Tres Belle Maison Decor!

Those of you who follow my blog know that I love to discover amazing local shops and then share that information with all of you. Yesterday I ventured to Malden, Ma (just a short “T” ride from Boston) to visit Maison Décor. I had read about this charming shop, owned by Amy Chalmers, from Steven Fuller’s blog, An Urban Cottage, so I decided to take a ride over to check it out. The lovely, welcoming exterior was a colorful contrast to the otherwise dreary gray palette we are calling spring this year in Boston.

Inside, the shop has several vignettes showcasing Amy’s work as an artisan-her style defines the essence of French Country.

Filled with painted and refinished desks & dressers decorated with vintage accessories,

and an occasional vache (I mean, what’s French Country Style without a cow or two?)

plus secretaries and armoires that have been painstakingly transformed into showpieces, the shop is eye candy for anyone searching for that softly muted, elegant French Country Style.

Using Annie Sloan chalk paints and waxes, Amy re-imagines and re-cycles old, dark pieces into fresh, fanciful furniture.  She shared with me the techniques used to transform this lace cut side table- multiple layers of paints, glazes and waxes will be used to achieve the desired (gorgeous!) effect. Painstakingly time-consuming, but well worth the time spent when you see the finished products.

Also now offered in her shop, a new line of finishing products called Artisan Enhancements, a line of  “innovative, decorative mediums” that can add another dimension to your painted furniture.

This massive armoire, formerly boasting a peach poly finish is being reworked into a “vintage” piece worthy of any chateau, using both Annie Sloan paints and the finishes from Artisan Enhancements!

You can read all about the transformation process on her blog Maison Décor- Using Transfer Gel, where she shares “how-to” tips. For those of you just a bit wary of attempting chalk painting and gel transferring techniques on your own, Amy offers Sunday Workshops right in the midst of her showroom where inspiration surrounds you. And for those of you searching for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplies, you have come to the right place!

An authorized distributor, she stocks cupboards filled with paint pots, brushes and books that line the walls along with stacks and racks of lovely fabrics and sheer drapery panels that are available as well.

While she does sell the furniture and accessories online through her Maison Décor Shop, the paints and waxes are only sold in her shops, both at the 50 Summer Street location in Malden and at the shop on  Harrison Ave in Boston’s South End. Which would be a great reason to stop in for a visit…just tell her that Susan from Country Design Home sent you!

Have a sweet Saturday everyone, and remember to shop local! This little gem of a cupcake was from the Busy Bee Bakery in Melrose, my next stop after Maison Décor…tres yummy!!! Susan