Friday, October 29, 2010

Focus on Designer: Jo Ann Adams of J.A. Adams Interiors

By: Andrea Schuch
Every few weeks, we like to feature a designer in the area, especially those who we see out and about with their displays at different trade events or even those who win trade related awards. This week we are featuring Jo Ann Adams of J.A. Adams Interiors in Glen Ellyn. A few weeks ago we featured Window Designs by Diane who won the Decorative Trimmings and Hardware division of the 2010 Envision Design Competition. Jo Ann won the same competition for the Wonderful Walls division.
Jo Ann had this creative idea to do with a client's 6' square room with 10'6" ceiling and an 8' doorway. The room echoed incredibly and seemed to it's users as a dim elevator shaft. Jo Ann took inspiriation from the existing French style vanity featuring the briar rose motifs from Charles Perrault's 1697 Sleeping Beauty.

Jo Ann had the murals on the wall depicting the walls of the castle painted by Kevin Hay in Villa Park. The room also featured a beautiful pleated fabric ceiling by Barb Albrecht of The Drapery Source in Lisle.

For the full write up of this design, as well as the other winners, see the May / June edition of Vision.
Congratulations to Jo Ann!

Friday, October 22, 2010

What's the Deal with Silk Prices?

By: Andrea Schuch

Silk is one of those fabrics that many designers use on a consistent basis. Its texture and look cannot be beat. Unfortunately, the price is often a deterrent. As with any fabric, the dying process can change the price of the fabric but, silk more than other fibers, tends to be on the higher end of the pricing structure. Even the base price silks start out over $30 per yard retail. Silk price can soar up in the hundreds of dollars. So what makes this fiber more expensive?

Silk fabric was first developed in China as early as 3500 BC. From the beginning, silk was a considered a luxury fabric because of its texture and luster. This silk fiber is so desired because of its triangular shape which allows for light refraction. The silk that we are all used to purchasing comes from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori. Because of the many steps of cultivation, this process can be both lengthy and tedious. After hatching, the larvae eats mulberry leaves consistently for approximately six weeks and then is ready to spin a silk cocoon. Each silkworm produces about a kilometer of silk filament. Once treated with boiling water, four to eight cocoons are harvested at once to produce a single thread. About 2500 silkworms are needed to produce one pound of raw silk which is heavier than the washed silk we are used to by about 30%.





Although the US did initially produce some silk in New Jersey during the 19th century, China still reined as the silk capital of the world and does to this day. During World War II, the US’s silk trade from China was interrupted and we began to find alternative sources, such as nylon. Silk costs are only raised due to the importing of almost all silk from China today.

Silk does provide us with great colors and textures for a room. In many cases, there is nothing that beats it!


Beacon Hill Astwood - Sienna



Sources:
http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-silk_making_how_to_make_silk.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk


Friday, October 15, 2010

New Accessories in the Showroom this Week!

By: Andrea Schuch
Just unpacked some great new accessories! Come in and see them yourself, here's a sneak peak :) There are many more, with even more on their way so be sure to stop in the showroom!
Isn't this magnifying glass spectacular? Who wouldn't want this sitting on their desk?

This plate reminds me of chocolate ribbons, or maybe the salt water taffy machines swirlling around... Yum!
How cute are these golden retreiver book ends? Right at home in any dog lover's bookshelves!

These trays are so wonderful and will go with many client's decor!

Why do I love this ceramic jug? The leather handles, of course! You don't often find a great piece of ceramic with such unique handles.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

What is going on with florals lately?

By: Andrea Schuch
Custom floral arrangements are always a hot seller here in the showroom. We have two great local designers that design items for our floor on a regular basis: Joyce Konstantinow of Blooms & Rooms in Lakemoor and Rose Pickett of Silk N Things in Deer Park. I am talking with them this week about trends, challenges and upcoming floral events for them.

CDT: What trends are you seeing in silks that are new?

B&R: Feathers are more prevalent in the fall season. But, the biggest trend is that of succulents, miniature silk garden terrariums and a more natural design style. Designs of today have less berries and fruits.
Colors trends are less “interior” colors, but more natural hues. Brick red & gold tones are still very popular as well as neutrals; linen & ivory. Burgundy & purples are two of the most difficult colors to find in quality silks.


