DESIGN & STYLING | A WELL LIVED HOUSE

ODE TO YOU…& HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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?

OOPS

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.

HUGE SALE

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.

ODE TO YOU, MY LOVELIES…

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.

XOXO

SUZANNE

Pantone’s Very Peri, revisited in Spring 2022 Designer Dresses and Calm, Cool Blues in Home Decor

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.

L’OFFICIEL:

Alice + Olivia

“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.”

Fendi Spring/Summer 2022

MIU MIU

Emporio Armani

Cynthi Rowley

Fendi

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

chinsoiereie may studebaker design living room blue and white

light blue and white kitchen tailored traditional

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!

THE ENCHANTED HOME

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

INISFREE by KRAVET

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…

XOXO,

Suzanne

Pastel Pinks, Dewy Florals and Lush Greens inspire a Spring Collection by Studio Tullia

by studiotullia | May 16, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN & STYLING, DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO

SPRING!

After a deluge of rain, we are reaping the rewards this Spring. Rhododendrons, cherry blossoms and dogwoods abound. Lush greens and dewy florals.

LEAF GREEN VELVET

Bring those gorgeous colors into your home.

TULIP VELVET

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?

Monte Carlo

Our Sunset Floral has already sold out, with more on the way.

Our Meadow Floral

And Inlet Floral

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

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.

MULTNOMAH FALLS

Check out loads of lumbars and other pillows on SALE now.

Lots of Spring cleaning happening in the STUDIO…

XO,

SUZANNE

STUDIO TULLIA’S Free ‘No Rules’ STYLE GUIDES for Chairs, Sofas and Sectionals…

by studiotullia | Feb 13, 2022 | DESIGN & STYLING, DIY, INTERIOR DESIGN, STUDIO NEWS, STYLE TIPS FOR DIY

For over a dozen years, STUDIO TULLIA has been making and shipping pillows all over the world.

Out of gratitude to our uber-stylish customers, we thought it would be fun to create and share these three “no rules” PILLOW STYLE GUIDES!

These easy to print style guides are useful when considering what type/size/grouping to use in various home decor scenarios!

CHAIRS

SOFAS & LOVESEATS

SECTIONALS

We have quite a few ready-to-ship pillow covers on sale right now.

They are available on my Etsy store – check it out!

XOXO,
SUZANNE

The ASTORIA Collection, II. Authentic, Mid-century Textiles in Rich Colors and Patterns

by studiotullia | Feb 5, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN & STYLING, DESIGN TRENDS, STUDIO NEWS, STYLE TIPS FOR DIY

NEWS FROM THE STUDIO:

VINTAGE!

LET’S TALK PROVENANCE…

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.

BOLD FLORALS

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…

YELLOW ROSE

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.

A LITTLE INSPO

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.

XOXO

Suzanne

ETSY predicts 2022 will bring intentional buying, lagom, nature, and greater brand awareness

by studiotullia | Jan 30, 2022 | DESIGN & STYLING, DESIGN TRENDS, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

2022 DESIGN TRENDS

As someone whose been selling handmade designer goods online for over fifteen years, I’m used to researching trends, forecasted by countless “experts” for the upcoming year or season. While I don’t subscribe to the idea of having a totally trend-driven wardrobe or home, a touch of something reflective of our time always adds interest. It keep things from getting stale.

Wallpaper Direct

More marketing opportunities and online exposure for businesses comes from an awareness of current trends. Sometimes these predictions may fall flat and other times, take off.

You would be amazed just how much consumers are influenced by trends. More than you may realize.

Design: Studio Giancarlo Valle
Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson/OTTO

Image credit: Future PLC

It has been one of my obsessions, partly from studying art history and design, to look at objects within their historical and stylistic context.

Collage by David Vo

Societal patterns, as well as social, political, and cultural shifts inevitably impact design and fashion. And fashion is often ahead of interior design and more outrageous, so its especially fun to watch.

Dries Van Noten

ETSY, one of the platforms I sell on, has a podcast for its vendors (approx. 4.4 million!), that discusses how to market handmade goods, what to sell in the upcoming seasons, and how to prepare for 2022, based largely on their 81.9 billion buyer searches.

I’ve been gearing up to coach newbie Etsy sellers in the new year so I’ve been researching Etsy quite a bit over the last several months. Here are some of their observations based on consumer buying and search patterns.

2022 DESIGN TRENDS

1. SHOPPERS ARE MORE INTENTIONAL THAN EVER

Consumers care more about who they are buying from; the brand behind the company, what they stand for, who they employ, where they get their raw materials and manufacture their goods. Social media is providing greater transparency and allowing for companies to tell their story.

2. LAGOM

Etsy is calling it out…

What is Lagom?

