A Personal Look at the Designers of Rosenberry Rooms

I am so excited to be featuring an interview with Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio today, one of the most talented and creative designers I have encountered.  DwellStudio designs are fresh, vibrant, contemporary and a whole lot of fun!  DwellStudio offers bedding, décor and gifts for children and adults.  At Rosenberry Rooms, we focus on the baby and children’s collections and love that each design and motif has so many incredible coordinating accessories.  From rugs to storage, meal time to play time, diaper bags and gear, DwellStudio has it all.  I hope you enjoy learning more about Christiane as a designer as she shares her influences and inspirations, tips and favorite things!  Don’t forget to shop the DwellStudio line at RosenberryRooms.com.

Enjoy!

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the DwellStudio style philosophy?

The DwellStudio style philosophy is simple  – gorgeous modern, hip, useful and functional product – we constantly try and push modern design forward, we never follow trends we want to create them. We also want to create product for parents that is useful and makes their lives easier and more stylish.  Since we are parents ourselves – we put a lot of thought into everything we design.

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?

I always wanted to be a designer…I actually went to school for fashion design and soon fell in love the home world.  My first job in home was for a great New York Home company called Portico.  I put my fashion sense to work in home.  I soon realized that my love for modern design could be interpreted into surface design and I left my job to start the company.

Why did you choose to design baby & children’s products?

At the time we were doing modern home textiles – no one was doing baby so we just shrunk down our prints and started baby.  Since then we have expanded the line considerably and put our new found knowledge as parents to play in the product design.  I have to say it’s much more fun when you are designing with your child in mind.

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?

I love the interaction with all the amazing people who work here.  I spent a lot of time alone in an office with my dog in the early years of DwellStudio…having great people around to collaborate with and mentor makes the whole thing – product, design and office culture better.

Do you have any advice for other working moms?

I could write volumes here – this is something I think about a lot.  My latest conclusion is – give yourself a break – nobody can do it all…really.  Be kind to yourself too.  We women are great at being hard on ourselves but not great at looking at all the things we accomplish.

If you had to pick a favorite design from your collection, what would it be?

That is easy….Chocolate Dots in baby and Chinnoserie in home.  We did chocolate and birds before anyone and they both have become part of what we are known for.

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?

We have so many – look for great things in the spring and fall – expanded organic offerings, new board books, great decorative accessories – all for the design driven parent.

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food – I love Indian food so much.  The complex flavors, the spice – everything.
Favorite TV Show – Right now I am obsessed with Mad Men – I came to it late but can’t get enough of the costumes, art direction and meticulous attention to detail.
Favorite Movie -That is impossible to answer – I love the movies – anything from The Single Man, which I saw this week to Grey Garden’s which informs my design.
Favorite Weekend Activity -sleeping (if I can get an extra hour with little kids…it’s heaven) and hanging out and cooking with my little guys.
Favorite Band -again its impossible for me to pin point – I am going through a Bob Dylan revival because of all the 60’s era movies and TV that I have been watching.

Jennifer Delonge is a real visionary when it comes to design, and inspired by this vision she has funneled her creative energy into designing phenomenal furniture pieces for both children and adults.  Her background in interior design led to furniture design, first for children and then for adults.  The Jennifer Delonge line encompasses fresh, modern and edgy designs that are equally practical and universally appealing.   Each piece is notable, distinctive and chic, and yet blends effortlessly into any room in the home as each is designed with comfort, practicality and family in mind.  What I adore about the Jennifer Delonge line, aside from the obvious: cool colors, rich textures, stylish designs and modern feel, is its true originality.  Jennifer doesn’t follow trends, but instead leads the way, and where she goes others follow.  Fusing modern and vintage, classic and contemporary, fashion and function in a way that only Jennifer can, has made the Jennifer Delonge furniture line a renowned household name.  Jennifer Delonge is a favorite among celebrity parents (Gwen Stefani, Courtney Cox Arquette, Gwyneth Paltrow) and has been featured in countless magazines such as Elle Decor, In Style and People.

