Custom Orders by La Lune…Easy as 1-2-3!

Posted October 20, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under About La Lune Collection, Interior Design, Rustic Beds, Rustic Bunk Beds, Rustic Cabinets, Rustic Chairs, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Sofas, Rustic Tables.

Ever fall in love with a piece of furniture, only to realize that it’s “not quite right” – size or design – for your space?

At La Lune Collection this is NEVER an issue – nearly half of our production is custom in one way or another, and placing a custom order at La Lune is as easy as 1-2-3!

STEP 1. You may have an idea of what type of customization interests you – perhaps you need a cabinet just an inch or two larger or smaller to fit a specific space. Possibly you need a chair in a specific finish color, or, maybe you’re dreaming of a unique, one-of-a-kind bed you’d like to see come to life. Whatever the case may be, step 1 begins with simply giving us a call or sending us an email to get the conversation started.

STEP 2. After we have a good understanding of your ideas, with step 2 our designers create a custom drawing of your special piece – we’ll forward it to you for your approval, listen to your feedback, and make any adjustments to the drawing that you or we see fit.

STEP 3. Once we know the custom drawing captures exactly what you have in mind, we have the “green light” for step 3 – crafting a distinctively unique piece of beautiful La Lune Collection furniture, just for you!

For an idea of what La Lune can design and create, take a look at the examples below of some exquisite custom pieces we’ve created for satisfied clients.

Custom Cabinet with White Birch Background & Bi-Fold Doors

This cabinet was designed with interior fittings to accommodate a flat screen television and its components, and features a White Birch background accented with poplar branches in Natural finish.

La Lune Custom Cabinet Drawing 1

La Lune Custom Cabinet Drawing 2

La Lune Collection Custom Cabinet w/Bi-Fold Doors (Closed)

La Lune Collection Custom Cabinet w/Bi-Fold Doors (Open)

Custom Bunk Bed with Shelves & Drawers

To accommodate the ‘toys and treasures’ of the client’s lucky children, this bunk bed was designed with pine shelving the width and height of the two beds. Ample out-of-sight storage is conveniently found in drawers underneath the lower bunk bed.

La Lune Collection Custom Bunk Bed Shop Drawing 1

La Lune Collection Custom Bunk Bed Shop Drawing 2

La Lune Collection Custom Bunk Bed

La Lune Collection Custom Bunk Bed Installation

Custom Double Chaise Lounge

If a chaise lounge is relaxing for one, then a chaise for two is doubly so! This Chaise Lounge was designed to comfortably accommodate two people.

La Lune Collection Custom Chaise Drawing 1

La Lune Collection Custom Chaise Drawing 2

La Lune Collection Custom Double Chaise Lounge (Front)

La Lune Collection Custom Double Chaise Lounge (Back)

Custom Dining Table w/Arrowhead Base Design

A La Lune Collection client desired a dining table that integrated a particular “arrowhead” design for its base component – this request was fulfilled by La Lune craftsmen, who artfully assembled poplar branches to create this sturdy and beautiful table.

La Lune Custom Dining Table Drawing 1

La Lune Custom Dining Table Drawing 2

La Lune Collection Custom ‘Arrowhead’ Dining Table

La Lune Collection Custom ‘Arrowhead’ Table, #1295 Armchairs

Welcoming the Colors of Autumn at La Lune Collection

Posted September 22, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under Rustic Bunk Beds, Rustic Chairs, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Seating.

If you’re anything like us at La Lune Collection, then Autumn would be one of your favorite times of year – the rich, warm, and vibrant colors of the falling leaves have us in awe of their wondrous beauty. With September 22nd being the first day of Autumn this year, it seemed like the perfect time, we thought, to share some of our favorite autumn poems and quotes – along with a few images of La Lune pieces wearing the rich golds, oranges, reds, browns, and greens of the season!

“Come, little leaves” said the wind one day,
“Come over the meadows with me, and play;
Put on your dresses of red and gold;
Summer is gone, and the days grow cold.”

Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s loud call,
Down they came fluttering, one and all;
Over the brown fields they danced and flew,
Singing the soft little songs they knew.

~ George Cooper

1. Counter Stool #1390 in Ebony finish, upholstered in RED leather

“Designers want me to dress like spring. I don’t feel like spring – I feel like a warm red autumn.”

~ Marilyn Monroe

2. Loveseat #1014 in Natural finish, upholstered in ORANGE fabric

“October’s poplars are flaming torches leading the way to winter.”

~ Nova S. Blair

3. Club Chair #1174 in Kahlua finish, upholstered in GOLD fabric

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”

~ Jim Bishop

4. Twin Bed #4300 in Sage GREEN finish

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”

~ Emily Bronte

5. Side Chair #1184 & Arm Chair #1186 in Natural finish, upholstered in hand-woven BROWN leather

“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.”

~ Sarah Addison Allen

From “Demi-Lune” to La Lune Collection: Evolution of the (Rustic) Console Table

Posted August 24, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under Interior Design, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Tables.

The console table – or “sofa table” as it’s often referred to today – exists in its present day form by way of an interesting evolution. Originating in France in the early 1700’s, console tables were small, half-moon shaped tables fastened to the wall at counter height with a “console” – or a little curved bracket – and featured only front legs which were added to make them appear to be free-standing. Appropriately enough, these diminutive tables were tagged “demi-lunes”, literally meaning “half-moons” in French, and were used mainly for decorative rather than functional purposes.

Later in the 18th century, when the console table developed the rectangular shape we know today and “sprouted” four legs, its popularity spread to England and the rest of Europe, and subsequently to the Americas. The console table is now a staple in entryways, behind sofas, along hallways, and in myriad interiors in residential and commercial spaces, large and small, and of all design styles.

Today, La Lune Collection proudly features a beautiful collection of rustic console tables, and we’ve curated below a few of our favorites.

1. Rustic Console Table #3472 in Natural Finish

This Table features a charming rustic design of hand-notched branches – carefully constructed by our furniture artisans, using the same simple tools and techniques employed by furniture craftsman for several centuries.

2. Rustic Console Table #3262 in Natural Finish

Classic rustic styling lends this Console Table its charming appeal – created by La Lune’s fine craftsmen, who travel the rivers and forests of Wisconsin carefully selecting and harvesting the woods to construct each piece.

3. Rustic Console Table #3210 in Natural Finish

A graceful combination of angled branches makes the design of this Table exceptionally beautiful – a welcome sight in a foyer or entrance, or just about anywhere.

4. Rustic Console Table #3284 in Natural Finish

This Console Table is a fine example of strong, simple and beautiful rustic design – demonstrating the natural beauty of the poplar branches of which it’s crafted.

5. Rustic Console Table #3194 in Natural Finish

Classic rustic simplicity is the hallmark of this Table. Beautiful and functional with its storage drawers, it makes a striking addition to many design applications.

6. Rustic Console Table #3427 in Natural Finish

This Table features a charming rustic diamond design motif – marvelously constructed by hand in La Lune Collection’s Wisconsin workshop.

7. Rustic Console Table #3298 in Natural Finish

Poplar branches are carefully selected – then individually cut and meticulously hand-applied by La Lune’s skilled artisans – to create the beautiful patterns on this Console Table.

Taking the “Grand Tour” at La Lune Collection

Posted July 13, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under Rustic Furniture.

One of our favorite things to do at La Lune Collection is to open our doors to tour groups. Our furniture, factory, and company history provide ideal educational tools for teaching others about entrepreneurship, eco-friendly manufacturing, and general “life lessons”. Therefore, school and civic groups of all ages – from grade school classrooms to retirement home residents – regularly come for the “grand tour” of La Lune Collection, where they are treated to animated commentary provided by La Lune co-founder, Mario Costantini.

