OBJECTS OF AFFECTION
By Michelle Crowe
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
By Michelle Crowe
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
In her time leading content and communications for a luxury design firm, Hadas Teuscher noticed that while clients spent hours agonizing over the smallest design details like door pulls and brass finish, the home objects that serve as finishing touches for rooms were almost an afterthought. “The objects were slightly generic, and all came from the same website. That aspect of design was lacking resources;” she says.
When the time came to step out on her own, Hadas acknowledged that as much as she thrived on writing about subject like “why did Picasso have a blue period?” and the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after the fire, she loved writing about makers the most. Sourcing and getting to know artisans offered her opportunities for deep dives on the internet. “These are artists who are honoring traditional techniques. Everything they do is handmade and one of a kind. I loved sharing their stories.”
Teuscher dove deep, brainstorming, meeting with consultant Brittany Jelinek, creating a binder filled with the work of great makers and all that inspires her.
From this exploration Trove Object Gallery was born. An elevated platform, dedicated to bridging the gap between creator and consumer, where collectors can get to know the heart and hands behind the treasures. “We have 30 makers who all share the same philosophy of handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces,” she says.
Trove offers exposure and a different relationship than a traditional gallery, which Hadas feels is beneficial to everyone. Designers, homeowners, and those who appreciate excellent storytelling can get lost on the site, exploring by maker, medium, category, or country. Asked about this unique way to shop, she replies “ It relates back to my love of travel. I find in talking to people from places as different as Japan and Portugal that even though they’re from very far apart, they share a lot of the values that made me seek them out.”
The Trove Journal offers glimpses into other interests, travel, and inspiration. “It’s my way to share what I love, a little bit about myself and my family. We had a summer trip to Sicily, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the pignas. I wrote a post about the history behind them and I was drawn to these sculptural pinecones,” she says, adding, “ I try to keep it light but share a bit of knowledge that I think is interesting.”
The Hinsdale friends and neighbors she and her family cherish are her biggest supporters so far. “This is a worldly and sophisticated community filled with people who have more appreciation for craft and art and one of a kind,” Tauscher says.
Her dreams for Trove Objects Gallery are much bigger than local, though.
Asked about her hopes for this collective, she replies, “We’re going to conquer the world. I hope this resource will allow people to bring items into their house at somewhat of an accessible price point and take the sourcing dilemmas out for people.”
Whether customers choose a vessel from Argentina, a table lamp from Turkey, or a vase from Germany, the selected prize will become part of the new owner’s story as they get to know the artist through the site.
As Teuscher says, “I love having pieces in my house that remind me of something or have a special meaning is really important. A well-curated home is important for peace of mind.” Now everyone can experience this deep connection to their own chosen treasures.
Sign Up for the JWC Media Email