The Jennifer Delonge product line is always expanding and evolving.  It all began with the Ava Toddler Chair, which is still a customer favorite.  (I have two of the brown microsuede Ava toddler chairs, and my kids LOVE them.)  Since the inception of her company, Jennifer has introduced so many innovative products.  The Ava Chair is now available in “child” size, and there is now a coordinating Ava Sofa!   The Grace Table and Stools are available in an array of delicious colors, and are to die for.  The Charles Storage is available in Walnut and Birch and is the perfect way to hide your children’s toys in your family room, since it blends so well with “adult” decor.  Available in the same vibrant palette as the Grace collection, the Book Bound is a fun and dynamic way to store and display books on the wall.   The wing back Parker Chair is my personal favorite.  I love the clean and classic look and it comes in basic black or white making it versatile enough to coordinate with almost anything!  The Jennifer Delonge Adult collection features four sleek and modern glider designs, the Classic Rock Glider, Luxe Glider, City Glider, and Glam Glider, all available in a myriad of colors and fabrics.

And now for the good stuff….  This month we are giving away a Cotton Ava Toddler Chair and Ottoman in Moss to one of our lucky readers.  Click here to find out how to enter.

I hope you enjoy reading our exclusive interview with Jennifer Delonge below.  And, of course, don’t forget to shop the entire Jennifer Delonge Collection at RosenberryRooms.com.

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the Jennifer Delonge style philosophy?

Family Chic. We believe in creating environments that feed a family’s creativity, time together and making functional, fun spaces that every member of the family can use.

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?

Designing is in my veins! It’s what keeps me up at night! I have always had an artistic ability even at an early age. From school projects to homemade Halloween costumes that most peers didn’t quite understand! An emphasis in interiors was a natural progression from wanting to create beautiful spaces that my clients or myself could enjoy. With a degree in design and practical experience running my design firm, product design was a natural next step and one arena where I believe I truly found my calling. And designing for a family is one of true love because I live it every day!

Why did you choose to design children’s products?

Two children and unattractive products on the market made it easy to want to infuse fashion-driven trends and modern, accessible products into the retail world.

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?

The perfect synergy between doing creative work and seeing a gap in the market for those items!  I call myself a functional designer, while I design beautiful things I also want them to work. And the combination of the two makes for a rewarding day at the office.  And the part that really makes me smile is when we get photos of a customer sitting in their first Ava or sitting at a Grace table.

Do you have any advice for other working moms?

Day by day. Live in the moment, and learn to delegate! You cannot do it all and do it well.  My number one priority in my life is to spend time with my children and my company knows this. At work we ebb and flow with responsibilities so we can run a tight ship and get everything done. And, be efficient when you are at work or you will regret the time not spent with your little ones.

If you had to pick a favorite design from your collection, what would it be?

Top secret ones I can’t reveal yet!  But my classic all-time favorite will always be the Ava. Every time someone sees it after years of business, it gets a moment of “look how cool”.

What sets Jennifer Delonge apart from other children’s furniture designers?

We are the only family design company.

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?

Oh, so many exciting things going on behind the scenes! We will debut new products strategically throughout 2010 and we have an amazing project in the works we cannot quite reveal…..but very soon.

It is a pleasure to introduce you all to Kelly Douglas of Itzy Ritzy.  Creative, innovative, talented and stylish, Kelly has it all, and these qualities really shine through in her extensive product line. She starts with cool, must have products, then she adds flair and style with great prints and textures. Kelly tops it off with meticulous design, to bring you a fantastic product line worthy of any style loving mom!

From shopping cart & high chair covers, peek-a-boo pods, nursing covers and reversible car seat covers, she has a mom’s needs covered. Add to this the fact that each item is chic and sophisticated yet totally fun and functional, and you have a winning combination. Itzy Ritzy is not only hugely popular among our customers, but among celebrities as well. Celebrity parents such as Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Rebecca Romijn, Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman have all chosen Itzy Ritzy for their babies!

I hope you enjoy reading my interview with Kelly Douglas, designer and owner of Itzy Ritzy. And don’t forget to shop the fabulous Itzy Ritzy line at RosenberryRooms.com!