Recently, we were delighted to receive a visit from some enthusiastic members of Teens Grow Greens. As the website of this Milwaukee-based organization explains, “Teens Grow Greens is a skill-building employment program fostering the growth of healthy, productive leaders”. We’re happy to share some photos of these wonderful high school students as they take the “grand tour” of La Lune Collection with tour guide Mario!

Mario greets Teens Grow Greens group in La Lune Collection Showrom

President Mario greets Teens Grow Greens tour group in La Lune Collection Showroom

Explaining the importance of the production schedule – shipping on time is critical!

La Lune craftsmen handcraft rustic furniture using the same methods, tools, and materials as those of the early artisans.

La Lune craftsmen demonstrate rustic furniture made with the same methods, tools, and materials as those of the early artisans.

Teens and tour director pose for a group photo at tour's end.

Teens and tour director pose for a group photo after a great tour!

How to Grow a Table: Custom Furniture Designs by La Lune Collection

Posted June 22, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under About La Lune Collection, Interior Design, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Tables.

It’s true – La Lune Collection is no stranger to custom furniture design requests. In fact, approximately one-half of La Lune’s production is custom in one way or another. Our furniture is completely bench-made by our own expert artisans in our small Wisconsin factory, and is available in custom dimensions, designs, finishes, and options.

A recurring request that we receive at La Lune is for dining tables that are “made to grow” – in other words, for one of our beautiful rustic dining tables custom-designed with optional leaves which, when added, enable the table to lengthen and welcome additional friends and family members. Just recently we completed two of these custom dining tables “made to grow”, both accommodating from six guests to seating eight or ten guests. We think they turned out beautifully, and we’re pleased to share photos of them here!

#1 Custom Dining Table #3522 in Natural finish with Plank Top

This finely crafted table was planned with the added design feature of a precise “apron” of poplar branches, and with a cedar plank top, the latter addition making it suitable for use outdoors under cover as well as indoors. In its “closed state” it comfortably accommodates six people. With the addition of extension leaves the table seats eight to ten guests.

La Lune Collection Custom Dining Table #3522

La Lune Collection cust table A open 400

#2 Custom Dining Table #3091 in Natural finish

This table’s gracefully organic base of free-form branches presented La Lune Collection’s designers with an exciting design challenge when the request for extension leaves was made. We – and the happy clients – think that the result was a resounding success. The table, which normally can handle six guests, now makes it possible for eight or ten people to join in the fun when the leaves are added.

La Lune Collection Custom Dining Table # 3091

At La Lune Collection we truly love creating beautiful custom furniture designs of all kinds, including not only tables, but also seating, beds, accessories and more. Almost anything in our line can be crafted to specifications, in custom dimensions, designs, finishes, and options – and we can even create furniture made to your very own design. Just tell us what you have in mind, and one of our designers will be thrilled to discuss your project, create a quote, and generate a drawing for your approval!

Rite of Wisconsin Summer: La Lune at the Showhouse for a Cure

Posted May 25, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under About La Lune Collection, Interior Design, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Seating.

You know it’s finally summer in Wisconsin when the annual ‘Showhouse for a Cure’ – presented by WBCS, Inc. to raise funds for breast cancer and prostate cancer research – opens its doors during the first weeks of June. (Since its founding, WBCS, Inc. has donated over $5.8 million to the Medical College of Wisconsin for promising research and to endow the WBCS Professor of Breast Cancer Research.)

This year’s showhouse – which opens to the public on Saturday, June 4th – is a spectacular beauty, commanding a magnificent view of the western shore of Oconomowoc Lake with its magical sunsets and pristine waters. This grand, renovated, turn-of-the century home boasts 8,100 square feet of breath-taking splendor; the Neo-classic Lake Country house has five bedrooms, five fireplaces, a guest apartment with sleeping porch, and five full baths.

For the sixth straight year La Lune Collection has made the decision to whole-heartedly support this important cause by creating a space in the ‘Showhouse for a Cure’. This year, all showhouse visitors will be greeted upon their arrival at the home’s front porch, which is paved with Savannah stone and Bluestone and bedecked with beautiful rustic furniture custom-crafted especially for the installation by La Lune.

