Coastal Chic- my jaunt to Stuart, Florida

Welcome to Stuart!

I took a bit of a break from work Friday and popped up to Gumbo Limbo Gifts in downtown Stuart, Florida. Perhaps I can call it an extended lunch? I had been wanting to visit since seeing the shop and art by Lori Lynn on HGTV's 2009 Green Home (mermaid art, below).



Lori Lynn creates "whimsical art" inspired by sea themes (mermaids, fish, etc) and uses "found" materials.

I then discovered Jean Sanders after I started blogging- and her work is also featured at Gumbo Limbo. Thus, it was settled- I must go.

I have not (yet) been to Key West, but this little section of Stuart seems reminiscent of what I expect Key West to be like. Pictured above is the side street leading up to the shops. I LOVE the color of blue used on the posts! And a cute spot for rent.



Entrance to Gumbo Limbo- the shop owner does such a great job at creating vignettes- even at the front door.
Inside, rooms are painted different colors, creating distinct spaces. Shelves in the front room- cute trays, baskets, glassware, Jean's painting, and Lori Lynn's fish. Again, I love the merchandising here.

I believe this is to the right in the front room. I adore the mirror above. Also, the book, Caribbean Elegance, seems a perfect coffee table selection.

The corner of the hallway- again featuring work from both Jean and Lori Lynn as well as furniture, pillows, and other decorative accessories.

The back room with cute furnishings and Lori Lynn's art.

I love this fish piece. The combination of fabrics and using a salvage window- just brilliant.


And I need to buy the tini time sign... I was just worried it wouldn't fit in my suitcase!



Love the orange table and chair with the coral pillow against the blue wall.



And I can't forget this little guy.

In the end, I purchased another Jean Sanders painting, greeting cards, and a few other odds and ends. While you can't really shop online, the person working at the shop (and I forget her name! But so friendly!) said that I could call, reference a piece, and they will ship it to me. So either the fish or the tini time sign will be mine (or both).


Wished that I had made time to stop at the Key Lime Cafe, but this gives me a reason to go back. Honestly, one of the most relaxing, cute places I've been to in a while. Not at all like my typical "stomping grounds" in South Florida. This is a part of Florida that Mr. Southern would appreciate.



-Emmie

P.S. Mr. Southern is going to Delray Beach this week for work. I would love to send him up here!