It’s becoming easier to stay right at home in the DC region to find all manner of bespoke furnishings, artwork, wallpaper, tile—and textile design. I never cease to be impressed by our local talent.
Most recently, my designer friend Marika Meyer (and Bethesda resident) has launched her own eponymous line of fabrics, and I’ve just had the pleasure of meeting Arlington resident and textile designer Kate Hougen of Mira Jean Designs.
Each has a distinctive look: Marika is inspired by the antiquities, while Kate looks to nature—and children—for her muse. Here’s a taste:
Marika’s great-great grandfather was a professor of classics and participated in archeological digs in Asia Minor—he must have passed down the antiquities bug to Marika, who is inspired by Pompeii and other lost civilizations for her patterns. Her first collection includes three grounds that can be printed in any color specification.
When we met last week, Kate was telling me how just that morning, she’d seen a bright yellow leaf, split down the middle by a deep, brown line. It’s those kinds of graphic elements she finds all around her that inspire her designs—plus the more fanciful imaginings of children. The result is a collection of fabrics that’s bright, colorful, and full of whimsy.
Kate Lluberes, owner of the Georgetown showroom Evans & Sheldon, has the good sense—and good taste—to carry both women’s lines, which are available through the trade.
If you care about homegrown design and want to see more, here is a list of some other local textile designers:
Caryn Cramer, Washington, DC
Nettle + Fin, Kensington, MD
Lauren Liess, Great Falls, VA
Radica Textiles, Baltimore, MD
Thanks for these great local resources. I will be sure to use them in client projects 🙂