Style Crush - Serena Armstrong

The first time I met the charming Serena Armstrong was in Napa Valley the week after the BFF Bag Launch Party.   She immediately ordered a Hudson Bay Messenger.  I immediately liked her + thought yes a kindred Haute Bohemian soul.

Serena, a mother of two, a lover of home design, fashion, fabrics came to her present metier late.  But it seems to be her destiny.   After moving to Marin + renovating a home or two she started a home design blog to document the renovation. http://www.farmhouseurban.com/   Next came a few satisfied customers which morphed into Serena Armstrong Interiors.  And finally her delightful atelier/shop on Magnolia Street in Marin.  Where she both sees private clients + 3 days a week has the store open for retail shoppers.

FarmHouse Urban Home Store 1012 Magnolia Street, Marin

The store is a not too overwhelming a mix high/low.  Items such as chairs below + chaise lounge are given a facelift of elegance + usefulness.  Modern fabrics + treatments of materials breathe new life into what had become stodgy pieces.  Serena has a terrific eye +  focused point of view.   I would love to have her come to my home + spin her magic. Nothing seems too forced, just lovely + fresh.  You can see some of her work in this month's issue of RUE Magazine. 

Some of the delectable finds at FarmHouse Urban. I wanted everything

Lovely selection of pillows, french pottery, textiles and more.

And what is a visit on a Sunday morning to a home store sale without scrumptious  enticements?  Serena with her good taste had pastries + coffee from the
The SweetLife Bakery in San Anselmo on hand.  Visiting the Farmhouse Urban Home Store, chatting with Serena Armstrong + savoring an almond croissant is truly THE SWEETLIFE.

Mouthwatering pastries from The Sweetlife Bakery. http://www.sweetlifebakeryandcafe.com/