CasaSugar

Steal of the Day: Dwell Studio Border Throw Pillow

CasaSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:30:53 -0800

This Dwell Studio Border Throw Pillow ($19.99) is not only bold, minimalist, and classic, but a steal as well! Available in several colors (light blue, red, gray), and made of cotton twill with velvet piping, it's a perfect accent for the sofa, chair, or bed in your home that needs a little perk. Its design is fairly traditional, but its simple stripes would fit a contemporary interior equally well. If you know of any dudes that need some help in the décor department, this is the ideal, masculine touch.

Casa Interview: Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio (Part 2)

CasaSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:30:18 -0700

Yesterday, I introduced you to Christiane Lemieux, the founder and creative director of one of my all-time favorite textile companies, DwellStudio, in the first half of my interview. Dwell Home Furnishings, her original company, was founded in 1999, and later joined by partner and vice president of sales Jennifer Chused and Joshua Young, who is president, CEO, and also Christiane's husband. The company is well known for its vibrant, well-designed textiles. Recently, DwellStudio partnered with Target to offer a less expensive line of textiles. Recently, Christiane took the time to answer some of my questions about her company, her new line for Target, and her inspirations.To see the second half of my interview with Christiane, as well as to find out how you can ask Christiane your own question just read more.

CasaSugar: What do you find most exciting about working with Target?

Christiane Lemieux: The most exciting thing about working with Target is the opportunity to bring my designs to such a large audience. I am so thrilled to be able to offer great designs at great value. Working with Target, I’ve also been able to explore designing new product categories like nursery furniture.

CasaSugar: What trends do you foresee for bedding and textiles?
Christiane Lemieux: I think that interior textiles and fashion are getting more seamless. They are influencing each other much more directly. I think there is going to be lots of color in the near future. Big bold color. That is the biggest trend in fashion now.

CasaSugar: What should readers look for when choosing bedding?
Christiane Lemieux: The most important thing to look for is the fabrication - more than the thread count! I think thread count is so overrated. The feel of the bedding is in the quality of the yarn not the thread count. I think you have to know if you are a crisp person, a soft person, a slippery person, or a fuzzy person. I think bedding is very personal. Some people like sateens that are soft and a little slippery. Cotton percale is crisp and cool. Flannel is fuzzy and warm and gets really soft when you wash it. Linen is great because it’s cool and has a great texture but you have to love the iron. It’s best to start there and then add in your design direction. That way you will still be happy when you are in bed with the lights off and the design of your bedding ceases to matter.

CasaSugar: What’s coming up for DwellStudio and DwellStudio for Target? Anything exciting on the horizon?
Christiane Lemieux: There are exciting things on the horizon for the DwellStudio for Target collection but you'll have to go to the store and see! It would not be exciting if I told you!!

Thanks for visiting with us, Christiane! If you have a question you need answered about textiles, bedding, or bedroom design, just leave a comment below. Five readers will have their questions answered by Christiane in the near future.

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Ask Casa: Paint Colors to Match My DwellStudio Bedding

CasaSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:00:48 -0700

Dear Casa,
I just purchased the Target DwellStudio Regency Bedding ($44.99-$49.99). Now I want to repaint my bedroom to celebrate. The bedding is blue, gray, and hints of brown. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Maebyfunke

To hear my suggestions for Maebyfunke, read more.

Hi Maebyfunke,
What a steal! Such a great pattern. You know how I love DwellStudio! I can see why you'd want to "celebrate" with a new paint color. Luckily, the tones in this bedding are really versatile.

I've played around with a few different hues, and I think a soft color would be best. My favorites would be a cool, blueish green or a warm, pale yellow. But you could get a little funkier with a pastel orange or mauve. If you want to go with a dark, masculine color, I think something along the lines of emerald, chocolate, or charcoal would be best. But, I'd recommend painting them in a glossy finish, to give them extra oomph.

Be sure to share photos with our Su Casa group once you've painted!
Cheers,
Casa

Nice and New: DwellStudio Petal Plus Bath Mat

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:30:56 -0700

It's hard not to love DwellStudio, especially considering all of designer Christiane Lemieux's talent and design expertise. I've long been a fan of the textile company's bedding designs, but unfortunately I'm not in the market for new bed linens. So, I'm delighted to see that DwellStudio has made its foray into la salle de bain. The DwellStudio Petal Plus Bath Mat ($67) is good, clean fun. Its pared-down "petals" are in essence colorful, iconic, First Aid symbols, which couldn't be more appropriate for the bathroom. The 100 percent cotton mat is also super plush and double-sided, making it a cinch to throw in the washing machine. You like?

Before and After: Maebyfunke's Darling DwellStudio Bedroom

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:00:44 -0700

Two weeks ago, Maebyfunke asked me for advice on painting her bedroom to match her new DwellStudio Regency Bedding. I advised her to try a soft color, such as a cool, blueish green or a warm, pale yellow.

Well, Maebyfunke made quick work of repainting her bedroom. Here's how her bedroom looked before she started painting. Curious as to see what color she ended up with? Find out when you read more.

Maebyfunke explains, "I ended up going with a pale grayish blue (this is after I tried a pale mauve which turned out bright lavender up on the wall...think girl's nursery lavender - not what I was going for). The shade is called Yarmouth Blue from Benjamin Moore. I think it really makes the inside of the design on the bedding pop."

Regarding the rest of the room, Maebyfunke writes, "I got the headboard from a rummage sale for $12. It's a room divider/screen with removable picture frames. I removed the picture frames that slipped into each square hole and spray painted everything silver. Then I decided to put the frames up on the wall instead of back in the screen. I had two lamps from ikea that I just mounted to the headboard - instant reading lamps."

