Essentials Garden & Design Studio puts a creative, elegant spin on outdoor spaces
By Mary Malik
Some of you might be familiar with Shelley Mapp as the owner of Essentials clothing store in Fairlawn. Shelley has taken her passion for design and decor outdoors and opened a new store, Essentials Garden & Design Studio, just a couple doors down.
“I love clothes, I love decorating, interior and exterior home design, art and everything creative,” Shelley says. “I’ve worked on the wholesale side of the clothing industry and have owned several clothing stores. I decided to also create something that would allow me to share my passion for interior/exterior and landscape design.”
When you meet Shelley and visit her clothing store, Essentials, it’s easy to see why opening Essentials Garden & Design Studio in the same plaza was a natural progression for her. It’s just like entering a secret garden, only Shelley’s talents are no secret.
“Essentials Garden & Design Studio is a showroom loaded with examples of what we can do at your home to make it your own private oasis,” Shelley says. “We want to elevate your outdoor space. Decks and patios are not what they used to be. Gone are the days of aluminum seating and tempered glass tables. Today’s outdoor design brings the indoors out, creating a true extension of your living space.”
When designing a space for a client, Shelley keeps two things in mind: comfort and elegance. And that’s what you’ll see at Essentials Garden & Design Studio. Your outdoor space should be comfortable to relax, dine, watch TV, gather around the fireplace and anything else you’ll be doing with family and friends. And it should fit your aesthetic all in one elegant setting.
“There’s no reason why your outdoor space can’t be as elegant, inviting and comfortable as the inside of your home,” Shelley says. “We’ll even use what you already have, add a few decorative touches, or do a complete redesign. What we usually suggest is that you do things in phases. If you like your furniture or aren’t ready to buy something new, we’ll add accessories, freshen things up and make the space look like new. You’ll be surprised at what a few pillows, throws, rugs, and lighting can do.”
And just one stop at Essentials Garden & Design Studio and you’ll see exactly what a few well-placed accessories, seasonal landscaping and decorative lighting can do. Shelley will first make a visit to your home to check out your space and work her magic. Her experience in the design business has resulted in career-long relationships with many vendors allowing her to offer a wide range of furnishings, accessories and unique touches like water features and distinctive lighting.
“Even your outdoor dining table doesn’t have to be boring,” Shelley says. “There are so many options today that allow you to enhance this space, display your personal style and make this a space to be proud of for relaxing and entertaining.”
Whether it’s landscapes, hardscape, lighting and decor, water and fire features or seasonal planters, Shelley will transform your outdoor areas into dream spaces exuding exterior elegance.
Shelley says sometimes the unexpected, understated, and simplest touch can add quite a punch.
“Neutrals are always popular but why not try some bold colors?” Shelley asks. “It changes everything and creates a resort-like feel right in your own backyard. Also, things like framed pictures, lamps and other things usually reserved for interiors can make a big impact. Bring the indoors out and make yourself comfortable.”
For interior and exterior home and garden design, parties, event decor and custom patio pots, visit Essentials Garden & Design Studio before you host your next party. And don’t forget to stop by Essentials clothing store to find something to wear.
Essentials Garden & Design Studio is located at 121 Ghent Avenue in Fairlawn in the Merchant’s Square Plaza. The shop is open now by appointment only. Call Shelley Mapp at 330-283-9522 or visit Essentials clothing store (131 Ghent Avenue), mention you’d like to check out Essentials Garden & Design Studio and they’ll give you a tour.