Urban Dwellings Design Ltd.

On trend: Kilims

2012-01-31T15:22:00.013-06:00

I've been noticing and admiring the use of kilim rugs in interiors lately. Middle Eastern in origin, these traditionally woven wool flatweaves have graphic patterns and tribal characteristics. They look great in just about any type of interior, but I'm particularly loving them in more clean, sleek, and modern spaces because they add just that right amount of global-boho chic to liven it up.

A Stockholm apartment looks gorgeous with the addition of a neutral kilim rug.

We currently have a handful of pillows made from vintage kilim rug pieces for sale in the shop:

They'd be a fun way to interject a bit of color, pattern, and texture into a space.

I find these antique kilim rugs from Apadana to be so pretty and surprisingly modern feeling. The aged patina makes them even more desirable to me.

I've also been spotting kilim motifs all over in fashion right now. How great are the Chuska loafers from Anthropologie? I think they'd look effortless with skinny black capris and a denim shirt come Spring.

And check out these beautifully beaded statement necklaces, available through the Seattle-based boutique Totokaelo. They definitely invoke a kilim-like pattern. I can see these being worn with a simple maxi dress or a flowy top.

xo, Amanda

First image, NY Times Style Magazine, Nov. 4, 2011. Following two are my own. Remainder are vendor images.

Rethink Reupholstery

2012-01-20T13:07:00.016-06:00

Being located a block away from an antique mall, and having fabric swatches hanging in the back of the store, we get a lot of people asking if we offer reupholstering services. Also, because of the nature of our design business, we get just as many asking for reupholstering advice (e.g., "How much yardage do you think a chair 'yay' big would need?")

Of course, we don't reupholster here at our retail shop, as this arduous task is clearly best left to the skilled professionals with a workshop and years of experience. However, what I can offer is some insight because it seems that there are many misconceptions about the reupholstering process. There is a great interview of an upholsterer's perspective in this month's issue of Real Simple magazine (February 2012) that got me thinking about the subject.

Here are some quick tips:

1.) Reupholstering furniture probably won't save you money. In fact, it could cost you more when it's all said and done. Buying a "steal of a deal" from the antique store may not always be so great if your goal is to spend less than you would on a new piece. Once you factor in the cost of your piece, the cost of fabric and labor, it may be a wash. Other factors that you should consider are: the need for any new painting/staining, repairs/reinforcements, or new cushioning/springs -- all of which could send you over the edge.

2.) Good quality fabric is expensive. Manufacturing fabric is a labor and resource intense process, especially if it is anything worth putting on a piece of furniture. Buying enough yardage to cover an occasional chair or sofa will be costly.

3.) Reupholstering is not a DIY job. Unless you are looking at something like a little bench seat or a small inset cushion, upholstering should be done by professionals. It is a skilled trade and one can easily tell the difference between a good and bad upholstery job.

That said, there are many great reasons to reupholster antique and vintage furniture. For one, mixing in older furnishings adds character, depth and style to your home. Antique and vintage furniture can possess certain qualities that newer items seem to lack. I myself have had pieces reupholstered for my home, and we occasionally sell refurbished items in the store or have pieces reupholstered for design clients, and the results have always been well worth it. Giving a second life to an older piece is creatively rewarding and inherently eco-conscious. As an added bonus, utilizing antique and vintage furniture will make your interior unique and enviable with one-of-a-kind treasures.

xo, Amanda

Image from House Beautiful magazine. The homeowner chose to leave the backs of the chairs sans upholstery :)

Not Your Average Granny

2012-01-10T15:43:00.006-06:00

Riddle for the day: What's pink, orange, and floral all over?.....

Granny Chic of course! And not the typical granny house you've spent countless holidays at, this one is infused with pops of color, quirky accents, and lots of texture. Let's just say, it's not your average Granny, unless your Grandma happens to be Betsey Johnson (a huge influence in this post today). So bust out that afghan and pour yourself some tea, this is going to be a fun read!

My inspiration for this post comes from an amazing handmade gift I received over the holidays.

Adorable right?! It's a cross-stitched, family portrait, that my Mother made of my significant other, our four-legged son, and myself. I'm pretty sure I squealed with delight when I unwrapped this. Immediately I ran home to hang this on the wall, and ever since, I've found myself attracted to anything needlepoint, cross-stitched, bright, or floral.

And really, who can resist the charm that granny-chic can bring to any room?

Needlepoint Heart Pillow by Jonathan Adler. Adorable!

This afghan adds so much pattern, texture, and excitement to this modern bedroom.

Needle point wall decals, love it!

High gloss white floors with granny-chic decor.

While this look is adorable, personally, I find it looks best in small doses. The juxtapostion of the look with modern, sleek, interiors is what makes my heart skip a beat. Little hints of something vintage and feminine can bring warmth and coziness to any space, along with adding a lot of spunk and personality! Don't be afraid to add a little crochet to your space, your Granny would be proud.

-Katie:)

Photo credits:

first image, my own. Second image from jonathanadler.com.Third image, harperkingsley.com. Fourth image, storybookwoods.typepad.com. Fifth image, creativeinfluences.blogspot.com

Spare, But With Purpose

2012-01-05T17:21:00.003-06:00

Below is a copy of the article by Jaclyn that ran in this past Sunday's KC Star Magazine. Enjoy!

Photo by Roy Inmann

By JACLYN JOSLIN

Special to The Star

Do you have a guest room that rarely gets used? Or would you like a spare room to be functional for you on a day-to-day basis and accomodate guests when necessary? Many of us only have guests once or twice a year and having a room that is not functional for other purposes for the majority of the time seems like wasted space to me.

Here is another good question to answer: do you use your guest room as storage space for things that you don’t know where else to put? Before moving into my small apartment, I had a guest room that held junk. Honestly, when I went to move I uncovered things I had not looked at in years in the guest bedroom closet. I had to ask myself: what purpose are these things serving me? If I am not using them, not even looking at them for years at a time, it is hard to justify holding on to them.

Now I am a big proponent of editing and an even bigger proponent of not collecting junk. Too many of us hold on to things that were either given to us, or at one time were useful to us, but no longer fit our lifestyle. It is OK to let these items go, in fact it is a good thing. The items could be useful to another person and it is important to not let things stagnate in your life.

I like to move my accessories around every few months. I will take everything off my bookshelves to dust and be sure to not study the arrangement too closely before dismanteling. Then when I go to put it back on the shelf, I purposely try to put items back in a different spot. If pieces end up not fitting back in, I will look for a place elsewhere and if it still has no home, I know I need to evaluate keeping the piece or putting the item back into circulation.

The pictured room is a perfect example of having a beautiful space that is functional and comfortable for guests or for everyday use by the homeowners. There is no clutter, only well selected pieces that serve a purpose, have a timeless appeal to them and most importantly, the homeowners love them!

In this particular home, the owners already had one complete guest room, but there was still another small spare room. It could have been outfitted with another bed that would have taken up most of the floor space, or we could make the room a bit more useful for their everyday living. We chose the latter by putting in a chair and a half with a twin sleeper. A pair of Moroccan poufs in front are great for kicking your feet up on while sitting in the chair reading, and are easily moved to pull the sleeper out.

The room also sports a wood-and-iron side table with a few minimal accessories. That way it is not bare, but also leaves guests a spot to place belongings or a drink. The pharmacy floor lamp is perfect for sitting in the chair reading, or when the bed is pulled out. The small dresser that fills the semi-awkward niche is kept empty so that guests have a spot to put belongings when visiting. This is important! Resist the urge to fill dressers up with clothes that you will never wear or other junk that you do not need. Pillows and bedding for the sleeper are kept in a small closet. Along the other wall there is a bookshelf for holding a few accessories and books, making this room a quiet reading retreat when company is not in town.

I find that most people underestimate the energy that inanimate objects hold. It is easy to operate out of guilt or laziness and think that you should hold on to something because it was a gift or because it is just plain easier to let things sit and not think about the purpose it is serving you. By clearing out your extra rooms or any portion of your home (basement, attic, closets, etc.) and only keeping the functional and decorative items that you love, you will be amazed at the space you create in your life for other good to come in.

Reach Jaclyn Joslin, interior designer and owner of Urban Dwellings Design in the River Market, 412 Delaware St., at info@urbandwellingsdesign.com.

Not A Paperback

2011-12-27T22:23:00.006-06:00

I love accessorizing with books. Coffee table books have beautiful covers and images, but some shelves need something a bit smaller and it is nice to have a variety of sizes. I have dealt with many a home where the builder thought it would be nifty to have built in shelves all over the place. I am typically not a fan and have advised more than one client to just tear them out and dry wall over them. But when this is not an option decorative books can provide a good solution, and possibly an opportunity to read a classic such as Jane Eyre or Oliver Twist.

I'm mad for the Hardcover Classics by Penguin, designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith. The details make them so lovely; linen cases, colored endpapers and ribbon markers.

These decorative books we have in the store are recycled old library books. The covers are hand made and come in a variety of colors and designs. It is quite entertaining to browse through the books that have been recovered, there are some very random topics under those pretty cases!

As I am striving to read more lately, I have books on the mind and it is nice that I can justify thinking of them in the design sense as well!

-Jaclyn

DECOrating

2011-12-13T14:52:00.019-06:00

You know what they say, 'what goes around comes around' and the world of decor is no exception. I must say, one of the most notable comebacks, originating from the late 1920's mixed with today's clean modernism, is chic, timeless, and lovely.

