The ancient art of block printing has been around for 2,000 years. As a traditional method of textile design, it’s held up surprisingly well. Block printing is essentially the transfer of an image or design (in this case, coral) to a surface (a soft, white linen-and-cotton blend fabric) from a carved material (rubber, although wood is widely used) covered in ink (ours is water-based and nontoxic).

PRINTING OUR PILLOW, STEP BY STEP
An artist starts by carving the coral design into a piece of rubber to create a stamp that can be used again and again. The stamp is then glued to a piece of plexiglass, and ink is rolled out onto the raised stamp, ensuring the pigment is applied evenly. The pillow face fabric is placed on a padded surface, and the plexiglass is then turned over and positioned onto the fabric, inked side down. Pressure is evenly applied to the back of the plexiglass. While the fabric is held down, the plexiglass is then cleanly lifted away. The fabric is hung to dry before being sewn into the finished pillow.

Our Fan Coral Pillow is a contemporary example of the time-honored technique that’s widely associated with India, China, and Japan. The beauty and fine details of the natural sea fan coral are printed by hand onto cloth to produce an original, strikingly modern design—done the old-fashioned way. Our gorgeous block-printed pillows are made close to home, in a workshop in downtown Chicago. Each print is inked by hand, so variations will occur—only adding to the natural beauty of the piece.

 


There’s a science to symmetry, and a host of reasons why we humans like it so much.  It’s a design principle that has guided artists and architects for millennia. Symmetry is what happens when the elements on both sides of an axis are the same. It’s restful. It creates balance. And balance creates harmony. Too much symmetry can feel forced or fussy, but when it’s done well, it’s both visually agreeable and subliminally soothing.

Alicia Zupan knows this instinctively, which is why she does symmetry better than most. And that’s one of the reasons Alicia, a member of the Ethan Allen design team in Oklahoma City since 2012, is our latest Design Star.

For many designers like Alicia, symmetry is a go-to tool that never disappoints. “Symmetry is found in nature through reflection, repetition, and rotation,” explains Alicia.  “and I use all three in many of my projects.” But while symmetry creates balance, it’s not the only path to harmony. “I also use asymmetrical pieces to create balance,” she says, “but they must be chosen well. It’s important they are of same scale or visual weight to create a feeling of equilibrium.”

This is how Alicia does it:

AZ: “This entry wall was large, open to the living and dining rooms, so it needed a statement that said, ‘Welcome, come have a seat!’ To create that, I used mirroring Lucca chests and aged bronze industrial mirrors on either side of the Evette settee, the focal point of the space. The repetitive use of artwork above the settee is called translational symmetry. To add interest and break up the uniformity, I added asymmetry in the form of tabletop accents and a patterned pillow.”

AZ: “This is one of my favorite bathrooms. There’s lots of symmetry here. We wanted the freestanding bathtub to be the focal point of the room. The two Quatrefoil mirrors over the matching vanities established support and structure for the focal point. Custom sheers and the Alexa chandelier created an element of romance; a small bench and Belle table deliver function and interest.”

AZ: “Two matching Rand chairs flanking the fireplace and twin Jocelyn coffee tables create powerful symmetry in this room. The Mansfield and Oxford sofas are similar in scale, so they add balance. The use of different fabrics and accents brings in asymmetrical notes.”

AZ: “The statement-making cabinets behind the Mansfield sofa anchor this space with pure symmetry. I balanced out the visual weight of the Bradford Rent table and clear glass lamp with the Emerald drum table on the other side of the sofa. The simple basket and Aubergine Plum vases are very different, but nevertheless add equilibrium.”

AZ: “Here I used ‘radial symmetry’ in the way I positioned the Chrystiane and Dayton chairs around the Cooper table, which is the central axis in the room, along with the Navesink chandelier overhead.”

AZ: “I love using pairs to create symmetry in a vignette. Here I hung a pair of pressed botanicals over the Wayfarer console and tucked a pair of Corbin ottomans underneath.”

AZ: “Two Vivica chests and matching lamps on each side of the Jensen bed create balance and serenity. The graceful Belfiore bench softens the lines of the headboard and repeats the rosette motif of the artwork above the bed.”


As carefree summer gives way to fall, the kids transition from all-day play to schoolwork squared. Suddenly you’re knee-deep in books, binders, backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils, and permission slips. One thing is sure: The house needs organizing (and quick). Looks like clearing clutter is your first assignment of the new school year. Luckily, our Ethan Allen | Disney collection has you covered! From cubbies and craft tables to desktop caddies, we offer dozens of ways to restore order to places where kids’ stuff tends to multiply—mudrooms and playrooms included.

