Wow. I just read all about Tulu, a gorgeous shop in Istanbul owned by a American antique textile dealer, Elizabeth Hewitt, who moved there since she married a Turkish man. Ah, love — it takes us to so many places sometimes, doesn’t it? It’s not always a state of the heart, but can change your entire life — including your country! Elizabeth’s taste is gorgeous and I owe a big thanks to interiors stylust Raina Kattelson for telling me about it because Turkey has been on my mind a lot lately. Tomorrow I’ll show you why. :)
As I was saying, Raina visited this exotic city recently and her photos really inspired me. Istanbul is 2 hours by plane so I’m thinking of visiting because the idea of seeing Turkey when I lived back in New Hampshire felt a bit far off to me. But 2 hours is nothing so why not visit. Plus friends tell me I’ll love it and now Raina is blogging about how great it is there. I love Turkish people, I’m making friends here who are Turkish, and have you ever had their cooking? Yum. Yet I know so little about Istanbul outside of the history – I know nothing about modern day living there.
This shop inspires me because I love the ethnic prints and patterns and the gorgeous colors – they’re so vivid and positive, I imagine any of these pillows brightening up a home. I’m seeing a lot of bedding that I’d like to own too, don’t you? It was interesting, as I did some more digging online, to find more information about the owner of Tulu, you can read all about Elizabeth here.
Have you ever been to Istanbul? What did you think? Any tips?
(Images: tulu)
October 20th, 2009 at 5:12 am
Absolutely gorgeous!
October 20th, 2009 at 5:32 am
What a gorgeous collection. I wish I could own each and every one of these cushions. Each one is perfect from fabric to color. I love the pleats and frills too.
My Owl Barn´s last blog ..This & That
October 20th, 2009 at 5:40 am
I went to Istanbul last year and enjoyed it very much. We had great food and visited amazing places; the whole place truly is a feast for the eye! I totally recommend a visit however be prepared for the hustle and bustle of the city!
October 20th, 2009 at 5:42 am
I’ve heard it can be a very affordable city-vacation filled with lots of culture and color. These pictures seem to illustrate this – it’s been on my list of places to see for a while, too!
juliette´s last blog ..Little Girl’s Bag: Take 2
October 20th, 2009 at 5:43 am
I really love the colors, they stand out against the white background so nicely. I could definitely have this style in my home!
And Holly, thank you so much for your feature on me last month! I have received so many nice comments and mail about my photography! It means a lot to me!
/MayaLee
MayaLee´s last blog ..Sunday Walk
October 20th, 2009 at 5:46 am
You will love Istanbul, it is marvellous. We’ve been there again over Easter and it was absolutely packed with people. So better chose some days outside any holidays, if you want to see all the wonderful sights, the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Church/Mosque/Museum and all the bazaars and and and.
And of course, take a boat over to the Islands (and take one of the fancy horsecarriages to drive you around on the Islands), take a walk over the Galata Bridge, eat some mackerel buns from the fish vendors on the waterfront.
Typing this, I could pack my bags and fly right over again. Must be still a lot warmer there, than here in Germany.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:51 am
You will enjoy a lot!
I went there for Easter some years ago, and it was a really fantastic trip. Different. And if you go there don´t miss the area of Ortokay. It is a not very visited place, but has such beautiful market and handmade shops, that it is worth to visit.
Another place to come back.
ibb´s last blog ..Apples and almonds
October 20th, 2009 at 5:52 am
So inspiring!
October 20th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Wow! What a wonderful surprise to see Tulu here. I live an hour outside of Istanbul and have been looking for an excuse to spend a day in Elizabeth’s store. It was recently introduced to me by a friend this past summer. I’ve lived here long enough that I guess I don’t see Turkey as exotic. Daily to day life kind of makes things that are different from home seem fairly normal, though I have a whole new definition of “normal” now. Holly, I encourage you wholeheartedly to visit and saw Istanbul first-hand. You’ve mentioned Turkey and Istanbul in the past on many posts. Yes, the food is good! Yes, the people are wonderful! And incredibly hospitable, too. I have to admit it is shocking sometimes when I read about Turkey from other person’s perspective if they haven’t been here, seeing it through their eyes. All I can say is there is no other place like it on earth, both complicated and beautiful, gritty and surreal, eye-opening and enveloping. Hope you take a trip!
Rose´s last blog ..Corner with blanket
October 20th, 2009 at 6:33 am
yes, we do cook well:) thanks:P
istanbul is where I was born, a really unique city.