And the fabulous style that is making an iconic comeback is none other than...(drum roll please)....Art Deco! The style that made its first debut in 1925 with a French art exposition became Amercianized and booming into the 1930's. Characterized by smooth lines, geometric shapes, and graphic images, this style easily blends into modern dwellings of today.

Notice above, the graphic color palette, architectural detailing surrounding the windows, and the simple lines repeating in the upholstery. Love that Zebra dome chair on the left? We have access to a similar style here at Urban Dwellings!

Graphic lines of the headboard paired with a ultra cool pattern makes the Deco bed from Dwell Studio both Art Deco inspired and totally awesome.

The Donnabella Mirror from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is classic Art Deco with its silver leafed glass and black inlay.

Art Deco is even making a comeback in jewelery. Check out these fabulous earrings from Scarlett Garnet Jewelry.

The Celia sofa from MG+BW plays up the original french Art Deco style with a graceful camel back.

This little beauty is new to the store, and one of my favorites from Regina Andrews. The simplicity and clean lines make it easy to add a little Art Deco to any space.

-Katie

Images: First image, access.decorati.com.

Holiday Decorating...Naturally

2011-12-12T09:41:00.006-06:00

This post comes a little late in the game, as I am not known for exceptional holiday decorating skills (however I am working at improving this!). I have never had a real tree before and this year I decided to put one in the store. A 7-8' white pine was just the tree for my first go at this.

Amanda had ordered us some great ornaments that we are selling and mixed with some others I bought at Target a few years ago our tree was coming along. But what for the top? After a few days of brainstorming I had an idea. Remember the lovely Book Wreath we made for the DIFFA auction? That could be done in the fashion of a tree topper! I put my talented assistant, Katie to work on it and within about an hour or so she whipped this beauty up!

I call the style of our tree "Naturally Modern". It is simple and holds its own done sparsely but could also be layered with more for a bigger impact.

A burlap skirt with some shiny gold & silver wrapped presents is pretty.

The hand carved owls, silvery/gold orbs and bells are for sale at the store (click here to see an up close image with pricing or to order). The white balls, pinecones and small mercury glass ornaments are from Target.

The tree topper is made from rolled up and hot glued pages of a book.

Enjoy the season,

Jaclyn

Something BIG

2011-12-09T17:13:00.009-06:00

I have been up to something big for a while now. Circumstances arose that made me consider a name change for Urban Dwellings Design. Admittedly in the beginning I was resistant and wanted to stand my ground. Then I had a shift in thought--there is good in this, I just have to find it. Sure enough it hit me on the head one day, after a phone call with a potential client. I had heard it before, but not really HEARD it.

The word "Urban" was not resonating with a portion of potential customers. People were assuming because of the word urban that the selections at Urban Dwellings would be too modern, contemporary or um..urban.

I chose the name Urban Dwellings because I wanted to juxtapose two different concepts--urban being more modern and dwellings being more rustic or old. This was and continues to be my approach to design. And while I still love the name and the concept of it, more than one instance guided me into going forward with a name change.

Coming up with a name is not easy. I thought long and hard the first time around and this second time was no exception. But I could not be happier with the new name--I think it represents the lines and style that we have become know for to a T. It also represents the direction I will continue to take with the store and my design work-chic, sophisticated, coveted and most importantly, livable.

So here it is, the new name, complete with a gorgeous logo and tag line. I could not be more thrilled!

We are currently still operating under Urban Dwellings Design and will gradually make the shift over the next several months into The Coveted Home. Stay in touch to see the full transformation take place!

-Jaclyn

Creature Comforts

2011-11-23T15:59:00.017-06:00

Animal inspired decor is extremely popular in design right now. Examples of this are showing up everywhere; from furniture vendors, to shelter publications and home furnishings retailers. Items like taxidermy, antlers, hair on hide upholstered pieces, tortoise shells, feathers and more are great for adding an element of the natural world's beauty into your home. Whether you choose faux or real, or vintage/antique items, this look is sure to remain chic indefinitely.

Here are some of my top picks that will lend that wild side look to your space:

The Neta bench in hair on hide, Oly Studio

X-imapala horns, Barbara Cosgrove Lamps

The Ari side table, Oly Studio

Sheepskin rug, DwellStudio

Polished Horn ornaments, Arteriors

xo, Amanda

First image, DwellStudio. Remainder are vendor images. Items available through Urban Dwellings Design.

Reminder...Shop Local!

2011-11-23T15:44:00.004-06:00

As we gear up for the holiday shopping season and the busiest shopping weekend of the year please remember to support your local businesses. Here are some great facts to keep in mind from the 3/50 Project website:

For every $100 spent in local and independently run stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If that $100 is spent in a chain store only $43 stays here. Spend it online and NOTHING stays in our community.

This Saturday the 26th we will be participating in a new movement called Small Business Saturday. This is a day when we should all remember to shop local and celebrate America's small businesses. Here at Urban Dwellings Design we will be offering 25% off any in store purchase and 10% off any special order.

We have got some great small accessories for gifting and some really sweet holiday decor, check out the adorable hand carved wood owl ornaments!

I hope you can make it!

Jaclyn

Contemporary with a Twist

2011-11-18T12:40:00.011-06:00

I am drawn to contemporary style homes and furniture and although I have furnished my home with mostly contemporary furniture, I have started to do a lot of antique shopping. I think it is because I want my home to feel more personal and collected, and nothing does that better than a one-of-a-kind find from an antique shop.

This image is a great inspiration for how I would like to decorate my bedroom. (Note the blue-grey walls, sleek case goods and upholstered headboard.)

bedroom by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

www.mgbwhome.com

But to make my bedroom more special (and which I envision to be more soft and romantic) I have been thinking a Louis XV chair in the corner would add that element.

This past weekend I was in Charleston, South Carolina shopping on King St. (where there are some fabulous antique store and art galleries) and I spotted my dream chair that would take my contemporary bedroom from generic to really special! I'm now on quest to find one just like it locally!

French Regency Armchair, Jacques' Antiques, Charleston, SC

-Ilyssa

DIFFA KC

2011-11-12T17:24:00.005-06:00

Next Saturday, November 19th, DIFFA KC will host their annual Holidays By Design soiree at the Historic Firestone Building. Many folks in the design community, among others, create unique holiday decor to donate for the silent auction. Its always a fun event, viewing these works of art while walking around sipping a cocktail and listening to live music.

DIFFA is a leading non profit whose mission is to fund HIV and AIDS prevention and awareness educational programs.

Every year we donate a wreath for the auction and this year we will have two! Come party with us and snag a little holiday cheer for your home, you won't be disappointed! Buy your tickets here.

The Book Wreath

I will be on NBC Action News Sunday morning, November 13th at 8:40am to promote the event and demonstrate how to make this beautiful book wreath. I hope to see you next weekend!

-Jaclyn

More High Point Highlights

2011-11-03T12:40:00.009-05:00

This Fall market was one of my best high point trips to date. I did some serious business in a serious short amount of time. I visited loads of showrooms, oogled and tested tons of beautiful furniture and met some really amazing people. I came back with hundreds of photos, here are some highlights!

Bold use of color at the Lillian August for Hickory White showroom.

Loved these lamps

-at Lillian August

Obsessed with this mirror and lamp by Bunny Williams.

-at the Beeline Home showroom

Cool modern table by Dwell Studio

LOVE this side table, so chic!

-Dwell Studio

Dramatic all white setting at the Oly showroom

Those etageres and console are new and to die for!

Oh, that chandelier!!

-at the Oly Showroom

At the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showroom

All new items I loved: the chair, table, lamp and screen!

Same chairs as above, different fabric. These will be in the store come February!

Fun leather/fabric combo chair

-at the Cisco showroom

Loungy, comfy sofa and fabric ottoman with a global feel

-at Cisco showroom

I ordered these pillows for the shop.

-at Tourmaline Home

Gorgeous marbleized prints

-at Natural Curiosities showroom

Gold leaf prints by Natural Curiosities

-Jaclyn

A Different Perspective

2011-10-27T15:48:00.007-05:00

Recently one of my favorite magazines, Elle Decor, had a changeover in editors. Many times when a new editor is brought on board the point of view of the magazine changes and it seems this case was no exception. Michael Boodro has taken over as editor in chief, replacing Margret Russell. Mr. Boodro was promoted from within, but had also previously done time at Martha Stewart Living among a few other noteworthy publications. Margret Russell moved over to Architectural Digest.

I have to admit, I have not been crazy about the homes featured in Elle Decor since the change. They seem a bit depressing although it is quite obvious they are dripping with expensive fixtures and furnishings. I have begun to enjoy Architectural Digest again though. For years I thought A.D. was full of overly decorated, stuffy museum-like homes. Under the direction of Ms. Russell however, I find myself attracted by the more livable and modern styles featured.

A while ago House Beautiful changed editors. I think I enjoy Newell Turner's point of view even more than the previous editor! I feel as though I can always turn to H.B for inspiring and lively of-the-moment trends and homes. They almost always seem attainable to me and therefore, my clients and I admire that.

While at the High Point furniture market last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Hearst Magazine Party, which includes Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda. It was a lovely party, albeit a bit crowded! I did pass Mr. Boodro in the hallway and introduced myself to him, which I of course got a total kick out of!

I recently got my Elle Decor November issue, but haven't cracked it open yet...maybe I will be surprised!

Me at left with Amy Jo Cosgrove & Jacqueline Rent of Barbara Cosgrove Lamps.

