I studied textiles in college and really take to brands that have a global, vintage, and hand-crafted feel. To me, KUFRI encompasses all of those traits. The textiles are tactile, hand-crafted, feel vintage, but are constructed so well. So many of the patterns resonate with me because they are subtle, but detailed, and not overpowering.
I was able to work a bit with the weavers and cannot wait to grow this relationship. We will have Throws handwoven with thick, luxurious Bhutanese wool and motifs reflecting the region's heritage. Contact us for one-of-a-kind Bhutan throws.
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We love the handcrafted element of KUFRI - the texture, warmth and human aspect of a handwoven or hand printed fabric - and how beautifully they layer into an interior. KUFRI offers sophisticated, bold patterns that still feel classic and timeless. As a small, woman-owned business we also love working with Mili and seeing the incredible company she has built.
Photo Credit: Nicole Franzen
These photos are from a historic Neo Federal townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Our goal was to introduce a level of modern craft that would mirror the fine historic ornamentation and details found throughout the home while still being well suited to a modern family looking for a comfortable and casual place to live. The primary bedroom features a custom bed - we chose KUFRI Rex in Blush because we love the playful color and repeat; it's graphic without being jarring.
Photo Credit: Nicole Franzen
We used KUFRI Takamaka in Grey & Blue for the custom bed in a young boy's room. This pattern is the foundation for the decorative scheme in the room. The scale and geometric design layers beautifully with many other patterned textiles. Takamaka feels timeless and suitable for a young boy as he grows.
Requirements:
Availability: 30-40 hrs/week,
Must own reliable car,
Knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator,
Desire to gain hands-on experience in a studio environment
You must be eligible to work in the US.
This is a Paid Internship.
Summer Internship dates: May 17, 2022 - August 17, 2022.
Location: KUFRI, 1152 Mississippi Ave., Dallas 75207.
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter + resume + 2-3 references to studio@kufrilife.com.
Cut and paste... how we came up with the beautiful Shaker Plaid pattern!
Lesli, our resident weaver, weaving the very first prototypes of the collection in our studio in Dallas.
Like little woven sketches, lots and lots of woven prototypes pinned on our studio board.
Some of the fabrics called for hand-spun yarn, spun especially for this collection, making it ever more special!
Nothing's more beautiful that seeing the fabric come to life on the loom...
Shiga Brick in Coral seen here.
1. Tell us about your background, how you got to Commune and your role at the studio.
My first job was actually in fashion. I worked for a denim company in L.A. managing their cut and sew production. From textile development and pattern drafting down to the cutting, sewing, and finishing.
From there, I joined an industrial design studio producing lighting and furniture, again in L.A. I really got to cut my teeth with 3D modeling and engineering while working with the principal to bring ideas from concept to market. I was deep in the weeds there… I still have dreams about things being off by a thousandth of an inch.
I’ve been at Commune for just over 3 years now. I run product development for the studio and it might be the best job in the world. In any given week I could be working on a new rug collection on a Monday, a new lighting collection on a Wednesday, and running a photoshoot for our shop on a Friday. We have an incredible team and there’s a welcome amount of overlap in which I get to assist with interiors, collaborate with graphics, and provide support to the principals, Roman and Steven.
2. You'll do some incredible collaborations... how would you define a Commune collaboration and what is the guiding philosophy behind the collabs?
We’re very fortunate to be working with some of the best makers around. I think the guiding philosophy is really to design and develop products that we would use ourselves and that we can’t find in the marketplace. On top of that, it’s all about making it, whatever it may be, good. That means good materials, good processes, and good people involved.
3. How do you'll decide what products/categories to do? how are these ideas born? who initiates it etc.?
Our weekly product development meeting is kind of a sacred time for me. We talk about new artisans that have reached out or artisans that we should reach out to, potential new developments, refinements to existing developments, or a specific problem a project is presenting that we need to develop a solution for.
Almost everything we do, though, comes down to craft and some projects require a different scale of craft than any one of our artisans can handle on their own. For these, it has always made sense to find the right partner who has the infrastructure needed such as lighting with Remains, rugs with Christopher Farr, or woven textiles with Kufri.
