Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Marimekko Madness

By Alicia of Chroma Lab

Like everyone with a small business, we at Chroma Lab run a lot of errands to get supplies, and some destinations are more fun than others (hint: the hardware store). Our favorite errand by far is to pick up upholstery fabric at the Marimekko store. Marimekko, as I am sure many of you know, is a Finnish purveyor of high quality, colorful, and modern textiles that was founded in 1951. Their designs are iconic and never go out of style. The fabric we used on our Flower Power Chair, Unikko, was designed in 1964 and is still going strong:

Those of us in the Boston area are lucky, since the Marimekko store in Cambridge (350 Huron Ave.) is one of only three in the country. Last week Tony and I jumped at the chance to meet one of our custom clients there so we could help her pick out some fabric for a set of chairs we're restoring for her.

The Marimekko concept store stocks a whole range of products by the company, from textiles and housewares to clothing and accessories. Here is Tony sneaking in a look for some things to use in our own house:

One of the best features of the store is the wide selection of fabrics that are available to purchase on the spot. You can also special order any style of fabric from the Marimekko line, and it will be sent from Finland in about three weeks. Doesn't all this color just make you smile?

If you're picking up some fabric for a project you have planned, but still want some instant gratification (and it's hard not to want some instant gratification here), there are housewares ready made and available in the store, like pillows, linens, towels, placemats and napkins, and dishware for the kitchen.

The staff of the Cambridge store is extremely knowledgable about the company's designs and products and they are always ready to help. If you need some advice on combining patterns and colors, ask for Eliana, a seamstress who has a background in fashion design.

If you haven't been, I suggest you go take a look. And if you're interested in having Chroma Lab help you with a furniture project and like what Marimekko has to offer, you know we'll meet you there with pleasure!

5 comments :

  1. This store is around the corner from my house - the dog knows to sit and wait patiently while I admire the window every morning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful fabric, wish you were close to me :O)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You have me analyzing all my furniture! My bar stools really need help!

    ReplyDelete
  4. i had NOOOO idea that store was in cambridge... i think i know where my next field trip will take me...

    ReplyDelete
  5. great post! makes me want to take a trip and see the store for myself!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...