Everyone is chatting about the beautiful transformation that took place at 906 Market Street.  What used to be a vacant office space has blossomed into an adorable cottage that is now Crown Linen Designs.  I know you are dying to go in there, don't pretend you haven't wondered what is happening on the inside. Here's a perfect opportunity- Crown Linen will be opening on Tues Feb 14th (11am-6pm), so pop in to say hello, drink some bubbles,  check out the linens, and you can even buy some flowers for your Valentine!

 Lyuba Urshulyak & Victoria Fanning  (photo credit: Warren Mell Photography)

Victoria Fanning and Lyuba Urshulyak are the heart and soul behind this business.  It's important to know that the outer beauty of their new retail location is only a brief introduction to the inner beauty of what is really happening at this address. 

I know your first thought.  You don't want to say it outloud, but you're worried that Kirklanders couldn't possibly need enough linens each month to support this business.  Rest assured, though,  Crown Linens already runs a booming business as a wholesaler that supplies over 500 stores across the US. Their affordable linen pieces have a classic elegance and contemporary design for the table, kitchen, bed and bath.  When you walk in, the soft palate of organic white, taupes and creams pair beautifully with the house they are adorning. Fully decorated rooms with linen bedding, table-settings and resort-wear clothing are ready for you to peruse.  Love the clean simplicity of these linens! Check out these photos:  

       


Victoria and Lyuba's special friendship started 15 years ago here in Kirkland.  Lyuba is originally from the Ukraine, where the average income is $300/month and people often move from place to place in search of work in their struggling war-torn economy.  So the two got to work designing linens and worked out of Victoria's house for the last year while Lyuba communicated with people back in the Ukraine that desperately needed work.  Linen and embroidery are at the heart of the culture in the Ukraine.  Victoria and Lyuba loved the idea of helping those in need while also utilizing an organic, naturally grown and sustainable resource (did you know that linen comes from flax seed?) that is so integral to this region.  Now they employ over 20 Ukrainians in 5 factories of which they consider an extension of their family who pride themselves on their craft. 95% of Crown's products are made in the Ukraine. 

So, why open a shop in Kirkland?  They were quickly growing out of their space, and in addition to employing some local moms that utilize the entire downstairs for product storage, preparation, packaging and shipping, these ladies wanted to be a visible presence and give back to their local community.  And, of course,  to be a place that Kirklanders view as a destination shop for a hostess gift, shopping a sample sale or hosting a party, attending classes on how to set a table, or even to test product and see what people like.  And lots of people are raving about Crown Linen Designs.  These are NOT your Grandma's linens (no doilies, I promise).Victoria Magazine featured them in their Jan/Feb 2017 issue as one of their "Favorite Things."  For you reality TV fans out there, even Lisa Vanderpump tweets about her love for their products and her daughter Pandora used Crown Linens to set her Christmas table.

 
You can always spot Crown Linen Designs by their signature crown emblem.  Locally, they are also found in Haley's Cottage (Kirkland), Via Lago (Kirkland), Hedge & Vine (Bellevue), Elegant Details (Woodinville) and Martha Harris (Madison Park). Pricing for napkins start around $15 and go up from there for towels, pillows, clothing, bed linens. Hours are Tues-Friday 11-6 and Saturday 11-5.  Questions? Email [email protected].  See you for bubbles on Tuesday!