Nature’s Color Palette: Wood Finishes from La Lune Collection

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

19th century American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once wrote that “nature always wears the colors of the spirit”.  At La Lune Collection we take these words to heart, and have made all of our unique rustic furniture designs available in a striking array of nature’s own various hues and textures – from an earthy Natural bark finish to a warm, rich Redwood finish, to a satiny-smooth, peeled bark Shell finish.

Join us as we look at a few of La Lune Collection’s seating selections “showing off” some exquisite colors from nature – introducing La Lune’s beautiful wood finishes!

 

Natural Finish on BarkNatural Finish on Bark

This finish is nature in its purest form – the natural bark of poplar branches is lightly sanded and then given a delicate coat of clear satin finish.

 

Side Chair #1400 & Arm Chair #1402La Lune Collection Chairs #1400, 1402

Graceful and organic lines of nature are the design trademarks of this Side Chair and Arm Chair. Strikingly beautiful, they’re sure to draw compliments from all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mushroom Finish on Peeled BarkMushroom Finish on Peeled Bark

Satiny to the touch, bark is hand-peeled from branches which are then carefully sanded to a silky smoothness, lending this neutral finish a certain sophistication.

 

Barstool #1122La Lune Collection Barstool #1122

The back of this Barstool features an attractive “fan” design, complementing many interior design styles. A favorite in the restaurant and hotel world, it has proven to stand up to even the most rigorous wear, all the while maintaining its gracious beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kahlua Finish on Peeled BarkKahlua Finish on Peeled Bark

A strong, coffee-colored finish on peeled bark, this finish is resilient and perfect for use completely outdoors, as indeed are all La Lune Collection peeled-bark finishes.

 

Porch Swing #1233La Lune Collection Porch Swing #1233

A delightfully beautiful and comfy addition to your front porch – or even an indoor room, just for fun – this Porch Swing is sure to bring a sense of pure joy to your home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sage Finish on BarkSage Finish on Bark

The delicate, calming greyish-green hue of this finish on bark is a wonderful complement to a multitude of other colors from nature.

 

Arm Chair #1214La Lune Collection Chair #1214

Tall and stately, this Chair lends a sense of drama to any decorating style – equally at home in traditional, contemporary, and eclectic settings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pecan Finish on Peeled BarkPecan Finish on Peeled Bark

This subtle, light amber-colored finish on peeled bark pairs wonderfully with fabrics and leathers in many colors and textures.

 

 Sofa #1179

La Lune Collection Sofa #1179

The striking “diamond back” design on this Sofa is truly a stand-out design element. In addition to being beautiful, carefully handcrafted cushions make this piece the utmost in comfort as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ebony Finish on BarkEbony Finish on Bark

A rich shade of black, sanded to reveal slight flecks of the natural bark underneath – this one almost beckons to be touched!

 

Settee #1404La Lune Collection Settee #1404

Organic lines of nature are the design trademarks of this Settee, which is created by hand, using the same simple tools and techniques employed by furniture craftsman for several centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antique White Finish on Bark

This beautiful creamy white finish on bark – often taken for bark from the birch tree –  complements fabrics and leathers of almost every hue.

 

Side Chair #1040 & Arm Chair #1042La Lune Collection Chair #1042

The rustic simplicity of these Chairs makes them most versatile decorating pieces, an appealing combination of sturdiness and elegance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redwood Finish on BarkRedwood Finish on Bark

Just as its name implies, this finish is a rich and warm red – bold, yet inviting.

 

Rocker #1195La Lune Collection Rocker #1185

One could be easily tempted to rock the day away in this sweet Rocker, which boasts a classically traditional design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandstone Finish on BarkSandstone Finish on Bark

This rich off-white finish is a shade darker and a touch cooler than other La Lune Collection white finishes on bark.

 

Club Chair #1252La Lune Collection Club Chair #1252

Simplicity truly is beautiful, as evidenced by the sturdy lines and uncomplicated comfort of this Club Chair – perfect for making a bold seating statement!

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see all of La Lune Collection’s standard finishes, simply pay a visit to our website, or take a quick look at the finish charts below. You are also welcome to request actual finish samples – just contact us, and let us know what you have in mind!

La Lune Collection Finishes on Bark     La Lune Collection Finishes on Peeled Bark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Hard, Play Hard – Partying with a Purpose at La Lune Collection

At La Lune Collection we’re proud of our hardworking team of artists, craftsmen, and sales professionals – it’s thanks to their dedication and skill that we’re able to create the most beautiful rustic furniture available anywhere.

