Squeeeeee! You know how I hate to give up my secret sources, but since holiday traffic is just about to explode in front of the newest store of one of my favorite brands in the largest mall in America, I guess it’s not such a secret. Ballard Designs is opening this week in KOP!

Shall I show you around? Well, first, let me introduce you to the charming Ballard Designs president Mr. Ryan McKelvey, at the head of this helm. He informed me that this gorgeous store took only 14 months to build from scratch. The KOP Mall management is doing something right to bring in Ballard Designs to King of Prussia Mall.

There are just so many lovely things to look at, like this partner’s desk ensemble, in a very trendy grey tone, with tons of functional file space. I’m ignoring the Christmas evergreens. In denial.

How sweet is this buffalo plaid swivel rocker? I love how it sits. And isn’t that really why we want Ballard Designs in our backyard? We can finally touch and feel all the furniture before making a (sometimes scary) purchase.

Ooh la la. Love these Firenze draperies. These are working their way into a current client design, for sure. They are a lovely weight. If you crave calming tones and custom curtains with longer lengths than are available in most stores, but without the big budget, the Ballard Designs line will make you smile. Sadly, the staff said they had to send so many of their draperies back, they don’t have room in store for all of them.

You may know already that Ballard Design styles are French-inspired. I love this line of decorative papers. I see these working their way into a certain little girl’s room very soon. Drawer liners. Inexpensive art. Wrapping paper. Yes, please.

I don’t even want to think about Christmas, but these shiny sweets caught my eye. Must. Have. Macarons.

This little corner of the store holds a print that is going into another client design very soon. Can’t wait to show you. Also, see the settee? That upholstery is super soft and a wonderful neutral that still has some body and style with the window pane print. You guys know I love color, but this is a neutral that I can confidently use in client designs.

This lovely little chair is SUPER comfortable. It has a lovely, somewhat diminutive, cuddling shape, and fit me perfectly. Great for an office or vanity, or even a cozy breakfast area. Although it’s in store in pink, you can customize it in any one of their fabrics, or yours. Average delivery time is about 6 weeks.

This one, you’ve got it, will be ordered in a soft blue and going into a client space soon. Do you know how impossible it is to find a quality office chair???? I love how it has side supports but no actual arms to get in the way and bang into a desk. It tilts, lifts, and swivels. Even the wood base colors are customizable. Might be the perfect office chair.

Love all the little treasures. I could see this on my desk. Un. Deux. Trois. Quatre. Cinq. Six.

These Tate chairs are also sweet. Classic styling that would look good in a sitting area, but a little smaller scale, so they won’t take over the room. Imagine them in any color and fabric from Ballard Designs or elsewhere. I should have taken a picture of their fabric walls. Ah, well, when you get to that point, call me, and I’ll help you pick out just the perfect thing.

Their design center lets us work together in the heart of the store to choose just the right combination of fabrics, wood finishes, and accessories to pull your whole look together. And if we must do a bit of research by visiting Authentic Bistros of Paris, so be it. You know I’m up for it, ma chérie!

I was delighted to meet the charming Eddie Ross, the east coast editor from Better Homes and Gardens, only my favorite magazine ever.

We share a love for Ballard Designs, thrifted and curbside treasures, and fabric swatches, apparently.

And we both love a riot of color, especially peacock blue. Mine is in my powder room. His shows up on his mantle which, oh by the way, is on the cover of his his latest book, Modern Mix: Curating Personal Style with Chic & Accessible Finds.

Oh, and here’s me, looking like I own the place in their French-inspired office suite. Ryan, Eddie, can you bring me a mimosa, please?

That’s the tour, folks. If you make it into the store without me, have a blast! Their staff will help you like you won’t believe. But if you need a little hand holding, I’ll be happy to meet you there.

A bientôt!