Tag: Wilton CT

This Just In: HM Oliver gets a New Look and a New Name!

You’ve probably noticed a few changes to this blog if you’re a regular who visits daily to read our posts. We’ve changed our name from HM Oliver to that of our sister store, Marvin Gardens, since we’ve consolidated and moved to 713 Danbury Road. We’ve also got a new Facebook and Twitter account so be sure to add us! But don’t worry, you can still count on getting the usual garden tips and decorating ideas here, and remember, if you’ve got an idea for a post or simply a topic that you’d like to learn more about that we can help you explore, send your ideas our way!

Thanks for reading,
Amabel Chan
Marvin Gardens

Adding Texture With Scalloped Designs

Are there any areas in your home that feel a tad bit too “flat”? You know, those areas that are beautifully painted and furnished with  striking pieces but still missing something that you just can’t pinpoint? Chances are, the missing piece of the decor puzzle is texture. Often overlooked, texture  is one of those interior design elements that can completely transform a room and has the power to add tremendous depth, warmth and complexity. Scalloped decor is a great way to incorporate that texture into a space.

The illusion of texture can be added with various painting techniques. This scalloped border creates a softer "rolling" edge effect.

Vintage scalloped lampshade with shiny, rough fabric.
A scalloped transom window.

Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

HM Oliver Interiors and Marvin Gardens Has Extended Their Moving and Consolidation Sale Until the End of June!

The moving and consolidation sales event will feature all regular retail at 20%-50% off and will take place at 632 Danbury Road. As part of the consolidation of HM Oliver Interiors and Marvin Gardens, we will incorporate furniture from different sources, warehouse and industrial furniture and bulk sales. All sales are final.

“If the warehouse/over stock sale works, we’ll create an urban market monthly (or biweekly) and invite other dealers to participate (Eleven Shades of Grey),” said HM Oliver Principal Amabel Chan. “It’s been done in Houston and Atlanta — maybe we can reinvent that type of retailing here on the East Coast.”

Doors will only be open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. through the end of the month. For more information, contact Amabel at (203) 856-0309

Please note that Marvin Gardens’ location at 713 Danbury Road, Wilton remains the flagship location.

Get Ready for the 5th Annual Georgetown Gallop 5K Fun Run!

Join the town of Wilton this Sunday, June 13 for the 5th Annual Georgetown Gallop 5K Fun Run. The 5K race begins at 10:30 a.m. on Old Mill Road with check-in beginning at 9:30 outside the Village Chef Deli at the corner of Rt. 57 and 107.

From the Wilton Chamber of Commerce:

The “Pony Express” Kids Fun Run will kick off after  the 5K.  Entry fee for the 5K is $12 on or before 6/8, $15 after.  Kids K is $5.  Online registration can be made at www.wiltonchamber.com, or by calling the Chamber office at 762-0567. After the road races, everyone is encouraged to attend the Georgetown Day Festival sponsored by the Georgetown Village Restoration Association, which will be held right across the street from noon until 7 PM, rain or shine.

Click here for more information.

The History of Decoupage

The beautiful art of decoupage is one that is timeless and yet unrelentingly vintage at the same time in today’s traditional design. And it seems to be making its rounds in some of today’s most enchanted showrooms. According to out friends at Design Sponge, the craft is thought to have its roots in East Siberian tomb art and was later perfected in China where it was used as early as the 12th century for decorative objects. Throughout Europe in the 18th century, Venetian artisans developed the technique of taking sheets of engravings which were hand-colored, and cutting and pasting them onto the surface of furniture. Several layers of varnish were applied to create the high-gloss sheen reminiscent of traditional lacquer work. The Venetians called this relatively inexpensive technique lacca povera and the French later renamed it decoupage.

“Magnolia” from the Mary Delany Collection at The British Museum

Spanish lacca povera box sold at Christies

Photo Credit: Design Sponge