Jessica’s Vintage House – A Real Find For Sale
Picture Wisconsin: long drives through pastoral beauty, friendly people, and eclectic cities full of music and good food. Oh, and then there’s the polka—spend an idyllic Wisconsin summer evening under the stars dancing polka with your loved one and you’ll never want to leave. [Schmaltz noted.]
That’s the setting for Jessica Dennis’ beautiful home. Jessica is not only our PR executive, but she is also our customer. She was kind enough to send on pictures of her dining room light recently. She also mentioned that her home was for sale, but she was keeping the light for her new home. A serious compliment.
I had a chance to browse the pictures of her lovely home, and fell in love with her darling vintage Appleton Bungalow. I love the mix of old and new, and it is in beautiful shape. Built in the 1930s, renovated, and in a tree-lined Appleton neighborhood, this is, for me, an ideal home.
If you’re close to Appleton and are in the market for a home—or know of someone who is—take a look at Jessica’s full set of pictures here and here. If you’re lucky enough to buy it, go dance a polka under the stars to celebrate. [Again with the Schmaltz?]
Now, on to my favorite pictures of Jessica’s house:
Love the orange shutters and gray trim
Beautiful sitting area as well
Gorgeous Master Suite
A sweet and comfortable kitchen - the Green really works well! LOVE it!
Large Dining Room with phone nook (Our Pendant Light over Table)
Jessica designed her pendant light in Dinner Damask from Jules Davis. Jules is so talented, and the pendant light is just perfect. The mix of the modern shape, the nod to classic Damask, the inventiveness of Jules’ forks-and-spoons motif—everything works just perfectly in Jessica’s vintage-yet-contemporary home.
The details on Jessica’s Appleton, Wisconsin vintage home:
Coordinating Patterns: Wall Art + Pillows
For the Love of Coordinating Prints
I love prints in home decor, but making multiple prints work together well in a small space can be a daunting task. The way to make it all work well is to coordinate prints in the same colors, instead of making everything match. That way, everything coordinates, but no one pattern overwhelms the space.
The Living Room Issue
We recently moved in to our tiny vintage home. The main entrance puts you right into my little living room. The walls are completely wooden and light green. Wallpapering them was not an option. Everything was very plain and a bit austere, so it was time to seek a way to transform this small and austere space into a warm and welcoming one.
I also wanted something non-permanent because I like to change out the look twice a year. It is something I have always done. I have a Spring/Summer set of coordinates and a Fall/Winter set. One day, I may have a set of coordinates for each season, but twice a year seems to work for me.
Tips from the Blogosphere
I went out searching for ways to add some life to the walls in a non-permanent way, and ran across ‘How to make fabric panel wall art’ from Jessica Jones at How About Orange. I am not crafty, but decided to give it a try.
What I Ordered
On the walls, I chose ‘Linoak on Second’ from Libby Unwin: it has a modern sophistication and is very cool at a large scale. For the throw pillows, I chose ‘Maven’ from Khristian A. Howell—wonderfully exuberant and makes me smile every time I see it. I kept the colorways the same for both to unite the patterns.
How Did it Go?
My project took about an hour and blew my friends’ minds. Maybe I have shut-ins for friends, but they were impressed by my design skills and handiwork none-the-less.
When you have a front entry that leads directly into your living room, that main wall is so important. It is the way you welcome yourself and your guests into your home every time you enter. I am happy with the results: personalized in my colors + professionally made = home bliss.
Living Room at Night
Daytime: Living room with coordinating pillows & wall art
How to Make the Wall Art
Now, on to the how-to.
First, lay out the materials you will need. I used 20″ canvas stretchers (from my local art supply store), a hammer (to pound the stretchers together), heavy-duty staple gun, a measuring tape, and a level.
Next, assemble the stretchers. When pounding the canvas stretchers together, make sure they are square: measure the corner-to-corner distance to ensure squareness. Because the squares are relatively small, we did not need braces.
The materials for the wall-art project
The Fabric - 3 Pieces, all the same, with my name on it!
After the stretchers are assembled and square, you are ready to stretch the fabric. If you are using Alluminare custom fabric, the squares are all laid out for you in advance. If you are using other fabric, you’ll have to cut it to size (24″ for 20″ stretchers) and center it. It was so easy to do with the pre-positioned and pre-cut fabric from Alluminare. (Notice, scissors were not on my list of supplies!).