4. Tell us about the Utopia textiles collection... what made you collaborate with KUFRI? How did that come about?
Well, it really started with an email from Kufri asking if we wanted to work together in some capacity. I’m not sure if either one of us knew we would be launching such an extensive collection of textiles not long after but I’m glad it worked out that way. One of the craziest footnotes to this collaboration is that it actually took place, basically from concept to release, over the course of this pandemic with much of it under lockdown.
5. What was that process like? How did your respective creative processes complement one another?
So much of what made this possible and so successful was the Kufri team and workshop in Dallas. Being able to freely ideate and have samples woven in real time was pretty mind blowing from our side of things. I think both Commune and Kufri have this underlying and possibly western sense of exploration and I think we really pushed one another to bring our best to the table. We would push on weave or yarn one week and Kufri would push us on color or scale the following. It was such a perfect give and take.
6. The Utopia collection has incredible colors and textures... how did you'll arrive at those?
I mean, color and texture… that’s everything. What’s fun about this is that I spent some pretty formative years in Texas, right outside of Houston. As we began to explore color and texture we immediately went to our natural environment here in California (The Channel Islands, coastal redwoods, Lake Tahoe) and it was easy for me to include those Texas touches (the giant blue skies, the roughness of the west Texas desert, those spontaneous thunderstorms). For us, it’s so important for these things to feel natural and authentic; we never look at, you know, the Pantone color of the year or anything like that.
7. Tell us a bit about the online Commune shop... are these a source of products in your own projects or are they meant to be a source for other designers, or retail public? Who is the audience?
All of the above, really. The shop provides the opportunity to both begin and continue dialogues with artisans we admire and it’s such a privilege to have this platform built into the studio. Everything is developed with our projects and clients in mind but we work with both the trade and the public which is just as important to us.
8. Do you have a favorite textile in the Utopia collection? And what's your favorite part in the process?
That’s such a tough question. I’m really drawn to the heavier textures like our Shiga Brick or Malmo Check. Talk about a tactile experience… Playing with different yarns to create those textures was also a favorite part of the process; being introduced to floats and the possibilities they presented was a real highlight for me. On the other hand, our Shaker Plaid is perfection.
9. What constitutes a successful collaboration in your eyes?
Timelessness. In some way we are always trying to transcend style and period. We are already using these textiles throughout many of our projects and have received a lot of great feedback so far. I think we just have to wait and see how they feel in a year, five years, ten years from now.
10. Any advice or tips for a designer or a manufacturer who has never done a collaboration before but is looking to do one...
I think for any collaboration it’s important for the work to achieve something that truly requires and benefits from all parties involved. But, just like the Kufri team did, reach out. Start a dialogue. Be communicative. Be curious. Be open. Be kind.
Love the collection? Grab your swatch kit here!
The Role:
This is a unique position with a focus on the brand’s creative/marketing along with day-to-day operations and general studio management. This is ideally suited to someone who is a self-starter and likes variety in their workday.
As Creative Marketing Associate, you will inspire our clients through beautiful visuals and storytelling. You will lead and execute our online and offline marketing efforts to create greater brand awareness and reach. As such, you will play a critical role in maintaining a beautiful and inspiring brand and showroom experience.
As Operations Associate, you will be responsible for day-to-day operations including invoicing, purchase orders and client communication. You will ensure shipping and the studio as a whole, is running smoothly and at its best.
Marketing Responsibilities:
Operations Responsibilities:
Requirements:
How to Apply:
Email the following to studio@kufrilife.com —
Cover letter
stating why you're a good fit for this position,
Creative Portfolio
,
Resume
I just finished a book titled "If you meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill him" by Sheldon Kopp and felt compelled to share this list. Kopp (now deceased) was an American psychotherapist; the book is rich and deep, so I enjoyed it in small bites, but always wanting to go back to it at night. Enjoy!
