I’m currently finishing and photographing the canopy I made for Clara’s bed (it just might be cute!), so I’ll share those photos and the full how-to with you tomorrow. I considered writing about September 11th today — I lived in NYC then and it was one of the most life-changing days I’ve experienced. Twelve years on, I still find it hard to put the feelings into words, but I’m sending love and solidarity to everyone affected. Sharing personal stories has been healing for me in the past (like when I shared Clara’s birth story), so maybe I’ll be able to write about it this afternoon.
For now, I wanted to take you on a window-shopping adventure. It’s been too long since our last virtual shopping spree. These tours are just for inspiration — not sponsored — and I love finding small, tucked-away shops with one-of-a-kind pieces. So, meet: The Art of Simple.
I found this sweet little shop while on vacation in Destin (it’s located in downtown Seaside). The moment we walked in I had to take photos. The shopkeeper was friendly and the displays felt inventive and inspiring. If you’re local, go explore it — and if you’re not, you can always call to see if they’ll ship or simply borrow ideas for your next DIY.
I loved that several white bookcases were backed with beadboard, which gave them a crisp, finished look compared to the typical flimsy back panels. The store’s color palette was calm and fresh — lots of white with pops of red, gray, and aqua, plus other colorful accents in the merchandise.
There was a striking accent wall along the back made of white subway tile with gray grout, paired with gray-washed, barn-board-style floors. They were actually stick-down laminate that mimicked wood — a great budget-friendly look. Picture a laundry room or bathroom with subway tile and that flooring and you can see why I loved it.
At the back of the shop hung an incredible red beaded chandelier — an absolute showstopper. It wasn’t cheap, I’m sure, but you could replicate the vibe by repainting a beaded chandelier in candy-apple red for a similar effect. Smaller beaded chandeliers from retailers could be an affordable starting point for a DIY update.
The shop carried black signs with ivory lettering that felt modern and understated — a refreshing twist on the brighter, busier signs you often see. Messages like “The Laundry” for a laundry room or “The Shanty” for an entryway make for charming, personalized decor. Every house deserves a cute nickname, after all.
I also fell for a whimsical lighted chick sign — I wanted to take it home, but John vetoed it. There are some great Pinterest tutorials for creating lighted signs, and with a little creativity you could adapt one to feature a shape you love.
Globes were another favorite. One was painted blue, distressed with a glaze, and then accented with black country outlines highlighted in gold. Another was painted with chalkboard paint and drawn on with a turquoise paint pen to mark countries and measurements along the equator — clever, customizable decor for a study or kid’s room.
Old metal letters with soft patina caught my eye — they have an authentic, vintage charm. I also loved the idea of using a metal caddy for sorting laundry or storing cleaning supplies, which would be both functional and decorative.
The pendant lights were interesting too; the shopkeeper explained that the colors of the little flower details on each pendant are customizable. That means you could match three pendants to your kitchen accent colors for a coordinated look.
She also showed me rings of crystals that could be assembled into custom pendants. They were pricey — around $350 each — but in a spot that only requires one pendant, it could be a satisfying splurge, especially if you balance costs elsewhere in the room.
Small mussel shells were sold as soap holders for about $9, and I loved their pink-and-bronze finish. They’d look fantastic in a classic bathroom with black-and-white floor tile and a pedestal sink — a small, unexpected detail that elevates the space.
There were also real marquee letters from the 1940s — heavy, metal, and full of character. John was instantly attracted to them, as I suspected he would be.
One of my favorite pieces was a rustic painting of an old gas pump, framed in reclaimed wood and finished in beautiful red and teal tones. Even the red easel it sat on felt inspiring — a small vignette that told a story.
So that’s the little tour: a leisurely stroll through a charming beach-town shop that has stuck with me weeks later. I hope you enjoyed this virtual window shopping. Found any new boutiques lately? If anyone in Virginia has recommendations, tell me about them — I’m always on the lookout for inspiring spots.