Could Bethesda’s Blue House be even more bright, more happy, with even more whimsy?
Yes, it can, says manager Jill Godfrey, who says the store just completed a three-day renovation and got an “upbeat” new look.
“Connie [Cissel, the owner] went to the spring shows and bought a ton of furniture,” Godfrey says, which she says inspired the new look. “We needed a fresh update anyway.”
The bright, colorful furniture by names such as Tradewinds, Bramble and Maine Cottage is “not contemporary, but rustic and industrial,” Godfrey says. The shabby chic looks formerly carried by the store were mostly all white. “The key word for us is ‘colorful’,” says Godfrey.
In addition to upholstered pieces, there are shelves, bookcases and dressers—all used as displays.
Also new are bigger aisles for customers with strollers to easily negotiate the space, which has been divided up into “departments.”
The baby items are grouped into its own corner in the back; the bright colorful kitchen utensils are up front and the clothing, including new additions by Spanish label Desigual, has its own separate space.
Big sellers in the store are colorful faux country French pottery—made of melamine by Le Cadeaux, Scout tote bags and Cat Studio embroidered pillows.
The line has recently introduced a line of plates and cups with the signature states’ logos.
“It’s so kitschy and wonderful,” says Godfrey. And that probably goes for the rest of The Blue House as well.
7770 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-6088, www.thebluehousebethesda.com