‘Not too much, not too little. Lagom’

The translation of the Swedish concept of lagom is “enough, sufficient, adequate, just right.” While hygge is all about staying in with family (and potentially never changing out of your cashmere pajamas), getting cozy and chatting with friends in a coffee shop, basically taking the time to enjoy a moment of contentment (whatever the weather), lagom is all about moderation. Rather than seizing the moment (of hygge, if you will), it’s about living a frugal life with just enough possessions; everything functional and a life in balance. – Country&Townhouse

‘Lagom encourages us to create a happy life by choosing to live a balanced and fruitful existence.’

source: lookea.me

FROM THE ABOVE BOOK; Ten simple ways to de-clutter your home

Create a de-clutter to-do list, crossing off each task as you complete it.
Dedicate ten minutes each day to one task (baby steps, my friend).
Go one room at a time and organize items into three boxes: keep, donate and throw away (never a ‘maybe’ box – speaking from experience!).
Follow the ‘one in, one out’ rule – for everything you buy, one thing goes.
Fill a bin bag a day with items you no longer need.
Reduce the area where clutter can accumulate – dedicate a container for toiletries or a folder for paperwork. If new items don’t fit, then it’s time to re-think what’s in the area and get rid of something.
Take out all the items in your wardrobe. Remove hangers and then put everything back in order of preference. Anything that doesn’t have a hanger goes.
Create a memory box or use an accordion organizer for your kids’ drawings and other treasured items.
Keep a basket or bag by the stairs or in a spot that accumulates clutter and slowly fill it with items. Once it’s full, sort through and put everything back where it belongs.
Stick to the ‘one-touch rule’ for paperwork: sort it as soon as it arrives by recycling, or taking action.

Taken from Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark

3. VINTAGE/UPCYCLING/RECYCLING/RE-USE

‘Upcycling, recycling and using sustainable materials where possible is the way to enjoy the home comforts you love, without taking too much from the planet.’

Tejo Remy Rag Chair for Droog Design, 1991 – 1st Dibs

Vintage sellers are having their moment

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSA ROSENHECK, Domino

Joann Palmisiano, vintage skirt turned pilllow, Rock Your Rental

4. ABSTRACT SHAPES, WIGGLES &CURVES…moving beyond mid-century

1 – VELVET KNOT BAR STOOL

2- PORCELAIN MATTE BIRDIE VASE

3- VEGAN SUEDE KNOT PILLOW

4- WOVEN BENCH IN GREY VELVET

1 – THE DANISH MUG

2- MINI CERAMIC VASE COLLECTION

3- BLOCK DECORATIVE DESIGNER PILLOW

4- SCULPTURE ART

5. CURVY, SCULPTURAL UPHOLSTERY

According to a recent VOGUE article on design trends,

“A curved form is subconsciously read as safe, friendly and welcoming. With everyone feeling a bit precious I think those softer shapes and angles will still be a big trend in 2022 in furniture as well as architecture.” –Sarah Sherman Samuel

“More gracious and sensual shapes, curved edges and deep, luxuriant seats.” -Martyn Lawrence Bullard

6. EMERALD GREEN

Emerald green is a longstanding jewel tone that is always relevant.

ETSY has announced it as their color of the year!

Balance, harmony, nature

Pairs great with metallics

Little-Greene-2018-Green-Colourcard-13_HR

Image credit: Little Greene

1 – PENDANT CERAMIC LAMP

2- THE JEAN EARRING

3- EMERALD VELVET PILLOW COVER

4- GEODE EMERALD GREEN COASTERS

What do you think? I think a lot of it is incredibly creative, colorful, hopeful, informed, fresh…should be fun to see what’s in store for 2022!

XOXO,

SUZANNE

Check out our Free Fall Guide: 18 Steps to a Well Dressed Bed, and News from the Studio: new Pendleton plaids & Faux Lamb’s Wool Pillows!

by studiotullia | Oct 2, 2021 | DESIGN & STYLING, DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, STUDIO NEWS, STYLE TIPS FOR DIY

CHECK OUT OUR FALL SALE
15% OFF NOW THRU OCT 31st!

NEWS FROM THE STUDIO:

FALL woolens are back!

I source wool from the PENDLETON MILL ENDS STORE year round. I love the challenge of reworking such quality mill ends, into one of a kind pillows, that are so great for cozying up your home. This is when I start to layer in a few wool blankets and pillows around the house.

CUSTOM BEDDING

Last year I launched a custom bedding program for a local furniture store, LEGACY MODERN. The duvet cover and shams shown are made of a light weight Pendleton wool, lined with high quality Egyptian cotton sheets. The set comes with a cream, cotton queen size fitted sheet and two standard size cotton shams. The indigo cotton sheets shown below are not included in this set. I really like to beef up the bedding when it is on display. I have this for sale in my store right now.

You may also purchase the heavier weight euro shams and blanket. This creates a more layered, cozy look.

While designing the bed program,I also came up with this checklist for how to style a bed.

I wanted to share it with you all.

18 STEPS TO A WELL DRESSED BED

If you would like a copy, just click on the image above.

DECORATIVE PILLOWS!

Be sure to check out all the fun variations for decorative pillows we have come up with this season.

JACQUARDS

I also have quite a few of the jacquards, in different colorways and patterns.

Check out our FALL SALE – 15% off entire store, now through Oct.31st!

New this season:

Faux lamb’s wool!

OUT & ABOUT

Our neighbor just shared a few pics of her hike today around Blue Lake, about 20 miles from Portland. That’s looking like Fall, folks.

This past weekend, I started taking riding lessons again. We went on a wonderful trail ride through the woods. It’s been awhile, so I’m facing my fears with saddling up a horse, leading it out to the ring, etc.

How about you, what do you have planned for Fall?

Wishing you all a wonderful, enchanting autumn and as always, thanks for reading!