January 05, 2023
Pheww and they are off! I spent the morning checking and double-checking new products for Atlanta's trade show which starts next week! I'm ashamed to say I tend to leave things to the last minute, especially when they involve decision-making. Introducing new products can be stressful as fashions change and it's always, in the end, a calculated guessing game. Thankfully in the world of home decor the changes are not as swift as in apparel. New colors creep in and out of fashion and products once very popular, are not so popular anymore.
One example of this is my favorite shade of orange, persimmon, and it is finally making a comeback. For half a dozen years, no one touched it. Color is just one thing that changes in the home decor market. The rise of totes and travel bags was steady and quick for a while there but seems to have cooled off. What am I bringing to market this year? As Spring is getting closer, there will be plenty of colors (which is expected for me as I’m not a fan of drab and unremarkable interiors). I'll be introducing a new Jacobean-type design on jars and pillows called Jabo. See below.
Medium Ginger Jar, Fleck in Green by Dana Gibson
Dana Gibson Medium Ginger Jar in Chintz
Dana Gibson Green Bedford Ginger Jar, Small
This design nods to classical motifs but it is presented on up-to-the-minute decor like jars and throw pillows. Multi-colored accents like these are just what is needed to add that spark of joy.
My Tulip in the Blue pattern will make a repeat debut as this design is "made" for Spring decor.
If tulips are the mascots of Spring, mushrooms in pretty colors may also remind you of my very favorite season. These colorful mushrooms add a jolt of color and pattern.
The Gem Palace Lamp, which makes a nod to colorful cut stones, is a wonderful graphic to mix in with any florals or busy patterns.
The Gem Palace Lamp will come in four colors-- for every room-- including a neutral.
Finally, my new King and Queen of Poppies art prints for Grand Image will be arriving soon. These stunning portraits hang side by side with other colorful new art for Grand Image. New Art is showing at Codarus in Dallas as well as Atlanta. For those of you attending the market, the Atlanta show starts Tuesday, Jan 10th, and continues through to the following Monday. Hope I see you!
December 08, 2022
November 22, 2022
October 21, 2022
October 04, 2022
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September 20, 2022
Here are some of our favorite home decor items at Dana Gibson, based on our trip to Ireland.
August 16, 2022
"Seconds" quality is a term used to describe products that have small flaws and defects that are cosmetic only. Many times, the defect is barely noticeable and only a discerning eye would recognize the flaw. We inaugurated a Year Round Sample sale during Covid since people who normally visited our outlet shop couldn't. Items are generally 20-40% off retail. We would never send out an item that was truly defective or in terrible shape. We have some that fall into this category here at the outlet and customers are welcome to take them home if they want. We only ship out the best quality 2Q so everyone stays happy.
Our product is made out of sheet metal and cast aluminum. The most common flaws are minor dents which can be seen only at one angle and when the light hits it just so. Another issue may be one side of a cachepot or jar has a scratch we can't fix. Once the item lives in your home, you won't notice the flaw that makes it both unique and affordable.
As well as featuring 2Q category products in our Year Round Sample Sale, we have some items that are either discontinued or one of a kinds. All of the furniture is professionally upholstered and refurbished antiques.
August 16, 2022
I've always had a great affinity for objects. In my early twenties, I discovered hole in the wall flea markets and pop up antique shows and still cherish some of the treasures I snagged. Below, the two painted bowls and a brown transfer ware dish add some character to a bathroom shelf with bold wallpaper.
As long as I can remember I have been on the hunt for home decor. Do you remember the interior of Barbara Eden's genie bottle? Home to me should feel like that-- a sumptuous den dressed in colorful silks and golden threads. And what better way to dress your own house than collecting beautiful objects that bedazzle the eye.
Once when the budget was tight-which was the norm in my 20s- I dragged a busted up sign to hang on the wall for decor. It resembled "Art" Id seen at the Chrysler museum in North Carolina . Later I learned the term LALA or Looks A lot Like Art. While the pedigree may not be there, the visual satisfaction of hanging something that speaks to you on the wall is a move in the right direction. If you like it, its a treasure and you didn't have to break the bank.
After several years I decided to make my own Objects des Arts. I experimented in ceramics and grew that into a bustling business importing tole ware and creating fabrics. Above you can see a whimsical folk art sculpture mingling with our Modern Art Bowl still in production. Found objects like these add life to the simple white room. So whether browsing for antiques or scoping out new products in boutique stores, if its truly meant for you , you will circle back, like I did. and make that purchase. The beautiful Stallion platter by John Robshaw below was a reach but it is art I still adore.
August 16, 2022
Whoever came up with the accent wall? It's definitely cheaper and I'm certainly guilty of an accent wall or two myself. Think of large lobbies and a solid orange wall behind the front desk. Or a hunting scene marking the spot where "Check In" happens. Accent walls are directional for sure but the rest of the room looks forgotten. This trend I think is dying. The beauty of enrobing an entire room in a wallpaper or single color is so much more gratifying. The room is finished- a fait accompli.
No one does wallpapering an entire room better than Cathy Kincaid. I drool when I see her rooms. Everything about them is inviting. The decor draws you in. I don't think Cathy Kincaid would be caught dead with only one wall papered.
In a year or so I plan to offer a new collection of coordinating wallpapers and prints. Its great to find a wallpaper you love but can you put your fingers on a coordinating fabric? When I worked with Stroheim I learned a thing or two about what makes a collection of fabric and wall covering successful. Did you know small prints are some of the hardest patterns to find in the market place? There are tons of statement prints-- designs that span 27" --plus florals and stripes but small prints that are multi directional are few and far between.
Recently faced with the dilemma of finding a particular small print that would suit the fresh, summer cottage look I was after, I decided to create one myself. This design is called Orchard and comes in Green and Blue below. This simple design of lilting sprigs was just what we were looking for to slip cover a pair of barrel chairs.
It would also be a soothing wall covering in the spirit of Laura Ashley. The success of that brand has a lot to do with color and small prints and nodding to a simpler way of life.
So when "Creating a Room", it's smart to think of how all the parts will relate. My advice is to dive in. Don't dip your toe. And covering all four walls with a print or color is the best way to start.
August 12, 2022
August 10, 2022
July 28, 2022