allan knight luxury blog by Cearan Henley: "The Shop" ~by Laura Lee Clark Interior Designs

"The Shop" by Laura Lee Clark Interior Design, Inc.

"The Shop" carries Nest and Dayna Decker

Candles

Point of Purchase...

This isn't an article of praise, although there may be some. Neither is it a listing of accomplishments even though it would make writing this post rather easy. This blog is a slice of life from one of Dallas' most sought after names in design. Laura Lee Clark Falconer has been one of Allan's friends and clients since he opened the original showroom at 1400 Hi Line. She followed us to our new home at the International Design Center and we have always enjoyed working with her.

As Maggie Smith tells Sarah Jessica Parker's character in "First Wives Club", "all you need to take your place in society is the perfect florist, an utterly ideal chef.... and.. a decorator of death".

The death part is a good thing!

The Famous Peacock

Maggie was talking about that perfect, ideal, know you from the inside out and make your surroundings match your personality kind of designer. Laura Lee Clark Falconer is that type of professional.

Her work speaks for itself and after 19 years, she has more than a little bit of experience to lean into. Her talented design team surrounds and assists as she whirls from project planning and installation to purchasing and merchandising her wondrous boutique on Dragon. Several years ago, Laura Lee began toying with the idea of having a shop that would double as the facade of her already successful design business. I recently browsed the shop for the first time. It was a welcomed and most interesting trip off my own usual route.

I enjoyed not only meeting some of the extended crew, but also in seeing the artfully arranged, compelling merchandise that she imports, finds or dreams into being.

Accessories Deluxe

"Take your time and look around; we are always getting in new things", she says to me on her way back from an appointment, with blueprints and memo samples in hand. Completely together and walking with brisk purpose, she stops to chat before continuing on to her waiting design staff.

As I worked my way through her shop I made a mental list of the things I really liked, including several antique books and a certain silver plated chair that literally blew this writer away.

Any boutique owner that keeps candles burning is a smart one. I shop better when this particular one of my 5 senses is stimulated and Laura Lee keeps her shoppers happy with multiple choices of candles scents from 3 unique lines.

What a pleasure and surprise to find this in my own neighborhood!

Serene Setting

Not too long ago she admonished Allan to, "Come in and see the Peacock"! When I was visiting The Shop, I asked her if the bird had a name and she said, "Not that I'm aware of", with wry smile. Although I am not sure of preserved animals, I was an instant fan of the amazing presentation of this beautiful creature. It is a find for a library or conservatory. Startling, but quite brilliant really.

When away from her busy professional life, her world revolves around her daughter Ana and her husband John Falconer. "We love running over to Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village. It has become a small tradition

that we all look forward to, plus we love Mexican food"!

I am always amazed at the talent that surrounds us right here in Dallas. We are in a crucible of design and the good do indeed rise.

In "First Wives Club", Sarah Jessica Parker does not get her designer apartment in the end, but we seem to get a peek into this peculiar realm of high end design. And that world states that a good designer is worth it. Laura Lee is that designer.

Cabinet of Curiosities

We have to leave the mingling of treasures such as Tang horses, Venetian glass lamps and oceanic artifacts mounted on acrylic to talented hands.

She definitely has the touch and we root for and applaud her successes...

Which seem to come very often these days!