I just can’t count the places that I believe you have to see:)
hmm, I guess you would love Çukurcuma , a district in Beyo?lu, where you can find stores like Tulu selling antique stuff, etc. It is itself worth seeing with its lovely old houses.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:34 am
This looks nice? Do you know the address of the shop? I just booked my tickets for Istanbul this Spring! I can’t wait!
the1015lab´s last blog ..Christopher Kane and the prints
October 20th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Oups sorry about the first question mark! It was supposed to be an exclamation mark!
the1015lab´s last blog ..Christopher Kane and the prints
October 20th, 2009 at 7:29 am
I adore the fabrics…gorgeous! :) Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Jacqueline´s last blog ..Little lovely tea spoon{s} ~ for you!
October 20th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Lovely items! I love the texture used on some of the pillows and the colors!
City Chic – Jamie´s last blog ..Bake it Pretty – Owl Friends
October 20th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Just beautiful – fabulous colours and designs. Never been to Istanbul but this certainly merits a visit!
October 20th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Ah, fantastic post! Thanks for blogging about Tulu. I will definitely check out the shop! I too moved to Istanbul for love. Whenever I visit the area of Sultanahmet (where Tulu’s shop is located) I feel like a tourist on an exploration to discover the city, even though I’ve done it before many times. It’s always a new and exciting journey wherever you are in Istanbul, or Turkey for that matter. Modern day living here is really like any other big city, but Istanbul offers some amazing cultural and historical aspects unmatched by any other city I’ve been too yet. I’ve never heard anyone say they left Istanbul unhappy about their experience. So, if you ever get the chance to visit, definitely come and see it. It will delight and surprise you!
Renai´s last blog ..Anticipation…
October 20th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Beautiful fabrics, thanks for sharing! I’ve never been to Istanbul, but would certainly go if I had the chance:)
pinkbathtub´s last blog ..Autumn Inspired :: Golden Tree Stationery
October 20th, 2009 at 8:28 am
I love your blog and hope it´s ok that I put the link to it on my blog. If not, please send me a mail and I´ll take it off. Please keep on with this blog because it is so inspiring.
Hugs, Tina from Germany
Tina´s last blog ..Wo ist meine Muse?
October 20th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Turkey is amazing. My dad was stationed at Incirlik and we lived there for almost 3 years. You need to visit all of Turkey not just Istanbul. It is a beautiful country. My favorite place ever in Turkey is Castle in the Sea. So cool.
October 20th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I love all the patterns and colours, perfect for gray winterdays!
I have never been in Turkey since I always considered it’ll be Ibiza-kind of beach holidays. But recently I have seen a lot of pictures and seen documentaries of Istanbul, it definitely should be worth a trip sometime soon! And the food is definitely great.
chiaroscuro´s last blog ..Inspiration of the day: Blickfang ’09
October 20th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I lived in Istanbul for a 2 years, and it is definitely a feast for the eyes everywhere you look! There are beautiful textiles and wonderful home furnishings, but I never found the prices to be a good deal- unless you catch certain stores when they are having a sale. Tea sets are usually a good price, and they are really lovely. Otherwise, the markets are incredible, but be prepared to haggle- especially if you don’t speak Turkish, they will start at a really inflated price. But for inspiration, it can’t be beat!!the mosques, the Bosphorus, and the minarets with the call to prayer… it is amazing. If you go, definitely take a ferry out to Buyuk ada, the Big Island. It’s absolutely amazing- they don’t allow cars there, everything is horse drawn carriages or you can rent bicycles. Worth the 35 minute ferry ride, for sure.
Julie´s last blog ..Modification Monday: Somewhat Different Textured Tunic
October 20th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I am an istanbuller myself and i think it is one of the most amazing cities. Do contact me if you ever think of visiting.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Hurray for Tulu! Just wonderful.
Holly – I think you will absolutely love this city. And I didn’t know about this store – so thank you for sharing things about my country too!
Best,
Asli
October 20th, 2009 at 9:49 am
You must visit Istanbul! In addition to the amazing history, it is a vibrant, exciting city (only London compares in my experience). Make sure to visit some of the smaller mosques as well as the Asian side of the city (there’s a great candy shop).
Ask your friends about “new Istanbul” (from Galata to Taksim). There is an antique area where I had the best meal. Speaking of which, check out the food blog http://cafefernando.com.
I can’t wait to see your photographs when you return.
