Tuesday, February 28, 2017

In the Press! New Feature in Arlington Magazine

The other day I was in the check out line at Whole Foods, browsing the latest issue of Arlington Magazine ... and lo and behold, there was a feature on yours truly, Mira Jean Designs Pinch me!

Our feature article(!) in the latest Arlington Magazine HOMES issue

I was interviewed back in November by the talented writer and editor Adrienne Wichard-Edds, whom I have admired for some time for her great scouting and sourcing of all things artisan and local. (After all, it was Adrienne who profiled one of my favorite boutiques, covet; and Arlington's best home made play dough for kids, Happy Dough Lucky).

Am beyond thrilled to be in this latest issue -- and an issue all about one of my favorite things, no less: Homes!

Thank you, Adrienne & Arlington Magazine!

xo, Kate

p.s. Yes, that's a peek at our new Tunisia design colorway in yellow, getting ready to ship as part of a custom pillow order for a client in the midwest ... more on that and our custom colorways, coming soon!)


Monday, February 6, 2017

Showroom & Entrepreneur Spotlight: Jackie Cox at Tapis Decor

Last summer I was thrilled to meet Jacqueline Cox, Tapis Decor showroom owner at the Design Center in Minneapolis, designer Ashley Lundgren and the entire Tapis Decor team. I first reached out to Tapis Decor virtually -- I was looking for a showroom partner in the Midwest, came across their company and loved the lines they carried. I asked if they would consider adding Mira Jean Designs textiles to their mix. After a trip to Minneapolis and the opportunity to share our fabrics in person, a partnership began. 

I am honored to collaborate with Tapis Decor and be represented by this team. Recently I asked the owner, Jacqueline, to share her thoughts on the showroom, trends in interior design and advice for fellow women entrepreneurs. Read the full interview, below.

If you are ever in the Twin Cities and looking for some interior design inspiration, be sure to visit Tapis Decor, located at the Design Center in Minneapolis' International Market Square. It won't disappoint!

xo, Kate

Interview with Jackie Cox, Owner, Tapis Decor Showroom in Minneapolis


When did you first open your doors? I purchased the company in 2008 and continued as a floorcovering store until 2012. It was then that I opened a second home furnishings store and rebranded as Tapis Decor.


For those new to your showroom, how would you describe it? A fresh inspiration to transitional furnishings. It's light, airy and incorporates both highly functional and usable pieces with curious and found accents.


The view when you walk through the showroom doors. Photos courtesy of Ashley Lundgren @tapisdecormn.


What can visitors expect when they walk in to Tapis Decor? Share with us a brief description of Tapis Decor and the lines you carry. We are selective about the lines we carry. We make sure you're getting a product that not only looks good but is well made. Tapis Decor features artists not just products. We love to carry boutique lines that are made with an artistic vision and we actively seek them out.


Another view of the showroom floor with its mix of original art, fine furnishings and beautiful accent pieces. 


What sets Tapis Decor apart from the other showrooms at International Market Square? Our selection and our staff! We've been told over and over that we have a beautiful showroom and great service.


What do you love most about owning a showroom and managing the business? I love seeing the people who come in and enjoy the space and selection. I also love watching it grow as a company and become a more prominent contributor to our local industry.


Another vignette from the showroom floor. Such a wonderful mix of deep indigo blues, lighter natural textures, comfy artisan pillows ... and that chandelier! 

Our textile display panels at Tapis Decor, alongside Victoria Larson and other artisan designers. 


A wonderful mix of natural textures and woods at Tapis Decor, punctuated with pops of color.

Is there a special project that is particularly memorable and that you enjoyed working on? If so, what was it and what set it apart? The projects I remember most are those in which we're a part of the process from start to finish. We're part of the project, not just the source of the product.


For fellow women entrepreneurs and business owners, what advice would you offer? Be true to you, that's how you produce your best product and result.


What suggestions might you have for someone designing or refreshing an interior space? Always incorporate something that reflects your personality and something that makes you smile.


What is one of the biggest trends happening now in interiors; via textiles, furniture, rugs and/or lighting? Color! It's back! Yeah! We're seeing less of the completely neutral spaces and more use of rich color.


Pick a color! Visitors can browse a Mira Jean Designs sample ring on display at Tapis Decor.

What do you love most about your job? Watching my vision come to life as a finished product. ###