instant bliss

SUBURBAN CHARM

Emerson once advised: “Pictures should not be too picturesque,” and I think advice that sound could be applied to all areas of life. Think “Tammy Faye Baker.” I’ve finally grown up enough to wear less makeup, a lighter tan…and to know that not every piece in my home has to be the “statement piece.” Too picturesque. Current trends give us housewives the chance to throw about anything we love into a room, and, surveying it for what Diana Fox calls “dustworthiness,” weed out the junk. It’s made decorating harder than ever. In fact, it’s made some people a little crazy. Case in point—while shopping a popular discount store’s website, I was asked to select a label for my own personal style. One of the selections was URBAN FARM. Urban farm? Emerson would choke on that image: Goats on my rooftop skyrise, chickens on my terrace? I had to click the link, just to see. Maybe I am a city girl in overalls at heart. Nearly every piece was “busy,” and a roomful of Urban Farm would be disastrous. I do want fresh style in my home, but I also want items that will transcend time and place, a label I have personally dubbed “Suburban Charm” as an alternative to the farm idea. Recently Diana opened her magical book of goodies at Bliss Home to show me the perfect alternative to gimmick style. No one knows better than Scott, Lisa, and their team at Bliss how to pull off a stylish look without wasting money on something rickety or tacky. As she normally does, Diana placed into my repertoire a piece that will travel to most rooms and stay a very long time in my charmed collection. In fact, there is no online retailer or local store I have found who can offer this look and quality, and I have looked…. (I am a careful curator of good stuff.)

This sturdy piece is functional, authentic, and stylish—and will slide into any room without taking center stage, leaving me more room to exhibit my shiny goodies. Best of all, it’s not a pocketbook thief, so I’ll still have some money to buy seeds and cultivate a small garden in my huge backyard, suburban-charm-style! I know Emerson would approve.

Contributor: Tina Ensley

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2013

Mother’s truly deserve more than just one day. Make sure you make this Mother’s Day so special it will last all year.

Finding the perfect gift for your special mother can be very daunting and challenging. I’ve put together my suggestions from Bliss in Market Square.

Who does your mom remind you of?

Jackie O

· Perfume

· Sun glasses

· Baking ware

· Decorative napkins

· Blazers

Michelle Obama

· Daytime to nighttime outfit

· Tea party

· Stationary and wrapping paper

· Picture frames

· Bright colored clutch

Carmen San Diego

· Organized purse

· Wallet

· TSA approved travel bag

· Scarf

· Statement footwear

Any and Every Mom

· Jewelry

· Jewelry and more

· Jewelry

I’ve never met a mom that didn’t deserve to be spoiled. Moms spend 364 days out of the year taking care of others make sure she’s truly cared for this Sunday.

Contributor: Danielle Benson

May First Friday with Bliss Home & Jill Sanders!

We are pleased to present Knoxville artist, Jill Sanders, for May’s First Friday! Join us 29 Market Square, this First Friday, May 3rd, from 6pm to 9pm. Complimentary snacks will be provided and Jill’s art will remain for the month of May.

We got a chance to talk to Jill about her art, so learn more about Jill before First Friday!

Can you tell me a little about your background and what you are currently working on.

I studied woodcut printmaking and graphic design at Skidmore College. After college, I began my career as a designer in Boston and NYC, working in advertising and magazine publishing. I didn’t begin painting until 2007, after an allergic reaction caused me to temporarily lose the use of my hands. From this experience, I started creating paintings that delve into the strange and specifically feminine emotions that accompany physiological change.

Can you tell me about the theme of your show?

The theme is “The Golden Twenties,” a term used to describe the second half of the 1920s.
Recently, I discovered black-and-white photographs from this time period, some personal, others from popular culture, that resonate with my love for history and the femme psyche. Inspired and invigorated by a renewed sense of nostalgia, I began translating these photographs into a modernized color palette and altered environments. Combining past and present, icons such as Greta Garbo and Loretta Young are reintroduced through these paintings.

Which piece are you most excited about for your upcoming First Friday exhibit? Truthfully, I don’t have one that is a particular favorite. That is what I enjoy most about making these — they each tell a unique story. I enjoy seeing how they come together in a fuller context. When they are all together, it completes an experience, not just an instance.

What do you like/dislike about your show? Any frustrations during production?

I love the different colors and personalities of each piece. I also really like the unique vintage frames. I sought these out to match the specific style of the work. Time is always a frustration for me — there is never enough! However, if there were no deadlines, then there would be no end goal.

What advice would you give young artists?

