BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD
Insider Editor
When Lynda “Blondie” Sylvester and her husband, Rob, retired from Michigan to Seven Lakes eight years ago, she didn’t have designs on opening a decor boutique. They just wanted to escape the cold and snow.
But it was only a matter of time before her cheeky nickname of 40 years became a brand of its own.
The big bay doors to Inspired Living by Blondie opened on Labor Day weekend. It’s a funky little destination for lighting, home decor and handmade items. And there is no shortage of fringe.
Sylvester spent 38 years in education, including 19 as a high school counselor before moving to North Carolina. She also worked as an art teacher, and brought her knack for creativity with her.
She put that skill to use by helping neighbors rearrange and refresh their homes.
One day she met someone selling a full inventory of antique and mid-century lighting.
“I bought her out,” said Sylvester. “That’s how the lamp journey began.”
She invested in additional inventory including chandeliers, custom lampshades, seasonal decor, and whimsical pieces like freestanding lamp-style toilet paper holders. Sylvester needed a place to put it all.
The boutique is located in a prefab metal building at 165 Auman St. It is adjacent to Sylvester Artisan Woodworks, established by Rob in 2018. He creates custom architectural pieces, millwork and some cabinetry.
“This was never intended to be a lamp emporium,” Rob said of the building he added on two years ago. A portion of the boutique’s footprint still houses some of his equipment as the couple explores this endeavor. He is Dagwood to her Blondie. An artist himself, Rob drew the logo inspired by the comic strip by Chic Young.
Sylvester’s shop is much like her, playful, colorful and glamourous.
“I taught art, my husband is an artist, and my mother was an amazing artist,” said Sylvester. Her store is also a tribute of sorts to her mother’s artistic style.
“I want every room to make a statement,” she said of her design aesthetic. “People often chose white for their walls for resale value, but I think you should enjoy your home now.” She wants to help people make decisions that will bring impact to their homes. “Pick things that make you go, ‘Wow!’”
For Sylvester, it’s all about customized style. She likes to mix shades around or even to create something brand new in collaboration with her customers. “I’m flexible. You may not like the shade on a lamp? I’ve got a hundred others. Or I’ll make one.”
She hopes to offer something for every style: farmhouse, French country, boho, mid-century modern, glam and more.
In her work area, 20 boxes of luxurious fringe recently arrived. Adding texture, movement and drama, fringe is more than a decoration in Blondie’s hands. It’s personality.
Sylvester also showcases works from a handful of local artisans for gifting or decor. Handmade leather journals and bags are available from her “leather lady” Victoria Woodman. Sylvester also carries pinestraw baskets by Jan Graindorge and Gypsy Flame candles from Mirae Kirk. Custom pillows by Jennifer Rhodes business JDR Legacy Design can be printed with your Seven Lakes address on a map of the Lake.
The shop is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first and third weekends of the month and by appointment. Store updates and open weekend reminders can be found on the business Facebook page.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