However, as the old proverb goes, “all work and no play make Jack a dull boy” – so, we also know how to have good time at La Lune!  Several times a year we throw our factory doors open and produce some fantastic events to benefit local nonprofit organizations. Recently, on Friday, June 12th, La Lune Collection threw an exuberant party – called Pasta & Puccini – for Milwaukee’s Grammy award-winning Florentine Opera Company. The event took place in La Lune’s charming factory, a collection of beautiful cream-city brick buildings built over 100 years ago that we have carefully and lovingly restored. Delicious rustic Italian fare by Chef Scott Shully and his staff’s gracious service, radiant guests, dazzling performances by the Florentine Opera artists, and an incomparable sing-along, made this an evening not soon to be forgotten – truly a ‘notte fantastica’.

The event photos are in, and we’re delighted to share below some images from this amazing evening.  There’s no doubt about it – “that’s amore”!

 

Florentine Pasta & Puccini | FactoryWith stacks of wood logs, antique machinery, and seating prototypes as a backdrop, La Lune Collection’s frame department serves as a unique venue for around 160 Pasta & Puccini guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florentine Pasta & Puccini Dinner

Chef Shully supervises the staging of colorful – and scrumptious – salads before their presentation to guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florentine Pasta & Puccini | Happy Guests

It’s impossible to NOT have a good time at Pasta & Puccini, as evidenced by these joyous partiers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florentine Pasta & Puccini | Costantinis

La Lune Collection co-founders, Cathy and Mario Costantini – and their daughter, Cristina –  are caught in a moment of delighted appreciation.

 

 

 

 

Florentine Pasta & Puccini | Musicians

Strolling musicians Stas (accordion) and Mischa (mandolin) serenade seated party attendees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florentine Pasta & Puccini | Opera Singers

Talented Florentine Opera singers, expressing various emotions during their “Nessun Dorma”, demonstrate why Puccini was considered the leading figure in Italian opera of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florentine Opera Pasta & PucciniMaestro, and Florentine Opera Executive Director William Florescu, leads Pasta & Puccini guests in a rousing chorus of “That’s Amore!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florentine Pasta & Puccini | ChorusSinging guests brought down the house with their exuberant rendition of “Funiculì, Funiculà” – everyone’s an opera star at Pasta & Puccini!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection at the “Showhouse for a Cure”

At La Lune Collection we’re delighted to have created a space in the 2015 Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse, which opened to the public this month and marks the fifth straight year in a row of La Lune’s participation in this important project.

Wisconsin Showhouse for a Cure 2015The WBCS group of dedicated volunteers presented its first showhouse in 1998 to raise funds for cancer research at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Since then, these annual “showhouses for a cure”  have raised more than $5.45 million for cancer research, and have also endowed the institution’s recently established WBCS Professor of Breast Cancer Research. The promising breast cancer and prostate cancer research made possible by this initiative has led to more than $43.7 million in additional competitive extramural research grants to Medical College of Wisconsin by the National Institute of Health and other foundations. La Lune Collection couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this extraordinary and worthy endeavor!

This year’s showhouse, located on the east side of Milwaukee, is a dramatic Tuscan style home overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan. To create the home’s “outdoor living room”, La Lune Collection’s co-owners and showhouse space designers, Cathy and Mario Costantini,  utilized standard items from the line crafted with indoor/outdoor fabric, spindle decks, and done in a Kahlua peeled-bark finish, making the pieces perfect for use completely outdoors. Take a look at the photos we’ve shared below of La Lune’s finished outdoor room – we think it turned out beautifully!

Lush gardens serve as a perfect spot for breakfast with the family or friends. (Pictured: Dining Table #3520 and Arm Chairs #1295 in Kahlua finish)

Wisconsin Showhouse for a Cure 2015

 

A longer view of the elegant grounds reveals the home’s natural lannon stone fire pit; surrounded by stylishly comfortable club chairs and sofa, it’s certain to be the site of many pleasant evenings, spent sharing refreshments and stories. (Pictured: Sofa #1170, Club Chairs #1175, Side Table #3450 in Kahlua finish)

Wisconsin Showhouse for a Cure 2015

 

 

 

La Lune Collection ♥ “The Great Outdoors”!

La Lune Collection and “The Great Outdoors” are most definitely a natural combination.  And, as it is with most happy couples, they just seem to be made for each other – they’re comfortable in each other’s company, and one brings out the best qualities in the other. We’ve assembled five glorious examples that illustrate this perfect match – a collection of patios, decks, and porches – from some of La Lune Collection’s favorite interior designer clients.

