On the go interior design with “Decor Dimensions”

 

For those of  us who love our dolls, interior design, and creating a space for your dolls to ‘live’ in,  I’ve designed a suite of furniture that can be set up, put away or travel with you in an instant.  - All packaged in a sturdy colorful box, that doubles as storage as well as wall space !

 “Decor Dimensions” enables you to create a world for your dolls to be enjoyed, photographed and shared with others.  It’s perfect for those who may be limited on display space because this suite of furniture fits neatly into its own box and can be stored when not in use.  The box measures only 4″ high and about 15″ wide, so it can be tucked under a bed, stored in a closet or even a drawer when not in use.

 I’ve designed this set with versatility in mind, from the double-sided credenza to the moveable walls and by adding components that match each other, yet look great on their own !

 The Red Deluxe set includes: 

* Display wall in pink, featuring a large window with diamond-shaped patterned “glass”.  A beautiful compliment to the red box/wall ! 

* Sofa in nubby caramel brown dupioni with two rose silk pillows. 

* Credenza in cream with metal embellishments on the front panels.  The credenza also DOUBLES as a low bookcase or shelving unit when turned around. Two looks in one! 

* Accent pieces for use throughout the display include: 2  books (covers vary), 1 topiary, 1  plant, table lamp and 3 trinkets. 

* Coffee table – painted in a rich red/brown with painted gold trim leg accents. 

* Floral Note Room Divider in white.  A fabulous addition to any room !  Dividers add interest and focal points.  This one is my own design ! 

* Wall Art – A hand painted (by Me!) impressionist wall painting of red, pink and white flowers.

 All of these pieces combine to make numerous settings by simply moving walls, pairing pieces or turning things in different angles.  It’s like getting 3 different set designs in one!

 There’s  a lot to see, so let’s get to it! 

Here are a few possible incarnations of the set:

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Here’s Barbie, showing you how perfect the atmosphere is !

The credenza is also a bookcase/shelving unit when turned around !  Lots of storage space for your favorite accessories.

 

If you so desire, turn the pink wall on its side so that the window is vertical.  This leaves ample wall space to showcase the wall art.  This too can be hung vertically, as shown with our lovely model, here:

For more choices, utilize the inside of the box, which is white, and readily goes with everything!  The depth of the box allows for more floor space and plenty of room to showcase several dolls at once !

Sunlight playing through the window, gives the most realistic of views to this set !

 * This set is best suited for Barbie, Silkstone Barbie, Francie, and Lilli  sized dolls.  Here we see Lalka inhabiting this lovely space !

No floor is included with this set, however, it  is simple enough to achieve just by setting up your display on a shelf, a wooden table, granite counter top or any number of surfaces. Choose a complimentary material to use as a carpet for the room!  Yet, another look all together. 

Set this up by a sunny window and watch the light play on the room.  A realistic way to photograph with your dolls! 

One of the fabulous elements to this design is that it can be set up any way you like it!  Add accessories or use other furniture with the structure.  Integrate another color by the mere addition of pillows and accent pieces!

 The possibilities are endless and your dolls will look like a million !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Debut price:   $ 260.00 per boxed setLimited to 5 sets    SOLD OUT !!

 Shipping is not included. Shipping costs are calculated via usps.com according to where you live.  

Payment via Pay Pal (no e-checks).

No Holds on sets . 

Please email me for availability : welcomehome@maryannroy.com

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*Welcome Home is a registered-trade mark business. Welcome Home is an independent company and is not affiliated with any other toy company.

All photos, furnishings, set designs, text and ideals are that of the Artist/Owner, Maryann Roy and may not be used or copied without written permission.

“Decor Dimensions” – Coming Soon!

You may know that it’s my intention with “Welcome Home”, to bring another dimension to your doll collecting world.

I strive to do this by continuing to offer original furniture designs and sets that will bring your dolls to life !

Having just created two gift sets for auction donations, that required making a room in a box (so to speak), it occurred to me that if I could find a box large enough to accommodate an entire set design, this might just be something that all of my fellow collectors could truly appreciate.