SNT: I have identified three trends for 2010 holiday decorating. First, "Breakfast at Tiffany's". This look epitomizes classic elegance updated with todays love of "bling". For a more casual approach, "Out of Africa" combines natural textures and pattern with a touch of shimmer that adds holiday excitement. "The Night Before Christmas" incorporates traditional Christmas motifs and colors designed to help us re-live the memories of Christmas Eve.

CDT: What challenges are silk floral producers experiencing now?

B&R: With the change in economy there has been a decrease of manufactures than there was a year ago, resulting in a smaller selection of product & varieties. The biggest challenge is in foliages. Finding realistic greens is a weekly task.

CDT: What has changed in the making of silk stems?

B&R: Silk flowers have not been “silk” for at least 6 years or more. The silk flowers of today are 100% polyester with plastic calyx & stamens. The plastic stems even have life-like thorns. Like all industries every product has a cycle and there is a definite return to more poly, but not the quality of plastic flowers like the 50’s. It a new & improved poly which in many cases is extremely realistic, and bendable and flexible with a strong/thick wire within the molded stem. Hand wrapped stems are a thing of the past. Some of this has to do with the decrease in manufactures in China. The plus of today silks are more durable, hold their color longer, & are washable. The key is in how they are designed.

CDT: What is the most common type of arrangement needed? (i.e. for a dining table, door decorations, etc)

B&R: Dining room centerpieces and foyer arrangements are still the most popular & requested, but a small foliage to tuck in a bookcase or a natural looking orchid for a side table rate a close second to the dining room.

CDT: What is upcoming for your business? (seminars or classes you may be doing?)

B&R: Nov. 11, 12, 13th, Blooms & Rooms Design Studio will be hosting a 3 day Christmas Sale at our farmhouse studio/showroom location; 31074 N. Darrell Rd., McHenry (Lakemoor) IL. The hours: Thurs. & Fri 1-7 and Sat. 11-2. Open by invitation only - please visit http://www.bloomsandrooms.com/ for morer information & register to be on the invite list or call 815-759-5959 and ask for Joyce.
On Nov. 6th & 7th we will be showing at the Barrington Park District Showcase of Arts & Treasures. This Annual Christmas Show is held at the new facility; 235 Lions Dr., Barrington. Scheduled Times: 11-5 on Sat. and 10-4 on Sunday. http://www.barringtonparkdistrict.org/
We are celebrating our 4th year in designing custom silk flowers, orchids, & greens for the Chicago Design Team showroom. As of October 4th, we are expanding our services to the trade. Blooms & Rooms will have an expanded presence at Arlington Design Center. We will be showcasing our “Rustic Urban” look & a variety of floral designs at Design d’ Vision, Ridge Ave location #3 in bldg. 2. Check out our featured look and give us your feedback.
Become a friend & follow us on Facebook -, Blooms & Rooms Design Studio L.L.C. and follow us with updates & new product introduction on our Blog at Bloomsandrooms.wordpress.com

Friday, October 1, 2010

Discontinued Fabric Puppets


By: Andrea Schuch
Here in the CDT showroom, our memo room often gives away discontinued fabrics. We often hear of using them for different things but never get to see the end results. The picture to the left is a great example of our discontinued fabrics at work. Jenny Nagle (sister-in-law of Faith in the memo room) uses the discontinued fabrics and trims for her art classes at the Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College. The students were so excited to be able to use the fabrics and trims; they acted as if they had treasures. The children used the puppets in a presentation to their parents and had them tell knock-knock jokes. Jenny appreciates the fact that she was able to reuse these supplies and they aren't filling up the landfills.

Mill in Wisconsin offered solution to oil spill













If you don't receive the Home Accents Today magazine, you may want to check out their website (http://www.homeaccentstoday.com/article/530806-Monterey_Mills_offers_possible_solution_to_Gulf_oil_spill_cleanup.php). There is a mill in Wisconsin, Monterey Mills, that had come up with a possible solution to the clean up problem and was in meetings with BP to use their fabric to help with the problem. Great article! You can also watch the video on YouTube with the demo of their fabric!