by studiotullia | Jan 21, 2024 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DIY, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, SUZANNE'S DESIGN PROJECTS
Goodbye, 2023.
I’m ready to dust off ’23 and move on to ’24. You?
Our strength was tested again in 2023, was it not? And I’m not talking about remodeling a kitchen. It’s all the other crazy stuff that just keeps happening. Humans are a resilient bunch, but there’s a lot. We have all had more than our fair share of challenges these past few years. I don’t want to bore you with my own personal journey, but I will share some insights, lessons, and new outlooks for 2024.
But first, I want to share a few HIGHLIGHTS that have brought me joy this past year.
FAVORITE BOOK for CREATIVES
This book teaches you to honor the artist within as a sacred gift and teaches you the discipline and rewards of writing 3 pages each morning (for three + months).
FAVORITE ART EXHIBIT
Elefant Medium – by PDX CONTEMPORARY ART A solo exhibition of new work by artist JEFFRY MITCHELL.
I am so happy that I can now walk to this gallery from work, and go to a beautiful well-lit space with amazing art!
“Elephant (Medium) is one of a family of fonts and is a reworking of a traditional English extra bold serif style…The elephant has been a beloved subject matter for Jeffry Mitchell’s artwork for four decades. The exhibition focused on the way that graphic design and interior spaces create space, fields that make us feel. As well as the way that subject matter and materials, like elephants and flowers, clay and wood, afford joy, generosity, and enthusiasm. Elefant Medium features furniture made from wood and ceramic, housewares, lamps, and drawings and prints displayed in wonderfully elaborate, handcrafted wooden and porcelain frames. The work and the transformative benevolence of craft create the field, the flow, the space, and the possibility of ecstasy.” – Variable West
MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK
Oprah interviewed author, Abraham Verghese about his work for 6 episodes on her podcast Oprah’s Super Soul. I just loved their exchange, discussion of characters, and the dedication required to write such a book. I’m still not done with this epic book. It is beautifully written, by a doctor who has witnessed a lot over the years, and he shares the rich cultural senses, exotic spices and storied traditions of India.
FAVORITE DESIGN PROJECT
If you want to re-connect with your teenager, do a deep dive into their interests and build a bedroom they love. This one was way more than we could complete during an 8 WK ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, but it got the ball rolling and we are close to the finish line. I will have an update for you soon. We had to gut a 1940’s kitchen and build a new bedroom. We are installing the wooden floor this weekend. Heating vent and lighting needs to be installed, some paint touch-ups, and we can move in! Stay tuned. We are getting close to completion!
FAVORITE DESIGN CRUSH
BEATA HEUMAN, from London
Design by Beata Heuman
Design by Beata Heuman
Design by Beata Heuman
Design by Beata Heuman
Design by Beata Heuman
This will be my next DESIGN BOOK purchase:
FAVORITE LOVE STORY
My 60 year old brother and his wife were married, on December 29th. Each bringing two grown children from previous marriages. A true love story, of a dozen plus years’ courtship, with families formally united. Know that love can happen at any age, and at any time. And a grand wedding it was, in one of my favorite cities in the world. SAN FRANCISCO. It was ambitious, beautiful, and loaded with tributes and meaning. And a damn good party. A perfect send off for the New Year!
HEALTH
As one ages, so do your parents; the challenges that present themselves can be heartbreaking and frustrating at times…as this Baby Boom generation ages and retires, living longer and not always with a great retirement plan, families must navigate crisis, financial hardship and challenges as they present themselves. There are a lot of great doctors, nurses and amazing organizations like Meals on Wheels and The Council on Aging that are there to help. And retirement homes are popping up like crazy. And I’m not even going to mention COVID and how that keeps coming back in new variants.
WORK
JOBS are iffy these days.
After a rough couple years, a job outside the home was necessary for our finances and my marriage. When a seasoned entrepreneur goes back to a full time job with a manager and a boss, its an adjustment. I almost walked out at least 3 times. You see things differently and are used to honoring your authenticity and own wishes. You have to accommodate to someone else’s brand, vision and desires. Oy.
