Design Wright Studios

Cherry Creek Lifestyle features Design Wright

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 23:41:11 GMT

Mary is interviewed for the July 2024 issue

For the "Trend Setter" department in the latest issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle, the magazine came to the Showroom and interviewed Mary Wright.

Mary's pivot from the fashion industry to interior design was discussed. That switch of focus informs her thoughts on "fast fashion" and "fast furniture."

From the interview:

Like most local businesses owned and operated by smaller teams, her goal is to consistently provide superior service. “I believe that the energy of the people who make a product is in that product,” Mary says. “The sacredness of home is everything to me. People who believe that are my kind of people.”

You can read the article by downloading the PDF, below.

Wecome Spring Event with new non-toxic design choices

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:19:37 GMT

Learning how to design without dangerous chemicals

The industry panel of experts on sustainable design choices, moderated by Kathryn Soter of the GFDA .

From left to right: Courtney La Voie of Gensler , Kym Baugess of Carroll Leather, and Jeri Hobdy of Meno (photo by Stephanie Tomasky). All are in the business of creating a better world through the power of design.

The event took place on March 19th - the first day of spring - at the Design Wright Studios showroom in RiNo. It was co-sponsored by DWS, the GFDA, Meno, and Studio M. Invitations went out to Denver's design community.

The impetus for the event was to discuss the roll-out of Colorado's HB22-1345, a bill passed to regulate the sale and use of PFAS, sometimes known as "forever chemicals". The first phase of the roll-out began in January 1, 2024 and prohibits the use of these chemicals on carpets and fabric treatments, among other consumer products.

PFAS ( perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals) are used for everyday items as varied as microwave popcorn bags, water-repellent clothing, firefighting foam, cosmetics, shampoos, toys,and even dental floss. One of the chemicals is widely known by the brand name Teflon. In the design industry, PFAS are used to treat fabrics to repel stains. But the chemicals are virtually indestructible and do not fully degrade, accumulating in the environment and the human body. Harm from these chemicals include liver and immune damage, birth defects, developmental problems, and cancer. PFAS have become so pervasive that the EPA, in April 2024, issued rules that drinking water systems must reduce exposure to these chemicals to near-zero levels.

But there are alternatives to PFAS, and the panel of experts discussed why the design industry needs to switch today to these alternatives. To demonstrate the effectiveness of these alternatives, well-known Boulder artist Kristen Abbot stretched two canvases in front of the gathering. One canvas was treated with a non-toxic fabric spray, and other was left untreated. Kristen then "painted" the canvases with non-traditional paints made from foods and liquids, such as might be found in a home. The paints slid right off the treated canvas (!) - but the untreated canvas became a work of Kristen's art and was auctioned off at the end of the evening.

Though a sober reminder of the hidden perils in our homes, the event showed a path forward into the future - and what role sustainable design will play in arriving at that future.

Celebrate Fellow Designer Nadia Watts

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:02:19 GMT

Nadia's success is an inspiration and a shout-out to Denver design

On the afternoon February 15th, 2024, we celebrated the success of our design colleague Nadia Watts at an intimate bon voyage gathering at the Showroom.

Nadia is one of twenty-three interior designers chosen to showcase her work at the fabulous Kips Bay Decorator Show House in West Palm Beach, Florida. The prestigious Show House not only influences the direction of design across the country, it also raises significant amounts of money to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kips Bay, New York. Nadia is off to Florida for the opening of the Show House on February 23rd.

Nadia's exuberant designs have been gracing homes in Denver and beyond for nearly two decades. Recently she joined with Kravet Inc. to create the Gem Collection, a fabric collection based on the brilliant colors and textures of Tiffany's Favrille glass.

She asked Molly Reinhardt of Studio M Denver to make the GEM Collection pillows for her Kips Bay interiors. Molly's work is focused on up-cycling fabric samples into gorgeous (and shall we say, sustainable) pillows. DWS has many of Molly's pillows on display and for sale at our Showroom.

Congratulations on your success, and many thanks for your generosity, Nadia!

Celebrate Spring in RiNo

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:06:32 GMT

Explore the most colorful neighborhood around

The official start of spring happens on March 20th this year, and after our long, cold winter we are more than ready. We recommend celebrating spring by walking the ever-changing RiNo cityscape.

One way to enjoy the sunny days ahead is by exploring the murals of RiNo, starting with "Nothing Without Courage" on the DWS wall that faces 29th Street. From there you can wander through alleys and along the streets, encountering colorful surprises as you walk along. This map on the Arts District website is a convenient way to plan your tour of the many murals, as well as stops along the way to fuel up.

The art and music events that are happening in RiNo in these post-Covid days are almost too many to mention.

Galleries exhibit the eclectic and exuberant works of today's artists. It's a true pleasure to wander in from the sidewalk to view the dazzling new worlds created from their visions. Nocturne , a jazz and supper club just around the corner from our Showroom, hosts performances five nights a week in an intimate space so glamorous you will feel happy to be a grown-up.

The best way to keep up with the flowering of Denver's art and music scene is to check in regularly with the RiNo website . There you can also learn about the historic neighborhoods that formed the core of this vibrant part of our city.

And you are always welcome to stop by the Showroom anytime to say hi, Monday to Friday, 9 - 5 pm.

Spotlight Series: Bite, Bubblies and Ted Lee

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:22:17 GMT

A VALENTINE’S TOAST EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE DESIGN COMMUNITY

Wednesday, February 15

4 pm to 6 pm

Design Wright Studios

2800 Walnut Street, Suite 600, Denver, CO 80205

Meet the artist over small bites and bubblies.

