Journal

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.

How have you used KUFRI in some of your recent projects? 
We have used KUFRI in multiple projects. One was a large remodel for a wonderful young family in Seattle. We used KUFRI's Sanjana Stripe in Grey draperies and Tribal in Black lumbar pillows. We wanted something interesting for the draperies that would read as texture once they were tailored, and would be a pattern they can grow with. Sanjana Stripe broadens the visual impact of the black window sashes, is sophisticated enough for an adult, but has an organic sense of play that is well suited to a kids room.

 

For the guest bedroom, we used Sur along with Carmel in Licorice for custom pillows. We felt so lucky to find Sur, as it allowed us to bring together all of the neutrals in the room while adding scale and texture. And I love including Carmel wherever we can- the heavy slub and diagonal weave are so beautiful on tailored goods.

Drumroll please...

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.

When should you specify handloom woven fabrics? We've broken it down to a few key points...

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...