November 2014 – Unison

Happy Harvest Time!

November 26, 2014April 17, 2017Libby CortezDesigner's Eye, Get Inspired

This Thanksgiving season, we’ve been hungry for the bounty of great design. So we indulged our appetites with a gorgeous new collaboration with artist and printmaker Hillery Sproatt.

When we asked Hillery to develop a story print of a village scene, she brought warmth and whimsy together in a striking original painting, which we transformed into the contrast-packed Harvest Pattern that’s adorning so many tables this holiday season. An homage to the great abundance of holiday moments, this pattern is brimming with rich personality and organic spirit.

Our recent Harvest Time event celebrated this standout launch, with harvest table linens, throw pillows, and blankets taking center stage – along with Hillery and her mom, who joined in the fun.

Hillery Sproatt with Robert Segal and others — Hillery talks with Unison co-founder Robert Segal and other modern-design lovers during the Harvest Time event.

Hillery's mom joined other shoppers in admiring the gorgeous use of her daughter's Harvest pattern — Hillery’s mom joined other shoppers in admiring the gorgeous use of her daughter’s Harvest pattern

A doll made from scrap fabric rests on a bed — Hillery transformed some of our scrap fabrics into one-of-a-kind dolls, available in-store only for the holidays at $200 each. Just call or stop by!

Mom & daughter pose with their dolls — Hillery and her mom, Deborah, hold the dolls that are named for them.

Rhine Hall offered cocktails during the event, featuring their delicious apple brandy. 'Tis the season! — Rhine Hall offered cocktails during the event, featuring their delicious apple brandy. ‘Tis the season!

Our 5 Thanksgiving Favorites

November 18, 2014April 17, 2017Libby CortezDesigner's Eye, People

In the midst of a very busy Fall season, we’re feeling especially thankful for thankfulness itself – and for the holiday that reminds us to stop and celebrate the many things we have to be grateful for.

This year, we’re toasting our very long thankfulness list in high style, by bringing 5 of our favorite (and newest) items to the table. Take a look:

1. Harvest Tablecloth

Designed in collaboration with Hillery Sproatt, our new Harvest pattern is decadent, engaging, and full of humanity—much like the hours enjoyed around your dinner table. It’s the perfect foundation for a meal focused on celebrating the bounty of our lives.

2. Teema Black Dinnerware

That picture’s making us hungry for more than Jim Rude‘s delicious squash bisque. How about that gorgeous Teema Black Dinnerware, which brings such a stylish sense of sleek to this inviting table setting? This enduring classic, created by Kaj Franck for Iittala in 1952, comes in a set which includes bowls, dinner plates, salad plates, cups, and saucers.

And if you thought gorgeous couldn’t be practical, think again: this glazed porcelain is freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

3. Warm Casseroles

Think cookware can’t make a statement? Think again. These glazed stoneware casseroles are simply standout. And they couldn’t be more thoughtfully designed: with a side spout for pouring a dish’s sauce or gravy after serving, they go from oven (or microwave) to table (then dishwasher) with style and ease.

4. Heima Cast Iron Candle Holder

This is more than a candle holder. It’s a centerpiece. A conversation starter. A sculpture. A gorgeous gift or keeper for your own table.

We like to add white or colored candles, for an extra spark.

5. Harvest Apron, Pot Holder, or Oven Mitts

Many of us travel to another family’s table for Thanksgiving. And our new Harvest pattern – full of character and whimsy – makes the perfect gift for your hardworking host or hostess. Aprons, pot holders, and oven mitts make for wonderful presents, bringing a cornucopia of modern style right to the heart of the home.

Store Event: Harvest Time!

November 10, 2014November 10, 2014Alicia RosauerPeople

When artist, painter and printmaker Hillery Sproatt cropped up on our radar, we knew our holiday season was going to be so much brighter. Hillery’s paintings, which speak to her innate sense of
color and pattern, inspired our latest Harvest collection. Going back to the basics in black and white, the modern folk-like design is featured on table linens, throw pillows and knit
blankets — creating a bounty of pattern wherever you need it. Enjoy cocktails featuring apple brandy from local distillery Rhine Hall.

This Thursday from 6-8pm and spend an evening chatting with Hillery, browse some of her original artwork and enjoy 20% off all Harvest items during the event at the store at 1911 W Division Street.

Holiday Behind the Scenes

November 3, 2014November 3, 2014Alicia RosauerMaking Modern

Part of this year’s holiday photo shoot took place at our family farm in Wisconsin where Robert spent much of his childhood running around amongst pine forests, taking sauna and feeding the animals in the barn. On the hill is an original cabin brought in from the northern woods that was once home to a family from Sweden. It’s a place full of history and steeped in Scandinavian simplicity. We took along Chicago-based photographer and filmmaker John Sturdy to shoot a little behind the scenes. Here is the result, set to the beautiful music of The Lesser Birds of Paradise.