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.

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.

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

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.

Time to Undecorate

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

Lets get cozy

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.