Black-eyed Susan

Selling style for 25 years.

Bucks County’s doyenne of domestic style, Susan Taylor, has opened a new retail location on the busy thoroughfare of Route 202, in Holicong, Pennsylvania. Black-eyed Susan, the newly relocated shop, continues to set the standard for style in the region. With more than four times the space of her former location on Main Street in Yardley, Pennsylvania, the windows speak the same language (yes, style!) and exude with Taylor’s iconic fresh interpretations of color.

Style drives Taylor’s passion for retailing and design. Whether working with color, lighting, art, jewelry, floral, fabrics, or furniture, it’s all about style and outside-the-box thinking.
For more than18 years, Taylor has designed homes across the nation, from the Rocky Mountains to Naples, Florida, with stops along the way in Las Vegas, Charleston, Sullivan’s Island and Nantucket. The penthouse at Rittenhouse Square ranks high on the list of favorites. Her team is busy on several projects at a time, making for a rather fast-paced life on this high road of style, but they love it. “We are lucky to love what we do,” explains Taylor.

Not long ago, when the move from Yardley to the Buckingham area was announced, one of her clients asked why she didn’t just give up the retail side of things. Without flinching, she said, “I am passionate about retail!” Susan finds energy in recreating her sales floor often. Many of her regulars come in several times a week to find an entire floor changed with new inspiration and an interpretation that is unique and “oh so Susan!”

When visiting the new location, you can expect to be greeted personally by Susan much of the time. While her design studio is under the same roof, with thousands of fabric books, trims, and unique furniture resources, she finds delight in the social aspect of being a storeowner and believes in personal interaction with all who stop in. “I’m here to help you!” can often be heard, and sometimes a homemade brownie to go along with it.

Much of the magic takes place after hours, and the lights can be found burning late into the night. Susan does the merchandising herself, often with the help of her biggest fan and supporter, her husband, Fred. She finds delight in perfect placement and the unique vision she brings to her room settings. Sometimes her inspiration is color, other times, something seasonal. Mirrors are a favorite category-large and small, old and new. Then there are the vintage objects that speak to her…furniture and books. New merchandise shows up at the back door almost daily, and then the “nightshift” as she likes to call it begins!

Intermingled with her retail efforts, full service interior design projects, buying trips, and merchandising skills, she also finds inspiration enough to host complimentary events in her retail location each month. A complete menu of Black-eyed Susan classes with dates and times can be found at www.besusan.com or by calling the store at (215) 794-1800.
Yet another passion for Susan is her blog, www.besusan.blogspot.com. Making time for 3-4 posts each week, she follows design projects, all manner of stylish sightings, recipes, market trips…whatever stylish thing inspires her… (or not!) It’s entertaining and informative. Here you will also find information about Susan’s charitable endeavors. Susan participates in at least one charity designer house project each year. This year, she is doing a bedroom for the Jr. League of Greater Princeton, participating in the lecture series for their organization, and also giving a lecture for the Bucks County Designer House charity.

The design spirit at Black-eyed Susan is magical. Come take in the beauty of Susan’s new and expanded space. Stop in for a visit, some inspiration, and maybe even a chat with Taylor herself! For more information, visit 5222 York Road, Holicong, PA 18928 or call (215) 794-1800.