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the Itzy Ritzy style philosophy?
Itzy Ritzy uses modern sophistication with high function, luxury, and fun to create chic products that parents and children adore.

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?
My husband and I wanted to do something entrepreneurial together. Prior to starting Itzy Ritzy, I worked in corporate America at Accenture, ran nursing homes, and worked on feature films in New York City. After the birth of our second baby girl, both my husband and I were ready to take the plunge and risk of becoming entrepreneurs. We spent eight months researching companies to buy and we bought a little baby company out of California with two products, relocated it to Chicago, re-branded it to Itzy Ritzy and have grown the business to include over 10 products that are found in 700 national and international retailers.

Why did you choose to design products for parents and children?
I love business and being a parent, so I choose Itzy Ritzy to create chic products that help busy moms and dads (like us!). They say “go with what you know” and we know fashion and babies! My two young girls are constantly inspiring me.

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?
The most rewarding part for me is seeing an idea from conception through completion.  It is fun to have access to and responsibility for all aspects of running a business from product design and development, marketing, advertising, customer service, trade shows, management, and overall brand strategy and vision.
Also, I love the flexibility that owning your own business allows. I am my own boss which allows me flexibility – for instance, I have the freedom without having to “ask permission from my boss” to leave work in the middle of the day to attend my daughter’s princess camp performance. The major challenge, however, is allowing myself to have down time and not feel like I should be working on the business 24/7.

Do you have any advice for other working moms?
1. Stop making yourself feel guilty. A happy mom is a good mom. This means different things for different women: working full-time, working part-time, or being a full-time stay at home mom. Don’t compare yourself to your friends and neighbors; instead, do what is best for you and your family.
2. One of my best friends once told me that it is harder for the kids to have you at home working yet not there for them. It’s confusing for them, as they see you and want to have your full attention, yet you are distracted by the computer and the calls. So, if possible, I advise getting out of the house on your own for some time each week to work. There are many ways to do this: while the kids are at school or at an activity bring your lap top and sit at a local coffee shop, hire a part-time sitter for a few hours each week, or as necessary hire a full-time sitter if it works with your budget and ideology.
3. Network, network, network!  There are so many great women out there doing this too.
4. Start a focus group. I started an Itzy Ritzy focus group with my other mom friends. They reflect our core demographic and since those of them that aren’t working now had careers prior to having children, they love contributing in a business-like setting (business-like, yet while sipping on wine).
5. Hire good people that share your work ethic and value integrity above everything else.
6. Go for it!

If you had to pick a favorite design from your collection, what would it be?
Currently my favorite Itzy Ritzy products are the Snack Happened™ Snack Bags and the Wet Happened?™ Wet Bags. These bags are ridiculously versatile and fun. I use the FDA approved snack bags for all of my girls’ goodies from grapes, crackers and sandwiches to ballet shoes, crayons and hair accessories. They are the perfect go-to bag to replace disposable baggies. In terms of fabric, Central Park West and Avocado Damask are my favorite prints available now. However, I’m ecstatic about the 8 new fabrics that we’re launching this summer. They are fresh, modern, preppy, unique, and 100% exclusive to Itzy Ritzy – I especially love the upcoming “Little Miss Zig Zag”! Check back soon to scoop up these looks at Rosenberry Rooms!

What sets Itzy Ritzy apart from other designers?
We are always current, we set the trends instead of following them, we constantly introduce new functional products (stroller liners launch this summer) and we work really really hard to provide great gear with remarkable customer service.

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?
Itzy Ritzy believes in partnerships! This summer we are launching eight new 100% custom Itzy Ritzy Fabrics. We partnered with Stacy of www.NameYourDesign.com to create four of these amazing new looks! Simply put, the new prints ROCK! Also, we are launching a stroller liner that will begin shipping in June and have some other top-secret hot products up our sleeve!

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food
Chocolate, veggies, bread (unfortunately), sushi & discovering new restaurants!

