Michelle Olson describes Marché Maison's aesthetic as French Farmhouse Cottage, and she's inviting locals to celebrate the vintage market's Spring Reveal this month.
Michelle Olson
Owner/Designer
What can locals expect to find in store this season? An inspiring burst of spring! As we thaw out from the winter and just start to see spring bulbs pop out of the ground, a visit to Marché Maison's Spring Reveal will bring shoppers into a full-on spring environment. The hope is that the vintage market will inspire shoppers, reminding them that a new season of beginnings is upon us, and to celebrate it by bringing home a piece of inspiration—maybe it will be creative ideas they saw at the store, or an actual spring décor piece to enhance their own home's spring décor surroundings.
Are there any staples that can always be found at the shop, no matter what season? You will always find unique, specially curated vintage pieces such as European imported tulip bulb drying trays, milk glass or any number of items that are not mass-produced. Whatever the season, you will be sure to find handmade one-of-a-kind seasonal items for walls and tabletops! I also regularly carry a locally made line of candles—the best seller is Hot Sexy Man, but my favorite scent is White Tea. Be sure to check them out!
What's your advice for achieving a space that's been collected and has evolved over time? Patience! A collected space takes time and patience. It means not having everything done all at once. It means not going to a furniture store and purchasing a seven-piece living room set. I advise clients to wait until they find a piece that they love, whether that be at an upscale furniture store, a favorite vintage shop or even during their travels. As the years pass by, you will find that you are surrounded by stories of how you found that furniture piece in the living room that fits that wall perfectly or how you picked up that décor item on your mantel at that shop when you were at the shore. It's a very different look and feel than going to a physical home décor store or a large home décor online platform and getting the whole room at once.
What are some ways to “seasonize” a home this spring? Succulents and ferns are trending and I expect them to continue this spring. Spring blooms are always a staple—cherry blossom stems and tulips, to name a few. Moss is always a go-to for spring décor [and can be used] to decorate candlesticks, tuck into clay pots, line decorative bowls or add to a spring vignette.
Tell us about Marché Maison's design packages. How involved are you in that process? I have a varied approach to helping clients with design. I have had clients that simply need an hour of my time to bounce their questions and ideas so they can get heading on the right design path. Another project was consulting with a Saucon Valley homeowner for several hours to design the overall layout for their pool pavilion furniture and kitchen placement. Currently, I have a full-blown, new-build assisted living facility project where I am working with different contractors to consult on furniture, wallpaper, colors, fixtures and finishes. If you head to my Instagram @marchemaison you can actually see this project in process! All of that is to say that it is up to the client to decide how involved they want me to be.
Aside from your work with Marché Maison, you're also an agent for Carol C. Dorey Real Estate. How does your career in real estate influence your love for interior design and decorating? I love being an agent for Carol C. Dorey Real Estate! I regularly go into the most beautiful homes in the Lehigh Valley, which feeds my love for design and expands my inspirations. As I tour our new listings, I have the opportunity to see so many different design styles and the most recent trends in kitchen and bathroom design. I find it to be a really great combination to be a realtor and a designer. It certainly comes in handy as I help give my real-estate-buying clients ideas and vision as we tour prospective homes!
501 Main St., Bethlehem 610.653.6667 | marchemaison.com
