Copy Cat

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)

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.

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Good Things Come in 3's

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

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

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

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.