Take a look – it’s easy to see why we’re in love with the majestic mountains, lush green fields, and stately pine forests that serve as the most breathtaking backdrops for furniture from La Lune Collection!

 

1. “Mountain Air” Deck by Kathryn Long, ASID – Asheville, NC

Take a closer look: Rocking Chair #1190

Mountain Air  625W NO BORDER!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  “Brookfield Estate” Patio by La Lune Collection – Brookfield, WI

Take a closer look: Club Chair #1174, Coffee Table #3534

La Lune Collection - Brookfield Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. “Quiet Waters” Patio by Locati Architects – Bozeman, MT

Take a closer look: Side Chair #1400 & Arm Chair #1402, Dining Table #3072

La Lune Collection - Locati Quiet Waters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. “360 Ranch” Patio by Miller Architects – Livingston, MT

Take a closer look: Chaise #1036, Club Chair #1032, Sofa #1028

La Lune Collection - Miller Architects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. “Peaks View” Porch by Locati Architects – Bozeman, MT

Take a closer look: Club Chair #1174, Sofa #1170, Octagonal Side Table #3412, Rectangular Coffee TableLoveseat #1168

La Lune Collection - Locati Peaks View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pantone Color Picks by La Lune Collection

Pantone, recognized 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.

One of Pantone’s ongoing services is to issue seasonal fashion ‘color reports’,  indicating the color palettes to watch for from the world’s top designers. Most recently Pantone  issued its Fashion Color Report Fall 2015 – according to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone’s Color Institute, this Fall designers are favoring a palette of 70’s colors,  ”earthy neutrals with a range of bold color statements, evocative of a love for nature and a timeless appreciation for warmth.”

We thought it would be fun to jump on the Pantone ‘color wagon’, and have chosen several beautiful rustic furniture pieces from La Lune Collection “wearing” the top five Pantone Fall colors.  We think they all look ready for the runway!

 

Pantone Desert Sage5.  Pantone “Desert Sage”

“A cool and soothing greenish gray, PANTONE 16-0110 Desert Sage is the ideal neutral. Timeless and unobtrusive yet at the same time stylishly powerful enough to make an impactful statement on its own, Desert Sage speaks to this feeling of naturally inspired colors that remind us of things that are real and not invented.”

 

 

La Lune Collection Arm Chairs #1052La Lune Collection Arm Chairs #1052

An elegant juxtaposition of straight lines and gentle curves is evident in the pleasing design of this Arm Chair – the tight upholstered seat completes its clean, graceful silhouette.

 

 

 

 

 

 

reflecting pond4. Pantone “Reflecting Pond”

“Thoughtful, contemplative and composed, PANTONE 19-4326 Reflecting Pond is a cooling blue with a lot of depth. Conveying a message of credibility, Reflecting Pond is a serious shade that speaks to our need for stability and security.”

 

 


La Lune Collection Side Chair #1288, Table #3338

La Lune Side Chair #1288

A striking “diamond back” motif is the stand-out design element on this Side Chair – with seat and back masterfully upholstered by La Lune craftsmen, it’s the perfect combination of style, strength, and comfort.

La Lune Dining Table #3336

This Dining Table is truly a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship – its surfaces feature branches that are precisely cut and applied by hand by La Lune’s skilled artisans to create beautifully detailed patterns.

 

 

 

Pantone Biscay Bay3. Pantone “Biscay Bay”

A lush and elegant teal, PANTONE 18-4726, Biscay Bay splashes up against more heated tones with its cool touch. Combining the serene qualities of blue with the invigorating aspects of green, the cool and confident Biscay Bay inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters, taking us to a place that is pleasant and inviting.”

 

 

La Lune Collection Chaise #1181La Lune Collection Chaise #1181

This Chaise is a genuinely comfortable lounging spot, as well as a classically beautiful piece of furniture – marvelously constructed by hand, using the same simple tools and techniques employed by furniture craftsman for several centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

marsala2. Pantone “Marsala”

“Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast for other hues, PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala is a winey red-brown that adds finesse and savoir faire. Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

 

 

La Lune Porch Swing #1233La Lune Collection Porch Swing #1233

A delightfully beautiful and comfy addition to your front porch – or even an indoor room, just for fun – this La Lune Porch Swing is sure to bring a sense of pure joy to your home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pantone Dried Herb1. Pantone “Dried Herb”

“An olive green shade once thought of as strictly safari or military, PANTONE 17-0627 Dried Herb has been elevated into a color we now perceive as sophisticated and chic. Closely related to nature, Dried Herb is an organic shade redolent of nature’s earthy fragrances.”

