Francoise Murphy / greenstreetblog.blogspot.com
In the same way that I comb seed catalogs late in our Wisconsin winter, at the end of summer I begin to look around my house with an eye to sprucing up the décor. Some years it might be a new piece of furniture for the living room that's needed, or something as simple as a new color for the bedroom walls. At other times, nothing less than a complete do-over will work. And though the catalogues are convenient and the advertising of big-box home stores is painfully prevalent, there is no need to settle, or to sacrifice your buy-local ethics. Here are a few Madison originals you might not normally think your home decorating needs.
Window treatments can make all the difference in giving rooms color, texture and that finished look that says "I'm a grown-up now." Properly designed, they can also be significant energy savers, entirely worth the investment. Creative Energy Designs offers exactly the custom window treatments you need, including their own "window warmers," a framed window covering that beats the competition for energy efficiency and simplicity of design. There are a variety of design options for not only window warmers, but also Roman and quilted shades, with thousands of gorgeous fabrics to choose from in the Williamson Street storefront. Locally owned and operated by Carla Mason for 31 years, Creative Energy Designs does all the custom sewing on the premises.
Iconi offers unique home furnishings, either newly manufactured or "reclaimed" from Iconi's consignment store, which is now open next door to the original showroom on West Washington Avenue. The Iconi look, from upholstered furniture to wood pieces, lighting, rugs and home accessories, is clean and contemporary with a mid-century retro vibe. Iconi is just the place to find that distinct single piece -- a retro bureau or table lamp, perhaps -- or outfit an entire room from furniture to rugs and down to the last perfect detail. Combining the old with the new is a nice twist on creating a look that is entirely your own. Founder Coni Marotz offers full interior design services, should you like that.
Likewise at Vault, a complete range of furniture and home accessories is available with full design services. The Vault ethos is more loft chic, employing darker colors and sleek contemporary furniture to create a look that is cozy without going slouchy or overly feminine. Again, the details can make all the difference. Visit the Atwood Avenue store to check out spectacular industrial-style light fixtures and unique original artwork. Table linens, a line of stoneware, and other home accessories also make this a great place to find a special wedding or housewarming gift.
Stevens Design has long been my favorite spot for quality classic furniture, most notably by Stickley, an American company that has been designing and building collectible furniture since 1900. Stickley upholstered furniture is almost as beautiful and timeless as its famous wood pieces, but the price of such beauty can be high for some of us. Which is why Stevens Design is now offering the Parker Southern line of furniture, designed for smaller-scale city living. The price points make this line affordable for a greater variety of customers without sacrificing beauty or comfort. I particularly like their comfy yet contemporary padded headboards for a sweet bedroom fix.
For those ready to splurge on a single room-altering item, it might be worth a visit to the Fitchburg showroom just to check out the William Morris rugs with their rich colors and iconic Arts and Crafts designs that can work equally well in traditional or contemporary environments, and are priced more affordably than Persian or Indian rugs.
As for kitchens and bathrooms, Eco-Friendly Flooring makes use of sustainable and reclaimed products to create fresh looks that can range from funky to sophisticated, but are always unlike anything you'll find in the traditional showrooms. Founder and CEO Melissa Clements has earned the bragging rights to "tile is our forte," with hundreds of choices of recycled glass, metal, clay and cement tiles. Sustainable cork and bamboo floors come in a variety of shades and textures that can work in any room, and linoleum has made a comeback for flooring in colors that are surprisingly vibrant.
And sometimes a coat of paint can offer a whole new lease on life for very little cost. The folks at McGovern & Sons offer a wealth of experience and advice along with Benjamin Moore Paints (consistently recommended by Consumer Reports). I started my paint-buying habit with McGovern & Sons when I became a homeowner back in the '70s -- it was in a tiny space on Monroe Street back then -- and their staff has kept me from more than one painting disaster with excellent advice on prep, products and techniques. Its current home on Odana Road is much larger and more like a modern showroom, but the advice remains straightforward and down-home.
Resources
Creative Energy Designs
1406 Williamson St., 608-256-7696
Vault Interiors & Design
2000 Atwood Ave., 608-535-9556
Eco-Friendly Flooring
931 E. Main St. Suite 4, 608-441-3265