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.

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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.

Heaven Underfoot

You know The Knotty Rug, right? If you live in KC you have at least seen their clever and attention getting ads. This store, in my opinion is the best place in the area for rugs. The selection they have of beautiful wool and silk rugs from around the globe is really unparalleled.

We take our clients there for rugs if we cannot meet their needs with our rug selections. They have recently expanded the diversity and have a decent selection of more contemporary rugs. I went with a client the other day and we found at least 6 viable options for her contemporary settings.

And if these pictures aren't enough to get you in there you should also know they are currently having a great sale!

Can I design a room around this rug for someone, pretty please?

Moroccan Rugs are ALL the rage.

This one is just plain pretty.

This looker is from Afghanistan, a place that is apparently becoming more and more
difficult to obtain rugs from.

All images my own.
-Jaclyn

Art lovers are in love with KC

The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City will be celebrating its 80th Annual Art Fair next weekend! It is such a fun weekend with hundreds of artists from all over the country exhibiting their art as well as live music and food from all of the best restaurants in KC.

The art fair on the plaza started during the Great Depression to try to attract shoppers back to this shopping area. Now more than 250,000 people attend this annual event!

1932 Plaza Art Fair (source: www.countryclubplaza.com)

Today's Plaza Art Fair - (google images)

The art fair reminds me that KC is one of the most exciting cities if you love art. When it comes to fine art most people automatically think of NYC, LA or Chicago but KC is one of the most populous cities per capita for artists. More than 6,000 artists live in the KC metro area! There are a number of top ranked art schools and the best part is artists' works are so easily accessible to the general public. What I love about it is that there is an excitement in the city when the Plaza Art Fair approaches because everyone knows they won't be disappointed and it is just a fun-filled weekend.

I also look forward to First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District. The first Friday of every month all of the art galleries and stores are open late. You can walk around the area enjoying the art, outdoor entertainment, local street vendors and then eat at a local restaurant and cap the night off at one of the nearby bars. I love The Cashew for drinks and The Rieger Hotel has an awesome menu plus if you are lucky you can sneak down to the Manifesto, a tiny bar that serves the best cocktails. It is overall such a fun way to spend a Friday night.

In the West Bottoms on the first weekend of every month all of the antique shops opens its doors to the public with cool new finds. And last week, Westport had its own art fair featuring local artists exhibiting an array of crafts, jewelry and paintings.

The nicest part is that the KC artists are accessible to you and I. You don't need to be a Rockefeller to afford an original creation. And some of the local and visiting artists do have international clout!

My husband commissioned a painting from local artist Charles Podrebarac for our anniversary. Podrebarac is a cartoon artists and did an impression of our two beloved dogs. It is so awesome to have an original, personal painting in our home. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Here it is...

My dogs Ellie and Manning - a depiction of their personalities

-Ilyssa