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 | 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 | 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 14, 2022 | INTERIOR DESIGN, MAGICAL MOMENTS, STUDIO NEWS, STYLE TIPS FOR DIY
Citrus Garden by Josef Frank in primary is a favorite of mine. Red was the only color in my garden last week that worked with this latest batch of pillows. Almost looks patriotic with the blue and white chinoiserie thrown in, which was not really my intention, but pretty nonetheless.
With peony season behind us, which is always too short lived, we are moving into dahlia season, which is a personal favorite. It is always so unpredictable what will show up every year although with the deluge of rain this past Spring I am hopeful. At least dahlia season lasts clear into Fall.
I can never bear to waste any of the scraps from this fabric so we make all kinds of accent and lumbar pillows as well as gifts bags.
This timeless pattern is popular beyond words. Always on back order, I finally received the lime colorway yesterday that I ordered back in January. The next batch is not due until September, with this batch already sold out.
My insanely talented neighbor puts us all to shame with the display of flowers in her front yard. And if you are lucky enough to get an invite to her backyard you are in for a real treat. She recently redid her backyard with amazing steel box planters (over flowing with daffodils and tulips this spring), some cement-scaping that includes a sunken fire pit and a few grassy spots for outdoor dining. The covered shelter will be great almost year round. I particularly love the fence, stained in black, which adds such a great contrast.
She chose some outdoor pillows from STUDIO TULLIA including Citrus Garden in Pool, another long standing favorite.
And Schumacher has come out with a couple more colorways this year…
Reminds me of a tiled mosaic walkway I came across on a recent walk in our neighborhood.
Pretty refreshing, eh? Now I want a gin & tonic.
We’ve got lots of ferns in our garden in the Pacific NorthWest. Something out of character for our region that we find every year is this odd phenomenon of a flower, called the CORPSE FLOWER. It smells like rotting flesh, believe it or not. Hence the name.
Never fails that every year I catch a whiff of what smells like a rotting animal, and now I know, it’s back.
For a couple years, I tried to extract it from the garden and it has just kept coming back every year with a vengence. We were amazed to discover that it is quite a novelty, with crowds waiting in long lines at the NY Botanical Musuem to observe this annual oddity. I was shocked to discover that some variations are far taller than the human species!
We brought this flower to my brother in law for his fortieth birthday. With all windows down for the entire ride, we proudly presented it to him. We had to enjoy it from a distance, a good 20 feet from our gathering, LOL.
Not to be too morbid, but it does seem like a flower symbolic of our times, and having just gotten over Covid in the last couple weeks at our household.
All this morbidity and strangeness in the garden reminds me of my art history days and studying the famous painting by Spanish painter, BOSCH.
The Garden of Earthly Delights
“As little is known of Bosch’s life or intentions, interpretations of his intent range from an admonition of worldly fleshy indulgence, to a dire warning on the perils of life’s temptations, to an evocation of ultimate sexual joy. The intricacy of its symbolism, particularly that of the central panel, has led to a wide range of scholarly interpretations over the centuries. Twentieth-century art historians are divided as to whether the triptych’s central panel is a moral warning or a panorama of paradise lost.” – Wikipedia
ANYWAY, back to Josef Frank, so we end on a positive note…
This is the sofa of my dreams.
Josef Frank, Austrian-born architect/artist/designer, became a Swedish citizen in the latter half of his life. Together with Oskar Strnad, he created the Vienna School of Architecture, and its concept of Modern houses, housing and interiors. If you want to explore his life and work further you can go HERE, where there is a comprehensive exhibit of his work.
Or check out this book, which features interiors, furniture, design, and architecture of the mid century in Vienna:
Enjoy your Summer, the garden and the occasional cool drink out on the patio…until next time.
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 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 | Mar 15, 2022 | DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO, STUDIO NEWS
We are about a week away from Spring. The enormous cherry tree in front of our house has started to bloom with light pink blossoms. Daffodils are sprouting and couples walking past seem to linger under its branches. It has been a long Winter in more ways than one and Spring is a time of renewal and hope, which we all need right now.
I thought I’d share some fun pillow combinations for Spring. The bunny hutch pattern created by Hunt Slonem has been madly popular. It was a top seller last year.
The citrus garden pattern by Josef Frank has also been hard to keep in stock. These fabrics are on back order more than they are not so I try not to run out.
Last year I made up a bunch of these bunny bags and filled them with Easter chocolates. I’ll try to get some up in the next week or so so they are available as nice Easter gifts. Although it’s hard not to eat into the profits.
Bunny Hutch comes in blue, charcoal, pink and aqua.
Blue and white is always popular and we have lots of coordinating textiles to choose from along with some new velvet colors like indigo, rosewater, dove and leaf.
– Dryden Studio Architecture + Design
Here’s a super fun project STUDIO TULLIA was proud to be a part of. Can you spot all the bunny pillows?
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!
We have quite a few ready-to-ship pillow covers on sale right now.
They are available on my Etsy store – check it out!
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.