Show your work. I remember the first time I mustered up enough courage to present my paintings to a gallery. The owners were only interested in my woodcuts. I made a deal with them that I would show the woodcuts if I could then show my paintings in the next group exhibit. I worked really hard creating and hand printing the woodcuts, followed by a new set of paintings. I sold all of the paintings within the first hour of the opening. If you believe in something enough, you can make it happen. Never give up on your vision. Showing your work allows for you to grow as an artist and your work will improve.

Who is your favorite artist? How do they influence your work?

Josie Morway. She is a master of layering light and color. Her most recent work juxtaposes wildlife onto modern human landscapes. I am in awe of her talent. She is an inspiration.

Spring into Color

No other time of the year inspires me more to decorate with color than Spring. No, I’m not talking about painting every wall in your house lime green or hot pink… Yikes !!

For me, one of the easiest ways to inject color into a space is by adding a new rug. Forget heavy textures and patterns. Spring is the perfect time to bring in something different, maybe even a bit daring. From casual flat-weaves, to modern classics, Bliss Home offers an eclectic mix.

Flower Power
This is not your Grandmother’s floral rug … Need I say more ?

Sucker For Stripes
These dual-sided flat weaves, are perfect for everyday living. Pair with a slipcover sofa, for an easy, dress it up-dress it down look.

Take A Walk on the Wild Side
Metallic shag … Who knew ?? Surprisingly low maintenance, these polyester shags can add texture and drama to contemporary AND traditional spaces.

Subtle Geometry
Who said modern design has to be harsh ? These airy, geometric prints add a contemporary touch that won’t wear out its welcome.

Simply Sisal
Simplicity always rules. Jazz up one of our classic sisal rugs with a bold border.

We hope this quick tour of our ever-changing rug gallery inspires you to spring into color this season at Bliss Home. New styles arriving weekly !!

Enjoy !!

Brett Ware, CID

Diana’s April Segment on Fox 43! Watch as Diana provides some sage advice on how to organize your space by encouraging you to ask the question: ‘Is this dust worthy?’

BLISS THEN AND NOW: A Story of Hard Work and Success

I am veering off course this month and instead of writing about design I want to send my heartiest of birthday congrats to our sister store BLISS, who this month celebrates 10 years of dedicated service to downtown Knoxville. For me and many others it is the ‘jewel’ in Market Squares crown! A destination store that is overflowing with wonderful gift ideas, trendy women’s fashion, unique jewelry and a shopping experience that has you hooked and anxious to return.

Our owners, husband and wife team, Scott Schimmel and Lisa Sorensen had a vision - to bring something unique, something different and something amazing to downtown… They wanted to be apart of the revitalization of this area and were answering the need of so many people who wished for better downtown shopping. Starting out with little more than candles, BLISS became a hit with customers and within a short time was all the buzz and Knoxville’s favorite boutique with its fun vibe and inspired selections. Everything from cool trinkets to casual contemporary furnishings.

Urban dwellers loved the alternative to typical traditional furniture and were anxious to see more… continually coaxing Scott and Lisa to offer a more diverse selection. In 2005 and again in 2008 BLISS HOME opened furniture locations offering savvy customers comfortable pieces that mixed and matched… nothing oversized, overstuffed or sold in sets - but, items that felt more layered and with character - an earthy and authentic look - a little edgy… unique selections of furniture, area rugs, accessories and their trademark, exceptional local art.

BLISS and BLISS HOME have built a reputation that is consistently honored and recognized by shoppers - offering a selection of items that isn’t available anywhere else in the city. With hard work, trial and error and a knack for selecting items we can’t live without Scott and Lisa have built successful businesses that are a solid fixture in Knoxville - presenting their valued customers an opportunity to not only shop in bliss but live in bliss…

So, in the spirit of all things blissful, I say, Happy Birthday - Celebrate with Gusto!

And who doesn’t love a party - please join us Wednesday, April 17th at Market Square for a free concert - Mic Harrison and the High Score - first 500 guests will receive a cupcake from Magpies Bakery… Ya’ll come.

Carpe Diem - diana

“Best Store in Knoxville” as voted by the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Metro Pulse Readers Poll

Awards and Acknowledgements:
Best Store (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
Best Gift Store (2007, 2009,2010, 201, 2012)
Best Clothing Store (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012)
Best New Business (2004)
Best Furniture Store (2010, 2011, 2012)

Bliss also received the Knoxville News Sentinel’s Best Boutique award in the 2009 and 2010 East Tennessee’s Best Readers Poll.

Spring Cleaning

There’s a fly in my house. While birds serve as the welcomed musical harbingers of spring, flies sternly signal that only the vigilant will survive the warm season. They linger to clamor for meandering morsels and popsicle puddles and thumb their green noses at our attempts to tidy up and cinch the trash. This year I’ve decided to fool the flies into submission by attempting to “visually” SPRING CLEAN. When I finish, they will speed past my windows and doors in search of a more welcoming mess. I implemented the plan two days ago and plan to finish by week’s end: Fly-free Friday.