I love stuff – textiles, furniture, art so that part has been fun. Working with designers and architects in a swanky trade-only showroom selling textiles and furniture did require me to polish up my wardrobe. And my style. I had kind of forgotten how to dress. A lot has changed about the design profession with so much commerce now done online, but there are always new young talents coming along, and so many older designers who still work, while flirting with retirement. The to-the-trade design world is mostly comprised of women clientele, who are eccentric by nature, with varied projects and new challenges that always keeps things interesting.
FAVORITE FABRIC
LEE JOFA’s TREE of LIFE, reintroduced from their archives. In wallpaper and fabric. This 1840’s pattern was brought back with new color ways for their 200th anniversary. The vertical pattern repeat is more than 36″. Hand blocked on heavy weight linen and so beautiful.
Although I am loving how these SCHUMACHER wallpapers and textiles are styled:
FAVORITE MAGAZINE
FREDERIC MAGAZINE, by Schumacher
Frederic Magazine
OUR CUSTOMERS
THANK YOU!
I am forever grateful for your great sense of style and your business!
My business has managed to stay afloat this past year, with many exciting new things on the horizon.
I cant wait to share what’s coming in 2024.
A LITTLE ADVICE…
We are having a great sale right now on many ready-to-ship items.
UP TO 25% OFF
Decorative pillows by STUDIO TULLIA
So, let’s raise a glass to 2024! Thanks for following along. Have a wonderful week.
XOXO,
SUZANNE
by studiotullia | Nov 5, 2023 | DIY, HOME IMPROVEMENT, INTERIOR DESIGN, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, recycle, retro, reuse, that 70's show
Hello All!
Sometimes we must celebrate the smaller wins, right?
Like this lovely crocheted blanket. A handmade throw to toss around and a nice blanket for the edge of the bed. Found on EBay. We liked the colors and the graphic nature of it.
My daughter is a collector of comic books, avengers posters, Star Wars memorabilia, etc. She plans to plaster the rooms with posters and stack comic books on rows of shelving, etc. The challenge will be to create a cohesive, curated look. At least for some decent ORC final photos before it goes the ways of a teenager.
By the way, the vendor below is a great source for posters and old comic books.
You get the idea, right?
Action figures and other collectibles… 
And of course, don’t forget to check out the talented ORC designers!
See you all next week!
XOXO,
Suzanne
by studiotullia | Nov 5, 2023 | HOME IMPROVEMENT, INTERIOR DESIGN, SUZANNE'S DESIGN PROJECTS
Sports Fans, Week 5 was felt uneventful as we are still on the WALLS, but we are making progress!
THE WALLS
The fact of the matter is that this wall repair work is a grueling, son of a bitch. And if I am honest, I want nothing to do with it. I’ll run errands all day before I have to clean up this mess. I’ve never seen such a pieced together nightmare as we’ve found behind these cabinets. See hwo satisfying though as new sheet rock goes up below.
NOW
BEFORE
We must remember from whence we came.
My husband put several buckets of mud on the walls, slowly building up he walls.
SKIM COATING
Here it is drying. NOW
BEFORE
It does feel good to have the walls pretty much all covered now. Lots of sanding, patching and then painting will be happening now. That is where I can step in and start to help again.
CABINETRY
We are going to put in a WETBAR where the cabinetry was – with a small bar and fridge, as well as some drawers and a nice counter top. The plumbing needs to be rerouted. FYI, the wet bar is not a true bar for my daughter, but a place to make tea and wash paint brushes, etc. since she paints sometimes.
Ive been searching for something we could just make do with but my husband will most likely make it himself. Won’t be done in two weeks though..
I like the simplicity of these. Simple, clean…
If we can get the walls and floors done and my daughter somewhat moved in, that will be a triumph!
Don’t forget to check out all the other participants in the ONE ROOM CHALLENGE:
See you all next week!
XO
Suzanne
by studiotullia | Oct 22, 2023 | 70's inspired, benjamin moore paint color, one room challenge, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, rebuilding center, recycle, retro, reuse, silvery blue, SUZANNE'S DESIGN PROJECTS, teen bedroom, that 70's show
Hello My Lovelies,
Well, we are deep into Week 4 of the
Things are getting pretty real. There is no more flim-flamming around. We have been hammering and hacking away at old hardwood cabinetry and layered linoleum with ever-mounting piles of debris and sharp nails. I can say after two days’ of solid work we are all pretty wiped out.
We have made some major strides, but I am beginning to wonder if we will ever be done with the walls.