There is so much to tell you and show you with this first set, that I wanted to post some of the important details before all the ‘eye candy’ photos.  I know it ‘s hard to concentrate on descriptions when there is so much to look at ! :)

This particular suite has touches of French Provincial design.  Because the sofa is low and narrow,(made specifically to fit in the box) this set will best accommodate Silkstone Barbie, Vintage Barbie and similar sized dolls like Lilli or Francie.  

It is so versatile, that you can create literally dozens of decor settings just by changing out pieces and walls, using the accessories or by adding personal touches of your own!  I will be showing you at least 4 ways of using this one set !

There are some lovely accessories with this set, including a painting done by Me ! (Ah, bet you didn’t know I can paint too! )

All of this and more comes in its own, acid free, archival box which color coordinates with the furnishings and can also serve as a wall for your set design !  Everything in the set can easily be packed away in the box and stored under a bed, in a closet, on a shelf  or in a drawer.  And because the box is sturdy, you can travel with it as well ! – Say to a friend’s house for a fabulous photo shoot with your favorite dolls !

Stay tuned …

The Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Sale !

 

 ALL SOLD OUT !  THANKS EVERYONE !

* MORE NEW DESIGNS FROM  “WELCOME HOME’   COMING SOON!

For your enjoyment,  here are  some photos of a favorite vintage gal enjoying the new pieces :

  

 

  

 

 

 

*Welcome Home is a registered-trade mark business. Welcome Home is an independent company and is not affiliated with any other toy company.

All photos, furnishings, set designs, text and ideals are that of the Artist/Owner, Maryann Roy and may not be used or copied without written permission.

 

                                                                           

Mattel Modern Furniture – Reprint of an article favorite !

 

While I am busy making new items for the next Welcome Home sale, please enjoy this reprint of an article I wrote for Fashion Doll Quaterly Magazine’s – Barbie Issue 2009.

Enjoy!

Maryann :)

 

Mattel Modern Furniture

Barbie Collector’s adopt a favorite!

Text and photography by: Maryann Roy

In 1958, just one year shy of the introduction of the Barbie Doll, Mattel offered a line of doll furniture for 8”-10 ½” dolls.

The already successful toy company hit yet another home run with this beautifully crafted line of Danish Modern Furniture!

Every little girl dreamed of a special place to house her dolls. A place like home, where she could imagine one day having and taking care of herself.

There were many choices too! A Dining set, two types of Living Room sets, a lovely Bedroom set that included an Open Wardrobe and Mirrored Dresser, as well as separate pieces to add to your living room like a coffee table or buffet.

Along comes the Barbie Doll in 1959.  All those children, now delighted with the world’s most famous fashion doll, would of course want the finest in home décor for her as well! 

While not intended for Barbie’s taller 12” size, this perfectly modern, well designed, furniture was immediately adopted (or adapted one might say) to be Barbie’s home furnishings.

Each piece had amazing craftsmanship and detail, such as, drawers that opened and closed, the finest bed linens and quality upholstery.

The success of the Barbie Doll brought new additions in the line, like the 1st Dream House in 1961 and the NEW Dream House in 1964.  These grand accessories included not only the furniture, but the walls and floors as well! And, could be compactly and neatly stored away.

Alas, the Mattel Modern Furniture would be shelved or pushed aside for some time.

Now, enter the adult collector. Reliving their fond memories of growing up with Barbie and the hours of play and imagination. It might be one of those memories that sparked the idea of procuring all that went along with her. The Mattel Modern Furniture line would once again find a place in the hearts and minds of Barbie collectors. Sweet and demure, a perfect place for Barbie to dream.

On these pages, I’m sharing with you, a few of the pieces that I have collected. Inspirational for a mid-century modern furniture lover like myself!  I still have a few pieces to add, like the fantastic lamp that could actually light up! Or, the curved end coffee table. For me the hunt continues. But in the meantime, this furniture is being enjoyed on it’s own as well as with my dolls.

Some 50 years have passed since the introduction of this charming line of doll furniture. But, although time has come and gone, the love of something so well made and reminiscent of our childhood has not been shunned. It’s been embraced and cared for. Through its quality and attention to detail, this is one collectible that may last and last for generations to come!

