If you guys follow along on Instagram or Snapchat (CBLied), you may have seen that at the end of March I went on a whimsical interior dream to Aurora, New York to see the headquarters of a long-loved brand, MacKenzie-Childs.
As a creative woman herself, my mom has always loved this brand. We grew up with several of their pieces in our family home, and when I moved into my own house I knew I had to have a few pieces of my own! Over the years I’ve purchased pieces here and there, so when I connected with the team behind this artistic company about experiencing a visit to HQ (aka “#CampCourtlyCheck“), I really couldn’t believe it. MacKenzie-Childs is not only artistic and fun, it’s really nostalgic for so many who grew up with moms, aunts and grandmothers loving the different collections.
We toured the gigantic warehouse where the artisans create the pottery and saw the employees individually painting each piece delicately and meticulously. These days, when you own items in your home, you assume it’s a factory machine/assembly line situation creating it. I was so impressed and amazed to see each person putting their personal touch on the pieces… no two items are identical! It made me want to go home and really look at every piece I own to see the different brush strokes and unique touches.
I even had the opportunity to team up with Tish and Eileen, a part of the pottery decorating team, to paint my own mug. I can’t wait to share it once it’s been cooked and glazed!
You’ll see some of the photos from the warehouse below, but you’ll also see photos from the bed & breakfast we stayed in that is a little slice of heaven, the E.B. Morgan House. It is a part of the Inns of Aurora properties and with a fireplace in my room and gorgeous marble tiled bathroom… checking out was nearly a tearjerker.
I’m also sharing photos of the inside of the MacKenzie-Childs Farmhouse (the first photo above of the white house is the farmhouse!)… which is basically my version of Candy Land. Unbelievable!
But let’s start with E.B. Morgan House…
The beginnings of the cow creamer!
How adorable are these courtly check salt and pepper shakers!?
The prepping stages of the Piccadilly Mixing Bowl.
I’ve fallen in love with the Parchment Check collection. A little hint of the inspiration behind this pattern… inspired by aged loved letters. So romantic!
The gorgeous Great Vase.
Welcome to the magical farmhouse! It’s just walking distance from the warehouse.
mug | jacket | scarf | similar tee | leggings | bag
Honestly, I could have taken 800 photos of this week, but I tried to both capture it and experience it’s majesty. Such an inspiring and creative trip that I’ll never forget! I’ve shared some of my MacKenzie-Childs pieces here and here, but I’ll be sharing more ways I style the collections into my home, and after years of admiring my mom’s pieces, it is so much fun to begin to collect my own.
Some of the pieces I’m admiring below… (insert heart eyes).
Do you have your own nostalgia with MacKenzie-Childs? Or is this your first time seeing the whimsy of this company? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Holy guac…now those are headquarters! I want to work there! And move in too.
I had never heard of the brand before but I love their pieces! Whimsical but classic.
Yes exactly!
I almost don’t know where to begin!!! But I’ll try…The Parchment Check Collection is absolutely gorgeous!!! The candlestick (I’m assuming that’s what it is) caught my eye right away. That second bedroom…Oh! My! God! Absolutely stunning!! It was screaming ‘Well, hello there’ to the little girl in me!!! So whimsical! The farmhouse is absolutely breathtaking! I think this is a venue I need to put on my bucket list! I truly believe it was hard to say good-bye. Beautiful, stunning, amazing photos!
I’ve never heard of this brand before now. Thanks for enlightening me. Have a great day!
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I love your genuine and sweet comment! Doesn’t it just make you so happy!? SO much creative inspiration!
Always love your posts 🙂
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Such a beautiful and lovely place! 🙂
?LA BIJOUX BELLA? | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Hi! So glad I found your blog! Gorgeous photos you took of one of my favorite places in the Finger Lakes! I am beyond lucky to live only 45 minutes from this magical spot! And the EB Morgan House is my ABSOLUTE favorite of all of the Aurora Inn properties! I feel like a queen when I stay there, on special occasions!? And nice choice of mugs– I have the SAME one and have been happily sipping from it for 5 years!!
Thanks again for this lovely tribute!!?
Oh my gosh lucky you! What a beautiful place to live!
Love, love all of my Mackenzie-Childs pieces….courtly check is my favorite! I would love to go there sometime.
Avid collector. Going to barn sale this summer! Thanks for the lodging info!
The barn sale sounds SO AMAZING. What a cool and unique experience!
Yes!! So nice to see this. I grew up with so many pieces around my childhood home. I visited Aurora with my mom when I was a teenager and did the tour like you just did! How nice to relive it all right here. My sister and I have been collecting for a while.
I actually had a run-in with Victoria MacKenzie in central park shortly after our trip. She had multi-colored hair and was very friendly! This was shortly after she separated from the company, was living on the boat and all the change happened. It’s so sad to think that the original artists are no longer connected to the brand when they are the brand. Still love it! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
That is so cool – I love that big fans can do that! It just makes you love the company more, you know? That’s a really interesting point. I can’t imagine what it’s like to build a business ground up and then hand it off. BUT at least it is in great hands!
My gosh! That tablescape is beautiful! #magical
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