Monday, December 30, 2013

INTRODUCING: ZIA

Influenced by Indonesian textiles and expertly printed in three tonal colorways, Zia's vintage damask pattern embellishes our Linen with a faded charm. While this collection will only be offered on White Linennot to be overdyedeach combination blends perfectly into Bella's signature color palette. Zia-NATURAL: Ginger, Sable, and Flax, Zia-COOL: Silvermist, Seaglass,and Mint Julep, and Zia-WARM: Perfect Peach, Petal, and Powder.

Zia will also be immediately available on our Quick Ship program.


Twin beds with Duvet Covers in Zia-NATURAL and matching Standard Pillowcases
A refreshing display of Zia-Cool in Duvet Cover and Deluxe Sham
Zia-WARM looks sweet in Duvet Cover, Deluxe Shams, and Standard Pillowcase
A close up of Zia-WARM pillowcase and Hendrix Throw Pillows in Perfect Peach and Petal


Friday, December 27, 2013

INTRODUCING: BIRD TOILE

Heralding a new series of prints on our signature Linen, Bird Toile is a picturesque collection patterned with an elegant Ebony menagerie.

Offered in White, Champagne, and Sand, Bird Toile is immediately available on our Quick Ship Program.
Bird Toile Duvet and Bolster in Champagne, paired with Ebony pillows galore
Bird Toile Duvet and Standard Pillowcases in White
Bird Toile Napkin in White
Close up: Bird Toile Duvet and Bolster in Champagne

Thursday, December 26, 2013

INTRODUCING: HENDRIX

With a name that conjures visions of luxury and rock n' roll, Hendrix lives up to it's moniker, and then some. Rich and textured Velvet with a distressed, vintage appeal, this collection can be dressed up or down with each of Bella's dynamic hues.

An urban setting of Hendrix: Coverlet and Euros in Pebble, Standard Shams in Graphite, Throw Pillow in Ebony
Hendrix Throw Pillow in Wedgwood, Standard Sham in Mint Julep
Hendrix Throw Pillow in Bottle Green
Hendrix Deluxe Shams and Coverlet in Sand, Chair upholstered with Hendrix Yardage in Mint Julep

Monday, December 23, 2013

INTRODUCING: PENNELOPE

In the thick of the holiday season as most are putting the finishing touches on their gift wrapping, we called a wrap on our photoshoot for the Bella Notte Spring 2014 Introduction. With five new collections and two gorgeous hues, we are thrilled to unveil this stunning pictorial.

The first fabrication is Pennelope, a delicate floral jacquard with exquisite two-tone patterning and heirloom design. You'll love the bohemian elegance, textured hand, and sweet ruffle that adorns each sham and pillow. 


Pennelope Duvet Cover and Boudoir Pillow in Sable, Dust Ruffle and Euro Shams in Powder
Pennelope Boudoir in Sable, and Duvet Cover in Silvermist
Pennelope Crib Dust Ruffle and Bumper in White
Pennelope Baby Blanket in Pebble and Boudoir in Powder
Room fit for a princess; Pennelope Duvet Cover and Euro in Perfect Peach, and Dust Ruffle in Petal
Pennelope Boudoir in Champagne
Pennelope Euro Shams in Petal

Thursday, November 14, 2013

BELLA NOTTE LOVES ANIMALS!

Bella Notte staff member Debbie Lucchesi has been a part of the team for over ten years now. She started The Josie Memorial Pet Project back in 2011 in memory of Josie, her furry companion and an honorary member of the BNL family. After "working" at Bella for most of Josie's life, it seems only fitting a non profit started in her name would donate fabric scraps and specialty products to shelter animals, offering them just a bit of comfort and luxury - Bella Style!

Here's some information about the project, and just one way Bella and Debbie give back to the community. Learn more and see what they're up to on Facebook!

How did the Josie Memorial Pet Project get started?
Josie, the Pet Project's inspiration
When I lost Josie, I needed a way to pay back the some of comfort that she provided me over the years. What better way than to make bedding for animals awaiting a forever home? They deserve a "beautiful night", too. I started making blankets and pads from the ends of quilted fabrics, and donated them to shelters. Once I'd covered all the local shelters, I reached out to rescue groups in the area. The need was great, and I developed new product offerings as I saw what the organizations needed. Anything that the project could provide without tapping their limited budgets would be plus, because it allows them to dedicate their resources to the most important aspects of rescue.

What kinds of products do you make?
I saw a photo of a feral cat in a trap, covered with a towel, and the trapper struggling to keep the towel from falling off. I thought, "they could really use some custom covers." I started making trap covers from scratch, as I do with all the products, this time from discontinued dyed velvet yardage.


