The owners combine their love for art and interior decorating to fill a shop full of unique furnishings and ever-changing galleries.
By ARLEEN SPENCELEY
Published September 20, 2004
BROOKSVILLE - Five months ago, Maria Greene, an artist and internationally published author, and Pierre Desjardins, a businessman, chose to start a business.
It was an idea in which both had been interested, having moved from Pinellas to the more relaxed Hernando County 31/2 years ago.
Desjardins, originally from Maine, has a love of interior decorating; Greene, originally from Sweden, loves art.
Their passions led to the Sept. 1 opening of Easy Street Home Decor, downtown Brooksville's newest shop.
"We just want it to be a fun, unique place," said Greene, who has published historical romance novels. "We thought why not combine everything that we do?"
Said Desjardins, who previously worked in finance: "I've been a closet interior decorator for the past 20 years."
Desjardins' interest has resulted in an always-expanding collection of new and consigned furniture at the store, which is at 161 E Jefferson St., the former office of the Hernando Times.
"We really don't want to have the average, run-of-the-mill, same old "you can go to Target or Big Lots for something like that,"' he said. "They don't make furniture like this anymore.' That's what we look for."
Vintage, retro, contemporary, art nouveau, art deco and shabby chic furniture fills Easy Street, creating its quaint ambiance. Desjardins individually selects each of Easy Street's pieces in consignment shops and at estate sales and auctions.
He searches for quality pieces at reasonable prices so he can offer the pieces to customers at a manageable price.
"We like to give a good value for product," Greene said.
"You get a good deal for your money," added Desjardins.
He said the pieces of furniture he chooses have "some character" to them.
"The neatest part is searching for those one-of-a-kind items," he said.
"He's good at it, too," Greene said.
It was Greene's ardent dedication to the arts that has made Easy Street home to two art galleries, a distinctive feature of the store.
"I like to see people having a place to show their art so that they can be recognized," Greene said. "There are lots of artists in the area."
Now exhibited in the galleries are the works of Bernadette Huff of Spring Hill, who paints realistic mixed media, and Sheri Salin of Holiday, who paints inspirational abstracts.
"I was pleasantly surprised and honored to be the first artist featured at their new store," Salin said. "I think Easy Street will aid in giving exposure to local artists as well as be an inspiration for them."
The store will feature the works of two new artists every two months.
"We're going to have everything from photography to textile art," Greene said.
Greene and Desjardins could imagine no better location than historic downtown Brooksville, across from the old courthouse and county government center.
"We were drawn to Brooksville because of its charm," Desjardins said. "They've welcomed us with open arms, and that's really reinforced in us that it was a great decision to come to Brooksville."
Salin concurred that the store is a good addition to downtown.
"The rotating art shows with opening receptions brings a sense of community and fun," she said.
Easy Street carries a variety of merchandise.
"You can get a piece of furniture here and a birthday card if you need it," Desjardins said. "We're trying to have something for everybody."
In addition to handmade furniture, Easy Street has everything from one-of-a-kind garden ornaments and knickknacks to scented soy candles and organic bath oils and soaps.
"I like to order from companies that are ecologically conscious and cruelty free," Greene said of the organic body products Easy Street offers.
Easy Street is off to a good start, Greene and Desjardins said, and they are looking forward to a bright future.
"A year from now, I would like to have seen us outgrow the place," Desjardins said. "Second to that, I'd like to see more of the art."
In conjunction with the Brooksville City Hall Art Gallery, Easy Street had an open house Wednesday evening, during which visitors were given the opportunity to meet the artists featured in Easy Street's galleries.
Desjardins said he and Greene hope to have the open houses on a regular basis.
They hope their store will add allure to a more vibrant Brooksville business district.
"They want quaint, unique shops," Greene said.
"That's what brings people downtown," said Desjardins.
East Street Home Decor is at 161 E Jefferson St. in downtown Brooksville. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 848-0177.
