COEUR d'ALENE - Ask Valorie Cooper what customers will find in her new shop, "Sunflower," this is what she'll tell you:

"Happy things," she says. "It's just filled with happy things."

Her decor and flower store at 842 N. Fourth is scheduled to open Saturday, April 24.

The longtime freelance designer smiled with excitement as she talked about her new venture Friday.

"Even though the economy is slow, I just feel like this is the right time and the right season to venture out and try something new," she said. "I'm doing what I love."

Sunflower is designed to provide 1,500 feet of comfort, relaxation and fun. The hardwood flowers go well with what she called a contemporary style "and a touch of Tuscan."

On her business card for the shop, are the words, "Delightfully Different," and Cooper vows to be just that.

The shop will offer fresh flowers and plants, and an array of gifts, including olive oils, teas, handmade cards and soaps, candles, books, chocolates, flowered cups and teapots and signs with upbeat messages like "Take time to live, laugh and love," and "Gather Sunshine."

"Anything we can create in a gift-type basket ready for delivery," Cooper said.

The Coeur d'Alene resident has applied for a beer and wine license so she can add those items to gift baskets.

Cooper promises outstanding service.

"The very nature of this business is being able to pick up the phone, make a call and have something delivered in a timely manner," she said.

There will also be a sitting area where brides-to-be can have a wedding consultation.

Remodeling of the former salon began in mid-February. Valorie handled the design, while her husband, Bruce Cooper of Coeur d'Alene Remodeling, did much of the work.

Cooper plans to employ three to start and add staff as business permits.

With the Fourth Street reconstruction completed, she believes Sunflower should shine this summer.

"I'm not doing this to make a ton of money," she said. "I want to employ a team, women or men, people who are creative, who just need a place to plug in."

There will be special giveaways during next Saturday's grand opening.

Sunflower hours will be Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays "from the morning until the sun goes down," and closed Sunday.

Information: 664-1111