Come Home to Chester!

Join us in welcoming the arrival of Autumn, &

"Come Home to Chester!"

Every September on the Friday night closest to the Autumnal Equinox, the shops + galleries in Downtown Chester keep their doors open late to celebrate the beginning of the Fall season. 

 

Pop into ELLE Design Studio to meet the ladies of ELLE, browse our latest inventory, and chat with us about our design services!

"Come Home to Chester"

Friday, September 19th

5-8pm

We hope to see you there!

ELLE Design Studio presents...

Robin Hochstrasser's

"It's Only Natural" 

We are so excited to announce the showcasing of our newest local artist's work in our studio!

A little bit about Robin and her collection: 

Shortly after moving to Connecticut from Chicago, Robin met a printmaker at the Guilford Art Fair. Intrigued by the print-making process, she immediately enrolled in a printmaking class at Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven and has been creating colorful monotypes ever since. Influenced by nature, quilt making and her travels to Europe, she creates colorful monotypes that are both beautiful and thought provoking. “I will work on a print until I find the right balance between color and texture. Sometimes it happens quickly, but it usually requires a great deal of trial and error. Monotypes are wonderful because each print is an original.” Robin has participated in City Wide Open Studios and has shown her work throughout Connecticut at venues such as Wunderlee Arts Gallery in Westville, Taste Restaurant in North Haven, West Cove Studio and Gallery in West Haven, and Christopher Martin’s Restaurant in New Haven.

Robin's collection will be on display and for sale at ELLE Design Studio from July 1st through September 26th.

Come take a look at "It's Only Natural" at our gallery opening Friday, July 11th from 6-8pm! There will be wine, art, and design...what could be better? :)

ICFF 2014

We have just returned from our yearly excursion to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in NYC, and have lots of goodies to share with you! ELLE's principal designer, Erica, has been attending this show religiously since 2007, and always leaves feeling inspired and rejuvenated. This is THE place to see new work from  independent designers, right alongside the staples of contemporary design.

Here's a round up of some of our faves...

1. APPARATUS

Their tiny installation, made a HUGE impact on everyone at the show! Not only is their lighting incredible, but the way they showcased it was breathtaking. Wall to wall (and ceiling!) covered in a stone-like wall covering. Simply stunning.

Apparatus

2. BERNHARDT
A design world giant, never ceases to amaze.

Bernhardt

3. Elodie Blanchard

Her sweet, yet well executed, embroidered pillows are screaming to be scattered about a child's bedroom. LOVE!

Elodie Blanchard Studio

4. kinder GROUND

They literally launched their company on the first day of the show... that's our kind of guts! Their modular carpet tiles can be arranged in 37 different patterns, and are able to stand up to high foot traffic areas, without sacrificing style. 

kinder GROUND Modular Carpet

5. Iacoli & McAllister

Not only furniture and lighting, but even jewelry! This company has a firm handle on their signature prismatic style... being a bunch of lighting fanatics ourselves, we couldn't get enough of their scattered lighting clusters.

Iacoli & McAllister

6. Tracy Glover

100% hand blown and made to order in her Rhode Island studio. Everything is customizable in every way you can imagine. Just look at that corner mounted wall sconce!

Tracy Glover

7. Jill Malek

A new collaboration between children's interior decorators, Sissy + Marley, and renowned artist, Jill Malek. These sophisticated wallcoverings would be at home in a Nursery, just as much as they would be in a Foyer or Breakfast Room.

Jill Malek

Stay tuned for more product reveals in the coming weeks!

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

 

  To all of our clients & customers, friends & family, neighbors, fellow merchants, colleagues, and fans of Chester for coming to our opening at 1 Main on Friday!  We could not have done it without your support.

Be sure to stop in again over the next few weeks, as we continue to fill the shop with new products and ideas!  Our old space at 14 Main will also continue to be open Friday - Sunday for your design and home accessory needs.

Wine & Design

Just waiting for the paint to dry...

See you all on Friday for wine & design.

And Bloom!

Spring is in the air, and we are GROWING!

 

Please join us as we celebrate our Grand RE-Opening at 1 Main St. in Chester

 

Friday, May 2nd from 6-8 pm

"Rock"-On, Wood!

ELLE DESIGN STUDIO

INTRODUCES

petrified wood

These pieces of Petrified wood were forest living 200 million years ago in tropical regions.  Because many of these areas lie in a highly active tectonic belt, they have experienced years of intermittent volcanic activity. With each eruption, millions of tons of volcanic ash were blown into the sky and buried the forests. Over time, through a process called permineralization, minerals fill the pores and encase the wood. As the wood is buried deeper & deeper, increasing heat and pressure causes further dehydration and converts the minerals to opal.  There is actually no wood left in the piece. What you are seeing is where minerals have replaced the wood, but in the same shape and form. “Rock”-On, Wood!

Petrified pieces start at $950.  Slab bases are fully customizable. 

Love, ELLE

NY Now Gift Show... OBsessed.

As much as we missed you all last week, we had a BLAST at the NY Now Gift Show!  We can't wait to implement our new ideas and inspirations into the studio and our work with clients. Here's a sneak peak ;-)

Visit soon to see what's new!

XOXO

Chester Winter Carnivale, February 16th 2014

 Join us Sunday, February 16th from 10-4 for the Chester Winter Carnivale!