The project has made great use of any odds-and-ends, occasional scraps, production dye test swatches, and just about any fabric we needed to find a "home" for. Discontinued color/fabric header pieces and the narrow scraps left when we cut new color headers are used to make catnip toys. Velvet dye test swatches are used to make shelf covers and cat hammocks for cat cages. Many damaged customer returns have been re-purposed into products for the project. 

After 1-1/2 years, and the project being valued by all the local groups receiving donations, I decided to make it permanent. As of September 3, 2013, The Josie Memorial Pet Project is a California Nonprofit Corporation. The project has produced 1,687 catnip toys and  2,611 assorted pieces (blankets, pads, cage/trap covers, shelf covers, cat hammocks, etc.) for donation to nonprofits serving animals in need.





How did you decide that it would be a good fit for Bella Notte donations?
With the majority of the Bella Notte team being animal lovers, and most of the line being animal-friendly, it just seemed right. It also complimented the rest of Bella Notte's giving program.

How often does Bella Notte make donations?
It varies--sometimes weekly, sometimes a couple times a month

What kinds of animals does the project serve?
The project serves dogs and cats in animal shelters, rescue groups, and foster care situations all over Northern CA. The groups served thus far are:
  • Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County
  • Marin Friends of Ferals
  • Pets Lifeline
  • Marin Humane Society
  • Rohnert Park Animal Shelter
  • Petaluma Animal Shelter
  • California Animal Rescue
  • Furry Friends Animal Rescue
  • Noah’s B’Ark North Animal Rescue
  • Little Paws Kitten Rescue
  • No Boundaries Animal Rescue
  • Lake County Animal Shelter
  • Lake County Animal Services
  • Big Dog Rescue
  • Kings County Animal Shelter
  • ASCS (Animal Sanctuary & Care Society) Cats
  • Yuba City Animal Shelter
  • Sonoma Humane
  • Sonoma County Animal Care & Control
  • Kits & Kats Rescue
  • Milo Foundation
  • Whiskers, Tails & Ferals
  • Planned Feralhood 
What is your favorite thing about being involved with JMPP?
Being able to use all the beautiful Bella Notte fabrics to create comfort for homeless pets. As an animal lover, I'm also a big supporter of animal rescue and love to have the opportunity to assist the people doing this work, however I can.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

BELLA NOTTE'S NEW TEXTILE DESIGNER, LEETA

Kathleen McCoy, Bella Notte's designer and founder, started with just a few bolts of Linen and a vision for a bedding line that would be simultaneously couture and family friendly (watch her interview). Over the seasons fabrics and styles have come and gone, but her mission and attention to detail have not wavered.

After more than 17 years of being the sole design contributor to the line in its many iterations (bedding, baby, apparel, tabletop and more), Kathleen decided to bring new life to the process. With another in house designer, she would be able to implement ideas more readily and collaborate with a like-minded personthe end result being a reinvigorated offering. Not only would the line continue to echo easy-care luxury, glamour, and chic interior design, but might also inspire a whole new generation of fans.

When we started the search for the right person to fill this role, there were countless responses. Leeta Steenwyk stood out immediately with her multi-faceted approach to art and design, and in her passion for travel and nature, all very much in line with Kathleen's own influences. Here's what caught our attention:  
"As a life-long artist and crafts person, I have been ruled by a desire to create beauty and to have the knowledge to do so using a variety of materials. This journey has taken me through inks, paint, fabric, wood, clay, metals, photography, and computer illustration. I find inspiration and beauty everywhere, although nothing can compare to the colors and textures in an exotic land or the perfection in nature."
A collage of foraged items from Leeta's travels
When Leeta came for the interview, she brought along a comprehensive mood board as her own interpretation of Bella Notte's products. You can see nature infused in the textures and patterns, the colors are both vibrant and earthy, and the drape of the fabrics soft and flowing. There are also hints of an ornate vintage flair, which has always been a part of Bella Notte's signature. We were very excited to welcome Leeta to the team and she got to work straight away helping to realize Kathleen's vision, while bringing her own unique aesthetic and experience to table.
Leeta's Bella Notte Mood Board
Leeta answered some questions for us so we can get to know her and learn about what is behind some of Bella Notte's 2014 exciting introductions:

Q: How did you get started in art and design? Where did your initial interest or passion come from?
I have been excited about art and creating since I was a child.  I still have the catalog I drew at the age of 12 of my first clothing collection and store. My parents encouraged my artistic skills by giving me drawing projects whenever I was too rambunctious!