The cake

My take away: )

-Jaclyn

There's still time!

2011-10-21T11:49:00.002-05:00

Hurry in now to save 20% off any Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams special order. You'll thank yourself for being so forward thinking when your fabulous new pieces arrive in your home before the holiday entertaining season begins.

Let us help you choose from hundreds of stylish options to give your house that special something. Hope to see you soon!

Kelly LaPlante for Fireclay Tile

2011-10-11T15:53:00.007-05:00

I will admit it, I am a lucky girl. I consider myself lucky for many reasons and one of them is my wonderful family, extended family included. My second cousin Kelly LaPlante is an infinite source of inspiration for me. I completely adore and look up to her. It just so happens that we are in the same line of profession, which was only discovered after I was in school for design and she had already started her career.

Why is Kelly so great you ask? Allow me to list the reason why:

She founded her own design firm in LA and creates beautiful, warm and inspiring spaces, all while being environmentally friendly.

She c0-founded a furniture line, JAK, with business partner James Saavedra.

She wrote a book, Ecologique.

She has had and still makes various appearances on television.

She had a baby.

She moved to Austin and started on awesome online magazine, Standard and presides as editor in chief.

She will soon air in a reality style design show.

She is now creating her own designs for other companies. The first (to my knowledge) is with Fireclay Tile.

Read all about and keep up with her newest endeavor here. I hope you find as much inspiration in Kelly's work as I do.

-Jaclyn

Inspiration Made Easier

2011-10-07T12:39:00.019-05:00

How many times have you tried to do a Google search for ideas on how to redecorate a room or for any kind of inspiration for that matter and just wind up with pages and pages of links that take you nowhere? It's so frustrating and time consuming!

It is surprising with the amount of online information out there that the concept of online portfolios and wish lists are so new to the scene. Even websites like HGTV.com and online magazines have minimal references.

Enter Pinterest.com and Houzz.com, two sites that have changed my life. I am most familiar with these, but if you know of another similar concept please let us know!

I can now search for specific ideas and interests and be given a plethora of pictures and information on the topic. For example, I searched for "wood sculptures" on Pinterest and I got, on one page, loads of pictures (you don't even have to click through more than one page)! It's great for someone like me who is very visual and can scan over all these images real quickly then click on the ones I like for more information.

Pinterest allows you to "pin" what you like and create boards, basically folders of interest. You can see who posted the picture and if you like what they are doing "follow them." You can also see what your friends are up to and it links really nicely with Facebook. Pinterest is a great for any topic; food, travel, fashion etc.

www.pinterest.com
(my search for wood sculptures)

Houzz is little more formal in its display and only focuses on the home. It's great because so many designers are posting their finished products online which provides inspiration and ideas by true professionals. With this site you can also create folders called "Idea Books" to keep your images organized. You can ask questions and make comments on pictures which is really helpful when you want to know exactly what paint color was used or where they purchased that table! Here I searched for "gray tile bathroom"....

www.houzz.com

I will forever be changed by this. Now whenever I am looking for a new recipe, a pair of boots, or to redecorate my home my first source will be sites like these. Of course, Pinterest and Houzz also offer apps which is great when out shopping for your found inspiration.

-Ilyssa

Plume Crazy

2011-10-05T14:23:00.012-05:00

I may have a slight obsession with peacocks. In person they don't even seem real, as if they are other worldly with their giant jewel-toned tail and elaborate feather pattern.

I had a National Geographic moment watching this guy strut around at a botanical garden in Europe this summer.

But lately, I've been seeing more and more taxidermy peacocks adorning lavish homes in decor magazines and I have to admit, I'd love to have one on my own mantel someday but doubt that would bode well with my frisky cat.

If you look closely at this image, you'll see the albino peacock on the right side of the room. Gorgeous!

Then recently, a post card came in the mail for the new exhibit at the Kemper Museum, highlighting an installation by artist Petah Coyne which features an apple tree and several taxidermy pheasants and peacocks. Call me creepy, but I can't wait to check it out.

But let's say that taxidermy just isn't your cup of tea, or that having a giant bird in your home isn't that practical after all. Lucky for you, since the image of the peacock has long been inspiring textile design, color palate inspiration and more, it is possible to get that whimsical feathered look sans deceased birdies. For example, I am currently rocking this Peacock duvet set by DwellStudio on my bed.

The correlating Vintage Plumes fabric by DwellStudio for Robert Allen make for great window treatments or a fun upholstering job.

I'm in love with this Song in Pumpernickel cotton flatweave rug by Madeline Weinrib because it reminds me of those gorgeous peacock plumes all fanned out.

And this Paradiso wallpaper by Nina Campbell for Osborne & Little would make for such a pretty powder bath or dressing room.

-Amanda

Photo credits: First two are my own. Number three, Lonny magazine, Sept/Oct 2011 issue. Number four, Elle Decor, September 2011 issue. Bedding, fabric, rug, and wallpaper all available through Urban Dwellings Design.

Heaven Underfoot

2011-09-24T16:01:00.006-05:00

You know The Knotty Rug, right? If you live in KC you have at least seen their clever and attention getting ads. This store, in my opinion is the best place in the area for rugs. The selection they have of beautiful wool and silk rugs from around the globe is really unparalleled.

We take our clients there for rugs if we cannot meet their needs with our rug selections. They have recently expanded the diversity and have a decent selection of more contemporary rugs. I went with a client the other day and we found at least 6 viable options for her contemporary settings.

And if these pictures aren't enough to get you in there you should also know they are currently having a great sale!

Can I design a room around this rug for someone, pretty please?

Moroccan Rugs are ALL the rage.

This one is just plain pretty.

This looker is from Afghanistan, a place that is apparently becoming more and more
difficult to obtain rugs from.

All images my own.
-Jaclyn

Art lovers are in love with KC

2011-09-13T13:34:00.012-05:00

The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City will be celebrating its 80th Annual Art Fair next weekend! It is such a fun weekend with hundreds of artists from all over the country exhibiting their art as well as live music and food from all of the best restaurants in KC.

The art fair on the plaza started during the Great Depression to try to attract shoppers back to this shopping area. Now more than 250,000 people attend this annual event!

1932 Plaza Art Fair (source: www.countryclubplaza.com)

Today's Plaza Art Fair - (google images)

The art fair reminds me that KC is one of the most exciting cities if you love art. When it comes to fine art most people automatically think of NYC, LA or Chicago but KC is one of the most populous cities per capita for artists. More than 6,000 artists live in the KC metro area! There are a number of top ranked art schools and the best part is artists' works are so easily accessible to the general public. What I love about it is that there is an excitement in the city when the Plaza Art Fair approaches because everyone knows they won't be disappointed and it is just a fun-filled weekend.

I also look forward to First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District. The first Friday of every month all of the art galleries and stores are open late. You can walk around the area enjoying the art, outdoor entertainment, local street vendors and then eat at a local restaurant and cap the night off at one of the nearby bars. I love The Cashew for drinks and The Rieger Hotel has an awesome menu plus if you are lucky you can sneak down to the Manifesto, a tiny bar that serves the best cocktails. It is overall such a fun way to spend a Friday night.

In the West Bottoms on the first weekend of every month all of the antique shops opens its doors to the public with cool new finds. And last week, Westport had its own art fair featuring local artists exhibiting an array of crafts, jewelry and paintings.

The nicest part is that the KC artists are accessible to you and I. You don't need to be a Rockefeller to afford an original creation. And some of the local and visiting artists do have international clout!

My husband commissioned a painting from local artist Charles Podrebarac for our anniversary. Podrebarac is a cartoon artists and did an impression of our two beloved dogs. It is so awesome to have an original, personal painting in our home. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Here it is...

My dogs Ellie and Manning - a depiction of their personalities

-Ilyssa

A Moment of Serendipity

2011-09-10T17:19:00.005-05:00

A few weeks before my August trip to New York I received a beautifully wrapped package in the mail. Thick brown craft paper, beautifully addressed, sealed with a stamp. On the inside a catalogue tied with a piece of purple leather.

The catalogue

There was a note attached: Jaclyn, You have a great eye, if you find yourself in New York I would love to show you my collection. -Jenn

Well, how serendipitous I thought, I will be in New York in 2 weeks! And after a quick glance through the catalogue, I knew I would be making time to visit the studio of Room 125.

Jenn's collection is the result of having been in the antique and vintage industry for several years. After a few bittersweet experiences of finding the perfect piece, to only then be purchased and never seen by her again, she starting archiving and photographing favorites.

She now has a beautiful and carefully curated collection of objects; some original antique negatives, some are hand colored engravings and some are objects she has had photographed and drastically enlarged.

The Studio

Prints from original antique negatives

A small cuff link or pin that was blown up in size

Hand colored etchings

All photographs my own

Visiting Room 125 with Jenn was a highlight of my trip and I can't wait to have the opportunity to place some of her art in just the perfect home. View the entire catalogue here. (click on the purple catalogue link in the bottom right corner of the home page)

Time to Undecorate

2011-09-02T17:18:00.011-05:00

I'm really loving our latest arrival, Undecorate, an inspirational design book by Chrisitiane Lemieux, founder of the fabulous DwellStudio bedding line we carry here at Urban Dwellings.

The spaces featured are creative and unconventional and highlight the art of collecting, living stylishly yet unpretentiously, and creating interesting and stimulating interiors that are as unique as each homeowner themselves.

It's hard to put a finger on what makes each of these homes so great. It isn't so much how refined or "designed" they are; in fact the opposite is true. Most are funky and unpolished, and maybe even a bit disheveled.

