Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas Funkhouser.
Hi Douglas, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in New York City and, at an early age, I studied under Japanese acrylist Nori Yamato. I later attended Lester Polokov’s Studio and Forum of State Design in Greenwich Village, where I developed skills in set design, paint and costume. I gained entrance to The United Scenic Artists Union and pursued a career in the theatrical arts. After more than a decade of work in theater, I decided to apply my craft to residential interiors. I produced hand-painted finishes, textiles and wall coverings for such notable interior designers as Bruce Gregga and Michael Smith (Jasper) and collaborated with Rose Tarlow in the development of the Melrose House Collection.
I have since developed le gracieux, my own line of hand-crafted linen textiles. I borrowed the term from an essay by French author Montesquieu, in which he discusses the many degrees of pleasure contained within the arts. le gracieux (the gracious) was listed among them, meaning “that which is refined and beautiful.” It is important to me that my textiles possess an ageless sense of beauty and a hand softened by time.
During Covid lock down when interior designers and craftspeople were no longer meeting live on projects, we decided to take our ‘Private Stock’ textiles and create a line of Home Décor goods. Our private stock is quite special as it consists of beautiful one-of-a-kind test materials for our custom collaborations. We always knew we wanted to use this yardage for something special, and here it is. From this, we envisioned Shop Décor.
We then added the Writing Folios created for gifts to our interior designers to introduce product launches. The textiles used for the folios are also one-of-a-kind test yardage.
Our decorative arts projects are also presented in Shop Décor with watercolor botanicals created for our clients over the years, which we now offer as giclée prints.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success is seldom smooth…Times change, technologies develop, and some become obsolete. As an artist, I have had to reinvent myself many times in life. I used to paint scenic backgrounds for the motion picture industry. I was good at it and very quick. CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) changed the industry, and my area of expertise dried up, and I had to adapt almost overnight. I began to produce murals and painted finishes in private residences. This eventually led me to producing a boutique line of custom textiles for use in homes by the interior design industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for my textile designs and techniques, specialist decorative finishes, and home décor. I think what sets me and my team apart is our dedication to the craft and the ‘hand’ of our textiles and décor. The processes we use have been employed for centuries. It’s my hope we are true to our name, and they lend ‘a grace’ to wherever they are placed.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lessons I’ve learned is to be flexible and optimistic, to embrace change, and go with it. Enjoy what you do and stay positive about it. If you love your work then it is no longer work, make whatever you do become an impassioned interest.
Pricing:
- One of a kind Pillows $325
- Writing Folios $75
- Botanical Giclée prints (Framed) $675
Contact Info:
- Website: https://legracieux.com/shop-decor
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legracieuxshopdecor/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/legracieuxcreative/
Image Credits
Lisa Salloux
William Abranowicz
Ariana Anzures