A NO-MESS MUDROOM. We call it a fun and functional storage solution of epic proportions—and we designed it just for you. In black and white with accents of bold yellow and bright red, our Mickey Mouse Colorblocked Cubbies do more than hold jackets, hats, backpacks, gym bags, and boots. This piece cheers up an entryway in a flash.

ON THE WALL. It’s bright, fun, modular storage for the kids’ room, playroom, kitchen, hub, hall, or anywhere you need it. Our WOW organizers can be mounted directly to the wall with ease—or group a few together and stand them on a counter, desk, or table.

NEVER FELT SO GOOD. Our Fantastic Felt baskets provide the perfect storage space for pillows, blankets, toys of all sizes, clothes, books, and so much more. Clever zippered corners let these baskets fold flat for easy storage when they’re not in use; available in small, medium, or large. Add a Felt Desk Caddy (with sturdy spinning base and four spindle rods), which is designed to hold small Fantastic Felt holders.

ONE SMART DESK. There’s no getting around homework, so why not do it in style? The Animator’s Desk features three drawers and three cubbies for filing stuff, a corkboard back for pinning stuff, and a roomy hutch with a charging station. Available in Snow and Mouse Grey, we give it an A+ in both functionality and stylish good looks.


Farmhouse style has been a mainstay of interior design forever—or at least it seems that way! It’s easy to see why: It’s homey, relaxed, and authentic. Every region has its own take on it—from ranch (think Texas) and plantation (Georgia) to homestead (New England). There are style subsets, too, from traditional to Tuscan. With so many ways to crush on farmhouse style, it’s no surprise it’s branched out far beyond the countryside. Julie Goss, a designer in our Vienna, Virginia, Design Center, recently helped a downsizing couple furnish a new home in farmhouse style—in a penthouse in the heart of Washington, D.C.

We caught up with Julie, one of our Design Stars, recently and asked her to share her story.

EA: A farmhouse and a penthouse are as different as any two homes can be! How did you make the space into something it’s not?
JG: The architecture was on our side: wood floors, French doors, nice ceiling height. It was neutral enough to let us move it in the direction we wanted.

EA: What was the look your clients were going for?
JG: Traditional farmhouse with a black-and-white color palette. The wife is an avid photographer, so we needed to “hide” a home office in plain sight, which we did with two Sayville double-door cabinets that flank the fireplace, and the petite Turner desk in another corner. It’s the perfect blend of style and function, in a space where every inch mattered.

EA: What existing pieces did they want to incorporate?
JG: There was a long list: a sofa, trunk/coffee table, a drop leaf table, ladderback chairs, an art collection, and lots of antiques.

EA: What do antiques bring to the design table?
JG: I love working with antiques. They deliver an extra layer of character, texture and history. Things that are handmade bring soul and make a space special. Antiques can be integrated into any type of project. I especially love to juxtapose them with very modern or tribal pieces. Antiques wake it all up.

EA: How did you embrace farmhouse style with the new pieces?
JG: We chose styles that are relaxed and eclectic. Twin Devonshire swivel gliders in a bold check add style without overwhelming the space. The neutral rug gives the room a cozy, cohesive feel. Many of the accents feel vintage, so they blend right in. The weathered iron armillary, which was designed to impart a feeling of age, is a perfect example.

EA: The space is lovely; was there one secret to its success?
JG: The black and white color palette was the “special sauce” here. It’s timeless; it works with every style: traditional and modern, casual and formal. By keeping to a disciplined palette, we could make the space feel modern. Sometimes it’s daunting to bring in so much black, but it was needed to make the white pop. It turned out to be a very airy, open, and happy space. They love it!


This spring, designers Kate Marchesini and Andrea Pinto from our Somerville, New Jersey, Design Center participated in the area’s prestigious Mansions in May Showhouse and Gardens to benefit the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center.

The designer duo had the honor of transforming the Grand Foyer of the historic Alnwick Hall  – The Abbey mansion into an impressive statement of modern glamour.  Check out how they reimagined the entranceway of this spectacular estate—and steal some of their ideas!

