Kelp Sushi Joint - Tampa Bay Dining

You may have seen the posts on Facebook, I've been busy working on another great restaurant coming to the Tampa Bay area. Lots of planning, lots of creative energy, lots of good things! (And still in the process)

Now, the permits are pulled and construction is underway, I can finally fill you in on the details! Excited to announce, one of the newest restaurants coming to South Tampa:

Kelp Sushi Joint, will be located at 3401 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. Tampa, Florida. 

Head over and show them some love and "like" their facebook page! 

Excited to see you there in July!

xo}L

WOOD You Re-use It?

I recently got an email from one of my favorite places, you may have heard of it, it's this not so small of an amazing place called Schiller's Salvage, it was titled "WOOD you?" Intrigued, I opened it....

I had NO idea that Schiller's offered such an amazing array of reclaimed wood! Whatever you need, they've got it. (Plus, their pricing isn't half bad either!)

Photos via: Schiller's

So then of course, it instantly got my design brain cells turning... what oh what could I design with this amazing supply of wood?! So here is a little inspiration...

Immediately my mind goes to dining rooms and all the different types of spaces that could be designed around these statement tables.

Rustic and modern coexist beautifully...

Image via: archilovers

Smooth it out really nice, put a coat of shine and sexy it up with some chrome...

Image via: apartment therapy

Minimalism perfection...

Image via: Small Shop

But, let's think beyond the dining room table... Bed?

Image via: The Design Tree

Art??....

Image via: Duncan Johnson

The possibilities are endless, what WOOD you do with some?

xo}L

It's almost time... for the big reveal!

Well it's getting close, very close to the opening of Piquant!

The chairs are all lined up, ready for roll call...

The wallpaper is proudly standing tall, showing it's beauty...

The chandelier will soon be hung, the latte's will be ready and the 

wine anxiously waiting to be sipped. 

I've been hard at work with the lovely Chefs of Piquant, creating this beautiful space for you to enjoy with family and friends. 

We are so excited to reveal it to you in the next few days. 

We hope you are as excited to see it!

xo}L

A new restaurant is coming to South Tampa!

Some of you may have already heard the news, but just in case you haven't, Lisa Gilmore Design is designing  an exciting new restaurant coming to South Tampa, specifically in Hyde Park Village.

So, let me introduce to you Piquant!

Here is a sneak peek of the new look as well:

There is a lot in store for this new place! Check out a bit here, they were featured in the Tampa Bay Times. So in the next few weeks, when you are shopping at Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn & Williams Sonoma, make sure you stop in on the corner and see what they have to offer. 

Hope to see you there!

xo}L

Day 14 of 31 Days of LOCAL Holiday Shopping: Juxtapose

Juxtapose is actually one of my favorite words to use in design, right next to coexist. I love to make fabrics, prints and objects coexist beautifully through juxtaposition. So right off the bat, this next shop surely caught my eye quickly, just with it's name... but inside is a jewel box of lovely finds that I know you will love...

Jux-ta-pose, a cool art studio, apparel and decor boutique in Hyde Park Village just opened up a new holiday concept store called Corner Store by Jux-ta-pose. You can find this holiday gem next to Downtown Dogs and Wine Exchange on Snow Avenue. While the store will only be around for Christmastime it’s a great place to find the perfect gift or charming holiday décor, all at great prices.

photos via: Juxtapose facebook page

Jux-ta-pose was opened by  Karen Wesley and her daughters, Kallie and Lindsay, who were both art majors in college. Their passion for art is apparent as soon as you walk in the door of their shop, which is an absolute must-visit when shopping in Hyde Park Village.

Website: http://shopjuxtapose.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shopJuxtapose

Day 13 of 31 Days of LOCAL Holiday Shopping: Cheese Please!

Got a wine and cheese-obsessed friend or family member on your holiday gift shopping list? If so, then a trip to Cheese Please! at 4213 South Manhattan Avenue in Tampa is a must! Not only can you browse an incredible array of wines and cheeses, if you come on the right day you can even have a taste yourself as you listen to the fabulous owners give you the 411 on the pairings. (I recently went for an event with Working Women of Tampa Bay and had the BEST time! The owners are great!) They did a great job with the place, it's friendly and inviting and I feel like I could sit and laugh with my friends for hours.

photo via: Cheese Please!