An Eschatological Laundry List by Sheldon Kopp
Taken from “If you Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him"
2. There are no hidden meanings.
3. You can’t get there from here, and besides there is no place to go.
4. We are already dying, and we’ll be dead a long time.
5. Nothing lasts!
6. There is no way of getting all you want.
7. You can’t have anything unless you let go of it.
8. You only get to keep what you give away.
9. There is no particular reason why you lost out on some things.
10. The world is not necessarily just. Being good often does not pay off and there’s no compensation for misfortune.
11. You have the responsibility to do your best nonetheless.
12. It’s a random universe to which we bring meaning.
13. You really don’t control anything.
14. You can’t make anyone love you.
15. No one is any stronger or any weaker than anyone else.
16. Everyone is, in his own way, vulnerable.
17. There are no great men.
18. If you have a hero, look again; you have diminished yourself in some way.
19. Everyone lies, cheats, pretends. (yes, you too, and most certainly myself.)
20. All evil is potentially vitality in need of transformation.
21. All of you is worth something if you will only own it.
22. Progress is an illusion.
23. Evil can be displaced but never eradicated, as all solutions breed new problems.
24. Yet it is necessary to keep struggling toward solution.
25. Childhood is a nightmare.
26. But it is so very hard to be an on-your-own, take-care-of-yourself-cause-there-is-no-one-else-to-do-it-for-you grown-up.
27. Each of us is ultimately alone.
28. The most important things each man must do for himself.
29. Love is not enough, but it sure helps.
30. We have only ourselves, and one another. That may not be much, but that’s all there is.
31. How strange, that so often, it all seems worth it.
32. We must live within the ambiguity of partial freedom, partial power, and partial knowledge.
33. All important decisions must be made on the basis of insufficient data.
34. Yet we are responsible for everything we do.
35. No excuses will be accepted.
36. You can run, but you can’t hide.
37. It is most important to run out of scapegoats.
38. We must learn the power of living with our helplessness.
39. The only victory lies is in surrender to oneself.
40. All of the significant battles are waged within the self.
41. You are free to do whatever you like. You need only face the consequences.
42. What do you know for sure…anyway?
43. Learn to forgive yourself, again and again and again and agai
~ Roman shades in Rustic Solids/Olive ~
~ Roman shades in Ikigai/Rust ~
~ Chair in Karuso/Night ~
~ Roman shades in Ikigai/Rust ~
~ Roman shades in Ziggy/Gold ~
]]>Come meet us in person and shop our pillows, candles, and ceramics, which are ever-changing, housed in our 18th century English cabinet. And get a sneak peek into our studio too (where we design/develop, have looms and stock yardage).
Need assistance scheming? We are happy to help you make selections. We stock memos (and yardage!) in our studio.
Want something custom for that special client? Sift through our heaps of experimental weaves... the possibilities are endless.
Oh and incase you're wondering what that blush color is, it's Likeable Sand by Sherwin Williams ;)
{photo credit: Alexandra Hulsey}
]]>Can you spot all our new products in this scene?
Twix Benches, Funky Pillows, Bolsters, Jacobs vase, Custom Lamp and Dresses.
My love for KUFRI runs deep. Mili's fabrics are so versatile and individually unique that I feel I can use them repeatedly without the fabrics feeling old or tired. All the KUFRI textiles nail that organic-earthy feel that I love bringing into my design work and are perfect for layering with one another. The scale of the patterns combined with curated colorways make them my go-to's for upholstery, drapery and pillows. Thank God Mili is in Texas too! The Showroom is beautiful and has become a favorite place to pop by when I'm up in my home town of Dallas.
Juicy textures. Sublime earthy tones. Wabi-sabi.
Cotton, Hemp, Jute... three natural, sustainable, versatile and durable fibers compile our Winter's Journey collection. This collection is meant to ground you, and as always, deliver beautiful imperfectly perfect vibes.
From Hiroki/Dusty Mauve to Rustic Solids/Olive, Winter's Journey favors enduring timeless style and a sustainable lifestyle over passing trends.
Come walk with us on this Winter's Journey.
C O T T O N / Hiroki
Classic and bold, our Hiroki is designed with versatility in mind. Hiroki is inspired by the natural grid and order of traditional Japanese tatami flooring. The name originates from Japanese meaning big, great brightness or big, great tree. It is also home to a remote village in Japan and to us, this is what the fabric collection reveals. A quaint and old-world connection to nature, who is, still our favorite designer.
A take on the classic stripe, and a little sibling of sorts to our Cusco Stripe, this textile pairs effortlessly with any interior.
H E M P / Rustic Solids
A more textured, wabi-sabi rendition of our Raw Solids, the Rustic Solids collection embraces the striation of color in the natural hemp yarn. This movement and slubby texture adds a raw, refined, and earthly character to any space.
