When you visit the store, you will notice that we have a very eclectic feel in the way that we decorate. As sisters, we bring both of our styles together, along with a love of old cherished pieces (or new adopted ones). You'll find that we bring a fresh new way to decorate. Upon stepping into the store, it will be evident that we have a passion for art, music, gardening, vintage finds and entertaining. We feel that our interests, as well as our God-given talents, have helped us to bring inspiration to those who enter our store.

Credentials
Karrie studied floral design and marketing at the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster, OH.

Karla studied art and art history at Bowling Green State University and studied Interior Design and marketing at Davis College in Toledo, OH.

Beginnings
Shortly after Karrie came back home from college, our humble beginnings took root. The name for the store came from an original summer kitchen, located behind our family's 1904 Queen Anne home. It was here, that Karrie first focused on her floral arranging, thus The Summer Kitchen began in the fall of 1995.

Several years went by and the business outgrew the building, so a pole barn was constructed behind the original summer kitchen, and right beside the family's Airstream refinishing business. The old building was "adopted" and went to another home. As time went by, Karla joined Karrie partnering to create a store that carried more home decor items and provided interior design work.

What we do
Karrie, as the floral designer, creates her signature florals for the store, a well as personal arrangements tailored to each client. The Summer Kitchen also provides wedding florals for the discriminating bride.

Karla takes care of the home consultations, providing home design and layout, as well as accessorizing.

You might be interested in our personal shopper program that many of our clients love. Whether we do all of the shopping for you, or you have us go along for a second opinion, we help, however you need us.

Classes/Talks
Accessorizing classes are held throughout the year at the store. Most times, we hold classes on the third Thursday of the month. Class attendees spend thirty minutes talking about the accessorizing process , and then experience "hands-on" training throughout the store.

We are honored when we are asked to talk to different organizations in the area. We like to tailor the talk to your group. If you are interested in having us talk to your group, or in our accessorizing classes, please contact us.

Tea Parties
One of our favorite ways to spoil our customers is through our benefit tea parties. We average 5-8 tea parties every year. They are held in the store, and have brought in donations for several area charities. If you would like us to consider a tea for one of your charities, please let us know how we can help.

The Girls
"The Girls" are the two black and white beauties you see on our web page, our ads, and our mailings. At first those two represent us, the two "summer kitchen sisters," until everyone wanted us to name them. After some contemplating, and some great names from our customers, we decided to name them after our Grandmothers. Thus, Norma and Betty came to be. We have had so much fun with these two girls, and, from what we hear, so has everyone else! It's always interesting to see what they will be up to next!

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17