Its Never too Late

I'm a little obsessed. I'm also a little late to this party. I am unsure why John Derian never fully hit my radar until recently, but no matter now. I have decided I have to start collecting his beautiful decoupage pieces and filling my home with them. Coincidentally, I really hope to be picking the line up to offer here in the shop.

I love everything about his style, from the paperweights to the furniture. The Moroccan poufs are just a plain MUST have.

When I was in New York last week I visited his shops in the lower east village...it was such a joy to be there taking in all the amazing designs, so many to choose from.

This sweet little J came home with me as my very first John Derian piece!

all images my own

-Jaclyn

Can You Dig It!?

So the 70's are back and in full effect. The fashion and furniture I am seeing for the fall is like a flash back to my childhood and reminiscent of photos of my parents in their prime. My home growing up was originally decorated in the 70's and was not updated until the late 80's early 90's so I am getting quite nostalgic. I think in my mind I always got the 70's mixed up with the 60's or the 80's, but now that it is here again I remember that there is a distinct look to this decade.

Remember the heavy wood paneling, the orange and pea green itchy heavy fabric that lined your furniture, and the prints...my goodness the prints!!!

1970's Living Room - Google Images


Charlie's Angels - Google Images

Well its all back and all the rage... and its everywhere!! This outfit by Marc by Marc Jacobs was something my mom totally rocked in the 70's. High waisted bell bottoms could make you think of the 60's but it wasn't until the 70's that these autumn colors and striped sweaters really came into fashion.

Marc by Marc Jacobs www.shopbop.com

Yesterday I walked into Crate and Barrel at One Nineteen in Leawood and this chair was displayed right as I walked in. This screams 70's from the style of the chair, to the color, to the shag pillow and carpeting.



We just got in the latest fabrics from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Each print taken separately is not too alarming but look at them all together. Could this look anymore like my dad's closet in the 70's? (In a good way of course.)

The Tory swivel chair and the Fleetwood console by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams are totally representative of that decade as well.

Tory Swivel Chair

Fleetwood Entertainment Console

Both items available at Urban Dwellings Design

I grew up in the 80's so have always had an affection for that decade. I love the style and romance of the early 20th century and anything modern makes me drool but the 70's never excited me too much. I never cared for the fashion, music or home decor. However, today's fashion and home designers are making me rethink all of my preconceived notions. I'm off to buy a bean bag and an 8-track. Peace out dude!

ilyssa

The Fabric Frenzy

A fabric lamp shade, varied patterns and textures on pillows along with a suzani draped across the back of the sofa create depth and interest.
Photo by Roy Inman

Fabric is a beautiful thing. It is transformative and expressive. Fabric provides color, pattern and texture. It also plays a major role in setting the mood for any room.

Countless designers have graduated into becoming textile designers after years in the interior decorating industry. Thom Felicia (who recently graced Kansas City's DIFFA Dining By Design event this past May), Kelly Wearstler, Barbara Barry, Thomas O'Brien, to name a few, have all delved into the fabric houses of the world.

Even fashion designers have been crossing into the home to introduce their vision. Of course we are all familiar with the likes of Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, who both have corresponding furniture lines. There are new names to add to the home textile from fashion runway list; Trina Turk, Diane von Furstenberg and Lily Pulitzer have all brought their vibrant and eclectic patterns to home decor.

So, what is so great about fabric you ask? Besides the obvious beauty that can be found in the vast array of fabrics that are out there, here are some quick and easy ways fabric can be applied to spruce up a space:

• Pillows. The easiest and potentially most affordable change you can make to a room. Many homeowners have several sets of pillows they can change out seasonally. I almost always have a contrasting color or texture pillow on every sofa or chair.

• Tablecloths. Have an old side table that is a bit unsightly? Or just want to add some drama to a room? Having a custom tablecloth made can be an affordable way to change the look of a room instantly.

• Lamp shades. Recovering lampshades with a printed fabric can take a ho-hum lamp to smashing in no time.

• Artwork. Pieces of fabric can easily be framed for a unique piece of art. Vintage suzanis make great statements hung on walls, draped over the back of a sofa or at the end of a bed.

• Reupholstering. A bit more costly, but a great way to reinvigorate a lackluster chair or sofa is with new fabric in the form or a slip cover or reupholstered.

• Fabric headboard. Tired of the "set" of furniture you purchased where your bedside tables, dresser and bed all match? Replacing the bed with an upholstered headboard in a fabulous fabric can make all the difference in the bedroom.

• Window treatments. A space with naked windows is not considered complete by designers standards. There are countless options when it comes to custom window treatments. Choosing the right fabric for the job is crucial, as this is a costly endeavor and will make one of the biggest statements in a room.

Where to find fabric:

• Ebay is a great source for vintage fabrics such as suzani and ikat prints.

• Calico corners has a great selection of fabrics and their onsite workroom is very affordable for upholstery and window treatments.

• Hire a designer who has access to trade only fabric showrooms for a more exclusive and high end option.

Choose bold fabrics and mix solid fabric with patterns. Be sure to alternate textures to add contrast and visual interest. Pair silk with velvet or cotton and linen with chenille. Let your fabric selections in your home be a reflection of your personal style. The type of fabric should be suitable to your lifestyle; slipcovers and durable fabrics for those with children and pets. Fabric has the potential to create the depth and richness that makes a room interesting, livable and beautiful.

Dream Home Dinner

As Ilyssa described in the last post, we had the opportunity to attend the MG+BW Comfort College in North Carolina. Lucky for us, this also meant we got to rub shoulders with none other than Mitchell and Bob, and many other talents who work for the company.

Our first evening there, we were all invited to have dinner and drinks at Bob Williams and his husband Stephen Heavner’s, gorgeously renovated, Georgian Colonial home. In what could have been a bit of an intimidating experience, Bob and Stephen immediately made us feel welcome by greeting and introducing themselves to everyone at their front door as we came in.

As pleasantries and mingling ensued, we were free to explore the home and make ourselves comfortable throughout the evening. Since Bob is responsible for all of the incredibly well- designed pieces of the MG+BW furniture line, they naturally made up the majority of the furnishings in the home--however the look was anything but one note.

With a stylish mix of vintage and antique pieces throughout, beautiful groupings of curiosities and art, a moody and fashionable color palate, and great touches such as custom draperies, this abode was a real stunner.

Even though we were hanging out in a upscale dream home, it still managed to feel approachable, comfortable, and fun, just like their motto for the company. Which, coincidentally is kind of our approach to interior design here at Urban Dwellings :-)

Here Ilyssa and I enjoy a seat on the Celia sofa, which looked amazing in a cozy burgundy mohair.

All images from Traditional Home magazine, except for the last. See the entire feature on their home in the April 2011 issue of Traditional Home here.

-Amanda