Among the pieces that La Lune Collection has created for this particular showhouse are a charming Chippendale-inspired settee, an armchair and ottoman featuring hand-notched details, a side table, planter, and a bench – all handcrafted of locally sourced poplar branches.

All furniture on the 2016 Showhouse for a Cure’s front porch is finished in La Lune’s Whitewash, to coordinate with the home’s wall and trim paint colors. Upholstery is done in Sunbrella ‘Stone’ fabric, the perfect foil to both the home’s exterior paint color and the Bluestone slate porch tiles. To complete the look, the installation is accessorized with rust colored pillows, throws, and a planter fashioned of poplar branches which is finished in Redwood.

For more information about this spectacular home – and the important research for which it raises funds – please visit the WBCS, Inc. website. And, for more information about La Lune Collection furniture pieces featured in this article, click on the listings below:

1. Settee #1292
2. Armchair #1200
3. Side Table #3530
4. Planter #5064

We hope to see you at the showhouse, June 4 – June 19, 2016!

We’re in Full Swing – Introducing La Lune’s New Porch Swing Collection!

Posted May 4, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under Interior Design, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Seating.

It’s been 85 years since jazz legend Duke Ellington first proclaimed that “it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing” – and today, with the introduction of our newest beautiful porch swings, those words ring truer than ever at La Lune Collection.

To understand the indisputable attraction of the porch swing, we look to the history of the porch itself. Although evidence of the front porch can be traced to prehistoric times, it didn’t appear in the Americas until early in the 18th century – and even then not in large numbers. It would be another hundred years, in fact, before popularity of the front porch was widespread. By the Victorian era, porches were standard features on houses due to the increased availability of leisure time in the nation. A virtual outside family room, the porch encouraged a sense of community with neighbors, a place to stop and exchange the news of the day. And, the centerpiece of this “mixing and mingling” was – and still is – the beloved porch swing.

Today we are still charmed by the porch swing, which has worked its way so deeply into the fabric of our culture that it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t own one, or aspire to own one. And a beautiful handcrafted porch swing from La Lune Collection makes this aspiration almost irresistible. So, it is with great excitement that we present La Lune Collection’s newest porch swings – take a look, and be sure to check out the entire selection!

Rustic Porch Swing #1558

A striking pattern of angled branches creates the outstanding design feature on this delightful Porch Swing, shown here in Kahlua (peeled bark) finish.

Rustic Porch Swing #1560

La Lune Collection’s fine wood craftsmen have meticulously created hand-notched designs on this Porch Swing, using the same simple tools and techniques employed by furniture makers for several centuries.

Rustic Porch Swing #1554

A beautifully unique addition to your front porch – or even an indoor room, just for fun – graceful and organic lines of nature are the design trademarks of this Porch Swing.

As if our new porch swing introductions weren’t excitement enough, we’re also pleased to announce that we’ve added hanging daybeds to our line – we think you’ll agree that these two new additions are truly charming!

Rustic Hanging Daybed #4636

A Hanging Daybed is wonderfully relaxing – whether used inside or outside your home – this beauty, shown in Desert finish on bark, features as its outstanding design element a striking pattern of angled branches.

Rustic Hanging Daybed #4632

With its strong, sturdy, and classic lines, this Hanging Daybed shown in Kahlua (peeled bark) finish, is equally at home in traditional, rustic, and eclectic settings – meticulous construction and attention to every detail ensure its enduring beauty and comfort.

Pantone Redux: La Lune’s Fall 2016 Color Picks

Posted April 13, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under Interior Design, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Seating.

We had so much fun last year making our Pantone “color picks” for Fall 2015 that we jumped at the chance to repeat the project for Fall 2016.