I love the Yarmouth Blue, and the screen looks very cool as a headboard. Nice work, Maebyfunke!

Casa Interview: Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio (Part 1)

CasaSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:00:48 -0700

Christiane Lemieux is the founder and creative director of one of my all-time favorite textile companies, DwellStudio. Dwell Home Furnishings, her original company, was founded in 1999, and later joined by partner and vice president of sales Jennifer Chused and Joshua Young, who is president, CEO, and also Christiane's husband. The company is well-known for its vibrant, well designed textiles. Recently, DwellStudio partnered with Target to offer a less expensive line of textiles. Recently, Christiane took the time to answer some of my questions about her company, her new line for Target, and her inspirations.To see my interview with Christiane, as well as to find out how you can ask Christiane your own question just read more.

CasaSugar What are your inspirations for your designs?

Christiane Lemieux I look for inspiration everywhere – buildings, billboards, store fronts and people on the street. Living is New York is inspiring because I am constantly bombarded with design, color and culture. This definitely translates into my designs. I am also a hunter – I love to comb flea markets, antique stores, and art galleries for inspiration. When you look to the past you can find really interesting color combinations.

CasaSugar How did you first get interested in designing bedding?
Christiane Lemieux I worked for a home furnishings company as a designer so I was looking at homes and how we live. Bedding and textiles are the blank canvases in a home. It’s on these surfaces that you can add color, pattern and texture. This really interests me because this is where you can add the drama in a home in a way that can be changed. It’s the fashion in a home.

CasaSugar Has becoming a mom influenced your designs?
Christiane Lemieux Absolutely! I know so much more about how kids interact with their environments and how they affect them. The décor of your child’s room has a huge impact. They are taking in this environment on a daily basis. I am so proud of our product because not only do I like the designs but the colors and icons have given me a jumping point for a daily dialog with my daughter (my son is only 5 months so our dialog is mostly laughing). She has learned all her colors and shapes and the animal icons in her room are the starting point for stories every day. I think the great thing about good design is that it changes the way we see things and this is especially true with children.

CasaSugar What’s it like working with your husband?
Christiane Lemieux Interesting, challenging, and rewarding in ways I would never have guessed. It is challenging because work gets mixed up in your personal life. As much as we try – it does come home with us. I also have more time with my husband than I would ever have bargained for so carving out some time for me is important. I think it’s interesting because it is stressful but I really respect my husband in new ways that I probably would not if I did not work with him. I know how competent, intelligent and hardworking he is. That makes me respect him beyond the traditional boundaries of a marriage because I experience it first hand. All in all I think it’s made our marriage better but I think the key with being in business with your spouse is that you have very different skill sets. I think it’s hard when both people are creative or both people want to run the finances. When you have your own space and a well defined role I think husband and wife teams can work very well together.

For the rest of the interview, tune in tomorrow! And if you have a question you need answered about textiles, bedding, or bedroom design, just leave a comment below. Five readers will have their questions answered by Christiane in the near future.

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This Just In: Updates on DwellStudio For Target

CasaSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 05:20:37 -0800

Last week, I told you about the new DwellStudio line for Target. I just received a few more sneak-peek images of some of the products that will be available in the new line, and I must say, I'm even more excited to check it out now.

For a peek at some of the products, just read more.

The extensive collection will consist of more than 500 home and baby items including everything from nursery furniture to tabletop textiles. The baby collection launches in late January with gorgeous, modern furniture - a new area entirely for Dwell (check in with LilSugar on Monday for some sneak peeks of the baby line). The home collection includes mix-and-match items that incorporate a modern aesthetic with whimsical, vintage touches. My favorite part about this is that because the line will be sold at Target, everything is both chic and affordable.

View 6 Photos ›

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Love It or Hate It? DwellStudio Transportation Bedding

CasaSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00:28 -0700

While this DwellStudio Transportation Bedding ($183) is meant for a boy's bed, I think it would serve a bachelor pad admirably as well.

This Just In: DwellStudio Featured at Target

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:00:51 -0800

If you're like me, you love DwellStudio, but aren't so in love with the prices. Well, rest assured, friends, now even cheapskates like me can splurge on the sophisticated prints. Come February, you can find their bold colors and fabulous patterns at Target, including this Christiane Lemieux pillow ($19.99). I'd say that's something to shout about.

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Inspired: Time For Tweed

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:24 -0700

I passed by the Knoll store this morning and saw a Saarinen Executive Chair upholstered in a rich, wintry tweed sitting in the window. Then, I got my computer up and running and saw this smart J. Crew Wool Tweed Oona Coat ($550). Then it dawned on me: it's Fall. I'm not really one to redecorate with the seasons, but I do like the idea of introducing this textured, graphic material into my home. The DwellStudio Painted Tweed Blush Throw Pillow ($106) is a start; it offers the pattern of tweed without the heavy material. See a few more tweed and tweed-inspired items when you read more.

Ashfield Neutral Accent Rugs - $49.99	Joe Chair - $149.00
Park Avenue Settee - $3,999.00	XO - 'couture' chair by philippe starck for xo - $440.00
Carter Sectional, Sofa, & Chair by Gus Modern - $1,050.00	"Whitney" Tweed Headboard - $1,759.00
Rattan Dining Table & Gray Tweed Seats - $1,099.00	Blissliving Home Callum Bolster - $50.00
Tweed Drop-Front Shoe Box - $17.99	Painted Tweed Pillow - Cobalt - $150.00
Adrianna - $74.99	Bedford Hunt Suede-Trim Sham - $129.99
Adriana Tweed Sham - $119.99