Featuring Q & A with Juliska Sales Representative David Wunderlich

 If you haven’t visited the store recently, the showrooms at Dwelling & Design are all decked-out with seasonal flourishes for the upcoming holidays. One of the brands that has provided incredible inspiration with these decorating endeavors is Juliska and their brand new releases, which include some of the most out-of-this-world tablesettings we’ve laid eyes on. On the contrary to our over-the-moon ecstasy however, you will find that their product line centers around an intuitive old-world understanding and has established itself on a very organic and artisanal down-to-earth level.

At the heart of the matter

Whilst making plans for unveiling the new vignettes, we contacted our friend and Juliska sales representative David Wunderlich. Aside from being one of the most fun, enthusiastic and life-loving professionals we have the special privilege of knowing, he’s a design-enthusiast and has a bevy of knowledge and insight to share with anyone interested in the subject.

During a special in-store visit by David (we took him up on his offer, since we’re kind-of obsessed with this sort of thing!), he guided us through a wonderful tutorial session, providing an in-depth perspective on this innovative, yet traditional company whose popularity continues to grow. We were quite engaged during the presentation, and couldn’t help but marvel at all of the interesting details regarding Juliska’s manufacturing principles, creative processes, European-influence, and general history of commerce and evolution within this industry!

We’d like to, in turn, share some of this amazing story with you! We asked David questions about the company, as well as his excitement with design and how he channels this energy around the holidays. We hope you enjoy!

Discussion with David

D&D: You explained that Juliska pieces are intentionally made to be “perfectly imperfect”. Can you give us some insight into the design & thought process that founders David & Capucine Gooding use to make these creations come to life? 

DW: Well, they are on a deliberate mission. Really to create a look that celebrates imperfect beauty… with special attention paid to the details, such as subtle glazing, textures and design that gives an appearance of soulfulness. They really strive for each piece to have its own identity of sorts, and to convey very “careful qualities” – after all, each piece is made by an actual, unique human being. These are devoted artists and artisans who take a lot of pride in what they do. The finished product is a reflection of those things – each with its own priceless personality.

 

D&D: Juliska dinnerware pieces are certainly gorgeous for serving… but they are also intended for baking as well! What makes them so durable and able to withstand hot oven temperatures?

DW: The attractive qualities of these pieces are beyond skin-deep. Juliska is known for seamlessly blending beautiful designs with quality functionality.  Actually, while giving the impression of being fragile or delicate, there is a very tough and resilient foundation below the surface. Allow me to try and explain…

All “fired” Juliska pieces are considered “stoneware”; and yes, this is a very specific term and it must undergo a specific process to be labeled as such. Unlike “earthenware”, whose ranks include terracotta and most pottery, the aforementioned stoneware endures higher temperatures while being fired (1100-1300 degrees Celsius), and undergoes something called ‘vitrification’ while cooling, where all of the materials combine into one. The piece is now transformed and composed of a much more durable material (i.e. harder and less “chip-able”).  

So, basically, you have the advantage of preparing, baking and serving in the same vessel (and then that same vessel can be popped into the dish washer!)  Their products inspire incredible thoughtfulness—such as—to make a batch of your favorite muffins using their muffin pan and deliver the entire “package” to a friend or family member… best when still warm from the oven!

D&D: What makes you so passionate about Juliska?

DW: First of all, because it is so relevant to everyday life. Their vast assortment of dinnerware, glassware and table accessories allow you to make everyday life more special. It stands the test of modern families, their busy schedules and is there as a reliable and comforting assurance that the moments we too-often take for granted are preserved and waiting for us at the end of the day. And when we open our homes to share with company, it adds warmth to each occasion and facilitates experiences that are memorable.

D&D: What is most rewarding about what you do?

DW: I love introducing someone new who isn’t familiar with these products, completely unaware… and brightening their day unexpectedly!  I love the success stories, like your store for instance.  It wasn’t too long ago that you were carrying just a few pieces, and now you’re displaying and selling a large part of the entire collection. And it’s events like these that allow people the opportunity to really see what Juliska offers and to partake in the experience themselves.  



D&D: What is your favorite part when it comes to decorating for the holiday season?

DW: Innovation. Creativity. Presentation. I recently went to the local fabric store to find materials for decorating my house this season. I wanted to create beautiful curtains that acted as backdrops for the holiday festivities. And I suddenly saw things from the perspective of being a “stage”… so I was “setting the stage”, so-to-speak, for all of these wonderful things to transpire.  And I view entertaining almost as a performance. It is definitely an artform in its own right.

 

Holiday Cheers,

Dwelling & Design

Photography | Karena Dixon Photography

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To continue the conversation and learn more about Juliska, please visit us at Dwelling & Design. We’ll give you that hands-on experience and show you a great selection of products they offer, including tablesettings essentials (stoneware, glassware, flatware and textiles) as well as functional décor and fine lighting options.

Juliska is guided by the phrase “L’Amour et Savoir Vivre”; meaning “Love the art of living well”.  We look forward to collectively helping you enjoy the holiday season and beyond!

   

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