Not A Paperback

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

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

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

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

There's still time!

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

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

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

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.