Photographs by Peggy Turbett
Fabric swatches offer an array of choices in earthy natural tones for spring.

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN

Out with the old. In with the new. Springtime is the perfect time to refresh and renew your personal space.

Jane Marquard, founder of Maison Maison Homewares Design Studio along with husband Richard and son Jesse Marquard, has some tips to help you update your home for the season.

“Let go of everything that is weighing you down,” Jane Marquard prompted. “Get rid of the heavy stuff. Take down the heavy drapes and replace them with sheers and light fabrics.”

“Scandinavian is huge. It’s all about paring down. Very natural fibers like linens and wools are in,” she said. “Actually, we have some polyesters now that look like the real thing. Their strength is far superior. They are bulletproof.”

“The trend this season is to very muted colors like gray, charcoal and cream,” Marquard noted. “The polar opposite is also in fashion. Flowered fabrics, like big cabbage roses, are making a comeback. And, these pair beautifully with simple fabrics. You will see a lot of bright colors like corals and greens in accents. Big ceramic lamps are a simple way to make an interesting statement.”

When it comes to furniture, you do not have to get rid of the old to make room for the new. “Put a slipcover on the couch. Add lots of soft pillows,” Marquard said. “Use big, rustic ceramics as accents. It’s all about anything that is earthy looking and natural.”

“You will also see a lot of painted furniture this season. Back in the day, they didn’t replace their old furniture. They updated it with paint,” she explained.

Marquard said that Maison Maison now has its own private label upholstery. “Maison Maison upholstery is very affordable and beautifully tailored. The seams are perfect. It’s very comfortable. There is a surprising difference in quality,” she noted.

In addition to window treatments created from your choice of 150 fabrics, rugs and affordable hotel linens from Bed 101, Maison Maison has dried and fresh flowers for custom-designed floral arrangements. “We have fresh flowers delivered weekly and they are always a show-stopper,” she added. “We also have a lot of decorative birdhouses for spring.” Marquardt said that she is planning a flower arranging class, featuring fresh flowers, in late spring.

Maison Maison has an executive chef and sommelier on staff. Chef Patrick McAllister is creating a springtime French meal in courses. The first class in the series features three different soups. The next three classes will cover appetizers and salads, entrees and sides and desserts. Classes are limited to 25 people and are held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month.

Wine tastings are from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday. Maison Maison now sells organic wines from New Zealand.

“We think of this as our home,” Jane Marquard said. “We serve yummy, homemade soup every Saturday. We have our own line of coffee that we serve to our customers. You can come here to enjoy a little food and some good company.”

Maison Maison Homewares Design Studio is on Old Detroit Rd. in Rocky River. Phone 216.397.8700 or visit maisonmaisoninteriors.com.

Beige tones add a calming comfort to this upholstered chair selected by Jane Marquard for Spring 2019 decor at Maison Maison homewares design studio in Rocky River.

Chef Patrick McAllister prepares a hospitality mushroom soup at Maison Maison homewares design studio in Rocky River.