I’ve made some really special friends through my blog and one of them is Barb Blair of Knack Studios. A few years ago, I received a call on my business line. “Hello?” On the other end was a sweet southern voice that said something like (I’m paraphrasing, here), “My name is Barb Blair and I feel like we should be friends.” It probably should’ve been a strange call for both of us, but it wasn’t at all. We hopped right in, like we’ve always been friends.
Since then, we’ve talked furniture, blogging, business, brushes, paint, balance, family, photography, book deals…everything. She’s a kindred spirit and someone I respect like mad.
We’ve met a few times in person, but I’ve never been able to visit her on her turf, so Kriste and I stopped by her shop/studio on the way home from Atlanta this week.
Her space is a total departure from my style, but I found it so inspirational…like walking through an Anthropologie.
There were lovely little moments everywhere that made me lean in and smile.
There was beauty in the utilitarian.
I loved these wooden spoons about bought a few of them…
It was also fun for me to see one of her pieces painted in MMSMP Apron Strings.
And I was blown away by her collaboration on knobs with a local ceramic artist. These were my favorites…
It’s funny. Our hair is different every time we meet.
And she always says, “It looks like I’m going to eat you…”, when we take pictures together and that always makes me laugh.
I was so glad to get to introduce Kriste to her as well. Barb’s style hits Kriste’s sweet spot.
Here are some examples of Barb’s work…
She really is a true furniture artist.
Her shop is in Greenville, SC, and you can visit her online HERE.
I need to share the details of the rest of our trip to the Haven Conference, but this was definitely one of the highlights!
Greenville, NC, I’m starting to learn more about this place, now I have another store to hunt out. Thanks!
Knack is in Greenville, SC.
Ugh! I so wish I could have met you and Kristie while you were here!
Also those knobs just make me drool…..its like heaven.
Love visiting Barb’s shop. Just got some great things there the other day.
Love Barb’s style! Her shop IS inspirational and those knobs are unbelievable!
What a beautiful space. I love shops like that with layers and eye candy everywhere. She has some fantastic pieces of furniture, and I really love that funky patterned rug!
Barb’s studio makes me drool! Such an inspiring place with so much eye candy. I think a mash up of your’s and Barb’s styles would be something similar to mine. 😉 Probably why I love both you ladies!
Love it all! Looks like you ladies are having the best time. Your smiles put a smile on my face too! Thanks for sharing!
I live near Greenville SC and love to stop in Knack! I am partial to wooden spoons, too, since my husband makes beautiful wooden spoons/spatulas. I would be happy to send one to you. Let me know if you are interested in having one for your kitchen
Loved seeing Knack Studios! Not really my usual style but so fun to look at and think about how to incorporate her ideas in your own space. I could spend hours and $$$ there! I like seeing what inspires you, so please keep sharing.
Nice! Kindred spirits are so, so fine. Thanks for sharing her website.
The two of you are my greatest mentors for by business! Having you in the same space together would make me giddy!!! Id give anything to meet the two of you someday. Keep u the amazing work!!!
Dionne
The Turquoise Iris
Ya’ll are adorable in those photos! …and what a great little shop too! Her style looks really fun and quirky. I bet it would be such a cool place to check out… love the dresser in apron strings… what a great color!
Cindy
Love this shop! And the waterfall dresser is the best “painted” one I’ve seen – we have one that disparately needs a makeover and I just haven’t found anything I like until now!
Barb has been a huge inspiration to me and I have followed the growth of Knack for over 8 years. She is a talented lady but also a beautiful soul and the time she has taken over the past few years to encourage me from afar has been a genuine blessing. It is such a joy to see two of my furniture and style gurus connecting and sharing a lovely friendship.
Though I’m 10,000 miles away, I look forward to visiting Knack one day and meeting dear Barb in person.
Barb is amazing isn’t she. what a lovely time for you all. good to spend time with kindred spirits,
Her studio looks amazing! Your right, right out of anthropologie which is one of my favorite stores!! Her works is amazing, so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing!
Lauren Baxter | LB Designs
xx
Her drawer knobs are awesome!