Holiday Decorating...Naturally

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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