The Pantone Color Institute, acknowledged as the world’s authority on color, has been inspiring design professionals with ‘products, services, and leading technology for colorful exploration’ for over 50 years’. Recently Pantone issued its Fall 2016 Color Report – and here’s what they have to say about this Fall’s color picks: “The desire for tranquility, strength, and optimism has inspired a Fall 2016 color palette – along with anchoring earth tones, exuberant pops of vibrant colors also appear throughout the collections. Transcending gender, these unexpectedly vivacious colors in our Fall 2016 palette act as playful but structured departures from your more typical fall shades.”

Join us as La Lune Collection’s beautiful rustic furniture takes a trip down the color runway in Pantone’s top five Fall 2016 color picks!

1. Pantone “Potter’s Clay”

“POTTER’S CLAY has an added degree of sophistication and layering. With elements of russet orange in its undertones, it gives a grounded feeling that’s anything but flat.”

La Lune Collection Club Chair #1175

The striking “diamond back” design on this Club Chair is truly a stand-out design element, which makes it a perfect centerpiece OR accent piece in your design plans – notable for both its comfort and beauty.

2. Pantone “Sharkskin”

“There’s an edge to SHARKSKIN, and yet it manages to remain neutral, pair-able with almost any fall color, bright or muted. It’s a color that the rest of the palette can literally and theoretically rest on.”

La Lune Collection Chaise #1231

With its strong, sturdy, and classic lines, this Chaise is equally at home in traditional, rustic, and eclectic settings – and it’s a genuinely comfortable lounging spot!

3. Pantone “Spicy Mustard”

“SPICY MUSTARD is an exotic addition, bouncing elegantly off other colors in the palette. A spicier, zestier yellow than in previous seasons, it adds a splash of uplifting vibrancy.”

La Lune Collection Settee #1292

This Settee features a lovely Chippendale-inspired design, along with a neat, tight upholstered seat. It’s a classic design perfectly suited to grace many different room types and decorating styles.

4. Pantone “Aurora Red”

“In contrast to the stable backbone of the Fall 2016 palette, AURORA RED adds a welcome punch. A bold Red that is warm, sensual and immediately pleasing to the eye, it gets the metaphorical blood of the palette pumping.”

La Lune Collection Barstool #1139

Dining is a gracious experience, thanks to the sturdy, beautiful character of this Barstool – its removable back pad makes it an irresistible combination of style, strength, and comfort.

5. Pantone “Warm Taupe”

“WARM TAUPE is a hearty, pleasing and approachable neutral that pairs well with each of the top shades of the Fall 2016 season; it suggests reassurance and stability.”

La Lune Collection Settee #1203

There is plenty of room on this expansive Settee; its classic styling makes it a most versatile decorating piece, an appealing combination of rustic sturdiness and elegance.

Everything You Wanted to Know about La Lune Collection – and More!

Posted March 30, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under About La Lune Collection, Rustic Furniture.

(A CBS Sunday Morning Spotlight Story)

Every business has its own unique story to tell, and La Lune Collection is no exception.

Founded almost 40 years ago by Cathy and Mario Costantini, the story of La Lune Collection’s beginnings and subsequent development is punctuated with references to college romance, Italian opera arias, Ralph Lauren, urban renewal, Buenos Aires, and hundreds of beautiful school children ballroom dancing.

Want to get the full story? Recently, Cathy and Mario sat down to chat with Mike Strehlow from CBS Sunday Morning Spotlight – just click on the video below to learn everything you wanted to know about La Lune Collection – and more!

7 Beautiful Reasons for La Lune to Celebrate “The Wearin’ o’ the Green”

Posted March 9, 2016 by La Lune Collection & filed under Interior Design, Rustic Beds, Rustic Chairs, Rustic Furniture, Rustic Seating.

When the words “green” and “La Lune Collection” find themselves in the same sentence, it usually involves a reference to La Lune’s long-standing commitment to eco-friendly practices. However, with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we’re inspired to highlight the beauty of our rustic furniture designs – all dressed up in various shades of the color green – to celebrate this special day for the Irish!