 

 

La Lune Bed (Queen) #4243La Lune Collection Bed #4243

An even row of poplar pegs is featured on the top of the headboard and footboard of this striking Bed. Underneath, the fine upholstery work of La Lune’s talented craftsmen is displayed –  the combination is a compelling example of refined rustic style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Dreams are Made of These: Canopy Beds by La Lune

Sweet dreams are made of these – who are we to disagree?

Annie Lennox of the ‘Eurythmics’, who sang nearly identical words almost 25 years ago, could very well have been singing about La Lune Collection’s distinctively beautiful canopy beds. Canopy bed lovers from far and wide appreciate them for their dramatic presence and strong statement of style, which are clearly evident in La Lune’s canopy beds. La Lune Collection proudly sustains the ancient tradition of hand-made rustic furniture – all La Lune canopy beds are made entirely by hand in the United States of environmentally secure woods, using the same methods and materials as those of the early artisans.

Take a look below at a sampling of La Lune’s collection of canopy beds – what tune do they have you singing?

Rustic Canopy Bed #4090 in Antique White Finish

Elegant and stately, this Canopy Bed lends a sense of drama to any decorating style – equally at home in traditional, contemporary, and eclectic settings.

La Lune Collection Canopy Bed # 4090

 

Rustic Canopy Bed #4280 in Natural Finish

This bed is a true masterpiece, featuring the graceful and freeform lines of natural branches as its striking design feature.


La Lune Collection Canopy Bed #4280

 

Rustic Canopy Bed #4150 in Natural Finish

The impact of pure drama is achieved with this charming bed – gracefully curved branches form its headboard and footboard, providing an exquisite design focus.

 La Lune Collection Canopy Bed #4150

 

 

Rustic Canopy Bed #4176 in Ebony Finish

A striking pattern of angled branches is the outstanding design feature of this handsome bed – attention to every design and construction detail ensures its enduring beauty and comfort.La Lune Collection Canopy Bed #4176

 

 

 

Rustic Canopy Bed #4090 in Mushroom Finish

Classic lines, refined rustic styling, and superior craftsmanship combine to create the ultimate sleeping experience with this beautiful bed.

La Lune Collection Canopy Bed #4090

 

 

Grab a Seat at the Bar: A Look at La Lune Collection’s Counter Stools and Bar Stools

Counter stools and bar stools are versatile seating options that can add character, color and texture to kitchen and bar designs — or simply offer a comfortable place to sit. Choosing a bar stool or counter stool that fits your design and space is extremely important as these seats will serve as a focal point in the room, and since they’ll get lots of use their comfort is imperative. La Lune Collection boasts a large and beautiful selection of unique, rustic bar stools and counter stools – take a closer look below at just a few of these beauties.

 

La Lune Collection Barstool #1298, Table #3049

 

 

La Lune Collection Counter Stool #1390 / Ebony

 

Rustic Counter Stool #1390

in Ebony Finish

Graceful, organic lines of nature are exquisitely featured on the back of this Counter Stool. The seat and back are masterfully upholstered by La Lune’s exceptional craftsmen, achieving the perfect combination of style, strength, and comfort.

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Barstool #1138Rustic Bar Stool #1138

in Natural Finish

Substantial and striking – this Bar Stool is the perfect combination of strength and beauty.  A favorite in the restaurant and hotel world, it has proven to stand up to even the most rigorous wear, all the while maintaining its good looks and classic rustic appeal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Barstool #1384, #1386Rustic Bar Stool #1384

in Ebony Finish

La Lune Collection’s  expert artisans carefully weave top quality leather on the back of this Bar Stool to create a masterpiece of craftsmanship and comfort.

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Counter Stool #1142, Barstool #1144

 

 

Rustic Counter Stool #1142 – Bar Stool #1146 in Natural Finish

Here is La Lune’s rustic update on the classic square-seat Counter Stool and Bar Stool – strong, stylish, convenient – and so perfectly suited to fit any space and interior design style.

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Barstool #1124, #1122 Rustic Bar Stool #1122 – #1124

in Natural Finish

The backs of these Bar Stools feature an attractive “fan” design, which complements many interior design styles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is for Nesting! (and Nesting Tables by La Lune Collection)

robins nesting smaller

A glance out of La Lune’s office windows on this early April morning reveals that the robins have found their way back home – welcome proof indeed that Spring has arrived to our beloved Wisconsin, as well as to all of the northern United States.  Industrious Mrs. Robin Redbreast will quickly turn her thoughts and activities to the task of gathering twigs and small branches for nesting – and so it is with the craftsmen of La Lune.