Veeta´s last blog ..Curb Appeal
October 20th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Beautiful fabrics! How wonderful to live in a place where “exotic” places are just a quick trip away! :)
October 20th, 2009 at 10:37 am
These colors and prints are so beautiful. They’re just the inspiration I need to get going on a cloudy day like today.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Oh my WOW! Those colors! Those patterns! Those pillows! They are all super-fantastic and tres chic!
thedoodlegirl´s last blog ..Illustration Friday: Frozen
October 20th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I *loved* Istanbul. Travelling there in the summer is amazingly HOT. :) I loved the beauty, architecture, food, textiles. I’ll second everything already said. I was mostly hanging out with friends who spoke Turkish and it made a HUGE difference. If you can get people to show you around a little bit, when you’re on your own it’s less intimidating (language-wise). There is so much good food. Try to get to little neighborhood places. I stayed @ Hotel Empress Zoe which at the time was very charming, and for me (travelling alone but friends in the city at the university) was perfect because it was owned by an american woman so I knew I could communicate if need be. It’s small and was a convenient location. There’s a much larger and fancier hotel around the corner from it. Have a wonderful time if you go!
October 20th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Thanks for the great post!
Raina Kattelson´s last blog ..istanbul style guide
October 20th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Istanbul can put a spell on you – it is so amazing! I have been many times – due to an old romance ;) I realized after we broke up that I was actually just in love with the city and the country and not the man! Opps. The history, the food, the buzz, the people, the textiles…it’s all so beautiful. I really hope you get to make a trip soon Holly! You’ve been talking about it forever!
October 20th, 2009 at 11:33 am
What a riot of color in these images! Love them!
You should go! But I’m sure your list of places to visit has grown exponentially since you moved to Germany since it puts so many exotic places within reach. You will get to them all, eventually, but how to decide in what order? What a fun problem to have :)
Victoria Bennett Beyer´s last blog ..AUTUMN COLOR WEEK: Green
October 20th, 2009 at 11:50 am
What a gorgeous post Holly, simply stunning. I love the way Turkish items seem to have a life of their own, a story to tell of fabulous places from out of a novel… They certainly are great as decor accents because all you need is ONE of these items to give a space some personallity. My favorite thing on their shop is their vases, truly gorgeous, they just look so unique and special! sigh….. (and thank you) xo
Nuit´s last blog ..Lonny my love…
October 20th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
you will love turkey & istanbul. we went on our honeymoon. the people are lovely, the food wonderful, and the shopping great. there’s so much to do in istanbul – the bazaars, the mosiac museam, topkapi (you have got to see the harem & the treasury) …. you can take a boat down the bosphorus to the black sea, waunder around the more modern fancy shopping areas, shop for carpets … I want to go back!
and of course other parts of turkey are wonderful too. if istanbul was a 2 hour flight for me, I would go just for a weekend. that’s a shorter flight than LA to Seattle!!
October 20th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I lived half of my life in Istanbul. ?stanbul is a wonderfull place. You must see Adalar, Anadolu Kava?? (eat fish), sightseeing by ship, to look istanbul from Çaml?ca and Piyerloti ….
And the other cities ?zmir, Ankara,Bursa, Sivas, Gaziantep, Mardin, Ni?de … Ürgüp Peribacalar? (Kapadokya)..
Please look Gökova-Akyaka Azmak . It is realy fantastic. Dalyan, Fethiye, Ka?…. ext.
Come and see….
You will never forget your experiences in Türkiye
mayriye mayri´s last blog ..YA?AM DEN?LEN ?EY
October 20th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
What beautiful, luscious patterns! I love the little cubbies and shelves full of color. Makes me realize how you could use textile objects (like pillows) as a sort of sculpture. I’ve also wanted to go to Turkey for some time, and I’m so jealous that you’re only 2 hours away!
blue bicicletta´s last blog ..On Tying the Knot
October 20th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Gorgeous post. Makes me want to fill my place with (even more) pillows! Can’t wait to see photos from your trip!
peggy´s last blog ..A Trip to Columbus
October 20th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
these are absolutely lovely! i wish to visit turkey soon!
October 20th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Ahhh! Istanbul! I miss it so much! Such a magical city! I was born-and raised in there but now in San Francisco!!! I live here now! Yes, love takes us to different places!!! :) Tulu is beautiful!!! Can’t wait to visit next time…
October 20th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Tulus prints are presented beautifully, but nothing compares to the hubbub of the bizarre. The aromatic spices will move you.
