The Answer Is Blowin' in the Wind

If you're like me, you probably have something in your home that doesn't quite represent the fabulously stylish person you are...it might be an old tv stand, hand-me-down lamp, or in my case, this...


I made a mental note to replace it when I first saw it, but as it often goes, other things take priority, the fan serves its purpose, and eventually it becomes invisible. That is, until it came time to clean the blades, at which point I became bitter that I was spending one moment of my precious time trying to make this hideous thing look better.

At Style Key West we carry a fabulous line of ceiling fans called Fanimation. So I arrived at work today ready to start shopping in earnest for a replacement for The Beast.

The obvious choice for Key West is tropical.


This lovely fan comes in a variety of finishes and blades. I could choose the palm leaves or go with the woven bamboo


Isn't it heavenly?

Or I could choose one that is curvy and contemporary.


The curve of the blades reminds of ribbons dancing around a Maypole.

I like this one too

It's a no-nonsense little number, and it also comes with an uplight which adds a really nice glow to the ceiling.


I could go sci-fi with this


But I'm pretty sure that would not only terrify the cat but might also be a little alarming to me coming home after a couple of margaritas.

And I have always been intrigued by this model.


It evokes images of Hemingway and Rick's in Casablanca, and it boasts 360 degrees of continuous orbit! Again this is something that might not amuse the cat.

In any case, I have lots of choices. If you find yourself cleaning the dust off of fan that burst onto the scene at the same time as Madonna, you can visit fanimation.com and choose one for yourself.

Outdoor Entertaining at Mary Ann's

Our friend Mary Ann Davis has one of the prettiest properties in Key West and it's perfect for outdoor entertaining. The house is approached down a long brick walkway that is completely hidden from the street and lined with palm trees and orchid plants.

As the house comes into view you find yourself in a lovely courtyard bordered by the main house, the guest house and the pool.




Very often this courtyard is the cocktail spot.

The house itself is very gracious and welcoming with steps going up to a wide veranda - comfortable seating to one side and a large dining table on the other.



Mary Ann loves entertaining and does it with great artistry, always setting a beautiful table with colorful coordinated linens and tableware, always different and always gorgeous.



What a treat to be dining outdoors on a sultry Key West evening with palm blade fans circulating the air. It's paradise!

Royal Orange

Royal Poinciana trees are in full bloom all over our island.


Every corner you turn, there's another magnificent, fiery orange canopy of poinciana blooms.


Legend has it that Englishmen imported the Poinciana from Asia to all their Caribbean colonies and other ports of call that were friendly to them.


This way the captains of English ships could see the blazing floral display and know they would be welcome to seek harbor there.


Guess they only came to this neighborhood in June and July or else just took their chances.


Whatever the case, we get to relish their dramatic beauty every year at this time and personally experience why they are called "Royal."

A Garden Tour

Warm weather has finally arrived and the garden is burgeoning. Here are a few pictures that really don't show their true magnificence but give an idea of it.

Bougainvillea in pots by the pool lend a lush color accent.


The Angel Trumpets bush is my absolute favorite with it's delicate peach blossoms drooping down like bells.




There are more Bougainvilleas peeking out amidst the ferns.


Even this little bonsai tree is blooming for Spring. The bonsai pot with it's stones and grass and little tree looks like a mini yard.


Finally, even though it's not a blooming plant, I have to show you how this Rosemary bush has grown so big it looks like a Christmas tree. I think we'll have to put lights on it this year!


Happy Spring everyone! I hope you are enjoying all the spring blossoms surrounding you.

Key West Outdoor Living

After a very chilly few weeks here in Florida, it's finally started to warm up. And everyone in Key West can once again enjoy their outdoor living spaces.

From the largest of Conch mansions to the smallest of island condos, every home has access to an outdoor living space.

A perfect example is our friend Wesley's adorable Conch cottage:


Even this tiny house has a backyard equipped for lounging, dining and entertaining:


Wesley worked with us at Style Key West until recently when she had her adorable baby girl:


Sadly - she has left us yet again! Her little family just moved for her husband's work, and we miss them terribly. On such a small island, friends quickly become family - and it's going to take some time to get used to not seeing our girls' beautiful faces every day. Love you Wesley!

Meet Caroline: Part I

Hi, I'm Caroline Horn, and I'm the lucky girl who gets to live in Key West and manage the shop for Jo and Terry.


I moved here from Kentucky about a year and a half ago for all the obvious reasons that one would move to Key West. My son, Josh, left home to save the world via the United States Coast Guard, so I suppose it's my turn to live a little. Shortly after arriving here, I wandered into the shop looking for a job and totally fell in love with colors, the beautiful furniture and accessories, and of course, Jo and Terry!

In Kentucky, I worked for an architect and for a builder, so my background was primarily new construction, historic preservation, and kitchen and bath remodeling. I've always loved working with color, and I always tried to inject a little whimsy - something unexpected - into my designs. Now working with Jo, I have learned so much about completing the design concept.

I feel so fortunate to be working with Jo and Terry and living in Key West. Key West has such an open and accepting attitude, and I know I've been changed in the short time I lived here.

There is so much creativity on this little island. Nobody would ever say, "Well, you can't do that." You can create anything you dream in Key West. And I think my very favorite thing about Key West is that adults get to play dress up for no particular reason...


That's me in the purple mask!

Turquoise Named 2010 Pantone Color of the Year!

When it comes to Key West color, the most obvious source of inspiration is the beautiful water surrounding the island.

The hue variations of blue and green are muse to residents and visitors alike. From professional artists to disposable camera toting tourists, everyone finds magic in our sparkling sea.

(click pictures for Google images search sources)

Every color combination of blue and green can be found here, and you'll often hear references to Key West's turquoise water.

We just saw on K+BB that Pantone (the color standard for the printing and design related businesses) named Turquoise the color of the year.


Not only is it a signature color for the Keys, it's also the signature color for Style Key West!



In all its permutations from pale aqua to deep teal, this color figures prominently in our shop as well as our daily life.

Here are some pictures we took today:

Pantone's write up on Turquoise says, "Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively."

We love our tropical island filled with and surrounded by Turquoise. If you've never been here, come visit soon!