And, we changed our paint color for the last time. 0
BENJAMIN MOORE – SILVERY BLUE
You have to tape a decent size paint sample (which BM provides) on the wall – in different places, at different times of the day before you settle on the right color. You really need that bedroom color to be a color you love, you know?
FLOORING:
This is what we found under 3 layers of laminate flooring. Very cool, asbestos-ridden 1940’s vintage flooring that we cannot salvage 🙁
We needed to be masked while pulling up all the debris.
One of my favorite places to shop is a non-profit, salvaged building materials resource, called
THE REBUILDING CENTER
Over the years we have found some great finds. This latest find was brand new wood veneer flooring in a beautiful hickory color. I wanted to buy the whole lot and re-floor the entire upstairs, but my husband reeled me in; one project at a time.
I border on manic when I am at this place. So many great materials. I want to get new lighting for the living room, pavers for the backyard, recycled METRO paint to freshen up our stairs.
FOCUS, Suz, FOCUS
Today’s task was debris removal. We’ve got a big old pile that will go to the dump soon enough.
WE FOUND A DOOR!
We found this beautiful door with the same 5 panels we have on all the doors upstairs. What teenager doesn’t need a door! I counted this has a huge score.
IKEA FINDS
We found this awesome chair called the TOBIAS CHAIR in the clearance section, half off. And that peg board behind it was another find from THE REBUILDING CENTER.
We are interested in this Duvet Cover
AKKERFIBBLA
And we are narrowing in on this GADBJERG rug:
Be sure to check out all the other designers participating in THE ONE ROOM CHALLENGE!
Until next week, my friends!
BEST,
SUZANNE
by studiotullia | Oct 15, 2023 | HOME IMPROVEMENT, INTERIOR DESIGN, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, SUZANNE'S DESIGN PROJECTS
Hello my fellow Design Enthusiasts!
Here we are at Week 3 of the ONE ROOM CHALLENGE,
We are still deep into repairing WALLS! Lots and lots of mudding, sanding and building up of layers.
It is a laborious stage of the project and in the end, what will most transform this funky ol’ kitchen.
We are also trying to narrow down our paint color, and feeling pretty happy with
BENJAMIN MOORE – MEDITERRANEAN BREEZE
Here is Charlotte and her Dad working on the walls.
We’ve been envisioning fresh sky blue walls to keep us motivated.
FLOORING
We are also working on selection of laminate wood flooring, from HOME DEPOT.
We will replace the dated laminate floor with a wood look:
WET BAR
The nod to what was once a kitchen will now be a WETBAR and we know we want hexagonal tiles and floating shelves.
HEXAGONAL TILE PATTERNS
The question is what pattern?
Thanks for following along and be sure to check out the other ORC participants!
XOXO,
SUZANNE
by studiotullia | Dec 23, 2022 | DESIGN & STYLING, MAGICAL MOMENTS, STUDIO NEWS
There is a layer of icy snow on the ground as I write this.
With the office closed today, I spent the first hour of the day in bed with a good book and a pitcher of coffee, followed by a hot, epsom salt bath.
It’s been a day of cleaning the kitchen and chatting on the phone. Each person I’ve spoken with today has his/her own version of challenging weather and circumstances. Old friends in Massachusetts, Washington, Vermont, and Alaska followed by family in North Carolina, California and the Oregon coast…it is windier and dryer than usual in some places and wetter rather than snowier in others. And some folks have lost their power…so there seems to be no norm this year.
I saw some neighborhood kids out sledding, while making batches of cookies today. And tonight, it’s chicken pot pies for dinner followed by a movie.
Now that’s quite delightful, while the weather outside is frightful, eh?
This is the least prepared I have been for Christmas in years.
A new job, lots of drama at my kids’ school (a shooting, yes, I said a shooting), and clueless over what to get teens, made it challenging. There are so few items on the shelves at many stores. I might just give the kids cash and fill their stockings with goodies. They are happier making their own purchases anyway. It is more about being together – sharing meals, hanging out and playing games.
Here are a few old pictures where I really pulled off quite the holiday splendor. It was easier than to wow the kids.
By the way, there are still lots of festive pillows at my shop, with a sale on through the end of the month. And a little heads up: there will be a HUGE SALE in January.
