H Marion Blog

before renovation

When we first considered leasing the retail space in Wilmette, we were challenged by the expansive wall of windows that took up nearly 40% of the pie-shaped store. We required more display space than our walls offered and so we were challenged to come up with an efficient & user-friendly way to display not only our gallery of framed artwork, but thousands of frame moulding samples as well. We solved this problem in a successful and space-efficient manner: by developing an innovative system that incorporates stacked, hanging panels which slide open to reveal additional layers of fabulous frame mouldings.

With just 815 sq. ft. of space, the new H. Marion Framing location is highly illuminated, with two walls of natural light beaming through the heavily windowed store. These unique features allowed us to implement a dramatic, yet neutral color sheme, and to employ unconventional hanging systems and display easels to effectively showcase a range of artwork sans the walls on which to diplay it. This method of layering creates the illusion of a much deeper and more spacious showroom than actually exists.

“We’ve made creative use of a small space,” explains Marion, “the new store is as visually striking as it is user-friendly. We succeeded in creating a design that showcases our beautiful collections of moulding and gallery of fine art in a way that is inviting from any angle, either from within the store or to window-shoppers and passers-by.” The space is itself, a work of art.

Serving the design needs of the North Shore since 1973, H. Marion Framing first opened up its doors in Wilmette, but moved its operations to other northern suburbs. Now, Marion has circled back to the company’s roots and couldn’t be happier. “It’s a really beautiful space; we’ve risen to the occasion in designing the new store and I can’t wait to share it with the people in my hometown.” says Marion.

Clients trust H. Marion Framing Studios because of employees’ artistic knowledge, use of conservation framing techniques and superior end-product. Regarded as an industry leader in every sense, H. Marion Framing Studios are committed to satisfying their customers no matter what challenges arise.

We are excited to announce that our second location is now open for business to serve all your art and framing needs! Visit our new Wilmette gallery & showroom at the Edens Plaza shopping center located at the corner of Lake Ave. & Skokie Blvd., just off the Edens expressway. We are by the Carson’s entrance, across from Starbucks.

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Fall is a season of change; a season of color and warmth. We, too, are busy changing… evolving… and have many exciting things to share with you!

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Chances are, what you want to frame would benefit from preservation framing. After all, if you’re framing it, you want to protect it and make it last for as long as possible. Items can be preserved for years to come with preservation framing techniques, such as glass or acrylic that filters our ultraviolet light, reversible mounting methods, and sealing the frame package to minimize the effects of humidity or extreme changes in temperature.

Another important aspect of preserving your art is to use the right matboard. Ask us about preservation-grade matboards that are acid-free and safely surround the art. These matboards prevent the yellowing and degradation of paper. Preservation matboards are available in a wide variety of colors and textures and enhance any framing project. Creative matting enriches and adds to the beauty of the artwork while keeping it safe for the future.

Read more about preservation framing on our site.

Jan Marion of H. Marion Framing shares a few tips with Roma Moulding about putting your best foot forward when approaching “how good design works.”

Storefront display at H. Marion Framing

There is no one, indisputable way to decorate a frameshop or art galley in a way that gets customers’ attention and makes a unique statement about what the staff does. Different shops can decorate their spaces in entirely different ways and from entirely different design perspectives and still enjoy great success. There are a few key, important things to keep in mind, however, such as the importance of creating window displays that peak the interest of passersby and designing interior spaces that show off the best products and services a shop has to offer. Several retailers have found that applying sound principles of design and merchandising to their decorating schemes and including high-end frames such as those from Roma Moulding help to ensure that they are putting their best design foot forward.

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