J U T E / Ikigai
Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that refers to having a meaningful direction or purpose in life. The relaxed weave and slubby, juicy textures of this jute & cotton blend speaks to our connection with others and with nature. Sustainably made, biodegradable, and beautifully crafted, our hearts are at ease.
Need memos? Email hello@kufrilife.com
]]>We are big fans of Holly Hickey Moore Interior Design. Holly is a dear friend and an amazing designer. Speaking to our cravings for an artful home, Holly's projects evoke emotion, depth, and authenticity that come directly from the client's (YOUR) life. We asked Holly why she loved KUFRI products and to tell us about a recent project here in Dallas as part of our series 'Interior Designer Crush' - read all posts here!
Photo credits: Matthew Niemann and Amanda Lynn Photography
I love KUFRI because they are local, but more because I know Mili. I know her story, the story of her textiles, where they come from and how they are made. The KUFRI brand has a lot of depth and soul as a product and everything about it. - Holly Hickey Moore
The homeowners bought their original 1970s ranch style home in Dallas a few years ago. They did an extensive renovation but felt stuck with interiors and furnishings. As a busy family, they really wanted to help to get it done, but done well. That's where HHM came in.
The now Wine Room was just an empty white box... the homeowners envisioned a cozy space where they could display their wine collection and enjoy a bottle with guests.
We incorporated KUFRI's Muse/grasscloth wallpaper as it was a new design never been used before and was the backdrop that created interest but didn't overwhelm. The homeowners love supporting local makers too, so it was a win-win.
We also chose KUFRI's Roar and Karuso pillows for their organic patterns, as well as one-of-a-kind textile art piece for the wall. It's so unique because it's the drop cloth from Mili's screen printing experiments.
]]>Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a textiles studio?
We find our escape on the edge of the Design District in Dallas, TX. The joys of having a studio-based practice for a business are many... goal-setting, collaboration, celebrating small (and big) victories. Here's a little behind the scenes of our day-to-day...what we do to bring you beautiful, natural, and sustainable textiles. Enjoy!
Our colorbook and yarn swatches give grounds to the design process. Beginning with a color palette shapes a new design line.
We are big time admirers of Ore Studios because of the warm, informed, and functional spaces they create. For this studio, the most beautiful rooms are the ones that work effortlessly for the people inhabiting them. We couldn't agree more. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy! This is part of a series 'Interior Designer Crush' - read all posts here.
Principal of Ore Studios, Andy Beers; photo by Julie Harmsen
Tell us about your design practice and philosophy... what makes it different from any other design studio?
We're very influenced by both buildings and people- we're always happiest when both the house and the client are well served by the work we do. We get to know our clients really well, listen to their preferences, and then overlay that with an understanding of which design and decoration details are the strongest fit with different types of architecture. We find that work approached through this lens tends to be the longest lasting.
Announcing two new lines with the most gorgeous Grasscloth Wallpapers!
Stocked in the US at crazy good prices. These wallpapers are ready to ship and truly top-notch.
Handmade Wallcoverings out of the Hill Country of Austin, Texas, ABA Interiors is a family own business that focuses on quality, sustainability, and individuality. It's grasscloths are what dreams are made of.
At KUFRI, we love the grace and tradition of Japanese art and that is ingrained in the Tokiwa vinyl wallpaper line. It features different traditional and unique Japanese materials in a large variety.
Natural fibers, sustainably made
Sustainability encompasses more than just producing using eco-friendly processes...it also means applying ethical business practices, where workers are treated with dignity, and paid fair wages. Our fabrics also pay attention to the "closed loop system" meaning everything springs to life, gets used then put back into the gets put back into the earth and can bio-degrade within 2-6 months.
Imperfectly perfect textures
The irregularities and nuances found in handwoven textiles is what makes them unique and beautiful. The perfectly imperfect adds lots of character and texture making each handwoven fabric truly a work of art.
Stocked, ready to ship
We all love a stocked item. With our handwoven textiles, all fabrics are stocked in our Dallas, Texas showroom and ready to ship! This accessibility helps us promote a conscious, beautiful life at home, without the lead time. And, did you know? Most of our fabrics can be Stain, Flame, or Outdoor treated!
