Creature Comforts

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.

A Different Perspective

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

Apartment musings

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


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

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

Barbara Cosgrove Trunk Show

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!

What happens in High Point...part 2

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

What happens in High Point...part 1

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

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.

Barbara Cosgrove line at Urban Dwellings Design

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