Fun fact: years ago, I lived in Minneapolis. When I arrived in town, all of my belongings were packed up in my little silver Honda Accord. I had no job, no family nearby. I had just graduated from college.
Above: The view of downtown Minneapolis from The Walker Art Museum
I remember arriving into town — and immediately falling in love with it. I loved its downtown lakes (especially Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles); it’s quirky coffee shops and neighborhood restaurants; the unique blend of modern and local art everywhere (from Claes Oldenburg’s whimsical Spoonbridge and Cherry outdoor sculpture at The Walker Art Museum, to the quiet, brooding, nighttime prints by local artist Mike Lynch at Groveland Gallery).
While I didn’t ultimately settle in the Twin Cities, I’ve had a fondness for Minneapolis ever since my time there. So it was serendipitous when I found a showroom partner for my Mira Jean Designs textile and wallpaper line here at International Market Square: Tapis & Decor. And I was thrilled when they asked me to visit and speak at their showroom event this November. Below are a few pics from the showroom and Design Center.
Fellow designers: the design center here at International Market Square is absolutely incredible! Located downtown in the old Northwestern Knitting factory, and modeled after the San Francisco Design Center, its atrium interior is a design marvel all on its own. The showrooms are light, airy and welcoming. A must visit!!
Above: a view of the Design Center interior at International Market Square
Above: early morning Atrium view at the Minneapolis Design Center
Here are a few pics from my Tapis & Decor showroom visit, featuring a few of my fellow favorite textile & wallpaper designers:
Above: a vignette by Victoria Larson, whose work is inspired by her time sailing and sketches from international travels
Below: Fellow Virginia-based designer, Lindsay Cowles. Lindsay’s work is big, bold and abstract ... and Gorgeous! Check it out:
Here are a few pics of our showroom displays ... stop in when you're in Minneapolis and ask for Ashley, to see more! --
Above: wings featuring our Sea Blue Scallops linen & cotton blend textiles.
Below: wallpaper memos from our new Fern Collection:
A huge Thank you to Ashley & Team at Tapis & Decor for the opportunity — and to Minneapolis for the new memories!
Xo, Kate
p.s. Planning a trip to Minneapolis? Below are a few more of my faves from the trip, including recommendations for places to shop, eat, play ... and admire great art + design. Enjoy!
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Favorite Downtown Walk: around Lake of the Isles. (Too many architectural gems around this lake to count!!).
Favorite Art Gallery: Groveland Gallery, featuring all Midwestern artists.
Above: a view of the current Groveland Gallery exhibition by local artist Kit Wilson, whose work is inspired by the natural landscape and Minnesota shoreline.
Favorite Restaurants: Red Wagon for best pizza and craft brew line up (love their Insta hashtag, too!: #ServingHappiness)
Revival for its mouth watering friend chicken (pro tip: get a seat early — they have a bit of a cult following and fill up fast. Design bonus: the wallpaper! Check it out:
Tilias for a cozy date night and fine local dining (was too busy enjoying the food to snap a pic for this one -- but trust me, the chef here does not disappoint!!).
Best Brewery with outdoor seating: Surly
Best Airbnb: we stayed at literally “The Small House” ... such a perfect space and location for a Minneapolis getaway! What it lacked in square footage it made up for in its smart design and light filled spaces. The host was soooo helpful, too ... highly recommend!!