Place the fabric under the stretchers and center it. If you have 24″ of fabric, you’ll end up with about 2″ on all sides.
Fabric under the stretchers
Then, staple the fabric all around. I alternated sides as I stapled, for an even pull on the fabric. Do all of your panels like this first, then attack the corners. If you have misaligned anything, it will be easier to disassemble and fix it before moving on to the corners.
Staple the fabric to the stretchers
Fabric stapled all the way around the frame
You’ll notice a little slack on the fabric in this picture. After I took this photo, I pulled the fabric a tad tighter.
Next, the corners. There are a lot of good videos out there on how to do gallery wrapped corners. I watched them, but have to say, it still was a challenge, so I did the best I could after watching this video:
Stretching canvas- the tricky corners
Finally, hang them. Here’s Eric doing the hanging for me:
Eric Hangs the Wall Art
How Much it Cost in Cash
1. Wall Art: each one was 2′ x 2′ of fabric. The price per square foot is $7, so each panel was $28 of fabric. The stretcher bars (the frame) cost $12 for each panel. So each panel was $40. Total for all 3: $120.
2. Pillows: I bought them during one of our sales for $67 each. Total for both: $134.
3. Shipping: $28 for everything.
How Much it Cost in Time
The fact that I didn’t have to cut and center fabric was HUGE. It would have been a nightmare if I had to find a large print fabric, cut out the right amount in the right places, and then try to get it centered. With my fabric already cut and perfect, I didn’t even have to pick up a pair of scissors and it all lined up right.
It took about 30 minutes to decide on fabrics/colors and 1 hour to make it all happen. 90 minutes total.
Am I Happy with the Result?
Of course! I love that the fabric was personalized just for me, but I got to colorize professionally made patterns by artists such as Khristian and Libby. I know that the patterns will look great no matter what. And everything coordinates perfectly. I plan on adding another pattern into the mix soon.
If I had used some other fabric for this project it may have cost less—depending on the fabric. But because I am uncrafty, it was tremendously important that the fabric was pre-cut and perfect. It would have cost a lot more in shame as the project sat in a corner of my office mocking me for months to come because I couldn’t carve out the time and nerve to make it happen
If I can ever be of any help to anyone taking on this project for themselves, feel free to comment. I promise to respond with any help I can offer.
Before & After: Cabinet Makeover
Recently, Libby Unwin wrote about a cabinet makeover project she did with some of our wallpaper. I wanted to share it with you on our blog, because it turned out to be such a lovely way to makeover a cabinet. Libby is not only a smashing artist, she’s also very talented with 3 dimensions.
Here’s Libby’s post:
I had some leftover wallpaper, so I decided to use it in this china cabinet spruce-up.
Before
After
Even put crushed velvet on the doors. Now, all those heirlooms have a proper place!
[Thanks to Libby for this! She can be found at http://www.lugraphics.com/ and her prints are available on lighting, lamp shades, pillows, fabric & wallpaper, which can be found here: http://www.alluminare.com/world-class-designers.asp?designer=6]
Meet Designer Khristian A. Howell
Khristian A. Howell
Khristian recently joined our World-Class Designers program and has three beautiful prints currently available with us. Her work is stunning. From bold, modern florals to sophisticated, fluid stripes, Khristian’s work is like no others.
More of Khristian’s favorites and her bio statement can be found on her profile page. She’s generously created a few colorways that she thinks you’ll enjoy.
I recently had a chance to sit down with Khristian, and discuss her design influences. I think you’ll go mad over her work like I have. Enjoy!
P.S. My throw pillows in ‘Maven’ just arrived. This print is so amazingly happy and sophisticated all at the same time. I wish I were a better photographer!
Throw Pillow - Customized in 'Maven'
What designer has inspired you most and why?
I am so so so in love with Marimekko! I adore the use of color and the organic nature of the shapes. I admire the use of simple shapes to create such an intriguing story and such wonderful movement. I love the vintage pieces the most. I also have a big designer crush on Orla Kiely and Tricia Guild.
Who do your designs appeal to most?
I think their is something in my designs for everyone. There are so many vastly different pieces in my personal puzzle, and this range has always come out in my work. If I had to say… I think I appeal to the modern customer who loves color, balance, and a splash of adventure.
Where do you see yourself, as a designer, in the upcoming year?