But as Deborah Needleman, former editor of my long, but not lost love, Domino magazine (I still have all my copies!) writes in the preface, "At Domino, when we were on the fence about whether to photograph a house for our pages, we would ask ourselves if it seemed like it would be a fun place to be invited over for a drink. Oftentimes an interior might be tasteful and well-executed, but it seemed to lack a crucial something."

She continues, "That ineffable something is vibrancy and energy--or you might call it love, or quirk, or personality."

Well, I couldn't agree more. I am constantly striving to bring that excitement and personal touch into my own home and the homes of the customers I work with here. It definitely takes time and patience, but when it all comes together, it is a great feeling.

Pick up a copy of Undecorate at the store or here.

-Amanda

Its Never too Late

2011-08-26T16:28:00.004-05:00

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!?

2011-08-16T13:34:00.024-05:00

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

2011-08-13T16:53:00.003-05:00

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

2011-08-06T14:06:00.011-05:00

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

Made in America, A Factory Tour

2011-07-29T13:43:00.002-05:00

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

2011-07-22T17:57:00.007-05:00

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

2011-07-19T16:14:00.003-05:00

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

2011-07-14T17:35:00.007-05:00

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

2011-07-08T16:42:00.008-05:00

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

2011-07-05T17:44:00.006-05:00

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

2011-06-28T18:29:00.005-05:00

Here is a little ditty on Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Eco-Friendly story. They have been doing this from the beginning and we are so proud to represent the furniture line here at Urban Dwellings Design. It is hard to find a line that has better style, comfort, prices, quality and eco-friendly aspects than MG+BW!

Click on the image to enlarge & read.

The Safari Table

2011-05-25T16:31:00.007-05:00

I don't normally do "crafty". Its just not my thing. There are plenty of times I wish I was more crafty and I often kick myself for never having learned to sew (I know its never too late!). For this years DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining By Design event I had a change of heart. I was having an urge to do something the opposite of pretty, floral or delicate. I didn't necessarily want bold/graphic either..in other words I was looking to be a bit unexpected and crafty coming from me felt unexpected.

Mind you, I didn't go crazy with the crafting, and serious crafters may think this is a joke, but here is how I constructed our "Safari Table":

I bought a pop up canopy tent from Dick's Sporting Goods for $99 and a bolt of tulle from Hobby Lobby (the "mosquito" netting). After cutting the tulle it was hot glued around the inside of the tent.
We found the pendants in the West Bottoms at the First Friday sales. The chargers and napkin rings were reused from our DIFFA table of two years ago!

No flowers here: just a cool mix of interesting tropical like plants.

I knew I wanted eggs on the table...why eggs? I don't know, they seemed weird and interesting as well as an inexpensive prop. I dyed them with a variety of agents such as Irish Breakfast tea bags (I think I used around 15 in the pot!), grape juice and black food dye. I let them soak for several hours. The small ones in the bowl above are actually quail eggs and are naturally like that!

The other elements at the table were accessories from the store: the shiny silver antler candlesticks were perfect for the theme and added a new element to the rustic setting. The rug is a dyed patchwork Tarkan that we got in shop just in the nick of time! The egg bowls are paper mache.

The final element to the crafting portion of the table was the tablecloths. At the last minute I decided that burlap tablecloths were the missing link to completing my design. After the helpful folks at JoAnn's fabrics helped me to determine the amount of yardage I needed, I was left to my own devices on how to turn the material into two round tablecloths. Thank goodness for google! I cut two even pieces of fabric and put them together to make a large square. Since I do not own a sewing machine I had to do it by hand and so why not make a cool cross stitch detail that highlights the seam versus me trying to hide a poorly done one.

While I doubted the outcome several times along the way, I admittedly was quite pleased with the way it turned out! The table may look a bit understated, but I was running around like a mad woman all week fine tuning the details; the complexity seemed to lie in the simplicity of it all.

A Study on Color

2011-05-02T18:25:00.002-05:00

An article I wrote for the KC Star on the daunting subject of Color!

Color has been the subject of numerous books, articles, seminars and TV shows. It is the thing most people I help with interior design fret about, and understandably so. There are so many opinions, options, ideas and theories on the subject.

Color can elicit strong emotions and feelings. Most cultures place significance or associations on certain colors. Color psychology is even its own discipline and is defined as "the effect of the electro-magnetic radiation of light on human mood and behavior." The definition goes on further to say that there is a difference between color psychology and color symbolism (the conscious associations we are conditioned to make with color).

Scientifically, color is an energy, and its physical effect has been proven in studies. Because of the electro-magnetic radiation given off by color wavelengths, blind people can amazingly identify color with their fingertips. Another study done in the 1970s found that independently there are no objectively wrong colors; rather it is the combination of colors that triggers a response.

I mention this only to showcase how complex choosing a color scheme is for interiors, marketing and advertising, or fashion. Every designer has his or her own method for tackling color. I love the legendary British designer David Hicks’ cutthroat approach:

"Too much time is wasted, too many thoughts expounded, too much nonsense talked, too many rules adhered to and endless energy put into deciding what colour will go with what other colour."

Admittedly, sometimes I agree. But on the other hand, when I choose a color scheme for a client, I put a lot of thought and time into the final decisions.

Here is where I would like to note that designers do not carry a magic wand, so that when they walk into a space, a color immediately presents itself as the solution. Quite the contrary is true for a well-thought-out and livable color scheme.

The major factors I take into consideration when creating a color scheme are these:

1) The profile of those using the space, how it will be used and the desired mood to be created.

2) The type of sunlight the space gets and opportunities for artificial lighting.

3) The other non-changing elements in the room: flooring, cabinetry, trim work, etc.

Then I ask: How do I want the space to feel, and what colors will look great on those living there? I perform a dance with the colors and textures, a back and forth of testing different combinations until I have narrowed down my selection.

Lastly I ask: How can I get away with creating a scheme that is beautiful and timeless yet not boring and predictable? Creating tension between different elements in the room will keep things from becoming obsolete. When I put time and thought into my selections, my ideas evolve, guaranteeing that they do not become stale.

If you have ever struggled with color, you are not alone. Even professionals with a well-trained eye can end up making adjustments along the way. Try not to get caught up in trends. Your home and the colors you use in it should make you happy and be a reflection of your personal style

This presentation board illustrates a color & design scheme for 1 room. The color scheme alone took nearly 6 hours to conceptualize.

Petite Terra

2011-04-07T12:51:00.004-05:00

In case you didn't know, terrariums are all the rage. Leslie Goldhahn, the designer behind Petite Terra, crafts delicate and artful miniature ecosystems in beautiful glass vessels. We are lucky enough to have several of them for sale in the shop. Maintenance of terrariums is very simple, the succulent varieties require only once a month watering.

I love the filament bulbs in this one!

Paris Loot

2011-04-01T16:32:00.004-05:00

Every time we incorporate antiques in the shop they are quickly snatched up. Especially when we put a little work into making them fresh and modern. I decided to up the ante when I took a trip to France last summer and shopped at the Paris flea markets. I picked up a mix of vintage and antique pieces that are all stunning. They have finally arrived and you must stop by if only to admire them!

Vintage leather club chairs and brass side tables with glass tops

19th century chandelier from an Italian church atrium

Lamps made from ceramic electrical posts by Aline Bachelier

Vintage table with a beautiful patina used for cigar rolling

KC Taste Maker's Dinner

2011-03-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

Below is an article written for the KC Star Magazine that tells a little about the dinner party we were so lucky to be a part of. The idea was to round up some taste makers of KC and host an intimate dinner where people could share ideas and their thoughts on trends in their field of profession. The result was a spectacular evening that the guests are still talking about! I will be posting pictures from the event soon, so be sure and check back for them!

I am a novice at real entertaining. I have the basic guidelines for a successful party down: keep drinks and music flowing, and most guests stay happy for several hours. But throwing an actual dinner party where insightful conversation and idea-making ensues? Well, that is a bird of a different feather.

Recently I had the honor of co-hosting such an event. Kelly LaPlante, the editorial director of Standard Magazine, approached me about having a Kansas City Taste Makers Dinner at my store, Urban Dwellings Design. Kelly and her crew are traveling the country and hitting up hip cities to discover what the movers and shakers are up to. K.C. was the second city (the first was L.A.) to make the cut for this intimate and interactive approach to a dinner party. The party was a smashing success, and here is what I learned along the way about making the evening especially memorable.

Carefully curate your guest list. Decide how many people you can manage to entertain, which in our case, was 20. Our focus (the theme of the party) was on taste makers, but we wanted a variety of creative professions represented. Guests at our dinner included writers, general contractors, chef/restaurant owners, stylists, boutique owners, social media/branding specialists and, of course, interior designers. Also, it was important that not everyone already knew each other, so guests could take away a few new friends after the evening. Most important, choose people that you think will have good synergy together.

Do pre-planning legwork. Our evening was catered, but finding out guests’ dietary needs in advance was helpful. If you will be preparing the food yourself, make sure it can all be made in advance so you’re not tied up in the kitchen as guests arrive. I have seen more than one host become bitter after slaving away and not getting to actually enjoy the party itself.

Set the mood. Admittedly, we have pretty good resources in the store for creating an inviting atmosphere. Our table was adorned with a row down the center comprised of an interesting mix of objects d’ art, bud vases with fresh flowers and tea lights. Make sure to dim the lights or only use lamp lights and candles. Bright or harsh overhead lighting is really just the pits for creating an intimate mood.

