Philosophy - KILN Design Studio, established in 2002, by KILN brand founders Elissa Ehlin and James Leritz, offers specialty design and consulting services from interiors to art, products, packaging and brand identity. Technology and craftsmanship are united in sumptuous materials by a philosophy of environmental concern both ecologically and esthetically.

Elissa and Jay’s environments and products incorporate a modern sensibility with a strong emphasis toward the latest developments in art and product design.  They are reflections of their context, considering factors such as client interests, place in history, geographical region, and purpose of the space, surrounding community, current creative movements and sustainability.

Background – Award winning designer James Leritz Studied Philosophy at the University of San Diego before founding the greatly influential DeForm Design Studio in 1991. DeForm became renowned for their unorthodox treatment of many of southern California’s most memorable retail spaces, nightspots and residences. In 1997 and 1998, DeForm was awarded major public art commissions by the City of San Diego and the City of Escondido respectively. In 1998 DeForm created a line of modern inspired contemporary furniture that became the basis for a new product design show at the “New Museum of Contemporary Art” in NYC.

Elissa Ehlin studied fine art, color theory and interior design at the Art Institute of Boston and the Boston Architectural Center. She previously worked as a color consultant for Bershad Design Associates, Kravet/Lee Jofa and Kenneth Alpert. She was recently honored with an appointment to the board of the prestigious Color Association of the United States (CAUS) for environments and interiors.

In 2002, Elissa and James founded KILN as a product design and boutique-manufacturing studio in Brooklyn, NY. They were immediately contracted to design products for the likes of Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Bumble and Bumble among others. Their own KILN brand products are sought after by collectors and celebrities and are available through the finest boutiques.

Awards, Commissions and Accomplishments

• Appointed to the board of the Color Association of the United States 2007
• National Library of Congress- Inducted for outstanding 21st Century Design 2006
• Smithsonian Institute – Selected works from “Here is NY” exhibition in permanent collection
• New York Historical Society – Selected works from “Here is NY” exhibition in permanent collection.
• Published In, “Here is NY a Democracy of Photographs” Published by Scalo Zurich – Berlin
• New York 2007 - Historic Richard Neutra House – Garden Sculpture commission 2001
• San Diego Design Awards – Outstanding Product Design award winner 2001
• US Navy – Commission for NTC multi-denominational church art and alter 2000
• City of San Diego, CA – Awarded Little Italy India Street Landmark Project 2000
• City of Escondido, CA – Awarded East Valley Parkway Public Art Project

The History of Enamel

Enameling is the art of firing stained glass onto metal in a ceramics kiln. Early examples of enamel can be traced as far back as the 6th century B.C. It is believed that Mediterranean craftspeople developed and elaborated on Egyptian filigree work, using glass enamels as an imitation of precious gemstones. However, contemporary periods such as the 1920s or the mid-century modern movement may paint a more familiar backdrop. In the 1970s, lead was used in the overseas production of enamel cook wear, which caused a sharp decline in its utilitarian appeal. Somewhat "under the radar", enamel was associated with hobbies and crafts, until recently.

The Process

KILN Design Studio pieces all begin with two materials: glass enamel and metal (copper, iron, steel and stainless steel)

1. Stained glass is crushed and ground in to a fine powder –making enamel
2. Enamel is sifted onto a metal base form
3. The enamel coated form is heated in a kiln at 1500 degrees
4. In the kiln the enamel turns into liquid glass
5. As the piece cools the liquid enamel solidifies and bonds with the metal base form –retaining it’s durable and glass finish
6. When a pattern is being applied to the piece, the process begins again.  The pattern is applied by decal, silk-screening or painting enamel on the surface.
7. All KILN forms are made from flat sheet copper and are either spun by hand, formed with a mallet or pressed in a die.  All metal forming is done on premises
8. All KILN products are hand made in Brooklyn NY by a small group of highly skilled enamellists and metal fabricators

LEAD FREE ENAMEL- while being odor, stain and scratch resistant, KILN Home Accessories do not contain lead and comply with California’s Proposition 65 standards.

Care

KILN Design Studio recommends hand washing all of its items. Never use glass cleaner or any other hash solvents on styles with a 24 k gold finish.