Designer Perspective

ALLYSON EVERETT
Larson-Juhl Moulding Designer

I am always interpreting the world around me... Inspiration comes from everywhere!

Q - Where do you look for inspiration when designing new frame mouldings?
A - I constantly collect and archive ideas wherever I go. As a designer, I am always working and always interpreting the world around me into a frame concept. I get the most inspiration from antique stores and flea markets. If I have sketched out an idea, it really comes alive when I find a finish or pattern and reintrepret the look into a new design. If I can't take something home with me, I try to take a photograph or make a sketch.

Inspiration comes from everywhere! As a collector, I find things right at home that have become the starting point for a moulding. I have used antique iron vases, driftwood, a Moroccan bottle stopper and an African mask.

Q - What trends do you watch so your designs meet today's design needs?
A - I scour through shelter (home) magazines for emerging trends. Industry shows and Color Marketing conferences keep me in sync with the big trends, I also focus on movements in retail, art and other handmade items, as well as changes in lifestyle. I also like to collaborate with other designers. It opens my eyes to trends I may have overlooked. As a company, Larson-Juhl pays attention to trends in emerging technologies. Our partnership with our manufacturers challenges us both to look for new ways to do things.

Q - Which Larson-Juhl moulding collection is your favorite?
A - It is really hard to choose just one, but the Bolshoi collection most exemplifies my personal taste. The idea for these mouldings was born on the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia during a vacation. The crackled finish, aged leaf, and soft colors are everything I love about frames. I have Bolshoi frames in almost every room in my house.

Q - How important is custom framing to you in your home?
A - Let me put it this way...ever since my husband and I downsized into a smaller home in the city a few years ago, I have continued to purchase art and frame it. Then I put it in storage. What I frame has changed from posters and mirrors to my kid's artwork and antique memorabilia. I know one day we will move again and I will have a place for everything.

Q - Of all your framed pieces, which means the most?
A - Surprisingly, a painting of a cowboy at his campsite. Just to look at it, it does not reflect my interests or design style but without a doubt it is the most meaningful piece of art in our home.

It means so much because it was my first Christmas gift to my husband. As we got to know each other, I found out how important the cowboy culture was to him growing up.

Eventually, like many other things, the painting went in storage. When we had our son three years ago, I decorated his bedroom in my version of cowboy. He thinks the cowboy is his grandpa, which makes it even better. Every time I see it, I realize how wonderful my life is.