by studiotullia | Feb 17, 2024 | DESIGN TRENDS, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, STUDIO NEWS, SUZANNE'S DESIGN PROJECTS
Hello my Lovelies,
I am such a fan of this fabric.
MILLE FLEUR by Lee Jofa in color way Denim.
One of Lee Jofa’s oldest patterns brought back as part of their 200th anniversary, with a palette as 2024 as you can get. This pattern is both iconic and timeless.
“Drawn in the Arts and Crafts style of the late 19th century, this timeless novelty pattern offers a playful take on a traditional woodland hunting scene. The design features whimsical silhouettes of birds, hounds and deer, and botanical elements inspired by a tapestry-style mille fleur, which translates to “thousand flowers” in French.”
There are many directions you can go with this pattern.
You could add Clarke & Clarke’s Cosmic Mineral/Raspberry
Or Kelly Wearstler’s Graffito Rosa
or La Muse, in Rouge by Kravet
Here’s a recent MOOD BOARD I did, proposing curtains in this fabric, combined with a vintage rug from Chairish, along with mid century pieces. Assignment: add warmth, layers and personality to a room, in a home in Bend, OR.
SOURCES:
Tufted Leather Chair by DESIGN MIX on Chairish
Pillows and Textiles from STUDIO TULLIA on ETSY
Jonathon Adler Sant Rosa Cashew Pillows:
Kelly Wearstler Pillows with Pendleton Pillows:
Plankton Taupe with Ticking Pillows and Kelly Wearstler Woven Pillows
RUGS from Keivan Wonn Arts
Sisal rugs, from POTTERY BARN
ART
36X36 inch, Studio McGee-designed print from TARGET
Or you could go more traditional and moody with hand-painted work from TARYANIK on ETSY.
I even found some faux taxidermy from NearandDear on ETSY
Side Table by DESIGN MIX on Chairish
Oceano Chair from Article
Ottoman, KRAVET
If you would like the prices and links to any of the items above, please email info@awelllivedhouse.com and put “Sources” in the subject line.
Thank you as always for following along.
XOXO,
Suzanne
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 19, 2023 | HOUSE TOUR: Traditional Spanish Style House near Pto. Vallarta
We are at WEEK 8 and whooped.
Finally got the walls dry-walled, sanded, and primed.
All the trim has been sanded and cleaned.
We are painting the walls and trim this week.
We did pick up this amazing chair for my daughter from KRAVET.
I will post again when we are done painting. Hoping to wrap things up in the next week or two.
This was an ambitious project to do as a family. We have all worked hard and are proud of how far we have come.
We did not finish in 8 wks, but I know this would have dragged on for months if we hadn’t joined this challenge.
Be sure to check out all the:
Thanks as always for following along. I hope everyone has a wonderful THANKSGIVING.
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 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 | 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 | 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.
by studiotullia | May 16, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN & STYLING, DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO
After a deluge of rain, we are reaping the rewards this Spring. Rhododendrons, cherry blossoms and dogwoods abound. Lush greens and dewy florals.
Bring those gorgeous colors into your home.
THE SOFTEST PINK SUEDE PILLOWS
Act fast as these are a one-of-a-kind offering. I only have two.
APPLIQUE & EMBROIDERED VINTAGE FLOWER
This is an unusual embroidered and appliqued pillow found in an antique store not too long ago. I can never pass up hand-made work.
LT PINK VELVET KNOT PILLOW
What do you think of our new knot pillow in shimmery light pink?
Our Sunset Floral has already sold out, with more on the way.
Multnomah Falls & Lodge is a must see if you are ever in the Portland area. Have a small hike to the bridge followed by lunch at the historic lodge.
The Eagle Creek fire of a few years ago devastated the area, but the firemen managed to somehow save this historic landmark.
Check out loads of lumbars and other pillows on SALE now.
Lots of Spring cleaning happening in the STUDIO…
by studiotullia | Apr 18, 2022 | DESIGN TRENDS, STUDIO NEWS, THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend with your friends and family.
Despite Spring and a recent flurry of social gatherings, the stacking of tragic events these past few years still weighs heavy on us all. While I’ve been on a news diet lately, I’ve been feasting on the creativity flourishing on ETSY in support for UKRAINE!
Some and often all of the proceeds from art and crafts being sold by makers in the US, Ukraine and elsewhere around the world is truly a beautiful thing.
Just a small purchase of say a cross stitch pattern download or a digital print, by many, can add up to thousands of dollars in aid.
Never underestimate the POWER and IMPORTANCE of ART.
Here are a few items I found:
This Lithuanian linen vendor was clever in her solidarity…
Blue and yellow themed textiles can be found on sale by Ukrainain vendors on ETSY, in both contemporary and traditonal textiles.
This ETSY vendor writes:
At 5 a.m. my two children, my wife and I woke up to rocket attacks on my city.
The Russian military began to destroy my country with heavy artillery, air strikes and other weapons of mass destruction. Whole city blocks have been flattened by Russian artillery and bombs, including a children’s hospital and a maternity hospital.
On that day, we lost our usual life, peace, stability, work, home. Our beloved Ukraine was invaded by the Russian army. Three million Ukrainian refugees, mainly women, children and elderly, fled their country.
