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

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.

Exclusively Yours

In two prominent national design publications, the October issues featured a handful of the lines we carry here at Urban Dwellings Design. First to arrive in the mail: House Beautiful. Flip to page 48 and there is Mitchell Gold himself, lying on his Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams bed, divulging his bedside manner.


Next to arrive was Elle Decor, chalk full of featured stories and product mentions of our lines. In the article Organic Chemistry, Christopher Wilcox of Natural Curiosities speaks passionately about the lines beautiful nature study reproductions that have been hand tea stained, deckeled and then floated on linen mats and framed in California by master artisans.


A few more pages in reveals the write up of Oly's new Manhattan flagship store. This line produces striking pieces that have undeniable style and beauty, and are consistently seen in photo shoots featured in the national design publications every month.



So there you have it: if you are looking for high style and current designs in KC--you know where to come.