I want you to know just how grateful I am to all of the customers that support STUDIO TULLIA/A WELL LIVED HOUSE and other small businesses.
It takes a little more time to find and shop from small businesses. Your discerning eye for unique hand-crafted goods and willingness to”shop small” means the world to so many of us.
You are supporting a handful of diverse, strong and creative women who are mothers and grandmothers, wanting a flexible schedule and a fair wage, so they can work from home and be with those they love.
As we all know, family is what it is all about. Wishing you and yours a safe and joyous holiday season.
by studiotullia | Nov 10, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO
by studiotullia | Oct 7, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO
GREETINGS EVERYONE!
Kids are settling back into school and I’m enjoying morning walks in the neighborhood. Busy squirrels and bold crows are harvesting nuts and berries as the leaves turn vivid yellows, oranges and reds. The days and nights are getting cooler and we turn our attention toward home, right?
This latest collection was inpired by my backyard; a lively dahlia garden, an exuberant fig tree and lots of fallen pine cones.
This new fabric above featuring dragons and tigers pairs so beautifully with vibrant colors.
I had so much fun mixing and matching these pillow cominations…woolens, velvets, wovens, printed coordinates in stripe and Les Touches in several colorways work nicely together. I even threw in some vintage.
I mixed some vintage wool (orange and brown woven) with modern solid wool along with fun prints from Schumacher, Pindler and Brunschwig and Fils.
Another great Fall fabric is Citrus Garden in primary by Schumacher that lends itself to this palette as well.
CITRUS GARDEN IN PRIMARY – Lots of fun sizes!
A couple of fun, graphic fabrics by Schmacher are fun to add to this collcetion and keep things cheerful throughout the year.
And how fun is this NAVY CROSS?
LES TOUCHES in so many fun colors….
I sell the blue colorway online in my store but you can get it in all of these colors. Forever classic. Just send me a direct message if you would like to order in another colorway.
by studiotullia | Jul 6, 2022 | DESIGN TRENDS, DIY, INTERIOR DESIGN, STUDIO NEWS, STYLE TIPS FOR DIY, SUZANNE'S DESIGN PROJECTS
HAPPY SUMMER, everyone!
This is my favorite time of year in OREGON.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the beach.
Did you know that we offer E-Design?
E-DESIGN SERVICES BY SUZANNE/A WELL LIVED HOUSE
We had our client complete a questionnaire and then after a scheduled zoom call, with room dimensions provided, we presented a couple of floor plan options, two mood boards, and a list of items and resources.
This particular job was to help our clients spruce up their vacation home in Manzanita so it is Airbnb rental-ready, on a limited budget.
CHAIRISH is always a great place to look for designer pieces like this MILO BAUGHMAN sofa for a real statement piece. Just love the lines, length and style.
MILO BAUGHMAN SOFA, CHAIRISH
If a less expensive, new sofa is preferred, ARTICLE is having a great sale right now. Their prices include delivery, and are made in the U.S.
ABISKO QUARTZ WHITE SOFA, ARTICLE
This versatile ottoman comes in handy and is a deal for $300.
This company AFRIKESH ships from Morrocco and offers great rugs in custom sizes.
Loving the ceramic lighting by STUDIO HARON, out of Cornwall
The colors of this vintage pottery below inspired the mood for this home, and it would be fun to build a collection.
HAND MADE VASE, LADY BIRD VINTAGE DECOR
HAND MADE VASE, LADY BIRD VINTAGE DECOR
Rachael Mid Century Chair by BRICK TIMBER, Etsy
MID CENTURY LAMPS, found on CHAIRISH
One of these fun shades would add life to the vintage lamps.
Both available via CREATIVE LAMP SHADES, Etsy.
We pulled some possible pillow combos together for the sofa:
We are having a 15% OFF SALE
ALL BLUE & WHITE
running now through the end of the month.
Sailing into Summer…
XOXO,
Suzanne
by studiotullia | Jun 14, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN & STYLING, DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, STUDIO NEWS
VERY PERI, PANTONE’s 2022 COLOR OF THE YEAR, revisited
I came across these very peri- inspired dresses in L’OFFICIEL resonating hope and beauty. That’s what we can all use right now, right?
Pantone designed this color of the year – VERY PERI – for 2022, specific to the unique times in which we are living.