Mattel furniture from the collection of the Author. Maryann Roy can be reached on the web at: www.maryannroy.com 

email: welcomehome@maryannroy.com

 

                                                                                                       

 

 

       

 

 

More furniture shown in the brochure:

 

 

Look for more of my contributions in FDQ  by going to:   http://www.fdqmedia.com/

 

 

 

 

“A Star’s Dressing Room” – 2012 GAW auction for charity

This weekend, at the Grant’s A Wish convention, held in Livona MI, “A Star’s Dressing Room” auction donation fetched $1,600.00 !  The combined talents of Maryann Roy (Welcome Home ), Hilda Westervelt (Bellissima Couture) and Vin  (Vincent Anthony Repaints) produced this lovely dressing room style gift set !

All proceeds go to charity.

Congratulations to the winner and the Artists as well!

One Spectacular Abode !

While I am busy preparing new ’Welcome Home ’ designs,  I thought  you might all enjoy re-visiting this article from the winter 2009 issue of Fashion Doll Quarterly Magazine.

Of special note, this particular article caught the eye of Jason Wu, which then began my collaboration with Integrity.

 

One Spectacular Abode! 

LANA TURNER SHARES HER HOLLYWOOD HIDE AWAY 

Text, Photography, and Furnishings by: Maryann Roy

 It’s uncommon knowledge that those of us who adore our dolls may imagine a wider spectrum when it comes to collecting. You may think about it, dream about, share it with other collectors, if you dare. But, what is wrong with wanting more?

The wonderful world of articulation has brought our dolls to such heights that we can even imagine them as real. A secret world where they “live” their lives much like we do,or wish to do.

 One of the newest lines from Integrity and Jason Wu is the Hollywood Royalty Line. As the name implies, Hollywood Starlets and Glamour will be the focus.

 The line begins with Lana Turner, one of the most loved stars of screen and television. Now, if you know me, I guess it would be no secret to tell you that I am one of those collectors imagining a more realistic life for my dolls.

Lana felt she needed a private get away between film making and public appearances.

Of course, being the sucker that I am, when it comes to my dolls, I felt the immediate need to comply!

Allow me, uh, that is Lana, to take you on a tour of her glamorous Hollywood Hide Away.

  

 – Welcome! The entry into Lana’s private quarters boasts a large chaise lounge inviting guests to take a seat and relax while waiting for the hostess. Fresh flowers on the cocktail cabinet, always great the invitees.

  – A very glamorous site awaits you when entering the Living Room! From the silk moiré upholstered furnishings, gorgeous inviting colors and personal effects that fill the room, one wonders where to look first!

  

 – “Well, what do you think, Darling?” Lana asks, as she casually rests upon the sofa in her oh so stylish way! “Isn’t it truly Divine!?” I feel the designer did a lovely job of capturing my taste and personality.

  

– Colorful and bold, this gorgeous dresser is perfectly in scale with the rooms’ large dimensions. One may think of dressers as only for bedrooms, but again, this hide away is far from tradition! Burnished metal leaves serve as drawer pulls. An uncommon,but delightful detail.

  

– Comfortable and inviting, two slipper chairs welcome guests for savvy conversations. Notice the whimsical leopard print lamp shade!

 

 – A quick check in the mirror assures Lana of her looks and grace as she prepares to show us the rest of her abode.

 

 – Coming down the hallway to Lana’s private quarters, you are greeted by finely detailed room dividers. No traditional doors here. But this is Hollywood after all and anything traditional, just doesn’t apply.

  

– Standing in the doorway to the bedroom, gives you a sense of just how glamorous a life Lana leads. Hand painted cabinets on either side of the bed, parquet flooring, and brass trimmed furniture, just begin to tell the story.

  

–- An aerial view of the bedroom provides a better look at it’s presence. Large teal drapes close off the world when Lana needs peace and serenity. Mirrors behind pink glass lamps reflect light, while still making the room feel calm.

 

  – Lana takes a private call while we wait in the hallway.

  

 – Never missing a chance to let you see just how lovely she is, Lana shows us her poise and grace while pausing for the camera yet again.

