Here we are in July, marking 25 years into the new millennium, and I’m still pondering the rapid passage of time and the changes surrounding us. As many of you know, we’ve been deeply involved in the design world for years, and now we find ourselves reflecting on decades of experience. This realization brings a smile, but it also makes our heads spin! Staying relevant in design is crucial, yet it requires a delicate balance. We’ve witnessed trends come and go multiple times, and while we sometimes embrace these trends—avoiding the fashion faux pas of wearing bell-bottoms when boot-cut jeans are in—there are other times when we stick to timeless design principles, regardless of the latest fads.

I had a memorable encounter last year with a rather blunt designer in my garden, who deemed my “cloud-boxwood” layout outdated and even offensive. Despite her harsh words, I chose to smile, recognizing that some people simply don’t appreciate certain aesthetics and likely never will. Some just have a need to critique rather than celebrate others in the design world. Such opinions, often rooted in poor taste and inflated egos, will eventually fade away. This experience reinforces the importance of honoring classic design for me while also incorporating trends. At fleurdetroit, we’ve also chosen to lift other creatives in the industry. We don’t necessarily have to like the direction someone else’s project has taken. Rather than slipping into sideways criticisms, we promote conversations that discuss what we feel is working—or not. Design, by nature, begs conversation.

In our shops, we consistently respect the timeless objects we offer, which not only resonate with enduring appeal but also complement the trendy items we select for our market. Recently, during our “Style Social” event, we collaborated with two influencers who made blending design styles accessible to their followers. Lifting conversations with fellow designers was the impetus for this event. The evening was a success, filled with smiles and curiosity, highlighting our belief that classic and modern elements can harmoniously coexist to create exciting designs that thrive in today’s world.

We want to give a shoutout to Vanessa Chaverri-Gratz and Haneen Matt for taking part in this fun and unique event at fleurdetroit. Keep an eye out for our upcoming design socials! With a healthy sense of confidence in our skills and those of our team, we take pride in the welcoming atmosphere we’ve created at fleurdetroit. Our brand is not just surviving but thriving and adapting to the ever-changing world we’re all a part of.

As I like to end each month’s email: find that something that makes your soul sing and take the time to do it. The world is a noisy place, but all of us can find the quiet if we try. Be daring and bold—set your path with design as the seasons roll past us.