What better time could there be than Spring, the season of nesting, to showcase La Lune Collection’s own beautiful – and functional – nesting tables?

 

La Lune Collection Nesting Tables #3424

 

Nesting Tables with Willow Tops #3424

in Natural Finish

One of these charming side tables – featuring a rustic trademark diamond design motif –  is absolutely wonderful.  Which means, of course, that two are even better!

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Nesting Tables #3425

Nesting Tables with Cedar Plank Tops #3425

in Kahlua Finish

Featuring a peeled bark finish with a cedar plank top, this set of tables is perfect for outdoor use as well as indoors. As with all La Lune Collection furniture, these tables are constructed by hand, using the same simple tools and techniques employed by furniture craftsman for several centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Nesting Tables #3424

 

Nesting Tables with Willow Tops #3424

in Redwood Finish

Branches are meticulously cut and applied by hand by La Lune’s skilled artisans to create the beautiful patterns on this set of tables – and a warm, rich Redwood finish completes its rustic charm.

 

 

 

 

 

Service With a Style: Beautiful Rustic Buffets from La Lune Collection

Everyone knows that a well-dressed dining room will feature as its centerpiece a dining table and chairs, as this is precisely where family and friends will gather to share meals and conversation. However, let’s not forget another important dining room furniture piece – a necessity for serving said delicious fare to its eager recipients – which is alternately referred to as a “sideboard”, “buffet”, “credenza”, or “server”, depending on what part of the country one calls home. In our beloved Wisconsin, one most often hears reference to “buffet”, so this is the term we will use for the remainder of this discussion.

The earliest versions of today’s buffet originated in England, making their appearance in the 18th century, but quickly gaining popularity during the 19th century as households became more prosperous. Sweden is credited with using buffets to lay out large displays of food and drink – known as smorgasbords – and the concept of buffet tables soon spread to France and ultimately to the rest of Europe and the Americas.

Today, the buffet is an important dining room accessory, adding style to function.  At La Lune Collection we’re proud of our own collection of beautiful buffets, offered in a variety of sizes, designs, and finishes, and from which we’ve curated here a small sampling  – presenting La Lune’s “service with a style”!

 


La Lune Collection Buffet 2510

Rustic Buffet #2510

This finely crafted buffet features a striking background of White Birch, accented with contrasting willow trim in a Natural finish on bark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection 2120 natural 500

Rustic Buffet #2120

A dramatic Ebony finish sets off this buffet – our expert craftsmen have tended to every detail in its construction, carefully cutting and applying by hand the branches that make up its precise geometric designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Buffet 2110

 

Rustic Buffet #2110

Featuring a geometric pattern configured of poplar branches in a Desert finish, this buffet affords a beautiful place to store the finest dishes and stemware, and provides the perfect (and ample) space for serving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Buffet 2124

 

Rustic Buffet #2124

With its traditional appeal and superb craftsmanship, this buffet in a Natural finish has the look and feel of furnishings from a bygone era.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Buffet 2538

 

Rustic Buffet #2538

This charming two-door buffet shows off its pattern of branches in a Spruce finish and features a smooth, pine plank top – perfect for entertaining in a smaller space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Buffet 2542


 

Rustic Buffet #2542

Four doors, and two drawers, and a finely detailed decorative pattern of poplar branches are the hallmarks of this lovely buffet in a Natural finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warm Weather Dreaming with La Lune Collection

There’s no denying it. As much as we adore our beloved Wisconsin, it’s true that her winters – with all of the snow-dumping, wild winds, and biting cold – can just get tiresome after a few months. But, when we land solidly in the second half of February – and if we stand on our tiptoes – we can peek over into March and dream of the warm weather that beckons from not so very far off.

In the spirit of the “warm weather dreaming”, we’re inspired to share a few photos that were shot by La Lune photographers at a breathtaking wooded Wisconsin estate shortly before the snowflakes appeared last fall.

Join La Lune Collection as we muse, photographically, about the milder months ahead!

La Lune Collection Club Chair 1174, Coffee Table 3534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 La Lune Collection Club Chairs #1174 and Coffee Table #3534 in Kahlua Finish

 

 

La Lune Collection Club Chair 1174, Sofa 1170, Coffee Table 3458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Club Chairs #1174, Sofa #1170, and Coffee Table #3458 in Kahlua Finish

 

 

La Lune Collection Settee 1404, Side Table 3450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Lune Collection Settee #1404 and Side Table #3450 in Kahlua Finish

 

Thanks for taking a quick warm weather “photo trip” with La Lune Collection – stay warm, and we’ll see you again in March!