Made in America, A Factory Tour

Amanda and I went to visit the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams factory last week in Taylorsville, North Carolina. Since furniture can be a major investment I think you will appreciate knowing what goes into to making a quality piece of upholstered furniture.

The town of Taylorsville, felt like a town set in the 1950’s, a town with working factories that still make products from start to finish here in America. A town with workers who were real, true craftsmen (and women). A town where workers stay with one company and who spend their lives perfecting a craft. It truly made me appreciate these products and the value of buying American made products versus cheaper, imitations that you know are of lesser quality.

It was so cool to see actual women at sewing stations, custom sewing fabrics so fast I can’t believe a finger or two hadn’t been lost in the process. And real men upholstering the wood frames using their bare hands and staple guns which they carried in a holster like a real gun with a pocket full of staples as their ammunition.

There were managers quality checking all the work at different stages in the process and there were young guys unrolling each roll of fabric that came in to make sure there were no flaws.

Along the way there were interesting machines that make certain processes move much faster. Cool tables that took photos of the fabrics spread out to figure out how to best cut the fabrics with minimal waste. Zipper machines that applied the zipper and then the zipper pull. There was even a machine, a large vacuum mechanism, which reversed the casings for the cushions after they had been sewed.

Again, these were devoted workers who were so old-school that no one wore masks when painting the wood finishing on the furniture and no one was wearing gloves or any protective gear while handling big machinery, staple guns or sharp blades to cut the trimmings.

On top of the hard working nature and tedious tasks these folks were super nice. Everyone said, “hello” or “good morning” as we (a group of ‘city-folk’) walked by or stopped to stare at what they were doing! There were a few men in the factory who really appreciated seeing 25 young woman walking around the factory and definitely gave us the special treatment ;)

It was amazing to see how much order there was in what could be a chaotic environment. From top to bottom everyone knows where an order is in its production cycle and everyone is working on making sure every piece is made perfectly and in line to ship on time. Without getting too political it is nice to see something still made here in the US and know that there is such an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.

Photography is not allowed in the factory out of respect for the workers and to protect trade secrets (haha) but I did sneak in this one picture of the factory mantra!

1950's factory from Google images

-Ilyssa

Biding My Time

If you haven't heard, here in the Midwest we are experiencing a bit of a heat wave. Subsequently foot traffic in the store has been slow allowing me to get caught up with some much needed office work as well as a little shopping. I love visiting the antique stores in the area for unique finds for the store as well as clients. We have such a great resource right around the corner, The River Market Antique Mall. With four floors jam packed with furniture, accessories, lamps, dishes and general oddities, it is hard to walk out empty handed.

This Batik print is in the store now, I could easily design a whole room around it.

A vintage camel saddle rest..so cool in an entry way or hallway..such a statement piece.

An old hoop dress I think? Again, I could design an entire room around this!

Vintage Holy Bible

From an old piece of farm equipment. I love the color, these would look great in a modern room for a pop of color with a little bit of rustic charm.

Pick Me Up

During these almost unbearably hot summer days in Kansas City I can become a little sluggish. Traveling, or even just the thought of traveling, can cheer me up. Traveling provides me with inspiration, it re-energizes my spirit and can make me feel as though I am starting fresh when I return home.

I haven't traveled in several months however, my work commitments have just not allowed me that freedom. I decided to take a look at my photos from my Paris trip last summer. I knew they would spark the memories of pure joy and amazement that I had while I was there.

The first set of photos are from a few home decor shops I visited and loved. The pops of color really brighten my day!




I have been able to book a trip for New York in August that I am so very excited for. Part business, part pleasure, a week exploring the city is just what I need and I will be sure to share my inspirations here with you!

About a Boy

When my client asked me to help with her 11 year old sons room I was ecstatic! The challenge was to create a room for a "tween"--nothing to young, but he is still a kid after all and we didn't want anything that would look like an adult man's room either. Most of the design geared around children is just too young looking for a 11 year old, especially when it comes to bedding and accessorizing. His one request: BLUE. Our solution was to have custom bedding made and mix patterns and textures to create a fun, slightly whimsical room that he will be able to grow into over the next few years as he transitions into high school.

Above are the main pieces in the room Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams bed, side tables and Jonathan Adler lamps and bench.

Above is the fabric for the custom duvet.

This fun diamond print will be used on custom roman shades.

I LOVE this Allegra Hicks fabric, its going on the bench under the windows.

I can't wait to see this all come together..it is going to be really phenomenal!

-Jaclyn

I want the Prize

If you live in KC you are more than likely familiar with prize antiques. I have admired Steve Rogers collection at the Mission Road Antique mall as well as his spot in the West Bottoms. His new digs on the Plaza in conjunction with the Peruvian Connection are beyond! His aesthetic is spot on and I wish that half of the inventory was here in Urban Dwellings, our styles blend marvelously together. Here are a few snap shots I took (with my cell phone) on my last visit. Mind you I had a specific client in mind while I was there so I did not get great overall shots, but you get the gist...this stuff is beautiful and timeless.








I did have to pick up this 18th Century French print for my apartment..its going in my bedroom. The perfect romantic addition to my bare wall.

Apartment musings

Everyone assumes my home must be amazing. While I love my home, admittedly its not "there" yet. About a year ago I moved into a small 600 sf apartment on the Plaza. It is the smallest space I have lived in so decorating it has been a refreshing challenge. I plan to make updates as I make progress on getting my apartment "photo shoot ready": )


Here is some progress in the living room: these table lamps came with me from my previous temporary living spot, but the old shades didn't quite work. I got these raw silk shades (and the lamps) from Barbara Cosgrove Lamps. They are not making this exact lamp anymore, but they do have one similar in the line. Mine has a European style fabric wrapped cord that I LOVE. The clear acrylic nesting tables also came with me from a former home and are perfect for my small apartment.
The rug was a new purchase (through the store). I love the process of these rugs: old Tarkan rugs are dyed, then cut up and patched back together in a mismatched patchwork style with large exposed stitching. The rug has made a huge difference on how the space feels by tying the color scheme together and anchoring the furniture. I have hardwood floors, so it also makes the room feel much more cozy!

I look forward to keeping you up to date on my progress!
-Jaclyn