Design Find Archives - Page 2 of 2

Design Find | de Gournay Custom Wall Coverings

I have a confession to make. I love customization. From cabinetry to furniture to fabrics and finishes, I love designing pieces that are truly bespoke – tailored to my clients’ needs and tastes to truly personalize their homes. So whenever I stumble upon a company that is founded entirely on custom made pieces, they have my attention. Add to that a handmade process that is truly about the refinement of an art from and I’m utterly smitten.

With this confession out in the open, it should come as no surprise that I was immediately arrested when I first laid eyes upon the beauty of de Gournay‘s luxuriously high-end custom wall panels. Each wall covering is as unique as the space in which it is installed. But here’s my other confession for today: this post is an exercise in living vicariously. {Cue reminder: “luxuriously high-end custom wall panels.”} Consider today’s post an online visit to an art gallery of sorts!

These stunning wallpapers are carefully handcrafted in China, hand-painted on panels of silk, gold leaf, pearlescent glazes and paper. The process preserves refined techniques that have been passed down for generations.

The customization is so exacting that before painting even begins, an elevation sketch of the wall or space is presented to ensure that each architectural element is carefully considered. Doorways and windows are accommodated such that there are no interruptions to the beauty of the custom painted scene. Even light switches and electrical plates are taken into consideration!

These exquisite papers are now available this side of the pond at their recently opened showroom in New York City {243 E. 59th St.}. At the very least, add de Gournay to your list of “galleries” to visit on your next trip to the city!

Design Find | Armadillo Co Rugs | Australia

Today I thought I’d share a little eye candy with you in the form of some beautiful, flat-woven rugs hailing all the way from the warm shores of Australia. On first glance, you’ll see why the classic and modern patterns and highly saturated colours of Armadillo & Co‘s rugs caught my attention. But when you read their story, that’s when you’ll really fall in love.

I’m torn between the “Casablanca” burnt-red-on-cream {second from top}, the “Crosscut” red and orange and natural grey directly above and the goldenrod, grey and cream “Persia” below as my favourites.

Gorgeous, right? These pieces are all from their Designer Collection. Modern and graphic yet classic and timeless, these rugs could make just about any house feel like home.

But I promised you a good story today, didn’t I? Yes, yes. Theirs is a delightful one. Because this story {similar to that of Heavenly Organics} is a story of a business that cares for people. You see, their products are completely fair trade, and Armadillo & Co treats their artisans like extended family – with the kind of care, respect and love they would a father, mother, brother or sister. They select their artisans for both their hands and their heart, seeking out those who are both skilled and sensitive to their design aesthetic while carrying on an intricate tradition of weaving that has been passed down through many generations. Their wages are above average and integral to the health and well-being of their local community, and the lineage of handicraft they preserve in the work they do now.

They are working in meaningful ways to redeem an industry that has historically abused the people to create the product. As supporters and advocates for “Care & Fair,” they are working to ensure that child labour in the carpet production industry becomes a thing of the past by helping to finance local education and purchasing play equipment for the local school in the region of India where their rugs are woven.

{When purchasing any rug or carpet made in India, look for the ‘KALEEN’ label. Issued by the Carpet Export Promotion Council  of India, it guarantees that child labour was not used in manufacture.}

So happy to find a company that meets my “beautiful process, beautiful product” standards! So happy to be sharing them with you today.

Stay cozy and be kind to one another!

xo
s.