Let it rain!

When Mother Nature-Minneapolis presents a soggy city... design with the rain in mind! Containing clutter and maintaining organization is the first step to a beautiful interior. Perch a perfectly appointed umbrella stand in your vestibule and fill it with a bundle of matching (or coordinating) umbrellas of the same size and stature.

Here are a few of my favorites currently available online:

$300.00 http://www.mcachicagostore.org/ From the Chicago Museum of Modern Art, inspired by bamboo objects created by Brazilian artists.

$175.00 www.horchow.com Beautiful toile for the traditional home.

$99.80 http://www.venucci.com/ A fabulous faux birch forest printed on porcelain.
$120.00 http://www.unicahome.com/ Modern, sleek and perfectly polished in chrome.

$389.00 http://www.artc-acrylic.com/ Great juxtaposition with a classic Grecian pillar screen printed on acrylic.
$248.00 http://www.gumps.com/ A clever umbrella-umbrella stand.


$49.95 http://www.zgallerie.com/ My personal fav! A pair of crispy white wellies house your favorite umbrella beautifully.

$160.00 http://www.unicahome.com/ Interesting and sculptural created with a natural sponge in mind.
$140.00 http://www.burkedecor.com/ Contemporary yet kitchy.

Stay dry and be well! As always your questions and comments are welcome.

Best,

Brooke Voss

www.brookevossdesign.com

Discover the suzani....

The suzani, from the Persian word suzan meaning needle, is a truly amazing textile. This handwoven heirloom is an interesting ethnic rival to the Midwest quilt. Bold, vibrant colors are created by hand dying yarns from the fruits of the land. Think red from pomegranate skins, warm browns from walnuts and deep blue from indigo. These intense colored strands have been hand stitched into intricate patterns dating as far back as the 18th century from behind the former Iron Wall. A significant amount of these pieces come from Central Asia including the country of Uzbekistan.

A suzani as a throw blanket adds color and interest.

An antique suzani, typically done on a neutral ground of silk or cotton, withstands the test of time.

Beauufully blended. A French bergere upholstered with a suzani.

A suzani crafted into a bedroom bolster.

Typical hues in a suzani:

Pillow perfect. A more modern suzani features a medallion motif on a bright yellow ground.


A heirloom which withstands the test of time.

Wondering where to get the best buy on a suzani?

Of course... Ebay...