“Reminiscent of the blue skies that emerge during the months of spring, and its namesake flower, periwinkle is regarded as a color of rebirth and vibrance both inside and outside the realm of fashion.”
With kids out of school and the start of Summer, one dreams of getting away…
We are loving the light blue palette of talented designer, AMY STUDEBAKER’s dreamy guest/pool house project.
Beautiful rooms by AMY STUDEBAKER DESIGN
Loving this botanical print…
INDIAN ARBRE by SCHUMACHER (peacock and emerald)
And Tina, from The Enchanted Home has designed a beautiful, second home in Palmetto Bluff using a serene soft, light blue palette with lots of STUDIO TULLIA pillows!
Our Spring SALE is still going on! Great savings with 25% off ready to ship items.
CITRUS GARDEN in Pool by SCHUMACHER with aqua velvet and ribbon pillows by STUDIO TULLIA
CHINOISERIE CHIC by MARK SYKES for SCHUMACHER
PERIWINKLE VELVET by KRAVET
I have a pair of gorgeous, heavy weight linen, LIGHT BLUE & WHITE STRPED CURTAINS (in stock and ready to ship) for sale!
These are shown at local Portland store, LEGACY MODERN.
I’ve been feeling nostalgic with the twins finishing junior high school. So much relief just having them home with all the crazy events of late.
We are looking forward to some trips to the beach, camping, hikes to some hot springs and many afternoons poolside.
If it would just stop raining in Portland.
Get ready folks, Summer is here…
by studiotullia | May 30, 2022 | DESIGN TRENDS, DIY, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, PORTLAND PLACES, STUDIO NEWS, TRAVEL & INSPIRATION
“Memorial Day is a national awareness and solemn remembrance day for revering those who have gone before us,” said Maj. Gen. JB Vowell, commander of USARJ.
“It is a day for us to honor the military men and women who gave their lives in defense of our great nation, its values and its freedom.”
Memorial Day got me thinking about the flag and how it has changed both graphicly and in what it stands for over the years.
We’ve come a long way, and we are still evolving (one can hope, anyway).
There seem to be countless variations displayed in front of people’s homes across the country. Different flags for different folks.
Loving this house with the flag.
If you want to take a real deep dive into the flag (like over 3,000 flag artifacts deep) check out this book. Everything from moccasins to a “friendship” kimono.
Memorial Day was originally called DECORATION DAY, from an early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags. The first national observance of this holiday occured in 1868.
Photo from Jeremiah Young, owner of Stapleton Gallery in Billings, Montana, it was a irca 1913 photo of his Stapleton Building – home to both the gallery and Young’s interior design business, draped in red, white and blue bunting that sparked the idea for a recent show.
Below are a few works from his idea for a new show.
Many Paths, Judd Thompson
Memorial Day got me thinking about the flag and how Americans display a wide array of flags in front of their homes.
Everything from Black Lives Matter to LGBTQ adnd BIPOC inclusive flags.
Is that the case in your neighborhood?
The heated social and political dialogues playing out in so many cities and towns around the country (marches, riots) have emboldened people or in some cases hindered people’s rights to display their own versions of what they might like the flag to represent.
I see the hanging of flags and signs as a healthy dialogue that is happening in our neighborhoods, which is much more complex than just two political parties’ agendas. It is a form of expression playing out throughout the country in a very visual way. To me, it is refreshing and colorful and indicative of an awareness and support for the diversity and inclusion of others.
by studiotullia | May 24, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN TRENDS, LOCAL PORTLAND EVENTS, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, TRAVEL & INSPIRATION
This was from an exhibit I saw not too long ago at the Portland Art Museum.
And her clothes. So many rich, handmade indigenous textiles from Mexico. Lace, embroidery, bold colors. Such a feast for the eyes.
On my bucket list: Frida and Diego’s house in Mexico City that is now a musuem. Has anyone been? I’d love to know how it was.
The Global Textiles Collection by STUDIO TULLIA.
There are some lovely handmade goods still available from this collection.
Originally it started from a unique collection of textiles from my (step)mother-in-law in Mexico and then my other (step) mother-in-law who had an amazing collection from Panama of Mola textiles.
This was a very popular collection and I have recently revisited my stash to create a revival of this collection. Stay tuned.
