magazine's Home of the Month feature which we, The Shade Shop, have been laboring all winter to produce with the gracious help of our dear designer friend, Margaux Drake of The M.Drake Co. She generously opened her home and let us share in its gorgeous transformation by supplying all the window coverings pictured in the magazine spread. We are thankful to all the talented hands that were involved in this project. An especially BIG thank you to Jessica Maycroft of Slipcovers Plus Home Decor who waved her magic wand and literally made the elegant taffeta draperies appear overnight. (Pictures will be forthcoming to my site as soon as I purchase rights!) It was an amazing project resulting in amazing pictures by Johnny Quirin and a superb story by Brenda Cook. Such work, such scary deadlines, such fun!

Adios Good Friends

I am sure you all have heard by now that our designer "haven of help", Michigan Design Resources, is closing its doors. Another sad victim of this present economy and a sad loss to our design trade family. We will miss the friendly and inviting atmosphere of their cozy operation and the welcoming smiles that always greeted us from each staff member. Fortunately, it is not disappearing completely, but being absorbed by our giant friend in the industry, Israels Designs For Living, who will combine it with their John Widdicomb Trade Center operation. Fortunate, also, for us is the fact that the staff at MDR will carry on as Design For Living employees and we will continue to enjoy their expert knowledge and friendly, helpful personalities. All of us wish MDR the very best as they morph into their new roll within the trade giant, Israels, and look forward to the new & fresh flavor of assistance and hospitality it will bring to the Design For Living team.