I drank a lot of apple tea. In fact, I still have tons of it here in the states. When I drink it, I am transported back.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
What a beautiful shop! I wish I had heard about it while I was in Istanbul last year. You really need to go there, it’s a great city, very scenic and huge….so plan at least a week visit (I was there for 5 days and felt like I barely saw half!).
tricia @ danish dessert´s last blog ..taking a few days off…
October 20th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing those wonderful pics . : )
~ Wendy
Wendy McDonagh-Valentine´s last blog ..A Christmas Swap and a Thank You . . .
October 20th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Oh wow, this shop looks just gorgeous! I really love those cushions. I’m so inspired now with different ideas for the next time I make some.
Holly, I’m so pea green with envy of you living so close to so many wonderful countries and cultures. Being at the ‘ass end of the world’ doesn’t leave much variety! Haha!
Kylie @ All Things Lovely´s last blog ..20% Off Everything Pre Christmas Sale!
October 20th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Beautiful prints – lovely pillows! i havnt been but I think its one place Id love to visit one day….its so rich in culture and history and I bet the food is delicious….
Anastasia´s last blog ..
October 20th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Wow, gorgeous. I especially love the maroon and teal floral pillows that look like they’re covered in inky stains. And those mirrors in the background of the bed shot–perfectly ornate!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I used to live in Instanbul. It’s amazing. Quite possibly my favorite city in the world. I’d move back in a heartbeat if I could.
And this store looks amazing, by the way!
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating´s last blog ..Before & After:: Chest of Drawers
October 20th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Oh my gosh! So many amazingly beautiful textiles – gorgeous :)
October 21st, 2009 at 2:01 am
Oh Holly – you are talking about a place I love and a place that changed my life. My Turkish husband swept me away to Turkey from sunny California over seven years ago and my life has never been the same (in a very good way). I hope you’ll get the chance to come to Istanbul and see why.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:34 am
never been to Istanbul but Tulu looks like a really fun place to shop in!for the meantime, i’ll visit it online:)
Rachel´s last blog ..Make Believe Shopping: $500 Gift Certificate at Talbots
October 21st, 2009 at 3:36 am
Why had I never thought of visiting Istanbul before? Actually, Turkey has never come onto my ‘trip radar’ and I really don’t know why.
After this blog post and reading the links it is now on my ‘To Visit’ list for sure!!!!
Loving the colours.
Lucy
x
Lucy Loves Fabric´s last blog ..VOGUE: More Dash Than Cash
October 21st, 2009 at 8:39 am
Hi Holly,
I love this post and cannot wait to see the store when I go to Turkey next time.
The colors are so vibrant and make any home beautiful…I wonder if she is selling the furnitures in the photo as well..gorgeous!!!!
October 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
absolutely in LOVE with these pillows! I need them! :)
Beth´s last blog ..Bowling | My Family | Beth Armsheimer Photography
October 21st, 2009 at 1:40 pm
DO go to Istanbul and do visit Elisabeth and her store. She is a wonderful person and I hope to go and visit soon. She visited here in Oslo 3 years ago and we had a wonderful time during their stay they brouhgt turkish antuiqe rugs for an exhibition. And the ikats oh they are even more beautiful in real life.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
What an amazing store!!! I love eastern patterns, so rich in color and shapes! I’ve been to Turkey (Istanbul) it has a wonderful atmosphere, kind of like east meets west…Amazing place to visit. I really want to go back there one day :) Thank you Holly for sharing! xo
Afi´s last blog ..YAY!!! Thank you Holly!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 am
I have been to Turkey for the first time this year. I spent the vacation there with my partner and we loved it. It is certainly worth it to go there for a holiday. It is so beautiful, full of history, I refer to Troy, Ephesus and Didim.. Miles of stunning beaches where we relaxed and had lovely walks at the sun rise and sun set. It is definitely a place to go. If you want to convince them to come, just tell them that there are more than 10 golf clubs and plenty of outdoor activities, just rent a car when you get there an you will have the freedom to explore the most of Turkey. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, I suggest you to visit Anatolia and it’s amazing thermal water Spas.
The reason why so many people have been attracted to Turkey is that this year with the current economic climate everybody is looking for a cheaper holiday. Fortunately, budget airlines now offer affordable airfares! If your budget is limited, I strongly recommend to take a look at CheapAccommodationsinTurkey, We had a great room and the food was delicious!
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:09 am
Wo! Pillows galore, I love all the colors and sizes! Very pretty.
Penny Patten´s last blog ..New England Bloggers Mixer
November 10th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Istanbul Istanbul….Im from Istanbul…Such a magical city…..Everyone should see this city.
*love