Join us as we shine a light on artist Ted Lee. Ted is an internationally recognized artist, known for paintings that convey his love of nature and landscape, drawing from childhood in Lynchburg, Virginia to time spent in the southern part of Provence, France. His work has been featured in notable collations throughout the US, including Bank of America, Jones Lang LaSalle, Barings and others, with exhibits in North Carolina and Virginia.

Art at the Showroom: Michael Dowling

Wed, 25 May 2022 22:44:00 GMT

O n May 12th, 2022, we gathered for a reception to celebrate Denver artist Michael Dowling. His beautiful art is on sale at the Showroom until the end of June. Come visit!

Michael’s work is not easily classified. He trained in Florence and commands the painting skills of the old masters, yet he excels in very modern, very simple charcoal portraiture. Though many of his images are inspired by Western and Southwestern themes, for this showing he wanted to explore his feminine side.

With the curatorial assistance of Kate Finds Art , Michael developed and placed some of his most recent works around the Showroom. Some of the art is large and commanding, some is scattered about on the tables; all are moody in a soulful way. There is a casual quality to both the placement and the presentation, as if the Showroom were Michael’s atelier.

We think his colors and style blend beautifully with our space, and love having the art nearby to send us on a journey of contemplation. A few photos are posted below, but please come by to experience them in person.

Luxury Staging Style

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 22:04:00 GMT

What do you get when you cross DWS furniture with a designer’s eye and a luxury home about to hit the market? A stunningly staged residence, and buyers lining up. Through our relationship with some of Denver’s most high-end realtors and designers, Design Wright Studios is able to play a crucial role in staging homes that tip into the luxury market.

“Such spaces tend to demand furniture with the right look and quality,” says DWS owner Mary Wright, “and that’s a need we can meet with our curated brands. The look we can create fits the aesthetic and the price point of these homes.”

Wright often teams up with designers like Angela Ireland, owner of Denver-based Angela Ireland Interiors , on staging projects. From a designer’s perspective, working with DWS is a fantastic way to make sure spaces always look fresh.

“The thing about having access to Design Wright Studios is that it allows uniqueness,” Ireland says. “We’re able to pull from the studio’s true-to-type style and designs that are ever-changing. We’re collaborating to create a unique stage and design for a specific home.”

EXHIBIT A: SUGGESTING THE SOUTHWEST WITHOUT THE CLICHÉS

This stunner of a South Denver home, staged by A.I. Interiors with DWS furnishings, is styled with a sophisticated, yet subtle Santa Fe vibe inspired by lovely muted Southwest desert hues. Angela selected the elegant barely-pink sofa and dark coffee table to complement the layered rugs with similar hues in vaguely Southwest-inspired prints, all of which play off the room’s warm wooden architectural features and accents that are both textural and sculptural.

It’s not cookie-cutter. And, Mary is willing to go above and beyond with her knowledge and expertise; she’s always willing to help. We went on a whim with the sofa. And it makes the room.

What’s Hot For Homes In 2021

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 11:09:00 GMT

W ith a new year comes new vision and new energy—and that means it’s time for a new look in your living space. We asked three designers to take a stroll around Design Wright Studios and zero in on trends they see emerging for the upcoming year. From moody palettes to simple lines to organic textures, here’s what each designer is loving for 2021.

Readers’ Choice Award

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 01:05:00 GMT

We are very excited to announce that we have won the Readers’ Choice Award for best Home Furnishings store in the Denver area.

This year, readers were able to vote for their choices as well. What an honor it is to be chosen in the category of best home furnishings store! Your support means the world to us.

The magazine is now on newsstands through January. Thank you, 5280.

We’d also like to give a shout-out to Jeff and Tiffany of Artisan Rugs. Our suite-mates won the Readers’ Choice Award in the category of best rug store. Our block in RiNo is celebrating all this month.

Designers’ Favorite Fall Finds

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 23:57:00 GMT

A s temperatures begin to drop outside, things are warming up inside Design Wright Studios! We asked three Denver designers to share their favorite finds during recent visits to the showroom. It’s no surprise they gravitated toward cozy textures and hair-on hides, rich finishes, and a fresh take on a place to hang an autumn jacket. Scroll down to see what they have to say.

WFH in Style

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 22:27:00 GMT

Here’s our exclusive round-up of our favorite work-from-home pieces, for all budgets, that look as good as they function. Working a 9 to 5 from home was never so sweet!

Treat Yourself to EJ Victor: EJ Victor tops our list for a distinguished style that’s matched by functional finesse. The Barrister’s wooden desk is topped with a leather insert with color options, and the secretary doubles as a desktop and a bar. We love the mix of work and play!

Level Up With Interlude: Interlude is known for sleek, contemporary silhouettes that will help get those forward-thinking, creative juices flowing. The mix of art-moderne (Ryland Chair) with mid-century modern (Desire Credenza) and 21st-century craftsmanship (Cora Hide Desk) creates a futuristic office space ideal for those who love contemporary design.

Sharp and Stylish HC28: These three words define global sensation HC28’s unique collection: modern international chic . Here’s our selection to curate a workspace full of feng shui and efficiency featuring the most stylish colors every year—black, bronze and brown.

Regan Mattingly, Chalet Development

Thu, 21 May 2020 18:55:00 GMT

“DWS Collection is beautifully constructed, has an excellent lead time, and I am able to choose any fabric or textile for upholstery. I love this upholstery line!”