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 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 1, 2022 | CURRENT PROMOTIONS, DESIGN TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, NEWS FROM THE STUDIO
While Honoring mothers is nothing new,
ANNE JARVIS who had no children of her own, conceived of MOTHER’s DAY in the U.S. as an occasion for honoring the sacrifices individual mothers made for their children.
According to History.com:
In May 1908, she organized the first official Mother’s Day events at a church in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia, as well as at a Wanamaker’s department store in Philadelphia, where she lived at the time. Jarvis then began writing letters to newspapers and politicians pushing for the adoption of Mother’s Day as an official holiday.
By 1912, many other churches, towns and states were holding Mother’s Day celebrations, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association. Her hard-fought campaign paid off in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
I’ve been obsessed with Madonna and child images, since my studies in art history in Italy.
The Madonnina by Ferruzzi.
Love this vintage image of a woman and her children in East Harlem, found in Harlem World Magazine
A turn of the century photograph of a Ukrainian mother and child.
For more images like this and a Ukrainian lullaby …check out this ARTICLE:
1930’as Native American mother and child, “colorized”
And this vintage image of a Chinese mother and child form Oldarts.info
The other day my Mother stopped by and brought over a stack of handmade cards made by yours truly, she had collected over the years. The appreciation and love expressed in those cards was pure adoration. All hand painted or drawn. Clearly she has treasured them.
Curious as a middle aged woman, to realize how much more easily I expressed my love for her as a kid.
I know the items that I have most treasured over the years, are the handmade ones.
I did a quick Etsy Round-up of fun gifts below.
Fabric Gift bags dress up otherwise ordinary items – you can throw in a candle, some chocolate and it makes for a unique, thoughtful gift! And it can be reused later as a travel bag or whatever.
We have some citrus garden bags for sale right now on the Etsy Store
I thought this personalized blanket was a very unique gift, if you want to wrap a loved one in your loving words.
This company, FRANKIE PRINT CO, which I found on ETSY, can print your letter exactly as it looks or use script font that they have.
If you’re feeling crafty there are all kinds of pdf downloads of needlpoint, cross stitch, embroidery these days that can be personalized to your liking…
This company makes beautiful soaps, which are always lovely gifts.
I’m doing a last minute GIVEAWAY!
For you or your Mom…
All you have to do is follow me on instagram
@studiotullia
The more people you tag, the more entries…the winner will be notified May 2,2022.
I will include a scented candle from Trader Joe’s
And I’ll throw in a handful of my new favorite treat…
This gift will go in the mail Wednesday, priority mail, if you or a Mom you know might enjoy this….
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
Be sure to check out all the fun variations for decorative pillows we have come up with this season.
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!
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!
by studiotullia | Feb 26, 2020 | DIY, INTERIOR DESIGN
Chronicles from a Well Lived House…
Last Summer I decided to focus on clearing out the clutter in my home.
With the twins approaching their teen years, I’ve been on a spiritual journey, soul searching, whatever you want to call it, for over a year now. My role as a Mother is shifting and I am starting to feel some sense of relief from the whirlwind of child-rearing.
While listening to a podcast on HayHouse, I came across a clutter clearing course being offered by DENISE LINN.
Besides motivating me to clear the clutter in my own house, I felt I might share these techniques with my future clients as I move toward more a more conscious approach to design in 2020.
Designing interiors is different now than it was a decade ago. Before I had kids. Having children has changed my home experience and view of how it should function, at least for a family. And this world has changed a lot. There is a greater awareness of climate change, our footprint, a greater desire for sustainably produced furnishings and textiles. And with the amount of data being thrown at us everyday and the world as cray, cray as it is these days, we all need a personal sanctuary we can call truly call home.
A lot of things get put off when you are doing overtime, whether it is caring for others or delving into a demanding project or career. When we are super busy, things accumulate and certain areas of one’s life are neglected. In my case, it has sometimes been my health, both mentally and physically, and also my physical household, both inside and out.
SORTING THROUGH STUFF BRINGS STUFF UP.
So over the least year I’ve really sought out the help of experts, authors and an amazing Jungian therapist. Deciding to get rid of stuff means you have to be resolved about the feelings associated with that object. LINN talks about how everything you bring into your home has energy and you have to become attuned to the kind of energy each object has and then decide if you want it in your life or not. She also gives you permission to give away unwanted gifts, books, old cards, clothes that are too tight; anything you haven’t used in over a year.
Entrepreneurial-focused, financial and self help books often say in one way or another to take stock of your life and your belongings. How you spend your time and money tells you what your values are. If there are a lot of things in your life that you own but don’t use, you need to ask yourself why you still have them.
This has not been an overnight process for me, personally. There is also the matter of negotiating with and motivating my husband and kids throughout this process. Once they let go, they have come to appreciate the rewards of selling unwanted toys at garage sales and resale stores. And, many unused toys and clothes have gone to a nearby shelter for women and children this past holiday season. That experience left us with an enormous boon of gratitude around a time when we can get caught up in spending on things we really don’t need to gift to others.
YOU CANNOT UNDERVALUE THE GIFT OF HOMEMADE GOODS AS THEY ARE SUCH AN AUTHENTIC TOKEN OF LOVE FOR SOMEONE.
Or, try to focus on things that can be consumed, rather than possessed. Fine foods like jams or canned goods are always wonderful, or a class, a subscription service, a membership, a gift card, etc.