Play music. These days, creating a playlist on your iPod or selecting a swanky station on Pandora is easy, and greatly adds to the party atmosphere. We chose the Pink Martini station on Pandora for cocktail hour and then switched to Billie Holiday for dinner.

Use place cards. I once thought place cards were snobby. But in a situation like this it is helpful to position guests where you think they will be most comfortable but still have the chance to meet someone new.

Create a warm welcome. Try to greet each guest as they arrive and let them know how special it is to have them join you for the evening. Having pre-made drinks to hand out upon arrival is also nice. We had a warming urn full of a spiked apple cider that smelled and tasted delicious, and added a quick warm up to the cold night.

Consider conversation starters. For our Taste Maker Dinner, guests were asked to fill out cards on their trend predictions for 2011. After dinner, we would share our ideas at the table. This gave guests something to talk about and bond over the remainder of cocktail hour and into dinner. The concept can be adapted for a party at home by correlating it to the theme of the evening. A few of the noteworthy predictions from the taste makers:

“America will continue to produce artisan products. European-style butchery will continue to grow. Pigs, hogs, pork, bacon, fat!” Michael Smith, chef/owner of Michael Smith and Extra Virgin restaurants.

“Challenging economy + a desire to nest at home = SMALL LUXURIES. It’s the little things in life that matter MOST! (For example) A heartfelt hug when you walk in the door!” David Jimenez, vice president of store design for Hallmark Cards.

By combining basic party guidelines with thoughtful advance planning, you can create a great dinner party. But if you also engage your guests and open a forum for interesting thought and conversation, you will create a memorable and exciting experience for all involved.

By Jaclyn Joslin, Special to The Star

Winter Wonder Sale

2011-01-15T12:11:00.003-06:00

We have smashing deals on furniture and accessories happening right now during our Winter Wonder Sale. Now through February 12th, please stop by and see us!

Edgy & Organic

2011-01-13T16:57:00.003-06:00

I love this small accent table by Caste Design. It sums up my personal design philosophy-edgy and organic. I love the challenge of a project that requires me to step outside of my personal design preference. I recently worked with a couple that had very traditional taste and we were able to find a happy place in the middle. I updated their look but kept a traditional grounding to the design so they would still feel at home, along with their antiques. With that being said, I am ready for a client that gives me free reign on their design...I may just use this table when they do: )

Gray is not the only way

2010-12-27T12:19:00.000-06:00

For the KC Star:

Every few years, there is a trend that saturates the design industry, and this year we were hit hard with one.

As I gear up for the furniture market held twice a year in High Point, North Carolina, I prepare myself for scouting new ideas. I schedule meetings with my most important vendors in advance. I prioritize what items I will be looking for based on customer demand. But mainly I am looking to spot The Next Best Thing, that trend that won’t hit the chain stores for a few years.

Right now everywhere you look is gray. The corporate retailers are doing it and although it has been a trend with designers for a few years already, it was still very prevalent at market in October. Most vendors I spoke to seem to think this trend will be around for another few years.

During my tour of the Global Views showroom, my rep informed me of their conscious decision to use gray with accents of citron in their front-room display. Just downstairs from them in the International Home Furnishings Center (referred to as IHFC), a 12-story building with 3.5 million square feet of display room, you could see traces of gray everywhere. A new line, Mr. Brown, a subsidiary of the designer line Julian Chichester, also was using gray with accents of green, citron and pink.

A trip to the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showroom proved they had been influenced by shades of gray as well. MG+BW has its own 24,000-square-foot building that houses almost the entire collection during market. The showroom is known for a few things: an almost obsessively well-kept and presented showroom, impeccable service, men in black and the color white everywhere else. Mitchell and Bob (yes, they are real people) believe in letting their furniture stand out and creating the mood for the settings. The two-level showroom will typically have 13 to 15 vignettes on each floor of furniture set up in living room or bedroom environments showcasing new products and fabrics as well as current inventory. The first half of my appointment was going along business as usual. Then we took the stairs to the second floor and I was transported into moody, dark chocolate and gray surroundings. They had even painted the floors gray! After so many years of white floors, this trend was big enough for them to take note.

So while I appreciate the current trend, the thought started to cross my mind that it was being a bit overdone. I was on the hunt for something new and different. Gray was starting to downright depress me! After seeing this look everywhere I turned, I was now ready for something to stand out in the sea of gray.

Thankfully, my luck changed during my visit to the Oly Studio showroom. A hunch I had been having was confirmed: gold is the new gray. A new plush gold mohair had been introduced along with a stunning hand-carved hardwood chest encased in natural brass, illuminating a beautiful gold sheen. Gold is vibrant, brilliant and in my opinion, goes with everything. There were even “Solid Gold” dancers at the Oly after-hours showroom party.

If the big-box stores are doing it, you can almost guarantee I will do the opposite. Rather than coming home to KC riding the “gray train,” instead I felt inspired by the idea to infuse rich and vibrant pops of color that breathe life into a space. Not to worry though, I still have a penchant for gray and envision gold and gray among other colors living harmoniously together.

Reach Jaclyn Banash, interior designer and owner of Urban Dwellings Design in the River Market, 412 Delaware St., at info@urbandwellingsdesign.com.

A very merry and happy from us to you!

2010-12-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

Inspiration

2010-12-15T17:43:00.000-06:00

This is a shot from a wonderful project that was carefully executed over the course of a year. The homeowner has exquisite taste and we mixed some of her pieces with new upholstery, antiques and beautiful custom window treatments to achieve this elegant and layered room.

This project became the inspiration for an article I wrote in the KC Star.
Photo taken by Roy Inman

Felt Animal Heads

2010-12-12T15:22:00.000-06:00

I am in love with this quirky version of taxidermy! The Felt Menagerie Heads, by Roost, are neutral enough for any room yet interesting enough to spark a great conversation.

Photo courtesy of Roost

Barbara Cosgrove Trunk Show

2010-12-04T13:00:00.000-06:00

We hosted a spectacular evening of lights and holiday cheer with Barbara Cosgrove Lamps. A beautiful display of lamps were brought in and the entire line was offered at 20% off. What a fabulous night!

SPACES AD

2010-12-01T15:14:00.001-06:00

Our current ad in Spaces Magazine looks like this!

Holiday Cheer

2010-11-27T11:47:00.000-06:00

We don't go overboard with the holiday decorating in the store, but everyone needs at least a little cheer! Here are some shots of the front windows. We painted the walls a metallic gold and added glitter/beads to the letters.

New accessories & gifts

2010-11-20T14:47:00.000-06:00

Always a steady stream of new small items coming in. Here are some of the latest.

Selenite bookends

Silver painted candlesticks

Decorative books

New scents in candles, reed diffusers and bubble bath

Jewelry is new for us; this line features gold vermeil (sterling silver dipped in 22 karat gold) and semi-precious stones such as amethyst, green zircon and blue topaz.

A few projects

2010-11-10T16:00:00.001-06:00

Some snap shots from a few of our favorite customers homes. These are a mix of pieces from the store and the clients own items previously purchased, we love the way they blend together and create a layered and lived in look.

October High Point

2010-10-25T22:44:00.000-05:00

Saw lots of gray this market, and was looking for something that didn't scream "Restoration Hardware" at me, no offense. Here were some favorites that you will see in shop soon.

New accents tables from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Hollywood Glam style buffet/ent. console by MG+BW

Globally inspired throw pillows and footstools by Jamie Young

Introducing Mr. Brown, a new line for us. Look for this settee and pillows soon.

Patience: The New Design Element

2010-10-03T15:08:00.000-05:00

This KC Star article got a great response from readers. I think it offered a sense of relief to people struggling to finish their homes off "just right".

Do you ever wonder what makes a room interesting? There are many answers to this question, but one of the simplest has nothing to do with design. It’s patience.

This virtue is hard to come by these days, but I would submit to you that having patience when designing a room plays a major role in the design’s success and its ability to stand the test of time.

Most designers will tell you their homes are never done. That is because we like to add, subtract, move around and mix it up. Layering a few well-selected pieces you’ve collected over time with a combination of old, new, modern and rustic pieces will create an interesting space every time.

I admit this look has taken me a while to accomplish in my own home. And if I did not think about my own personal design scheme almost every day (as most non-design junkies don’t), this design aesthetic would be very hard for me to achieve without help. Here are some tips for creating spaces that are interesting, cohesive and complimentary to your lifestyle.

Search out timeless handmade pieces. Not only will handmade stand the test of time of quality and craftsmanship, but also style and character. You do not have to build an entire room with handmade pieces, but the more special a piece feels the longer you are likely to keep and enjoy it.

Don’t put false deadlines on finishing your room. All too often I hear things like, “I really need this in a week because we are having a birthday party for my son.” Decorating a space based on a false deadline like this will almost always end in disaster. Pieces will be purchased that are not quite right in size, color or style just to hastily impress guests. Trust me when I say the success of your party will not be affected by the completeness of your design scheme. Waiting to purchase the right piece will always save you time, money and resources in the long run.

Patience can have a tremendous impact on your pocketbook. Designing a complete room can get expensive. By searching out pieces over time you are also spreading out the cost.