Built in 1904, Alnwick Hall is an example of Tudor Gothic design. Its interior draws from several historical periods and boasts ornate quatrefoil ceilings with gold leafing and mahogany raised paneled walls. To complement this opulent space, Kate and Andrea conceptualized a dynamic, glamourous design, choosing stylized silhouettes and a high-fashion, high-contrast color scheme of black, fuschia, and gold.

As the first room in the showhouse, the Grand Foyer serves as a place for imagined guests to await reception. Kate and Andrea chose the rich and refined Ashcroft table in a mahogany finish to serve as a focal point. Then, they gave it a fashionable twist with a luxurious shag rug, a trio of Gavin bunching ottomans upholstered in a hot pink velvet, and dazzling white, gold, and glass tabletop accents. The designers also added the Brighton cabinet with interior lighting to display artifacts they envisioned to be of interest to the imagined guests of the estate.

The sinuous Selby wing chair in a dual Greek key and solid fabric treatment, paired with the Madeleine Trumeau floor mirror in antique gold, echoes the rich decorative motifs of the mansion while adding a fresh glamorous vibe.

To lighten up the heavy Gothic architecture in the space, the designers framed the archway leading to the rest of the home by adding overscaled panels of cream and gold wallpaper and white floor-to-ceiling drapery. The curvy Donatella console table in white and the vibrant abstract artwork add a modern, glossy pop to the traditional space.

 

You don’t have to have a Grand Foyer to make a grand style statement. Here three tips for making a great entrance of your own:

  • CREATE A FOCAL POINT

A focal point draws guests in the moment they arrive. A console table or cabinet with a work of art is a quintessential and powerful pairing. Give it your own twist with additional pieces that fit your space, such as accent wallpaper, a chandelier, ottomans, or chairs.

  • GO FOR “WOW”

The entryway is an opportunity to make a great first impression about your style—so don’t be afraid to be daring! Consider pieces with striking silhouettes, captivating color and finishes, and unexpected details.

  • INTRIGUE YOUR GUESTS

Take a cue from Kate and Andrea’s creative use of the Brighton cabinet and add intriguing accents that spark conversation. Just one small unique piece can have an unforgettable effect.


It’s a classic. A perpetually fresh color scheme that bridges periods and styles. The go-to color story in every clever designer’s toolbox.

Black and white is a high-contrast combination that’s potent enough to carry a room. It’s also a foundation on which virtually any palette can rely. Think black and white graced with silver or gold (got glam?); or black, white, and green (hello, farmhouse chic); or black and white with yellow and red (Ethan Allen | Disney, anyone?).

Black and white has a checkered past (the checkerboard floor pattern dates back thousands of years). It also has a solid future in our book—and a simply enchanting presence.

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen: Garden City Design Center

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Paige Elizabeth Mongar

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Natalie Lemier

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Interior Designer: Britney Whitney

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team

Ethan Allen Style Team


We’re still holding on to every bit of summer, including all things coastal. Take another look at our sea life inspired accents that can work in any room, all season long!

Sea life is a natural curiosity. It’s dimensional, otherworldly, intriguing—and it’s been inspiring artists since the first clam washed up on shore. From coral and critters to shells, starfish, and sand dollars, there’s a virtual sculpture garden under the sea. For those of us who don’t see an underwater expedition in our futures, we have the next-best thing: enchanting accents that capture the beauty of marine life.

 

Who knew that shells, starfish, and sand dollars could look so good on land? Independent artist Dawn Wolfe did: She meticulously glued them to a six-ply indigo mat to create a contemporary design she calls Shell Circle II.

Create a curated tablescape with these oddities under glass. Something of a cultural obsession in nineteenth century England, fascinating sea creatures like these were displayed by collectors, scientists, and hobbyists under glass cloches like these.

A simple shell collection is transformed into a work of art: the Mia table lamp adds texture and an instant beach house vibe to any room.

This statement piece will steal the show wherever it is displayed. The molded Gold-Plated Clam Shell captures the artistry of the real thing with its dramatic gold interior finish.

This whimsical Oedipus table lamp is crafted in a multi-step process: First, a potter throws the body of the lamp, which is then left to partially dry. Next, a second artisan creates the octopus directly on the lamp, building up the clay to give it texture, shape, and detail. Finally, two glazes are carefully applied, and the piece is fired. The result is stunning.

Staghorn coral is a favorite among underwater photographers—with good reason. We’ve captured its beauty in this meticulously detailed poly resin cast of a coral branch; it’s finished in white for a contemporary feel.