Q: Where did you go to school and what was your focus?
I earned my bachelor degree at Central Michigan University. I studied fashion design, languages, and a lot of art. Along the way, my practical side won out and I graduated with a degree in bilingual/bi-cultural education. After some years of teaching language (and making a lot of art on the side), I decided to go back to my first passion. I studied industrial design as San Francisco State University and worked in a home textile company where I designed for several major brands including Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Dockers, Roxy, and Quiksilver.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?
I am visually voracious. Inspiration for color, pattern, texture comes from everywhere. I look at the latest from the top apparel designers to stay on trend yet am inspired by the beauty and workmanship of vintage fabrics as well.

Q: What are you design strengths and challenges?
My strength as a designer is my ability to interpret current trends in a brand appropriate way and then add an unexpected touch. When I am almost finished with a print, I think, "What can I add, or take away to make this even more beautiful or special?"

Q: When you are given a new project creating a print or a series, where do you begin?
When starting a new print, with Bella Notte for example, I listen carefully to Kathleen. My goal is to get the essence of what she is looking for while keeping the Bella customer in mind. Along the design process there are many paths to take, but I know if I keep these two things in the forefront not only will the print be beautiful, it will be what the customer is looking for . 

Q: What is your own personal aesthetic? How would you describe the décor in your home?
My house is rustic contemporary. I value space and light and appreciate the workmanship of antiques. I am impressed with the perfection in nature and am always bringing home wonderful found objects to embellish my décor.
Items that contribute to Leeta's Home Decor 

Q: Do you look at magazines for inspiration? If so, which ones?
I subscribe to all the best fashion and home magazines, but also look at every single catalog that arrives in the mail. You just never know where inspiration will come from!

Textiles from Indonesia
Q: Favorite place you have traveled? How do you incorporate that into your work, if at all?
Traveling is vital to me – the more exotic the better! My favorite place is Indonesia. Warm tropical waters, delicious food, friendly people. I traveled for seven months throughout the country and was impressed by the textiles. Every island has it's own traditional style. The color, patterns and technique vary widely and natural dyes are still used. I brought home several pieces - you may be seeing a touch of this influence this coming season!
Leeta using a loom in Sumba, an island in Eastern Indonesia
Q: What do you like, so far, about working for Bella Notte?
As soon as I walked in the door at Bella Notte, I wanted to work here. I like the light, airy environment and the people are all lovely. To be surrounded by gorgeous, luxe fabrics in such a lush palette is like a dream. I enjoy working for a smaller company who emphasizes quality.  

Q: Can you give us an idea/sneak peek about what's in store for Bella next year?
I am excited to be working on some gorgeous prints that will add new interest to a solid or color-blocked bed. Since the prints will utilize colors from the Bella palette, it will be an easy way to update and rejuvenate the bedding you already have!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

ALL ABOUT CORAL

Coral, a blushing combination of red, pink and orange, is a color we're getting really excited about. Designer Kathleen McCoy introduced Coral into Bella Notte's palette in January 2013 at the suggestion of one of our reps, Amy Chrane. While it's a color that can stand strongly solo, it also blends beautifully to spice up any interior ensemble.

These spreads from September's issue of Elle Decoration UK are a lively combination of Coral with Grey and tones of Pacifican unexpectedly harmonic trio.
And this combination of Coral and warmer tones of Sand from Wildflower, featured as April's Bed of the Month, is equally modern and dimensional for any time of year.

Osborne and Little go a bit deeper with their linen mood board.
But could you get more precious than baby Odessa, Amy's newborn, swaddled in Olivia, Linen with Crochet Lace, and Velvet with Satin all in Coral? Yup, we're definitely inspired!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

BELLA STYLE

With so many colors and collections, it is so exciting to see the thousands of variations our customers dream up. From colorful cribs to lavish beds and custom projects, here are a few images we selected from stores all over the country!


ABC Home - NY
ABC Home - NY
ABC Home - FL
Ambassador Antiques - OH
Beverly Ruff Antiques - AL
Home Boutique - CT
Midnight Farm - MA
Past Basket - IL
Past Basket - IL
Yvonne Estelle's - IL
Beautiful Beginnings - IL
Carol Hicks Bolton - TX
Gardenology - CA
HD Buttercup/In Bed - CA
Cottage At Four Corners - RI
Cottage At Four Corners - RI
Blue Springs Home - CA
Beach Bungalow Designs - CA
Beach Bungalow Designs - CA
Send us some of your own Bella Designs! mail @ bellanottelinens . com