I’m certainly not suggesting that you hem and haw over every last purchase, just make a list of criteria for each piece. Mine looks something like this:
1) Did I have a strong emotional reaction when I first saw it (the ahhh factor)?
2) How/where was it made?
3) Is it in my budget?
4) Is it comfortable?
5) Will it fit in with my overall design scheme?
If the answer is yes to all of these questions, it is a no-brainer. If it is missing any criteria, I re-evaluate and decide if the pros outweigh the cons. Numbers 1 and 5 are deal breakers for me. If I do not love the piece and it does not fit perfectly in my design scheme, it is NOT coming home with me. I can always work around the rest.

My list of pointers would not be complete if I did not add something I strongly believe in: enlisting professional help. Having a design professional’s eye to pull concepts together and create a design scheme for you both to work from will save a lot of time. Even well-known style trendsetters ask for help when it comes to the arduous task of designing their own interiors.

So take a deep breath and come to the realization that it takes time to create a beautiful and inspiring space. In the end, however, it is much more rewarding than the alternative. I personally can’t imagine living with anything in my home that I don’t love and treasure and enjoy looking at every day.

Reach Jaclyn Banash, interior designer and owner of Urban Dwellings Design, 412 Delaware St., at info@urbandwellingsdesign.com.

Copy Cat

2010-09-29T13:52:00.000-05:00

We had fun re-creating this vignette in the store for one of my KC Star articles. The inspiration came from an image in the magazine Real Simple.

My Advice (In my humble opinion)

2010-09-12T18:59:00.000-05:00

KC Star article:

Sometimes it’s hard to resist buying something on sale even if it is not the right fit. You can always make a bargain work, right? Wrong.

I can’t tell you how often I see rooms with off-size furniture, mismatched styles or poor color combinations because the owner did not have a plan to begin with and/or bought items on the cheap, thinking they could make them work. But more often than not it doesn’t, and you end up wanting to replace pieces soon after buying them, which means you wind up spending twice as much money.

I firmly believe in investing in a plan, utilizing pieces of furniture that will last a long time and make you happy each time you look at them. This doesn’t mean you must purchase everything at once. A room can be finished in stages as long as you have a well-devised plan to guide you.

If you aren’t sure of your personal style, it’s easy to get inspiration. Go to the library or supermarket and pick up any number of design publications. The pages are loaded with ideas, and once you start flipping through and ripping out or making photocopies of pages you’ll probably notice a commonality in the pictures you like.

Even if you can’t put your thumb on what is drawing you to each image, a design professional probably can. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people think designing is easy, but actually if you have not been trained and don’t work in the field everyday, making the big design decisions can be challenging. For example, deciding which sofa to buy, with what chair, which paint color, and finishing touches such as window treatments and lighting can be very difficult without some guidance.

And, sorry, but no matter how many hours of HGTV you watch, you still may find designing your home a difficult task. Most clients I help have tried on their own, made mistakes, are not happy with the results they came up with, and now have asked for professional help. Designing around mistakes can be challenging, even for a design professional. Follow these three guidelines, and you will be sure to love your interiors for years to come:

Do not buy inexpensive items just because of the price. If it works for your plan that’s great, but otherwise pass it up for just the right thing.

Find inspiration. Home décor magazines, travel magazines, books, etc. will unveil a common thread in your personal color or style preferences.

Ask for help. Even if it is not in your budget to hire a designer, many furniture stores offer space planning at the minimum, or have some design services that are included with purchase. Take advantage of this professional assistance.

So if you have a room or rooms you’re ready to transform, start planning. It will save you time, money and a lot of frustration.

Reach Jaclyn Banash, interior designer and owner of Urban Dwellings Design, 412 Delaware St., at info@urbandwellingsdesign.com.

Our Ad

2010-08-30T17:29:00.000-05:00

Good Things Come in 3's

2010-02-02T12:07:00.007-06:00

This Saturday, February 6th be sure to stop by Haught Style in Prairie Village from 10am-6pm to support some fabulous eco-fashion. My friend Janette Crawford will be there with her new line of stylish organic tees donning vintage illustrations, under her eco-fashion blog label, Fashion Loves People.

If you have not had a chance to check out Lawrence's local jewelry line, Early Jewelry, you will want to now! Her designs are unique and organic, as she uses many raw materials such as bone, feathers and leather.

And of course you will want to check out what new beautiful clothing Laura has brought in at Haught Style. Being a frequent shopper at Haught Style, and already owning my Fashion Love People tee, as well as a few of Early's jewelry pieces, I can't wait to go support my fellow fierce business women this Saturday. I hope to see you there!

"Sub" Urban Dwellers Welcome

2010-01-03T12:35:00.011-06:00

It is official! Urban Dwellings Design has opened a satellite shop (actually a booth) deep in the suburbs at Trendz Market, located at 151st and Nall in Leawood.

If you are not familiar with Trendz, the concept is similar to an antique mall. A large open shopping area is sectioned off into booths occupied by different local area stores. For many it is a second location and for some it is their only location. Visit the Trendz website for a complete list of vendors. One side is dedicated to clothing, jewelery, handbags, shoes etc. The other side that has only recently opened in December is Trendz Home, dedicated to home furnishings and design. This concept, unique to Kansas City has been extreemly popular and successful. Because there is so much offered in one space, it is hard not to leave with something in hand!

In an effort to generate more exposure for our River Market showroom, we hope to give a new audience a taste of what we are able to offer in our 10x20 space at Trendz. So if you live out south be sure to stop in to our new convenient location and take a look. If you like what you see make the trip down to our River Market location, or just call the store to arrange a consultation. We would be more than happy to meet you at Trendz or in your own home.

Ella Klara on Delaware Street

2009-12-09T13:27:00.000-06:00

We have a new neighbor on the street: Ella Klara, a high end and chic tee shirt boutique. Limor Katz-Evans, a local designer creates beautiful and inspiring designs printed on ringspun cotton tees. Also available at her shop are printed canvas totes, scarves and jewelry. Limor's goal for her line is to put meaning behind the designs, to provide a message of self awareness that also speaks to her as a woman.

The wearable art is designed to elevate your thoughts. These are messages we can all incorporate into our daily lives: unconditional love, peace, listen. Come down and visit us in the River Market, and if you mention this blog post to Limor at Ella Klara, she will give you 10% off your purchase through the holidays.

DIFFA: Holidays By Design 2009

2009-11-23T19:29:00.006-06:00

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.

Setting the mood

2009-11-16T22:05:00.007-06:00

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!

LAFCO Candles at Urban Dwellings Design

2009-11-12T15:44:00.003-06:00

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!

What happens in High Point...part 2

2009-11-05T16:06:00.016-06:00

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.

What happens in High Point...part 1

2009-10-26T10:32:00.007-05:00

One of my favorite responsibilities of being a furniture store owner is traveling to the markets to see what fabulous new items I can bring back to the store. I especially love the High Point, NC market because of the intimacy created by it being held in such a small and secluded town. Most vendors host parties after market hours with food and drinks for buyers. As a buyer, you get to rub elbows with the creative master minds behind the product lines--which is a serious thrill for me! More on who I bumped in to this time around in part 2. For now I am going to share some of the highlights of the products I saw.

The Natural Curiosities team always puts together an amazing display in their booth. New framed pieces from their "macro collection" will be arriving in the store Dec-Jan.

The Barbara Cosgrove Lamps booth had a stunning display also. There were new pieces I had not yet seen that I am really thrilled about!

The new Hollywood Style Studio lights are so urban chic.

These new drum pendants are the perfect combination of sleek & rustic with the hammered polished nickle.

Oly introduced the new black cabinet you see here with birds on top. I loved this for a few reasons-the birds on top add an interesting and almost creepy element to an otherwise ordinary display cabinet. And if you have ever been to the store, you know that nature and birds are a big inspiration for us. The fact that the cabinet is called "Simone" (the name of my Brussels Griffon) is just a nice coincidence.

Oly was also glitzing things up with a new mirrored collection, including this chair with a mosaic mirror trim.

I ordered this sweet little loveseat from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in a beautiful natural linen. I just couldn't resist the sloping arm and camel back--so graceful!

More High Point Happenings to follow...

Habitat Shoes + Urban Dwellings Design = a whole lotta style

2009-10-22T20:47:00.005-05:00

In an effort to do some cross promoting we have teamed up with our friends at Habitat Shoes. All of us girls at Urban Dwellings LOVE to shop at Habitat. And every time we wear their shoes we get compliments and end up sending people their way. Once we had sent a few customers in, Gina the store manager at Habitat came up with a great idea. We could each have a few products in each others stores in hopes to get people talking, possibly find a new place to shop or be reminded of a local store they have not been into in a while.

Right now at Urban Dwellings you can find these stunning BCBG ruffled booties with a mirrored heel.

As well as these "Blue Snake" heels by Loeffler Randall Ramona...they are hot!

At Habitat right now you can find this Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams white lacquered "Turner" side table with the gorgeous new Artichoke Lamp by Barbara Cosgrove Lamps.

Support your local businesses and check out the 3/50 project to learn more about how shopping locally helps our local economy.

Our new sign!

2009-10-11T13:58:00.008-05:00

As we approach our 1 year anniversary at Urban Dwellings Design, we prepare ourselves for some exciting new endeavors that we are eager to share with you very soon. For now, we are celebrating the installation of our new outdoor sign. It has been in the works for MANY months--we ran into various complications along the way. Our tireless friend at Print Surfaces, Kathy, never got derailed and now we have our beautiful sign just the way we wanted it!

Exclusively Yours

2009-10-03T15:29:00.005-05:00

In two prominent national design publications, the October issues featured a handful of the lines we carry here at Urban Dwellings Design. First to arrive in the mail: House Beautiful. Flip to page 48 and there is Mitchell Gold himself, lying on his Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams bed, divulging his bedside manner.

