Those of you who don’t follow us on Facebook and Twitter might be wondering where the heck I’ve been the past few weeks. What a slacker not getting any posts up, right? Well, I’ve been a little bit busy trying to get the new Chateau & Bungalow store opened! While the turnaround was extremely quick in getting it open (I just signed the lease on July 1), the store has long been a part of the Chateau & Bungalow plan. In fact, the entire reason I started this blog is because I always wanted to open a store, but I wasn’t in a position to do it until now (actually, I’m still not sure I’m in the position to do it, but I’ve decided to take the leap anyway!). Don’t worry, the blogging won’t stop; the store will just be an addition to Chateau & Bungalow.

Finding a spot for the store was not such an easy task. I had one space fall through, and I really didn’t want to do it all unless I did it in just the right spot. Thankfully, the universe had a greater plan, and I landed right back where I started my career in home furnishings, at 80 Thames Street, the former home of Rue de France, where I first started working when I moved back to Newport 13 years ago, and worked for nearly five years before it closed down so it feels a little bit like I’ve come full circle.

So what the heck will I be selling in the store? I hope to bring you a great selection of new and found objects, designer offs, remnant fabrics, and much more. The store will have a mix of things new and old with the intention of having consistent lines for your go-to hostess gifts, entertaining, and everyday living needs. Whether you’re looking for that special piece to complete a space or that little luxury for your powder room, we plan to have it.

One of my favorite things about this space is the amazing built-in displays. They’re just gorgeous!

Some of the new items we’ve got are fabulous Turkish hand and beach towels, which also double as great tablecloths and sarongs, those beautiful candles pictured above, some adorable kids’ prints, and lovely locally made soaps. We’ve also got some great artwork from the very talented Ellen Rohlfing.

We’re also featuring a carefully curated selection of consignment items. If you are interested in consigning, please contact me at sarahsweeneyo (at) yahoo.com with images of what you are interested in consigning.

Lastly, I have to send a special thank you out to my husband for helping me paint, prep, and set up the store space (while also putting up with me and our kitchen renovation!) as well as Heidi Brueggeman for giving me the push I needed to go for it, Maaike Bernstrom for her unending encouragement (and beautiful photos), and all of my family and friends who have been so supportive (you know who you are!) in helping get this all pulled together so quickly. While opening up shop is a bit nerve wrecking, I’ve got a good feeling about this.

I hope you’ll all stop in when you have a chance to check it out. We’ll be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 80 Thames Street, Newport, RI, and I look forward to seeing you.