Favorite TV Show
Project Runway and CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°. Also, my husband and I love to watch Psych & The Soup together.

Favorite Weekend Activity
Cooking breakfast with the family over music, followed by a walk or bike ride, exploring local events, and then having friends over for dinner while the kids run around and play.

Favorite Stress Reliever?
I love “low-brow” celebrity gossip! I compare my love of celebrity gossip and trivia to men’s knowledge of useless baseball trivia. I know it’s trivial and unimportant, but it is also fun and a great break from stress.

Connect with Itzy Ritzy via Social Networking:
http://twitter.com/itzyritzy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Itzy-Ritzy/18774899028
http://itzyritzy.blogspot.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kellymeyerdouglas

Thanks for being an Itzy Ritzy Fan!!

I think it is safe to say that Ju-Ju-Be should be described as a phenomenon more so than a diaper bag line.  Ju-Ju-Be has the most incredible following of devoted parents around the world that rivals that of most Hollywood celebrities.  Moms and dads don’t just love Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags, they are addicted to them.  This is of course, for good reason!  Ju-Ju-Be offers some of the most sought after diaper bag designs on the market.  In addition to their unique prints, fantastic features and unmatched quality, Ju-Ju-Be has covered all of the bases with their various design and size options.  Within the Ju-Ju-Be line you will find what you are looking for, big or small, from messenger diaper bags (BeAll & BeTween) to backpack diaper bags (Packa-Be & Be-Right-Back), Tote Bags (BeSpicy & WannaBe) and dad bags (JJB messenger or Packa-Be).

I remember the first time I saw a Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag, and the amazing owner and designer Joe Croft was showing me the great details that make Ju-Ju-Be different.  Among these are the coolest features that I have ever seen in a diaper bag line.   Most Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags feature a waterproof exterior that is Teflon treated to protect it from stains and spills (you can squirt mustard on it and wipe it clean without leaving a trace, it’s true!), as well as a waterproof interior with an agION anti-microbial treatment (because us moms aren’t big fans of germs).  But wait, there’s more!  Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags boast Thinsulate insulated bottle pockets to keep things cold or hot!  Other details like strong metal hardware and smart magnetic closure (instead of the ever annoying loud Velcro – phew you won’t wake the baby when you open your diaper bag!), and every pocket you could ever dream of needing in your baby bag are the icing on the cake.  Last, but certainly not least, most Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags feature a removable changing pad with memory foam and anti-micorbial treatment allowing for the ultimate comfort for diaper changes on the go.

Shop the entire line of Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags at RosenberryRooms.com or stop by our store in Raleigh, North Carolina to find one that is right for you (or two, or three … remember, they are addictive).   I hope you enjoy reading my interview with Joe Croft (owner/designer of Ju-Ju-Be).  I am always fascinated to learn about creative business owners, and I loved learning more about Joe through our interview.  Joe is not only interesting, inspiring, (really) smart and witty, but as you will see, very funny.

Susie Fougeorusse

How would you define the Ju-Ju-Be style philosophy?

“Bursting from the seams!!!”  We do everything full throttle with passion, zest, and a vivacious boldness that leaves subtlety in the dust.  Sorry for anyone that’s a middle-of-the-roader.  You’re going to have to get some guts to jump on our design wagon.  I guess we do some things that are toned down in color, but not toned down in features and in smart design.  We just can’t help ourselves.  It’s too much fun to put all the good stuff in there.  It’s definitely no fun to do things that are mediocre.

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?

I knew I wanted to become a designer from when I was a kid.  I always broke things and took them apart to see how they worked.  Then I always loved drawing and making up new things on paper that no one thought of before.  In kindergarten I drew a bunch of circles on a piece of paper…when my teacher asked what it was I told her “A bunch of people in Mexico wearing sombreros and I’m looking at them from an airplane.”  Pretty good for a kid that had never been to Mexico and never been on an airplane.  I was probably just angling for a good grade, so you can count in the fact that I had half a design brain and half a marketing brain!  I did go to Stanford and got a Product Design degree.  So that set me on a pretty sure course.  There were only 12 in my graduating class…(it’s a small program) since there aren’t too many people that have half a design brain, half a marking brain, and half a business brain.  The business part is the one that is sometime fun, but mostly not that much fun.  I love the numbers part of it, but hate the problem resolution part of it.  There are always problems.  And you always have to come up with solutions that are a compromise.  And that part gets tiring.  But it’s rewarding, and I’ve always chosen the things that are the most rewarding (and the most work) instead of choosing the easy route.