AS ON THE OUTSIDE, SO ON THE INSIDE
Financial and physical clutter has been prevalent in my family for generations. You don’t realize just how many of these thoughts, beliefs and patterns are imbedded in you at an early age. I am trying to raise my consciousness and improve these areas of my life. As my therapist says, “On the inside, so as on the outside. On the outside, so as on the inside. This is also the biggest Secret of Life, right? As Within – What do we think within ourselves- So Without – Will be expressed or reflected on the world we live.
So, I would like to share with you some of the things that I have learned along this journey with the intention that it might help you with clearing out the clutter in your own life. I feel that a lot of techniques I have employed are helping to elevate my life, my home and that of my family.
I OVERHAULED MY DESIGN STUDIO
For starters, I did a major purge in my design studio. I went through shelves and shelves of fabric I’d accumulated over the years and what I no longer wanted, I donated. This allowed me to discern what remained asset-wise for my business. By taking away a lot of the noise of years and years of textile and materials consumption, which was a part of my business, I came to see what I now value for my collection moving forward, with a stronger vision for my future. I cleaned out files, purged outdated books and magazines, reorganized my shipping closet and many other areas of my office. As I enter a new, cleaner phase of my life, I feel I am making room for new things to happen. For years, I just did, status quo, was very busy, and it was enough.
I know many women (or rockstar men in some cases) choose to stay home for the first several years of child rearing if they can. It was important to me for a number of reasons. My Mother was a divorced, full time nurse, with late night hours, and was not always able to be around. I missed her a lot growing up, so I wanted to be there for my kids. Also, I started a family a little late to the game. At age 41, I had experienced a lot of life already and was ready for a new chapter. I had tried for over four years to get pregnant, so I felt truly blessed when my husband and I were given the gift of twins. I could not stand to be away from my kids when I first went back to work. I would cry on my way to work, and speed home at the end of the day. It was bad. I would even ask parents who came into WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME, where I worked as a Designer, if I could hold their precious babies.
Now, at 54, I am waking up to how I’ve spent the last decade as a stay at home Mom and entrepreneur. I’m proud of my husband and I, how we’ve together have raises our wonderful children to the ripe age of 13 in two weeks (!), and also of the business I’ve built. STUDIO TULLIA has made and shipped thousands of handmade goods to over 34 countries worldwide and throughout the US. I have over 500 five star reviews that attest to the quality of our work and customer service. My four person team, is a strong and a well oiled machine. I’ve been able to stay at home, work, and contribute to our financial well being. And, of course I cannot fail to mention that I have had sooooo much help from my husband, family, friends, and neighbors, in growing and surviving as a family. We have been blessed beyond words. I never really understood just how much it truly does take a village to raise a child.
I am on a path of self discovery. I am trying to put myself out there: go to events, conferences, read more, listen to all sorts of podcasts, meditate, walk, do yoga. I went to a great conference last year, in Palm Springs, called ALT SUMMIT, for creative entrepreneurs.
It was there that I had my first five days solo, in several years, surrounded by creative women and mothers of all ages. It was fantastic. It was an all accepting environment of sharing the lessons of failure and success as creative business owners. That conference taught me to be AUTHENTIC. REAL. Wild hair, wrinkles and all.
This week, I am off to San Francisco for the DESIGN INFLUENCERS CONFERENCE, which I’ve been curious about for years. Alexa Hampton, Nate Berkus, and so many other great designers and speakers will be there. I’m hoping to find inspiration as I start my path toward writing more and bolstering the designer inside myself. The struggle to stay relevant in the online world is real, people, and it’s time to up my game. But, I also want to get out of the house, be inspired, find my voice and foster my tribe.
DID I DIGRESS? I’M SORRY. BACK TO CLUTTER.
So, the MARIE KONDO thing has been sweeping the world (no pun intended) for quite awhile now and she has helped me work magic on my drawers with her amazing folding technique. I like that she honors the houses of all her clients when she first enters with a few moments of prayer.
“Does it Spark Joy?” has become universal mantra. And watching her show makes me feel better as there are many others who have clutter. Check out the trailer HERE if you are interested.
But, I was ultimately drawn to clutter clearing guru and Cherokee spiritual healer DENISE LINN.
I took her three-month online course this past Summer. She is an author, healer and practitioner of Interior Realignment. She has helped me shift how I think about both cleaning and creating positive energy and a flow in my home. To tell you the truth, before I signed up, I participated in a free mini course that she offered and had a strange experience. She was talking me through what she calls a mindful mediation/inner journey and I was focusing on an old house that had great significance in my family. I felt like I was wincing and couldn’t catch my breath. It was odd enough to make me think this woman had some real power. This house is in North Carolina and in Cherokee country which also seemed like an interesting connection. And she seems like a nice person. I was sold.
Since then, I feel that I am working toward creating a more sacred space for myself and my family. It is feeling more and more like a home and a sanctuary with each space in my house that I cleanse. I’ve learned that sometimes just clearing out a drawer or a corner of a room can give you a sense of accomplishment and calm.
LINN’s approach appealed to me for many reasons. She is incredibly knowledgeable about people and their relationships toward their homes, and their things. She has travelled and studied many different cultures, written over 15 books and she is spiritual in her approach. She goes deep with guided inner journeys as part of her clutter clearing process and she takes you through the steps toward clearing out your home, room by room. It has really helped.
It has also informed how I look at my work as a designer. I want to help others really enjoy their home, not just sell them stuff. In this era, we all need a safe, nurturing, and bright place to come home to.
In the coming months, I will share with you some of the techniques I have learned, highlights from the course, and show you how they are manifesting in my own home.
Thanks as always for following along!