 Cheese Please! also has some really great décor, servingware and glassware – including some fantastic high heel wine glasses. (See mine below that I snagged!) You really don’t want to miss this little-known South Tampa gem; there’s no doubt you’ll be a return customer! Check out their website for the tasting and events calendar.

Photo via: Lisa Gilmore

Day 12 of 31 Days of LOCAL Holiday Shopping: Bloom

If you're having any holiday get-togethers, either at home or a work event, decorating with fresh flowers will definitely put you a cut above, no pun intended... okay maybe a little intended! Bloom Garden Shop at 3005 South MacDill in Tampa has a fantastic array of season flowers, arrangements and beautifully crafted live centerpieces. After the holidays Bloom is a great place to find the perfect accents for your outdoor (or indoor!) spaces. They have everything from topiaries and cacti to garden statues and fountains and even patio furniture. So ditch those fake plants this year, create some beauty with some live, lush new friends! 

All photos via: Bloom

Day 11 of 31 Days of LOCAL Holiday Shopping: Red Herring

The Red Herring Home is one of South Tampa's must-visit furniture and décor shops. If you’re looking for something for your own home or the perfect gift for someone that has an eclectic taste, you should definitely check this place out. They have a really great collection of interesting and unique hand-crafted pieces.

Red Herring really has everything! From furniture and throw pillows (last time I was there, they had really great hand blocked sea life pillows that I just loved!)  to hand-poured candles and one-of-a-kind artwork, you’ll definitely find something for everyone on your list! Take my word for it, they have really beautiful stuff.

All images via: Red Herring

Two locations: 3910 S. MacDill and 4219 West Bay to Bay Boulevard

South Tampa Gems (and all on one block!)

This weekend, I managed to take some time and explore some of the gems that South Tampa has to offer. Since I have relocated back from Chicago, I really haven't had the opportunity. It was beautiful day, full of sun and puffy white Florida clouds. I was ready to get out and explore. So my good friend Jackie and I enjoyed the treasures of these great local shops, and I am here to tell you, I was not disappointed...

Our first stop of the afternoon was at a shop called Relic, it is located at 3517 S. Manhattan Ave. :

Image via Relic Facebook

Right when we walked in, our eyes immediately darted to these fabulous sepia panoramic prints of vintage photos. Some were gals in the 40's era in bathing suits complete with fancy umbrellas and others were photos of old Tampa.

Image via Relic Facebook

Relic also had a great selection of lighting, furniture and the best soy candles! The owners were extremely friendly, and I will be surely be back soon to pick up some goodies for a client.

Our next stop was Summer House Marketplace, at 3620 S. Manhattan Ave. :

Image via Lace and Lures Blog

Summer House Marketplace is also full of very unique items. Lots of window panes, dressers, frames and accessories to the max!

Image via Summer House Marketplace Facebook

I can't get my mind of this beauty of a vanity, lately I have been on a major green kick and I think getting ready for the work day at this piece would make mornings so much more delightful! (I have to admit, I am hoping it sticks around for a bit, so I can get it!)

Image via Summer House Marketplace Facebook

Last, but surely not least, we stopped at Forty Three Oh 3 and Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor, two sister stores. 

Forty Three Oh 3 is located at 3626 S. Manhattan Ave. :

Image via Forty Three Oh 3 Facebook

This shop is ENORMOUS! Every time we turned a corner, there was more and more to see. I personally loved some of their unique mirrors, they also had a wonderful selection of lighting...

Image via Forty Three Oh 3 Facebook

There sister store Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor, located at 3612 S. Manhattan Ave.:

Image via: Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor Facebook

Right when you walk in you are greeted with this amazing re-styled side chair with a fantastic applied flower:

Image via: Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor Facebook

I am completely gaga over this jewelry artist, Juju they represent, I am dying to add a piece of her jewelry to my collection:

Image via: Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor Facebook

These stores line a small block of S. Manhattan, in South Tampa, next time you are in the area make sure you pop in and take a looksie. I will be making more trips in the future, I'm looking forward to building relationships with these great small businesses as I shop for present and future clients!