I ask for your help, for help to the people who need it more than ever, for help to our children, women and men.
Today you have the opportunity to save us from the vile occupiers of the Russian Federation.
I don’t ask for much, If you are able to donate even $1, your money will be spent on medicine and protective gear for our army.
We want to survive. I believe in my army and my country! I want my children, my parents, the people I love to survive. And live in a country where bombs won’t fall on their heads every minute. May the whole world live in peace and understanding.
If you have the opportunity, please share this information through your social media, facebook, twitter… We must stop this war
Thank you ❤️
God bless you 🙏
Yarik Rutz 🇺🇦
Here is a madonna and child image reflective of the times.
STUDIO TULLIA has its own version in the works, based on an image posted on Twitter of a Ukrainain mother in a subway station turned bombshelter.
This maker writes:
All profits from the sale of this cross stitch pattern will go to the British Red Cross Appeal. Stitch the flag of Ukraine to show solidarity with Ukraine at this time of war. #StitchforUkraine #StitchingforUkraine
This “United Nations 4 Ukraine Against War” collage by Mauro Oliviera is selling on CHAIRISH for $1,200.
Ukraine Mom/artist/illustrator living in PA who made this poster and wonderful mural.
And then there are loads of stickers available on ETSY…
DeliciousAccessories on Etsy
This artist writes in her product description:
Part of the proceeds from this purchase will go to support UAnimals and USA for UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency. USA for UNHCR protects families being forced to flee from their homes. I can’t begin to imagine. Also, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are donation-matching up to 1 million dollars for UNHCR!
UAnimals supports animal shelters left with dwindling food and supplies due to the Russian invasion. Animal rescue holds a very special place in my heart. I am so impressed these volunteers continue to love and shelter these innocent, traumatized animals even though their own lives are in danger. Currently, they only have a Patreon page which I joined at the highest tier. I believe they are working on other methods of donations.
My heart is extremely heavy for the people of Ukraine. Sending an abundance of loving energy and financially wishing I could do so much more.
Politics always affects fashion.
The evolution of masks as an accessory remains a fascinating trend to watch.
DesignforSocialGood on Etsy
The supplier writes:
For every Ukraine flag mask sold, we will donate ALL PROCEEDS to United Help Ukraine. United Help Ukraine, Inc. is a charitable organization receiving and distributing donations, food and medical supplies to Ukrainian IDPs, people of Ukraine affected by Russia’s invasion into Eastern Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
This artist has sold countless UKRAINE t-shirts since first listed on ETSY.
SnugglesandPeanut on Etsy
This Etsy vendor writes:
We have already donated over $12,000 from these bracelets! Thank you!**
**100% of our profits from these bracelets will be donated to World Central Kitchen, who already have locations set up in Ukraine and in the surrounding areas to feed those who need a warm meal. They are feeding people in shelters and on the borders, as well as other needed areas.**
This Ukrainian artist below sells vintage clothing but has started producing and selling digital downloads like this one, which are evergreen and can be sold regardless of where the vendor currently is.
This Ukrainian artist sells vintage clothing but has started producing and selling digital downloads like this one, which are evergreen and can be sold regardless of where the vendor currently is.
Seek out and hopefully purchase art in support of UKRAINE.
Art is often a catalyst for change, a repository of society’s collective memory. Every purchase helps.
BE WELL ALL.
by studiotullia | Feb 5, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN & STYLING, DESIGN TRENDS, STUDIO NEWS, STYLE TIPS FOR DIY
I first found the mother load of vintage textiles at an estate sale in Astoria, Oregon, a few years ago. Thank God my father-in-law was persistent in finding this place; the shop of an upholster, whose estate was being liquidated.
It was like walking back in time, to the mid century, with hand written notes pinned all over the walls, leftover fabric bolts stacked up on shelves and in metal trash cans. It was definitely a hard-working artisan’s work room. His adjoining house was also for sale, so that was super fun to see his formal 50’s-60’s era living room and his immaculately upholstered pieces.
I was completely blown away by the quality of the thick, cotton velvet and the richness of the patterns and colors. I wouldn’t have expected this bold palette to be so prominent on the coast of Oregon.
I was later told by the owner of local store, Vintage Hardware, that he was the only upholsterer in the Astoria region for quite some time.
The bolts were at bargain prices. The gamble was that this upholsterer smoked. A lot. The pervasive smell of stale smoke was on all of the textiles. I also wasn’t sure how they would fare after I had washed them.
Once home,I threw some samples in the washer/dryer and was elated with what I found. The quality had endured and they were just as vibrant and beautiful.
I honed my ability to clean vintage textiles, determining that 1/2 cup of vinegar mixed with detergent was the best addition to a load of laundry, to remove the smell. Sometimes even a second or third wash was required, but ultimately worth it. It was no small undertaking to wash and handle these really heavy, wet velvets.
We even had to replace the mechanism inside our washer after a couple of intense weeks of washing, so there was that…
The other gamble was whether or not people would even like this dated, retro collection.
As with everything online it takes a few months for your items to be found…but eventually, they became quite popular and really are a bargain for the quality.
Here are a couple of pillow combinations that you could work.
A mix of the old with new, or high and low… is always nice and less predictable.