  

– A fabulous place to relax and soak up the sun, we are now out on the patio with Lana. Perfectly tailored lattice framed furnishings show her unbeatable taste in style. The patio is surrounded by private fencing and lush greens to keep the paparazzi away!

 

  – “Hello Darling! Do make yourself at home.” – She seems to imply.

Phone always at the ready, in case a very important call comes in, Lana takes a moment to include me in her surroundings.   She chooses to unwind reading some of her favorite magazines . “If only I could stay here all day. I do need the rest.” But, Lana gets the call that she is to attend a social affair this very evening.

  

 - Later that evening…”Ah, home at last!” The door opens welcoming Lana into her private world.

 

 - We are left, standing in the doorway, with one final look at Lana. True,Hollywood Royalty.

 

 Credits:

Text, photos, and doll styling– Maryann Roy

Complete furnishings by: Maryann Roy, Owner of “Welcome Home” furnishings.

welcomehome@maryannroy.com

Lana’s pink gown by : D.A.E. originals    www.daeoriginals.com

Steel Blue Hostess outfit by: Hilda Westervelt    http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/

Patio outfit by: Integrity Toys    www.integrity.com

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*Welcome Home is a registered-trade mark business. Welcome Home is an independent company and is not affiliated with any other toy company.

All photos, furnishings, set designs, text and ideals are that of the Artist/Owner, Maryann Roy and may not be used or copied without written permission.

My work on display at the Harwinton Library !

Some of my pieces are on display at our town library for the months of March and April !

It’s an honor to be acknowledged by the town for your skill and talent, and their want to share with others.

The showcase:

On the top left shelf sits a chaise lounge in pink featuring hairpin metal legs.  The “Kitty Kats” on the wall were also made by me. – Hand sculpted. :

On the right, a sofa and chair set upholstered in vintage material. A tribute to my Grandmother.

The wall panel insert was designed by me as well. :

Second shelf left, the Color Riche set. Chinese influence with inverted  U shaped legs. These were time consuming - All done by hand ! :

Second shelf/left – A wall unit painted in creme with glass green shelving. One of my favorite chairs upholstered in pink voil fabric ! :

The lower shelf is dedicated to some of the publications I’ve been featured in as well as prize wining information and some photos from the work I did with Integrity Toys ! :

Table side, more “Welcome Home” ephemera, and a coffee table book of my work that my husband made as a gift ! :

If you are in the area and would like to visit, the address for the library is :

Harwinton Town Library

85 Bentley Dr.

Harwinton, CT 06791

860-485-9113

 

Taking advantage of my latest set design!

This morning, the light in my studio was perfect for another photo shoot with the loft apt. I just made.  As it is quite MOD looking, I chose Poppy Parker to show us how she might exist in this space as well. It’s funny how a change of doll can change the look and mood of a space. Love Francie with this set, but Poppy knows how to work it too!  Here a pictures from this morning’s shoot.

Enjoy!

Maryann

Welcome Home Francie!

I never really collected Francie as an adult, nor did I have a Francie as a child. Some how though, the idea of a totally MOD doll has always intrigued me.  Yes, I did have a Casey doll growing up. I remember the day I picked her out of the line up at the local Mammoth Mart store! She was SO GROOVY!  I don’t know if our local department store never carried Francie, or what the reason was behind my never getting one. In fact, I was never even aware of Francie until I became an adult collector !

Working in furniture design often challenges your ideals about certain eras and how decor should look for a particular one. MODERN might invoke images of stark-ness or cold, uncomfortable design. But, that is not necessarily so!  For Francie, MODERN means colorful and bold as well as comfort and style!

Robert Best, designer from Mattel Inc. has recently designed a delightful Silkstone Francie! She, along with the original Francie house (case) from 1965 have inspired me to do an updated version of where Francie is living today.

As you can see, it is colorful, bold and inviting !  Shown below with the alternate room divider panel in different positions:

Charming as ever, in a vintage Francie suit, this latest version of Barbie’s cousin, shows us a thing or two about MODERN living! :

See more photos on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/welcomehomefurnishings/

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook  too! :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Welcome-Home/269046949778490

 email: welcomehome@maryannroy.com