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Here are some of our favorite home decor items at Dana Gibson, based on our trip to Ireland.
"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.
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.
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.