Next to arrive was Elle Decor, chalk full of featured stories and product mentions of our lines. In the article Organic Chemistry, Christopher Wilcox of Natural Curiosities speaks passionately about the lines beautiful nature study reproductions that have been hand tea stained, deckeled and then floated on linen mats and framed in California by master artisans.

A few more pages in reveals the write up of Oly's new Manhattan flagship store. This line produces striking pieces that have undeniable style and beauty, and are consistently seen in photo shoots featured in the national design publications every month.

So there you have it: if you are looking for high style and current designs in KC--you know where to come.

Jonathan Adler at Urban Dwellings Design!

2009-09-23T17:22:00.000-05:00

We are so very excited to announce the addition of the Jonathan Adler line to the store! Our first shipment has arrived and the store seems to have a new cheer about it with Jonathan's vibrant colors and fresh designs gracing the showroom floor.

The Channing Desk finished in white laquer, sporting lucite knobs and polished nickle X legs, is stunning. This is soon to be our design consultation meeting desk! The Chippendale dining chair is stylish and comfortable, which is sort of our mantra here.

How fun and whimsical is the new Shelter Island chair with it's poppy orange cushions?!

Also new to the line, the Talitha Table linen collection. We stock the coasters and linen dinner napkins in every color (there are 5!). Also on hand are a few of the table runners from the collection with a great diamond pattern in grosgrain ribbon.

We agree with Mr. Adler: "Your home should make you happy" and these pieces are sure to do just that.

Oliveira Textiles

2009-09-18T17:05:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Kelly LaPlante's genius website, The Green Grades-a website created to give "comprehensive reviews and evaluations of companies providing eco-furnishings", we are thrilled to have found Oliveira Textiles.
Founder, Dawn Oliveira, left her job of working with high-end fashion designers such as Liz Claiborne and Polo Ralph Lauren to launch Oliveira Textiles in 2007. Her goal was to provide fabrics that were free of toxins and chemicals harmful to the environment and our health. She is motivated by the simple desire to leave a healthy planet for our children.

All of the fabrics are either organic hemp or organic cotton with a waterbased dye, free of heavy metals. And all of the fabrics are absolutely beautiful.

The patterns are bold and organic forms in vibrant colors such as mystic blue, red coral and seaweed.
The patterns are obviously sea inspired, yet they do not have that typical "beach" theme or feeling to them at all-which we totally love.
Stop by the showroom to see the samples in person-we are anxious to start using them!

All photos provided by Oliveira Textiles, except the last one.

Beeline Home

2009-09-11T16:15:00.001-05:00

While in NY a few weeks ago for the gift fair I got so much accomplished! My list of people and places to see was long. I had 3 new prospective vendors to meet with whose lines I am looking at as possibilities for carrying in the store, as well as seeing all our current vendors.

One of the lines is Beeline Home, a gorgeous new furniture collection founded by the incredibly talented Bunny Williams. In the introduction of the catalog (which is really a book-that is how high end this collection is!) Bunny explains how after practicing design for over 30 years the creation of her furniture collection was inspired by the challenge of finding pieces that make a room special. Each piece in her collection was either inspired by something she owns or loves.

Special indeed. The pieces are exquisite, the details are really lovely. Some of my favorite pieces are the Eglomise coffee table-the base is gilded iron with an inset, verre eglomise, (reverse gilt and painted glass). The pattern on top is Fortuny inspired on sea green ground.

After a brief introduction to Bunny Williams I took a peak into her office where my eye landed upon many beautiful objects, such as the Hourglass Table. It elegantly sits next to the T4 Chair and Ottoman. This table is one of my favorite pieces in the collection; the octagonal pedestal base of hand-applied reeded mahogany pieces finished in old gold patina, hosts a honed Tulung Agung stone top. So sexy and sophisticated, yet the reeded mahogany offers the natural organic look I am always drawn to.

There is no shortage of beautiful pieces like these in the Beeline collection. Stop by the store to browse through the catalogue. If you have been looking for that special piece to finish off a room, or to inspire the rest of the design, we may just be able to help you.

And stay tuned for other exciting news of new lines and product from my NY market trip!

A sneak peak

2009-09-06T17:33:00.001-05:00

I have been helping a couple that has recently relocated to KC from NY. Their charming house in Fairway was in need of major cosmetic updating! From countertops to flooring, new paint colors and furniture-we did an overhaul on the house. It is almost complete, but I couldn't wait to share just a few tid bits of some of my favorite things we have done...

The above is a "before" picture of part of the kitchen: the cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances and wall color were a combination of dated colors and materials.

Now take a peak at the new kitchen: we were able to salvage the cabinets due to the genius of Jason Newton, owner of J.N.A. Painting & Fine Finishes. I gave him a tile sample and he matched the color and glaze of it brilliantly. Peter Crump of Urban Stone Concrete fabricated and installed the urban chic concrete countertops. And the shag green backsplash, is just shagalicious!
The home owner and I both agree..the kitchen is our favorite room right now.

And you know you have dream clients when you suggest a huge, tufted, green leather ottoman..and they say yes! Stay tuned for the full reveal.

Lets get cozy

2009-09-02T17:13:00.001-05:00

Some welcomed new items arrived in the store yesterday...just in time for the colder weather that has blown our way.

Made of 93% alpaca and 7% wool, these throws from Dwell Studio are soft and stylish with a graphic pattern that is not overpowering. Drape over a chair, sofa or ottoman and add a nice layering effect to your living room, bedroom or study.

Special Order Sale at Urban Dwellings

2009-08-30T13:25:00.001-05:00

It is time for another special order sale through Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams! They have coined this one "The Undeniable Value Event". Offering 20% off all upholstery and casegoods (which is rare-it is usually either one or the other at a time). Orders placed now will be here in time for the holidays-when we all have family visiting and want our home to looks its best!

Stop in the store to see what new offerings we have (there are lots!) and let us help you put together a comfortable, inviting and beautiful home for any occasion.

Book Signing with Kelly LaPlante at Urban Dwellings!

2009-08-21T16:55:00.002-05:00

If you have not already heard, we are throwing a book signing party with leading eco-interior designer, Kelly LaPlante. Her accomplishments as a designer promoting sustainability are impressive and inspiring to say the least. The long list includes projects such as Venice Beach's "Eco-Cottages", being co-founder of a luxury eco-furniture line, jak and executive producer of "Brilliant Green", a special for Ovation tv.

Oh and did we mention--she wrote a book in between all of this chronicaling the various residential design projects she has taken on called ecologique. Filled with full page color pictures, Ms. LaPlante describes how she turns each space into a brilliant, sustainable and stylish retreat for each of her clients different lifestyles.

You now have the chance to meet Kelly and listen to her talk about how she does it all. As you can imagine, people are excited about her visit and there is not much space left at this RSVP only event.

Email or call the store right away to reserve your seat for next Thursday the 27th, 5:30-7:30.
contact@urbandwellingsdesign.com or 816.569.4313

Hors d'ovures and drinks will be served by The Farmhouse.

To learn more about Kelly visit her website: kellylaplante.com

To read a hilarious inside story about my relationship with Kelly visit her blog:
http://www.organicinteriordesign.com/home/?p=628

We hope you can make it!
Jaclyn

SALE at Urban Dwellings!

2009-07-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

It is time for our semi annual floor sample sale at Urban Dwellings! Twice a year (once in the summer and once in the winter) we make room for new inventory by offering great discounts on some of our floor samples. So if you have had your eye on something but thought it was a little too much for your pocketbook, be sure to check in with us from now through August 9th. Don't wait til the last minute though-most of these items are the last ones left!

Almost everything in this setting is on sale! The Harlan coffee table with its unique turned legs is half off-originally $995, now is $497.50. The gorgeous curry leather wingback chairs with nailhead are 40% off! Originally $3725, now only $2235. These chairs are so unique-they are absolutely worth every penny! And the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams "Keaton" sofa with down filled cushions is on sale for $2077-with a lifetime garuntee on this frame and the timeless style of this sofa, you just can't go wrong.

This beautiful armoire with antiqued mirrored doors is on sale for only $3570.
And the Francois leather chairs are at an unbeatable price of $1286.

There are many more items at really great prices, we hope you will come by and take advantage of these savings!

Live well and in style.

New Scents at Urban Dwellings from k. hall

2009-07-13T16:36:00.001-05:00

Among some of our new exciting items are these fabulous solid perfumes from k. hall designs. Made with a blend of beeswax, jajoba oil, essential oils and vitamin E.

They are great for travel and small enough to fit in your purse for a mid day touch up! At Urban Dwellings we currently have 3 scents: Tonic (refreshing), Cypress & Cassis (rich and sensual) and Milk (vanilla and coconut). They are a steal at $23!

Any of the k. hall products we carry make great gifts. Candles, soaps, lotions and now perfumes-all made in St. Louis by a socially responsible green company with all natural ingredients.

Live well,
Jaclyn

Welcome to the Neighborhood

2009-07-04T17:22:00.001-05:00

We are so happy to be welcoming our new neighbors, The Farmhouse, to Delaware Street. Just a short walk away from Urban Dwellings, it is the perfect new restaurant to get amazingly fresh and delicious food for lunch.

Today the owners of Farmhouse hosted a late lunch on their patio (one of my favorite outdoor patios in town) before their official open date of July 7th. It was perfect for those of us who have been so eager to get a taste of what they will be offering. The veggie sandwich, home cooked potato chips and watermelon spritzer were all delightful (I heard the pulled pork sandwich was very tasty as well).

