Photo by Lacie Hansen.

In 2006 Helene Ige was a celebrity. Maybe not a household name kind of design celebrity. And certainly not the Brandi Glanville kind of celebrity, lacking the goods to back it up. No, Helene was the kind of celeb many folks populating Etsy and OhJoy! are longing to be today, who would be Twitter and blog-o-sphere darlings. Parsons educated and uber talented, ElleDecor and Wallpaper were clamoring to get the first images of her innovative furniture designs. Today, she continues to design and sell from her actual brick-and-mortar shop on Beverly Boulevard called Ige. (Wait, remember when people went to boutiques???)

Round Peony Table by Helene Ige.

What was intended to be a studio visit, instantly turned into a conversation about the business of design. Because she doesn’t cut corners on materials or workmanship, Helene’s products are the real deal and priced accordingly. As Ige says, “I may not do things the ‘best’ way, but I do them with heart.” To me, THIS is the essence of craftsmanship, of real artistry. When we choose to incorporate designs like Ige’s into our surroundings, we are incorporating a part of her (creativity) into our own visions.

Foo Dog Pillows by Helene Ige.

According to Ige, today’s average design savvy consumer is both over-educated, (even having the nerve to look up items on their phones while in her boutique to try to haggle with her) and under-educated with what Ige calls the “dumbing down” of design, not knowing its artistic roots. Oh, preach to me, Helene.

Humptys by Helene Ige.

As an interior designer it is my job to educate clients – not just about what will look best in their home, function best for their lifestyle, but what will  l a s t , in terms of style and workmanship. I encourage my clients to make investments in quality pieces whenever necessary and buy inexpensive, trendier items when not.

Cast dinosaurs by Helene Ige. (I want them all.)

So the next time you’re looking for inspiration or for something to add to your environment, consider patronizing someone like Helene. Go in, wander around, and get inspired by her work. And hopefully, you’ll even feel it in your heart.

 

(Ige is located at 7382 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles.)