2010 is going to be an exciting year! I plan to experiment with different media. I have been dreaming of a few mixed media projects for quite some time. I also hope to work on some interesting collaborative projects with artists from very different fields. I will debuting at a major trade event, and I plan to greatly expand the photography part of my business. Whew! That’s kinda a lot…
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I began my design career in fashion, so I will forever be in the habit of watching the runways and fashion trends. It really all begins with color for me. I will see an interesting color combo in an ad or one someone and the feeling from the color story sparks the look of a new collection. I also get quite a lot of my inspiration from travel and the traditions of other cultures. Often I will daydream about traveling to Scandinavia for example and a few day later the Oslo Odyssey collection was born.
Tell us about what caused you to decide to become a designer.
I really can’t find an answer to this question. The truth is it found me. There really was no choice in the matter. It was and is just what I am here to do – tell stories through images. I can’t imagine not being creative daily.
Well, we’ve just moved, so I will let you know in a few months… :)
In our old place we had a full view of the Puget Sound. I would sit in the window seats and watch the ferries come in and go out. It was so calming. I discovered then that I need to live near water!
I was a huge athlete, dancer and gymnast growing up and all the way through college, so I’ve kind of burnt out on that sort of thing. These days, I am really enjoying doing yoga. I really want to go on a yoga retreat this year somewhere remote, warm and beautiful and just do yoga all day long. However, the dancer in me will never die – I also love to go salsa dancing!
What are your favorite colorways of your patterns? How do you see them being used?
'Maven' on Pendant Lights
The more traditional side of 'Maven'
I love this version of Granted with the dark gray line work. I just love using dark gray in place of black – it still gives that really graphic feeling with a softer edge. I could totally see this as wallpaper in a really clean modern London hotel lobby accented with fantastic brightly colored couches and chairs. Don’t forget the huge white fuzzy rugs!
'Granted' on Wallpaper
A swatch of 'Granted'
Eloise on a Throw Pillow
Eloise on Roman Blinds (We don't make these----yet!)
Thank you, Khristian, for making such pretty things every day and for sharing your talent with us!
Khristian can be contacted direct through her website.
HGTV: Alluminare in the Kitchen
We were just made aware of a lovely post featuring a gorgeous kitchen that features our pendant lamps. Dianne in Charlotte, NC created a beautiful kitchen and posted photos on HGTV’s Rate My Space feature.
We love what she did with adding the crystals to the underside of the diffuser. Fancy finials have been on our radar for some time now, but these are so beautiful, and work so well in her lovely kitchen, that we think we may just have to move up them up on the priority list! Thanks, Dianne for a lovely mention.
What’s new at Alluminare
1. We redesigned the product detail pages and the wizard to be more fluid and easier to follow. Here’s the highlights:
- Check out the “More views” underneath the pictures. We have a nice lightbox-style pop up instead of going to a different page with room views (where available), and a handy swatch view with rulers, so you can see the exact scale.
- Zoom in on the image, right on the page.
- More details on the product detail page (of course!), and Expert Advice in our customization wizard
2. The “Featured Designers” pages have been redesigned to use the handy “More Views” function and have bigger, clearer pictures. Check out Jules Davis’ designer page for an example.
3. Our Large Rectangular Pendant light and our Oval pendant lights are now available with stems. The stems can be linked together for short or long installation requirements.
What’s New at Alluminare
1. We’ve brought down our ship times. Our longest ship time was once up to 6 weeks for items fabricated from custom fabrics. Now, due to major adjustments in our processes, our longest lead time is now 4 weeks from start to finish.
2. We’ve updated our home page with a smashing new design. We’ve given it a brighter look and more dramatic style. You can preview new colors and patterns right there on the home page in room views! (Your saved and recently viewed items did, however, move down the page a tad.) We do nearly all development in-house, so it was a fun project for us all to take on!
3. We added a color browser on the home page. One click, and you can browse all of our custom patterns by color, then once you’ve found a pattern you love, you can view all products in that pattern and color combination.
4. And finally, we have updated our phone system. In short, we’ve made it easier to give us a call – our staff is small and well-versed in our products. So while you may need to leave a message because we’re busy working with other customers, we will call you back straight away and can help in detail.
New Features This Week at Alluminare
Quick blog post to let everyone know about new features and designs.
1. Strikeoffs now available! A strikeoff is a custom printed piece of fabric with your chosen colorway and pattern. We also include all of our custom colors. The overall size is 24″ x 24″, and the pattern itself is 12″ x 24″ – big enough for fabulous little things like napkin ring holders or curtain tiebacks. The way to get a strikeoff? Below product pictures on detail pages and in the wizard, there is a button that says “Order a sample” – just click that and your pattern, scale and colors are all set for you!