Its easy to make a day out of your trip to Delaware Street:

start your morning off with a cup of coffee from Eljay's
spend the rest of your morning perusing the shops: Silk Road Travelers, Urban Dwellings Design and the River Market Antique Mall.
Once you have hit the 3rd floor of the antique mall and you are completely famished, head on over to The Farmhouse for some "classically creative comfort foods" to sooth your soul.

Happy Independence Day.

HOT new items for summer!

2009-06-24T20:50:00.001-05:00

We like to keep things fresh at Urban Dwellings Design, which means new additions frequently. Check out these 21" down filled pillows with one of Kelly Wearstler's fabulous fabrics for Groundworks. It is hard to beat style like that!
Or this amazingly chic vintage velvet patchwork chair we just received. We promise your neighbor wont have one!

Come on by to see these and many other new items we will be receiving throughout the summer months.

Gardens by Design: DIFFA/KC's garden tour

2009-06-15T15:44:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday I joined the Gardens by Design garden tour, presented by DIFFA/KC (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS).

There were thirteen homes on the garden tour, spanning from downtown's West Side neighborhood, to midtown, Brookside, and Leawood.

We are lucky to have an organization such as DIFFA/KC--made possible by creative and dedicated people in our design community, merging the celebration of design with a great cause.

I was especially struck by the eight gardens and homes in the distinct West Side neighborhood. Composed of a mix of gorgeous revitalized 19th century and modern architectural homes, their lush surroundings make it a true urban oasis.

Each garden had its own unique charm; from artsy and geometrically inspired, to urban vegetable, to whimsical and homespun, sprinkled with statuaries, hidden nooks and treasures.

One thing they all had in common-- you could see and feel each garden was a labor of love, and provide beautiful outdoor retreats for their owners and guests. Thank you to all the homeowners for graciously inviting us in!

For more information on this event and others like it, go to www.diffakc.org

Happy summer,

Amanda

Happiness comes from within: live in comfort

2009-05-30T13:32:00.002-05:00

Ask us why we love Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (www.mgbwhome.com) furniture here at Urban Dwellings Design and we will rattle off many different reasons. Not only do they make stylish, comfortable, eco-friendly and affordable furniture at their factory in North Carolina, they continually go the extra mile for those of us that sell their product.

Last week Joseph joined us for the day. He is our TAP (training and product specialist) and knows all things MG+BW. Amanda, Katy and Simone listen intently as he goes over furniture specifics and shows us the inside of a seat cushion sample composed of non-carcinogenic foam and up to 10% soy content.

Among the other samples he brings-seat springs, part of a hardwood, kiln dried frame from sustainably managed forests and part of a 5" thick sleeper mattress used in the sleeper sofas. Needless to say we all learned a lot about construction, materials and fabrics and had a fun time doing it! Stop by the store; we would love to share our new found knowledge with you: )

Live well,
Jaclyn

Barbara Cosgrove line at Urban Dwellings Design

2009-05-22T10:23:00.001-05:00

We love Barbara Cosgrove lamps! They are all so beautiful and well designed by the very gifted and talented Ms. Cosgrove-a KC local! And let me tell you how convenient it is to have their warehouse and offices a short 5 minutes away from the Urban Dwellings showroom! Yesterday I popped over and within 20 minutes had my car loaded up with goodies-what a quick fix!

You can find this beautiful Wood Estate Table Lamp with a silk shade in rich chocolate brown, as well as the Pharmacy Floor Lamp in a rust finish (to the left of the chair) at the store...

And you can find this lovely white porcelain Paisley Lamp with a gray flannel shade in the entry way at my house: )

We have many of the Barbara Cosgrove lamps and accessories at the Urban Dwellings showroom, but if you don't see what your looking for in our shop check out their website: www.barbaracosgrovelamps.com We can special order any of them for you! I will personally drive over and pick it up for you-now that's customer service.

Live well,
Jaclyn

Chillin' at Urban Dwellings Design

2009-05-11T18:43:00.001-05:00

We are laid back at the River Market in downtown KC. Just ask Simone.....

She just loves sleeping on her new Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams dog bed! Not only is it super comfortable it is so stylish!
Dog beds are available in over 350 fabrics. You can correlate colors with your furniture and have no fear of having an ugly dog bed in the living room. Join us and live in comfort AND style!
www.urbandwellingsdesign.com

Urban Dwellings Design High Point trip: Furniture Market!

2009-05-01T21:49:00.002-05:00

Having just returned from the Spring 2009 furniture market in North Carolina I wanted to share with everyone the great new designs that are in store for Urban Dwellings! I picked up a new bedding line that is absolutely exquisite-Ankasa. Think luxurious linens, embellished embroidery, silk, and color palettes that mirror the runway each season.

(www.ankasa.com)

But wait, it gets better! Tired of the same old looks in furniture? Well have we got a treat for you! A new and innovative company appeared at market and took many of us by storm: Halo. Headed by a pair of British brothers who have surrounded themselves with the most sought after industry experts, they have brought us European luxury. Fine artisan leather chairs, sofas and tables, wood and steel mixed with crystal. And you are going to have to come in to see the fabulous velvet patchwork chair (I unfortunately did not get a picture of it, but it should be in store shortly).

Looking for some glam to punch up your interiors? Look no further-Oly has got us covered. Check out the gorgeous new dining chair introduced...
And the sexy new accent chair... (both can be special ordered at Urban Dwellings)

And of course, the best for last: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (www.mgbwhome.com) never lets me down! It was their 20 year anniversary and they made it memorable! A few great new frame and fabric introductions that you will be seeing in the store come this fall, as well as a very classic line of bedding. One of my favorites-4 colors of a 75% recycled cotton fabric that is soft, durable, machine washable and pretty! Pictures are not allowed in the MG+BW showroom-so you will have to take my word and be patient until you can see them first hand at Urban Dwellings Design this September!

Cheers,
Jaclyn

Urban Dwellings Design at KC DIFFA: Dining By Design

2009-04-25T18:42:00.002-05:00

Whew!! It has been an intense last few days getting ready for DIFFA's (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) annual Dining By Design fundraising event! This was our first year of participation, and although it was a little overwhelming at times, it was an extremely gratifying experience for all of us. We were honored to be able to create a beautiful table scape for generous donors to enjoy while eating dinner this Saturday evening. The exhibit hall was also open for viewing Friday night and Saturday morning. Above is a picture of our hard working Sonny doing table set up.
The Urban Dwellings Design girls (left to right): Jaclyn, Katy, Amanda, Friday night at the Table Hop. Below are pictures of our table as well as a few others we found especially beautiful (there were so many table designs that we LOVED-this is really the short version-we are so sorry to not have time to post them all!).
Our plate setting...
Urban Dwellings Design Table!! We were so proud of our creation!
The bird cage had 10 ivy plants inside! Katy and Sonny made origami birds and flowers to hang from the cage. We added real flowers and voila': instant beauty!
Alan Karlin's table was so pretty and well done.
Of course we loved the birds and the bee's table designed by Bergamot & Ivy and Museo.
David Jimenez's fun and vibrant creation-I'll have my cake and eat it too thank you very much!
KC Magazine's lovely table with a breathtaking flower creation by Monica Schafer of Fresh Fleur hanging above.

We are already scheming as to what great design we will be pulling off next year! Cheers!

Wine Walk on Delaware at Urban Dwellings Design in Kansas City's River Market

2009-04-19T16:03:00.001-05:00

This Saturday Urban Dwellings participated in the 2nd Wine Walk on Delaware wine tasting event. This is a monthly event that gives people a chance to visit the local businesses on Delaware street and enjoy the historic beauty that it has to offer while tasting different wines at each stop.

Each month we will try to offer new and exciting "extras" to the wine taste. Above are some event goers in the store with DJ Tonic (in the middle) who was nice enough to share his talent for laying down diggable beats for us to grove to all afternoon.

Adam Gebhardt, co-owner of Scrape the Plate was also generous enough to participate in Wine Walk. His spread was amazing and we highly recommend this company for your catering needs. You can visit their website (www.scrape-plate.com) for menu ideas and even purchase some of their incredibly delicious packaged treats online. You just must try the Herb Roasted Cashews and of course their famous Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever!

We hope you can make it to the next Wine Walk on Delaware on Saturday, May 16 from 4-7pm. Cost is $15/person for 10 tastings of wine and so much more. www.winewalkondelaware.com

New Home Accessories at Urban Dwellings Design

2009-04-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

Be sure to come in and see our newest accessory lines: Hammocks & High Tea and Inleaf Design. Both lines are handmade in the US with organic cottons and linens.

The hand towels and lavender scented drawer sachets make great gifts!

Add pop to the inside of your drawer and a smile to your face when you reach for a pair of panties with these fun and lovely smelling drawer liners!

Not only are these lines produced by responsible companies, the designs are beautiful!

Ecologique: The Style of Sustainable Design

2009-04-06T17:30:00.001-05:00

Make sure to stop in the store to check out our new coffee table book featuring elegant, eco-friendly spaces designed by Kelly LaPlante. She does an extraordinary job proving just how chic green design can be, urging us all to turn this trend into a standard way of living.

Not only will you enjoy looking cover to cover at the beautiful spaces she has created you will feel good knowing that 100% of net proceeds from ecologique are being donated to Global Green USA and The Blank Theatre Company.