Monday, November 23, 2009

DIFFA: Holidays By Design 2009

Last year was our first year participating in DIFFA'S Holidays by Design. We went simple and small, not really knowing what to expect. This year we knew better. Designers in Kansas City go all out to create holiday decor that is auctioned off to support the prevention of HIV and AIDS. From whimsical and campy to elegant and extravagant, the designs run the gamut. This year we decided to do something a little different. Instead of creating a wreath to hang on a door or the wall, we made a chandelier to hang from the ceiling; after all we are a furniture store!

Here is our chandelier along with some of the other beautiful creations made by local designers.










Monday, November 16, 2009

Setting the mood

Looking for a little ambiance or something shiny to spice things up at home for holiday entertaining? These mercury glass candle stick holders and chalice votive holders will do the trick. They make a lovely addition grouped on the dining table, buffet, or coffee table. Our silver sapling servers and salt and pepper shakers also seem appropriate for the season, as either a gift or for your own entertaining collection.

Enjoy the beauty in the people and things you love in your life!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

LAFCO Candles at Urban Dwellings Design

A great new gift has arrived in the store! We are now carrying the luxurious House and Home Candle Collection by LAFCO New York. Each scent, named after a different room in the house is designed to compliment the ambiance and decor of each room.

The candles are clean burning 100% soy based wax housed in a hand blown glass vessel that you will surely keep after your candle has reached its 90 hour burn time. I know I will be keeping mine to use as a small flower vase.


The beautiful box they come in makes wrapping a non-issue. Check back soon, there are many more giftable items arriving for the holiday season!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

What happens in High Point...part 2

As hinted in my previous post, I wanted to write about the fascinating people I was able to meet in High Point this time around. The highlight of my trip would be the very first night. My new partner in crime during market, Amy Jo Cosgrove (of Barbara Cosgrove Lamps), had graciously added me as her plus one to the House Beautiful party! I was beyond excited to attend and witness the happenings of a party where the guest list would include Stephen Drucker, Thomas O'Brien, Thom Felicia, Christopher Wilcox, Julian Chichester and many more design icons.

Among those I was lucky enough to meet and have a conversation with was Rob Jones. Rob started his own high end, to the trade, upholstered furniture line, R. Jones & Associates, at the early age of 19! Recently he has partnered with American Leather on some pieces, and I am eagerly awaiting the launch of his website to see more of his designs.

Another youngster getting into the furniture design biz is John Reeves. I briefly meet him at the House Beautiful party, and then again a few nights later at the Oly party. After talking to him more in depth the second night I learned of his furniture line, REEVESdesign, that has been extremely well received in the UK (his homeland) where Heal's-- London's premier home design store for modern and contemporary furniture, picked up his line with great success.


The next day I promptly went over to the Four Hands showroom where John was showcasing his line and fell in love with the pieces. This is definitely something I am keeping my eye on and hope to be able to introduce the line to Kansas Citians soon!

I loved the combo of the raw wood with the lacquered top on these Victoria side tables below.


John Reeves and I below, sitting on his gorgeous Louis four poster bed.

Below: Court and I in our costume hats at the Oly party.


On a more personal note, I was lucky enough to spend some much needed time with my dear friend Court Krippendorf. Court helped me open Urban Dwellings Design one year ago and it was always my hope that he would move to KC and we would run the store together--we make an incredibly fierce team! But alas, he won't leave his home state of Florida, where he works at Being, a furniture and design store with a similar aesthetic to ours.

For me, High Point is all about finding innovative designs that are unique enough to stand out but classic enough to stand the test of time. And of course, having a good time while on my mission is a must.