It feels terrific to be home! Tom and I just returned from a productive buying trip. We visited England, Belgium, Holland and France. Stayed in 6 hotels in 10 days! Just another whirlwind trip. But, hey, it was daily shopping, some sightseeing and the occasional splurge on fabulous food. So no complaints here. Actually it did involve a lot of driving and work: planning, researching and coordinating before, during and even after the trip. Too boring so I’ll only share the highlights…starting in London.
After landing at Heathrow, we picked up our car and dashed off to Robert Kime’s shop in Bloomsbury. Each time I am in London, I try to visit one of Kime’s shops for worldly inspiration and a tiny bit of shopping. Kime is decorator by Royal Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales, designer, collector and dealer in antiques and textiles.
This was my first visit to the Bloomsbury location. Housed in two early Georgian townhomes, the shop has an eclectic collection of antique and new (designed by Kime) textiles and pillows. And period antiques as well as new furniture, lighting and accessories. It’s like visiting an old-money English home with treasures plucked from the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.
I want to thank Christopher Payne at the shop for his gracious and warm hospitality. Enjoy my photos from last week.
 Eclectic English style at its best. Welcome to the world of Robert Kime!
 Good taste never goes out of style. The shop is warm, cozy and beautifully layered.
 I am still coveting this English linen press with its original apple-green painted surface.
 Tom sat on this sofa and enjoyed a cup of coffee, while I was busy photographing everything.
 This carved stone mantel originally framed a doorway. The to-die-for antique Venetian mirror is from the 18th century.
 Antique blue-and-white Delft tiles surround many of the fireplaces.
 I’m not sure, but think the antique doors are from Morocco. So clever!
 Pillows! Pillows!! Pillows!!!
 More pillows! Kime is known for his signature Ikat and Ottoman inspired pillows – printed, woven, embroidered, etc.
 In addition, there is a marvelous selection of early 20th century artwork from British artists.
 Above: I came home with this antique brown-and-blue woven pillow. (There is another one available at Robert Kime, btw.) Doesn’t it look divine on this blue painted Swedish settee from our shop?
This embroidered pillow was from a prior trip 🙂 Yes, I’m a devotee!
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And the antique painting from the giveaway goes to # 169 – Maurie from PA. Maurie, would you please email me at topiaryplants@gmail.com?

Thank you ALL for entering. I greatly appreciate your enthusiasm and support, and have another giveaway coming soon. Please stay tuned!