studio front
I'm kicking off the return of this S.HOPtalk feature with a visit to Knack Studios--the oh-so-inspiring brainchild of Barb Blair, who personifies {in my humble opinion} the growing movement toward slow design. If I lived anywhere near Greenville, South Carolina--Knackstudios' home base–I would be camped out there every. single. day.
Barb uses her talent for hunting down and repurposing found objects to create Knack's collection of home products. The result is a line of one-of-a-kinds offerings--featured and sold in her studio space--geared toward a distinctly urban professional lifestyle. Barb describes her eclectic pieces as sleek yet warm, detailed but relaxed.
These are some of my faves:
And don't you love before & afters?
before:
after:
before:
after:
"new" black and gray cabinets filled with goodies from Thomas Paul
Barb certainly has a knack for turning drab into fab, don't you think?
For those of us who don't have the option of popping by Knack Studios and loading up a trailer full of her amazing recreations, Barb has created a Try it Yourself paint and prep tutorial, of which, I plan to take full advantage. Oh....and if you do live in the Greenville area, I'd love to hear an eye witness report back.
Quick Links:
Wow,wow,wow.....I adore that turquoise sideboard, that yellow mirror, that pink bench and that gray cabinet....she does have a flair, no doubt.
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Melissa
That turquoise sideboard is to die for. Love it!
ReplyDeletei love the concept of the slow design movement! the turquoise sideboard and the gray hutch are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Suzanne for all the wonderful words:) It is so encouraging, and a nice shot in the arm to keep me going!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne! I'm one of the lucky ones - I am an interior designer and also have a gallery in the same building with Barb. I get to see Barb and her work almost every day. Her pieces are just as beautiful in person and she is true inpiration to me (both as an artist and as a person) -- her black and grey pieces inspired my last series of paintings -- great article!
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies for all of your thoughtful comments and for visiting.
ReplyDeleteTeresa...I'm green with envy that you're so close to Knack. :) It looks like you all have a great little community there--so important when you're in business for yourself. I look forward to following your paintings now that I've "discovered" you. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi--I live in greenville, too.....and I have to tell you that Barb is absolutely fabulous!! She has an amazing eye and finds the best things---furniture to redo and funky things to mix together. She is crazy good with color. When I look around my house--the things I love the most have been done by Barb! ....and she is just a great gal, too!
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Hi - I live in Atlanta, but have several of Barb's pieces (a couple of really cute end tables and an oh so amazing armoire in a brilliant, funky chartreuse). If you're anywhere in a 200-mile radius, it's worth the trip to Greenville to see her work up close and personal!
ReplyDeleteWow - these are AMAZING! What a great shop and styling - great find!
ReplyDeleteamazing what paint can do. i love what she's done with those pieces. amazing.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work...makes me want to repaint EVERYTHING! I all looks so amazing afterwards!
ReplyDeleteI have been admiring this perfect shop from afar for way too long...I need to get up and personal quick.
ReplyDeletei have known bsrb for years and she is truly an inspiration to me through her wonderful repurposed pieces and through her diligence and hard work! i am going to get to see her new studio this weekend! i can't wait!
ReplyDeleteso instead of working like I should be, I've been looking at everyone's before and afters...love knack!!! I had never read her blog before...love your new bench too!
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