Michelle Nussbaumer and Magical Ceylon et Cie
I have shared my love for Michelle Nussbaumer’s style before HERE but, I finally had the pleasure of meeting the gracious design in her Dallas shop, Ceylon et Cie. The store itself was magical and filled to the brim with treasures collected from Michelle’s extensive travels around the globe. I was a kid in a candy store with severe ADD because each item was better than the next. The sheer volume of inventory must be seen to be believed. Nile, Michelle’s daughter, and Michelle could not have been more welcoming to Jamie (Furbish Studio), Jessica (Furbette) and me.
In the past month I have traveled the world and been to the best design shops from LA to Italy. I do believe Ceylon et Cie is the mecca for me.
Enjoy getting to know Michelle in my brief interview below.
Dallas, Texas
What is your training?
Life, travel, living in Rome and abroad
What inspires you and your designs?
Travel and my clients
What is your favorite piece or install, home?
My Pagoda daybed I just installed in a clients home in a room of red Gracie wallpaper. It made such a statement and the client loves it. (see photo attached)
How has the your area influenced your work?
It really hasn’t. I am constantly on the move and try to bring a piece of the world home with me.
What is your favorite restaurant in Dallas?
When I’m home I want something familiar and comforting. Rafa’s for Tex-Mex is an all-time favorite.
What is your favorite cocktail?
My husband’s juice company Buda Juice makes the most divine “lemonade” that we love pairing with tequila. Green juice and tequila is really the best of all worlds!
How do you balance personal life and work?
Very delicately.
Dream trip?
My husband Bernard and I are taking a road trip throughout Mexico next month and I’m really looking forward to that. We will start out in Mexico City and go through San Miguel, Oaxaca, Acapulco and wherever the road may lead! Our focus is Aztec ruins.
Dream commission?
All my clients have been dreams commissions so far. I would love to work in Africa.
Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?
My Milagro glassware with a bottle of Casa Dragones Mezcal
Who is your style icon?
Mother Nature
Your favorite up and coming artists/ designers?
Spencer Tunick. I just purchased a great piece of his that I am really excited about.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family.
What are you reading?
The Decline and Fall of The Ottoman Empire
What are you listening to?
What are your favorite blogs / publications?
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Here are more the a few images from Michelle’s mecca of a store in the design district of Dallas. It is truly a visual overlaid of glorious global goodies.
Be sure to follow Michelle’s blog here too.
Denise Hagopian
Dear Michelle Nussbaumer, I read the beautiful article in the Wall Street Journal. As an ethnography / dancer/ textile student, I traveled extensively in the 70’s collecting textiles which i now must part with. I have a few very nice silk ikats, uzbek, womans Uzbek headdress, moroccan full beaded and wrapped headdress, ikat coat Syrian or iraqi, Mustard colored quilted trapunto style coat from iran, authentic hand pounded silver assut from Egypt circa 1920s,12 pc chech/oslovak wedding dress beaded and embroidered with matching embroidered boots circa 1920’s. Plus many other embroidered treasures. I am in the Los Angeles area and can take photos and email to you. Only a real textile lover understands the importance of these pieces. my phone 323 346-8575.
Thank you, Denise Hagopian