Impact-creating
Handloom weaving began as early as the 10th century. And even now, all you need is a wooden loom (what a beauty in itself) that takes no electricity! It is a completely manual process and a craft that is passed down generations. Our textiles help artisans continue doing what they know and love, allowing them to sustain their families and villages. There is a strong cultural and economic impact that is created by using our textiles. Now that's something any client would want to support!
Handwoven textiles are made with history, heritage, and heart. They are slow textiles and what we love to call Impact textiles...their impact is felt on an entire village. Imagine that :)
]]>Trends come and go so as summer comes to a close, the age-old question “Can I wear White after Labor Day?” comes up.
At KUFRI we’re OK with bending those rules, or making our own. And being enthusiasts of all things textile, we delve into the question… where did this fashion “rule” even come from?
KUFRI Carmel/Cream fabric on upholstered bed by Sarah Hamlin-Hastings
When the first Monday of September became a federal holiday in 1894 the holiday began to signify the end of summer and vacations, and with that, the emittance of white apparel. The white hot “look of leisure” moves out as the rain clouds and changing seasons move in.
Luckily, in interiors, we love white no matter the season, and let's not forget, Coco Chanel, who famously wore white year round, as proof.
Many designers are unsure about treating fabrics... which fibers can be treated? Will the colors run? How to clean it after? We have answers!
Diane Percy, Director of Customer Relations at SBI Finishing, gives us the down-low on stain, flame and outdoor...
Tell us about your design practice and philosophy...
In my designs I always rely heavily on textiles to create a warm and comfortable space that has intentional moments of interest.
How have you used KUFRI in some of your recent projects?
I did a Tudor home in Long Island and used two KUFRI fabrics. First up we used Cusco Stripe in Terracotta for an ottoman. This room is where the family spends the bulk of their time relaxing and I knew this was the perfect pick. We had a terracotta border on the rug and grey fabric wallpaper, so this was a great choice to tie it all together. It ended up being one of my favorite pieces in the entire project. In the room off of this, is the formal living room that had a window seat. I needed something neutral but with some interest and we chose Karuso in Natural. The client didn’t hesitate on these choices for one minute.
I also did a kitchen in Brooklyn. This client loved color and while the bulk of the materials are black, cream and blue we wanted something different for the small window at the end of the room. Dharma in Peace was the perfect choice. While it’s a departure from the dominating palette, sometimes it's good to throw something completely different into the mix. And off of that kitchen is a staircase. Since we weren't renovating that area, we opted for a new light to help reinvigorate the space. Using a Urban Electric fixture, I was able to customize a fabric shade and opted for Takamaka in Grey&Blue and it was a hit! (refer to first pic on top).
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My mother is an avid quilter, and through her I have learned about the importance of a finished (or unfinished quilt). Some quilts are decorative, indicating the pleasures and joys of a simple pass-time. Some are strong political and historical statements seen through the eyes of the artist. Some have short lives while others get passed down as heirlooms, and many like these hang in museums as pieces of history. I hope you enjoy these amazing pieces..
A story teller and feminist activist, Faith Ringgold's narrative quilts center around civil rights, politics and African American life in the United States. Ringgold has received more than 75 awards, fellowships and citations as well as 17 honorary doctorates and honors.
From the American Folk Art Museum:
This is one of several freedom quilts that Jessie Telfair made as a response to losing her job after she attempted to register to vote. It evokes the civil rights era through the powerful invocation of one word, “freedom,” formed from bold block letters along a horizontal axis. Mimicking the stripes of the American flag, it is unclear whether the use of red, white, and blue is ironic or patriotic, or both.
Known as the mother of African-American quilting, Harriet Powers was born into slavery in Georgia. At the urging of her husband, Powers sold the Biblical quilt for just five dollars. It now hangs in the Smithsonian in Boston.
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Tell us about your design practice and philosophy... what makes it different from any other design studio?
I started Kristen Fegale Interiors because I felt my aesthetic was different from most designers in Dallas. It is influenced by an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, spaces that feel connected to the earth and are pleasing to live in. I enjoy soothing, calming palettes that lend to a peaceful retreat. I also love small details that make furnishings/textiles unique and I think this is a common theme among the rooms we design.