Why did you choose to design diaper bags?

Long story.  Basically, a friend of a friend was pretty high up at BabyStyle and we were going to do a private label project for them.  Long story short, they told us where the opportunity was in the market and we capitalized on a segment that no one was addressing.  So….it was more an opportunity that we jumped on rather than a conscious choice.  I have had 4 kids and did the diaper thing for 10 years straight.  I’m just now emerging out of diapers (Halleleujah!!!), but I feel that I’ve got some good experience!!

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?

New stuff, new friends, new bags, new art.  I love newness.  Our Pink Room is an amazing place and it’s rewarding to me to see all the people that have become friends not only with us, but with each other.  It’s a community of people that has grown so much larger than just a diaper bag company, and I love it.  I love to see the Pink Ladies helping each other out with their problems, sharing tips and advice for mothering, recipies for cooking, encouraging each other to exercise and stay healthy…all of it.  It’s great.  Plus, I love new product.  mostly because of the reaction that I get when I show it to our brand fanatics.  They go crazy.  That’s rewarding.

If you had to pick a favorite design from your collection, what would it be?

I love the Be Light… It’s amazingly versatile, it’s the lightest diaper bag on the market (6.4 ozs).  It’s the only one that I know of that is reversible.  It’s got about 18 ways to tie the strap….and I’m amazed at how much it holds.

What sets Ju-Ju-Be apart from other diaper bag designers?

Attitude, style, smarts, and attitude.  We do have features that no one else has.  That’s the smarts.  We have a lot of bold and bright colors…that’s the style.  And then there’s attitude.  Read through our website or catalog and you’ll have a smile on your face.  It’s like sitting down with your most friendly and talkative and spunky and energetic and flighty/flirty and awesomest best friend.  But she’s got a lot of brains, too!!  That’s the attitude that carry’s us through.

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?

Sure.  Be Prepared for what Might Be the best bag yet!  Spring line coming in Feb/March and it’ll be totally fabulous!!

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food

I’m an equal opportunity eater.  I haven’t met a meal I didn’t like!  Favorite?  Depends on the mood.  I can love a green fruit/spinach smoothie in the morning if I’m in the mood, or I can love a massive slice of NY Pizza.  Mint brownies are a personal favorite for dessert.

Favorite TV Show

Arrested Development.  30 Rock (extra Chuckle).  The Office.

Favorite Movie

Princess Bride is the runner up, but the all time prize winner goes to Jack Black in School of Rock.  He’s sooooooo committed and the humor is way to funny.  Whoever wrote that is a genious.  If Jack Black ad-libbed a bunch of it, I wouldn’t be surprised….he’s a genious.  Dodgeball is a close runner up too….”if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball”.  Fourth runner up is probably Elf or Taledega Nights.

Favorite Weekend Activity

Surf, snorkel, soccer, ski.  All with the kids, of course.

Favorite Band

Too many to list.  Goo Goo Dolls, Shaggy,  Dave Matthews, Paul Simon, Ligabue (a smoky Italian Rock band that kills it), U2(duh), Greenday, Vivaldi, Johan Sebastian Bach (not really rock, but inspirational in the passionate sensory overload with an underlying dominant order)

I am so excited to introduce you to Jenny Brabham, the lead designer of the beloved Jubilee Collection!  There is so much to love about the Jubilee Collection, it is almost difficult to narrow it down and put into words.  As one of the most prevalent children’s lighting companies in the United States, offering the best assortment of gorgeous, ultra-stylish, high quality lighting, the Jubilee Collection is truly irresistible.  With so many styles to choose from and an endless variety of finish colors, shades and sizes, the choices can be dizzying.  Offering everything from elegant wall sconces, to table lamps and exquisite chandeliers, the Jubilee Collection is a Rosenberry Rooms’ favorite and is widely adored by our customers.   

