What happens when a Tolkien fan opens a bed and bath shop in Taos? As you can imagine, it's pretty woodsy. Ellen Spritzler, founder of Two Trees Bed and Bath, decided to explore just that. Now open to the public, shoppers can peruse home décor under the careful watch of two Middle-earth-inspired trees.
Located on the backside of the Overland Ranch shops, Two Trees Bed and Bath is situated between Envision Gallery and Sushi a la Hattori. Newly open and fresh off the press, Two Trees came to fruition with Spritzler combining her two biggest loves.
"I wanted a bed and bath shop and I wanted to incorporate the woods and my love of Tolkien into one brand," said Spritzler. For those who don't know, Two Trees is inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's story the Two Trees of Valinor. In the tale two trees named Telperion and Laurelin are situated north and south, representing the sun and moon through their gold and silver coloring. Lord of the Rings fans will enjoy the reference.
"To me, what's more safe than Valinor? It's that peaceful place," said Ellen Spritzler. "Over the last few years, I found solace in sleep. When you're in bed and it's dark, you could be anywhere. I could pretend to time travel, space travel. Taking a shower is another place I could find I can be anywhere."
A bed and bath store was not originally the plan. Spritzler initially hoped to open a bagel and donut shop until she discovered a charming retail space through a lucky twist of fate. Sitting next to the Overland Ranch property manager on a flight to Los Angeles, Spritzler learned of a vacant boutique for rent behind Farmhouse Café. There was only one catch — no food.
"That's how I ended up in this space, because of a plane ride to LA. I was on a flight visiting my son in California. At that time I was still thinking I would open a bagel and donut shop. I eventually realized the bagel shop was not going to happen, it was too much to bite off," said Spritzler.
During the planning stages, she grew inspired to bring Tolkien's trees to life. Teaming up with local set designer Chris Heron, they began the lengthy construction of two life-size trees made from papier-mâché and chicken wire. After days of work, Spritlzer gave them the final touch, painting them with silver and gold.
"It's a labor of love and there's a story behind it. The deal behind the trees is I really liked Tolkien as a teenager," said Ellen Spritzler. "Valinor is where the elves would go after they left Middle-earth. It's like heaven but you don't have to be dead, it's called the undying land. The trees are before the sun and the moon. One glowed gold during the day and illuminated the day, and at night it would fade and the other tree would glow silver."
Two Trees carries home and bath furnishings like blankets, shower curtains and rugs. Featured brands include Laura Park Designs, Cozy Earth, Trek Light, Ann Gish, French Knot, Bedvoyage, Beflax Linen, Zero Waste Store, Olive & Loom, Great Bay Home, TokyoMilk Dark, Olliix, and Kindred Kid & Baby.
For Spritzler, seeing the shop come to life is a dream come true. And her sense of humor is no worse for the wear. "I first came out with a cardboard cutout of Danny Devito. Pretty much I bet the farm on this place. I believe there's a market here, this is a good spot for what I have," said Spritzler. "Now it's just a matter of getting the word out that I'm here. I'd like to have more local artisans work in here."
Come and check it out for yourself! A ribbon-cutting event will be held at 12 p.m. on Sept 27, to be preceded by an open house.
Store hours: Sunday & Monday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Website: www.twotreesbnb.com
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