STEP ONE: SURFACES

Make wiping and dusting easier by moving clutter where it belongs: the donation box. (This will take all week.) Let’s face it, when I bought that Polish vase, I only wanted it because I thought I would look more elegant sitting next to it. Experts employ the OHIO mantra: Only Handle It Once. When I transfer the vase from room to room, table to counter, I am wasting my energy and my home’s potential to be fly-free.

STEP TWO: WALLS

I don’t have time to paint now, but I am seriously contemplating BRETT WARE’s earlier blog with the black doors. Stunning, and the flies would concuss flying into it. Don’t believe me? I found a flat fly on my porch mat yesterday, before my black front door. For now, to visually wipe the walls, I am trading my cluttered photo walls for a “gallery look,” saying goodbye to heavy, mismatched frames. Genius DIANA FOX advised me to hang this oversized, unframed canvas alone on the wall and then wait…. My first inclinations, to fill the wall and frame the canvas, proved to be wrong. Flanking the artwork only deflates its importance. Experts say the center of the artwork should be 57 inches from the floo

STEP THREE: DECOR

Pep talk time: I’m not obligated to display everything I own all the time. It doesn’t make me look smarter or richer or more accomplished. Decorators purposely place every item in their “collected” displays. I’ve begun by «vowing to eliminate» everything I don’t LOVE. Next, I traded a dark, pleated lamp shade for a clean drum shade with a minimal design. Substantial improvement. I also rolled out a creamy modern rug to offset my dark wood. Finally, I’m adding long linen drapery panels (which I vow to have wrinkle-free by fly-free Friday). Thanks, superhubs, for devoting Saturday evening to hardware mounting—into studs, no drill. You beast.

My rogue fly is roaming around in a tizzy. Suddenly my home is looking way too fresh to harbor a fly’s feast. Fly-free Friday should pull some serious profits for the thrift store as well, or I could re-sale some of this stuff and feed the birds with the profit.

By: Tina Ensley

Bliss is 10!

April First Friday at Bliss Home with Dennis Sabo!

Join Bliss Home, at 29 Market Square, Friday, April 5th for First Friday! Bliss Home will host a reception which will be held from 6pm to 9pm.

Bliss Home is pleased to present Nature’s Splash of Colors, an exhibit by international award winning photographer Dennis Sabo. Learn more about our April artist, Dennis Sabo, below:

Can you tell me a little about your background and what you are currently working on.

I honed my compositional and creative photographic skills when I worked as an underwater assignment photographer, and progressed from there. A sampling of past clients include Canon, Hilton Hotels, NOVA, Ocean Conservancy, and Blue Planet. Today I am known more for my fine art abstract and scenic photographic Metal prints. Presently, I am working on getting through the spring exhibition season with plans to shoot wildflowers in Mount Rainier National Park this summer.

Can you tell me about the theme of your show?

Nature’s Splash of Colors. With a global community very much focused on environmental impact and fragile ecosystems, my artwork captures natural images and color with a perspective people easily miss. My impressionistic abstracts are original, raw art, using photography as the medium. It requires planning, patience, a creative eye and a little luck.

Which piece are you most excited about for your upcoming First Friday exhibit?

“Water Colors”- a Metal Print triptych of autumn water reflections from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a gorgeous piece with a multitude of colors, textures, and patterns.

What do you like/dislike about your show? Any frustrations during production?

I really like how well the finished art work is displayed as a Metal Print.

Unlike a painting with fixed dimensions, my original art can be sized, cropped and manipulated to complement its display environment. Depending on the subject, it can be sliced, staggered and often re-arranged for a change in perspective. This ability adds another dimension to my art not available in traditional single framed works.

No frustrations as my lab and I worked seamlessly together.

What advice would you give young artists?

If you are a photographer shoot images that make you happy. Happiness is the beginning point to the fuel which is your own inspiration. If you are happy you will be inspired and your body of work will benefit.

Who is your favorite artist? How do they influence your work?

Monet as a painter and Elliot Porter as a photographer. I challenge myself to capture common subjects that are often overlooked and then refine the photograph into an interpretive collage of color, motion, and textures

Easter Baskets that feel like Christmas

Dear Easter Bunny,

I’m writing you to let you know that times have changed; chocolate baskets aren’t cutting it. Stuffing your baskets with personalized and thoughtful gifts to suit each recipient will take the Holiday up a notch. Just imagine what it would be like if Easter became everyone’s favorite holiday. It could happen, children would leave you cookies instead of Santa, families would shoot off fireworks to celebrate your visit, and you will be imitated by imposters.

Hint: start at Bliss Home for the one-stop shop for all members of the family.

By: Danielle Benson