2. A coupon code is now available. The form to fill out is at the bottom of most pages and can be found also by clicking here.
3. Want to know what other people are designing? We’ve added links from our product pages so you can see what people have saved in the material you are considering and the product you are considering. We use it in-house to see what folks like the most, but thought our customers would like to see this as well. Take a look at the most recently saved items in Libby Unwin’s Lineoak on Second for instance.
4. Rose Leaves from Zoe Brench, Fan Leaf from Jessica Gonacha Swift. Jessica also has 3 patterns online, so we have made a widget that displays her favorite ones. The widget can be installed on websites/blogs/etc. to show Jessica some love!
5. Guides are now available for dining lighting, kitchen lighting, ceiling lighting and bedside table lighting. Just go to “Design a Product” then to “Guides” and choose a guide (this is on the main Alluminare site).
Meet Designer Libby Unwin
We’re proud to have Libby Unwin as one of our first World-Class designers. Her work is fresh, bold, and with an inimitable style that is unmistakeably modern.
More of Libby’s favorites and her bio statement can be found on her profile page. She’s generously created a few colorways for us that she thinks you’ll enjoy.
We recently had a chance to sit down with Libby, and discuss her design influences. We think you’ll fall head-over-heels for her work like we have!
What designer has inspired you most and why?
I have loved Abigail Borg’s work for quite some time, and really admire that her work is hand-drawn. I get really excited about Patty Young’s designs, especially her colorways. It seems like I discover someone new every day – someone who is pushing the bounds of pattern design, someone who is creating work that astounds and inspires me.
Who do your designs appeal to most?
My designs appeal to people looking for something new and versatile, and who are wanting to meld several themes together in one room. I try to leave room for that one extra color, so the pattern can work with other things going on in the same area.
Where do you see yourself, as a designer, in the upcoming year?
I plan to push on my own boundaries: do more hand-drawn work, venture into high-detail designs, create collections of patterns with innovative colorways.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Everywhere! I was watching TV last night, and a baby was in a high chair with dots on the seat. My brain quit watching the show for about 30 seconds while I was rearranging the dots, adding other shapes, sneaking in a very hot pink, mapping out another pattern, and then another, and then another. All from a couple of dots. It’s endless! Sometimes I sit down and draw something that’s been percolating for awhile; other times I’m drawing with no direction, no ideas, just a pencil.
What is your favorite room in your home/apt. and why?
We just moved into our first house and lately I am obsessed with the living room. I have plans to fill the room with Moroccan-esque colors and fabrics. I love texture and color working together, and of course, patterns. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
What are your favorite colorways and products? How do you see them being used in people’s homes or businesses (like restaurants and hotels)?
Lately, I’m in love with purple, so I think this purrple colorway is gorgeous.
I can see it in an office as wallpaper, and/or as throw pillows in a purple room. Because it’s two very versatile colors, the pattern would provide a good backdrop for other accents and decor touches.
I also am drawn to colorways that feel soothing and refreshing at the same time. I would use this colorway as a fabric in a spa’s window coverings, in a reading room’s lamps, or in an indoor garden’s lounging furniture.
The colors are so gentle, but punchy enough to add a “fun” element to the room. Because the colors are earthy, but fresh, you could use rich browns to make the room feel warm and cozy, or add a coral or a blue and make it feel bright and alive.
This lampshade would look killer in my home office.
I’ve got grass green and bright sky blue with browns and blacks working together. Bright and poppy! I like to see colors bouncing off each other. I love overhead lighting for reading or drawing, and I love the circles in the Stop Drop #4 pattern working with the rounded shade, especially since everything else in the room has very straight lines.
In setting up our dining table last night, I realized I need to make covers for the chairs. The room is gold and red with black dishes, so I am thinking this fabric would look great on the chairs.
I love that on Alluminare’s site, I can change the colors of the patterns not only to create new colorways, but even change the pattern itself by using two of the same color. This fabric is Linoak on Seventh with Classic Red on two of the three color options, isolating the small background squares.
HGTV Design Happens Blog Feature
People are buzzing about our new wallpaper! Kelley Walters at Home and Garden Television (HGTV) wrote this piece about our new custom wallpaper:
Here’s the link: http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2009/09/10/custom-wallpaper-more/
