February not only ushers in Cupidon, but also sparks many design conversations at fleurdetroit as our buying team returns from markets across the East and South. Joe’s pilgrimages to the Southern design meccas always yield many fun, unique, and valuable treasures that integrate effortlessly into our Northern market. The ladies of the buying team, fresh off the New York circuit, have curated a selection of “this and that” to make any interior feel warm and collected, or chic and refined. Wherever the hunt has taken us, the products and objects returning have been carefully vetted through numerous discussions and with clear direction to ensure the fleurdetroit voice is consistent with our signature effortless style.
Although Monsieur Cupidon appreciates a good conversation about the merits of objects, his focus is primarily on love, flowers, lovers, and chocolates. Thank Zeus and the pantheon of gods that we have the flowers and chocolates covered for a few of Cupidon’s February obsessions.
Pre-February discussions tend to happen informally, as we continuously spark and flint new experiences or discoveries, discussing client habits and purchasing trends. We're always refining our direction for acquisitions and setting budgets across sectors to ensure that our fleurdetroit community enjoys a thoughtfully curated selection of retail gems.
When February arrives, while dodging Cupidon, we shift into a more formal approach, discussing purchased lines and objects. Much like the famous monologue on cerulean blue in The Devil Wears Prada, we, as business owners, designers, and buyers at fleurdetroit, engage in many conversations about trends and timeless pieces as we curate the objects and collections that represent the fleurdetroit aesthetic.
Typical conversations may start, “Are we feeling classic rattan for summer? Or should we lacquer the caning in loud colour knowing we are making bold strokes ahead of the trend wave that will eventually crash into the Midwest over the next few years.” Conversations always hold precious our desires to lead the charge forward and still hold true to our branded feel on the design campus and in our projects. We are conscious of where our customers’ comfort levels may be for this season. This season is no different as we try to push Cupidon and lovers beyond the two-dozen, red rose exclamation. Sometimes the old standbys are the best fit proving if it works it works- personally, I want the roses. Send me the American Beauty or Carefree Wonder varieties, but I would never scoff at a vase delicately packed with blood red anemones!
Many of our clients travel the globe, experiencing new design directions and movements ahead of our local community. However, we don't want to alienate the more geography-bound clients who may be more reserved in their tastes. Introducing a hint of the fabled cerulean blue can be a subtle gesture for the tentative consumer, perfect for a shelf or end table. Meanwhile, the more adventurous can opt for the full ensemble, confidently embracing the forward-thinking design world.
I’ve always found it fascinating that many design movements had deep roots abroad before reaching American shores. The Modern movement in Europe began in the early 20th century, a full two decades ahead of the American scene. Early designers like the Italian Futurist Marinetti, Marcel Breuer, and even Walter Gropius were pushing into uncharted, groundbreaking territory long before their American counterparts.
These early innovators and visionary artists set the stage for movements that would become benchmarks in design. The world, including America, would eventually catch up to their bold new takes on design, but the lag time was surprising. It’s easy to look back and question why it took so long for the world to adopt such iconic movements, but as owners and innovators ourselves, we understand the pushback and discomfort that can arise when challenging our clients' comfort zones. We’ll continue to push forward while honoring and respecting the classic movements of the past, all the while sparking excitement with new concepts. As a Scorpio, it takes me a moment or two (or more) to fully embrace the new. Sometimes it feels right immediately, and sometimes, like many of our clients, I need a little time to adjust. Regardless of the direction we take, fleurdetroit continues to evolve while honoring the past.
Where do we get our inspiration, you ask? To stay at the forefront of design, we draw from our chic clients, gallerists, art books, stunning gardens, auction catalogs featuring beautiful interiors, and our travels abroad. Of course, we’ve had our missteps—nothing as tragic as the avocado green appliance era or shag carpet in bathrooms—but we've encountered our share of failures. Fortunately, as a testament to our firm’s growth, we’re still pushing design forward in our corner of the Midwest, and we’ve learned from our mistakes. We feel honored to be trusted and viewed as beacons of style.
We invite you to explore what’s new for the 2025 season—classic looks from fleurdetroit alongside pieces we believe will soon become mainstream in our area. Be bold and brave with your aesthetics. Find an influencer you resonate with and follow their lead if you need a little encouragement. Always trust those with a discerning eye! As I remind those around me daily, be kind to yourself this month and every day! And don’t forget your 'lil sweetie this Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re writing a love note or buying red roses or chic anemones, it’s not the time to be bashful when it comes to expressing your love.
Everyone has a love language. At fleurdetroit, we speak flowers, decorative objects, and design. Let’s chat about amor, anemones, and Ooumm marble pieces. See you in the shoppe!