 

We are lucky enough to have Anne O. Kubistky, author of 'What Makes You Grateful?' joining us for a book signing during the Carnivale!  This book, based on the 'Look for the Good Project,' is a compilation of artwork and postcards from people around the world sharing a "glimmer of gladness".  Anne even includes a page featuring ELLE Design Studio owner, Erica Edwards' most valued creation - her daughter Abby!  We will, of course, be OPEN and have copies of the book to purchase.

Shop Talk : Summertime Fabulous!

If you're anything like us, most of the year is spent waiting for the glorious days of endless sunshine. But beach days and backyard grilling are not the only things that this weather brings.

How about the slew of design inspirations that come along with the rising temperatures? Bright colors, airy patterns, shimmering finishes... bliss : )

To celebrate the sun at ELLE, we're thrilled to announce a bright new collection of summer furniture + accessories. Filled with fresh and timeless style, this season's additions are sure to make a statement all year long. Here's an exciting glimpse into some the pieces you'll find in Studio:

 

1940's Vintage Propeller Blades. Great for the Aviation Enthuasist. $1400

Key Table, part of ELLE's Signature Collection $800, Montague Lounge Chair $1980,

 Iron Clad Mirrors $190 and $240

Custom Maple + Steel Console Table.
Spalted Maple Slab $850, Fully Customizable Steel Bases $420.

A beautifully restored mid century modern armchair. 
Refinished, + Reupholstered in designer fabric. $600




Hope to see you soon!

xo
Erica

ELLE's Newest Addition

We're thrilled to announce...we've found her!

When ELLE set out to find its new Design Assistant, we knew exactly what we were looking for.  Design Graduate, Retail Guru, AutoCad Extraordinaire. That is, until Caroline came along. A degree in Business, years working in corporate and 2 weeks into a total career revamp. 

If she hadn't phoned 3 times and popped in to persuade us, we might have overlooked her completely. 

But when kindred spirits meet, something unique happens. And then, just like that, she was on board.

Of course we have to confess, she's exactly what we needed. A great business sense, a creative soul and an unmatched dedication to ELLE's success. 

We're looking forward to many great projects together.

Welcome Caroline!

Shop Talk : New Life for an Old Barn

At ELLE, we adore pieces with a little bit of history underneath their beautiful exterior. They add depth, personality and charm to any space. 

Lately, we have been getting a lot of interest in our newest addition: The Essex Bench, created out of a beam from a turn of the century family barn in Vermont that had been torn down recently. The barn was constructed using mostly cedar beams in the traditional Mortise + Tenon method. The family was given a couple benches for sentimental value, and the rest of the material was used to create a small collection. The barn is no longer standing, but its soul lives on at ELLE.

We are constantly updating our inventory, so be sure to stop by the Studio regularly to check out our other great new pieces; we're always full of surprises!

Essex Bench

76.5L x 17W x 16.5H

xo 

Erica

Shop Talk : Another Man's Treasure

We are thrilled to be adding a new collection to the ELLE family: Peg + Awl's curious and inventive goodies, all made from abandoned and reclaimed materials. Their products are giving a whole new meaning to up-cycled and a whole new look to repurposed.

One of our favorites is the ever so useful chalkboard tablet + stand, complete with its own piece of American history. Holding the chalk pencil is nothing less than a leather strip repurposed from an old military gun sling. 

Another great piece? Their recycled waxed canvas pouch. The kind of purchase that makes you look AND feel good.

If your looking for a stocking stuffer with a real story, stop by our Studio anytime! We'll be featuring these items + more throughout the holidays at ELLE.

Shop Talk : Gift Guide Fabulous!

We are excited to introduce ELLE's 1st Annual Holiday Gift Guide...a sneak peak into what you can expect to find this holiday season!

Visit our retail shop in the heart of downtown Chester, CT to get inspired by our unique, hand crafted, and designer items. Our fresh + timeless pieces are sure to bring a bright smile to anyone they are gifted to!

Shop Talk : Black Friday + Small Business Saturday Frenzy!

While taking advantage of all the hot deals out there this weekend, why not take some time to peruse your favorite little brick + mortar shops? ELLE is thrilled to announce that we are joining in on the shopping craze with some never before seen specials!

Shop with us this Friday and Saturday to receive *30% off all red ticket items in Studio, including our fabulous coat tree you may have been flirting with since March. Our Faux Ostrich Chair? There's never been a better time to take the plunge. And stocking stuffers? We've got you covered with beautiful, hand crafted pieces.

     

Sonokeling Wood Coat Tree - Custom Faux Ostrich Leather Chair - Modern Age Inspired Concrete Planter

all available at ELLE

Need more? We're offering 50% OFF our in home design consultations, which are tailored to suit your individual needs. To take advantage of this special offer, just schedule your appointment with is in Studio this weekend. If you've been craving fresh updates, there's never been a better time to take the first step! 

Appointments are available as early as January 2012.  Come in early to ensure availability, and get a designer start on the New Year!

Hope to see you there!

Studio Daze : The Iron Scissors Salon/Spa - PART III

Ahhh...that feeling you get when you are just about finished with something big.

You've worked hard, knocked your head up against the wall a few times and wondered how it was all going to turn out. And then, it all comes together. That's exactly how hanging our last high gloss, wonderfully dramatic, vintage mirror felt like. A big WOW moment!! 

So, the Result? Well, almost. Some big + exciting changes still to come for February, including that eye catching Resin partition. In the meantime though, we think it's looking pretty awesome.

Just to jog your memory, a quick before shot:

 

Part III - The Result


...!

 

 

And remember, there are still many exciting changes left to come! We'll be back in a couple months with lots of updates to this Salon. Stay tuned!