Aside from the extensive selection offered by the Jubilee Collection lighting line, and the beautiful style, ranging from classic and sophisticated to hip and trendy, what sets this designer line apart from the rest is their intense focus on customer service.  As a testament to their quality assurance, the Jubilee Collection stands behind each product 100% with the customer’s satisfaction being of the utmost importance.

In addition to bringing Rosenberry Rooms’ customers great products at great prices, Jubilee Collection should also be recognized for true innovation in design and product development.  Their limitless creativity keeps us anxiously waiting to see what each new collection will bring.  Some of their seemingly simple design details are truly brilliant, like the shades with sashes, in varying colors to mix and match and create your own custom look.  Speaking of shades, this is another area where the Jubilee Collection really stands out.  Their offering varies from simple, solid colors to extravagant multi-color beaded and embroidered shades allowing for endless variations and customization options for each chandelier, wall sconce or lamp.  If you are searching for the perfect light fixture for your child’s room, nursery or playroom, look no further.   Shop the entire Jubilee Collection at RosenberryRooms.com and prepare to be stunned by this incredible designer lighting line.

I hope you enjoy learning more about Jenny Brabham, the talented designer behind the Jubilee Collection, by reading her exclusive interview.   Jubilee Collection will be generously donating the beautiful Three Arm Waterfall Chandelier with Ivory Floral Shades to one of our readers.  Simply sign up for our blog to be eligible to win this lovely chandelier.  The winner will be announced on Friday, January 15th, 2010!

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the Jubilee style philosophy?
Jubilee’s style philosophy is traditional with a touch of whimsy.  Nothing defines a baby girl nursery like a pink or lavender chandelier with a fabulous butterfly magnet perched on the shade, or a tween room with a black and crystal chandelier topped with zebra shades and apple green sashes.  
  
What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?
I didn’t set out with the intention of doing either.  While shopping for my son’s room fourteen years ago….my how time flies, I was shocked at the lack of wonderful product there was to design a nursery. It was one of the most exciting times of my life and I couldn’t find anything I fell in love with. 
  
Why did you choose to design for children’s rooms?
After my first child was born I realized that children’s decor was a portion of the market I felt was extremely overlooked.  Over the years it has been exciting to watch this segment of the market grow and expanded. 
 
What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?
Brain storming and designing is my absolute favorite part of the business.  Nothing is more exciting then the introduction of a new product design!  The most rewarding part of my day has to be getting positive feedback on new designs or receiving pictures of customer’s rooms.  We love feedback!
 
Do you have any advice for other working moms?
Get a maid! (just kidding)  Balance….when the work day is done enjoy the family.  Being everything to everyone is impossible so just be the best you can be.
 
If you had to pick a favorite design from your collection, what would it be? 
Oh, that is like asking which of my children is my favorite….I love everything!  Although…. the Mocha Valentino and Black Cinderella rank right up there. 
 
What sets Jubilee apart from other children’s lighting designers?
I feel like we are different at Jubilee….our colors are unique, crystals phenomenal, the variety of shades can create a multitude of different looks.  The perfect chandelier becomes the immediate focal point in a room.  Lighting is the final touch!
 
Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?
Absolutely!  We have a new catalog filled with new product coming out the first of the year.  Jubilee is not only introducing some fabulous new lighting designs, we are also bringing in some super unique accessories.  Magnets, magnet boards, wall hooks and drawer pulls to die for are just a few new things you’ll find.  2010 will be an exciting year for Jubilee!
 
Now…Just for Fun 
Favorite Food  Mexican (I live in Texas)
Favorite TV Show  Brothers and Sisters (Try to Tivo it)
Favorite Movie  Blindside
Favorite Weekend Activity  Family time and watching my kids play sports…lots and lots of sports:)
Favorite Band Rascal Flatts