Urban Nest

Archive for February, 2010

Fabulous Fabric

Friday, February 26th, 2010

I have been dreaming about this room by Sarah Richardson ever since I first laid eyes on it.

{image from Sarah Richardson Design}

I’m a huge fan of grey and cream – a simple and clean color scheme made interesting by the layering of patterns and textures. I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a fabric girl, and it’s the fabrics that make this room for me. In particular, I love the floral fabric in the curtains and pillows on the bed.

I dug up the source, Designer Fabrics Online, in hopes that I will find a way to use this fabric in my house. Unfortunately, it’s currently out of stock, but I will keep checking back. What’s really great about this fabric is that it’s double the usual width at 110 inches wide which makes it perfect for larger projects like a duvet cover or shower curtain, and it clearly makes beautiful curtains. Designer Fabrics Online has some other fun fabrics, too – it’s worth checking out.

Tags: bedroom, fabric
Posted in Feather the Nest | 9 Comments »

Spring Fever

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

It’s definitely hit. Last weekend we got a taste of some warmer weather and sunshine and now I am so anxious for Spring. They were calling for a couple inches of snow last night, which made me shudder just thinking about.

This time of year also makes me want some new pieces for my wardrobe…growing up we always had a shopping day over Spring Break with my mom. Nothing elaborate, but a few fun pieces for the season and I still love to shop for clothes this time of year…something about it is refreshing and makes it feel like warmer days aren’t far to come.

Right now I’m loving…ruffles, breezy, soft fabrics:

{ left image: Anthropologie; right: J Crew catalog }

And natural, tropical, island looks:

{ left: Anthropologie web site; right: J Crew catalog }

What will you be adding to your wardrobe this season?

Tags: anthropologie, j crew, spring
Posted in Inspired Nest | 1 Comment »

My Love of Books(squared)

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

I spent a good part of yesterday morning mopping up coffee (with cream and sugar) between the extra-small keys of my netbook keyboard. I went through one Sham-Wow (yes, I have a Sham-Wow — thank you, Sarah!) and about fifty Q-tips!

I often marvel at the sequence of events that lead up to moments like this.

Going through my normal morning routine, I made a pot of coffee while the dog ate her breakfast. I have two mugs that I use almost exclusively, despite the countless others on the shelf. As it happened, those two were buried in the dishwasher so I opted for a different one. After I drained the first cup in about three e-mails, I decided it was just too small and I needed a bigger one. So I select yet another mug that I don’t often use. Well, that bigger mug threw my whole posture off and got under my elbow at my desk — where I sit every morning with a cup of coffee — causing me to spill even more coffee all over my keyboard. Terrific.

Long story short, with computers on my mind I was reminded of this post I read last month on Design*Sponge about BookBooks. What a beautiful way to marry Old World and hi-tech books.

{images: TwelveSouth}

Today, I am back to my familiar mug and typing on thankfully functional keys that have a slightly different tap to them than they used to…

Tags: BookBook, books, computer case, Twelve South
Posted in Feather the Nest | 5 Comments »

Cardboard Safari

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

I received a mini cardboard rhino as a gift this week. It’s so delightful! I have seen deer heads available on the web both as a kit, similar to the ones shown below, and also as a solid cardboard shape, but I was not familiar with all the other cardboard creations out there. Cardboard Safari offers more than just these beastly animals if you like the look. Check out their site for wreath kits, rockets, and more.

I’m thinking I may paint my new friend a bright color…any suggestions? All images from www.cardboardsafari.com.

Tags: cardboard safari, rhino
Posted in Feather the Nest | 5 Comments »

Clever Ideas Abound

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Remember my little kitchen screw-up from a few weeks ago? Thanks to some great ideas from you, and a little luck, my problem is solved!

These things always take more than one try for me to get it right. So after measuring, marking, and cutting my wooden dowel rod for a series of pegs — one of which would fit directly onto the exposed screw — I proceeded to tear the house apart in search of all my unused knobs and drawer pulls. I’m learning to accept that this is just how my brain works…

I found a pair of brass knobs with a bright turquoise patina that I’ve been hanging on to for years. Believe it or not, one screwed tightly onto the problem screw without hesitation. For the other, I cut a small circle out of a larger 3M brand adhesive strip and stuck it to the cabinet.

The pop of turquoise is a nice detail in my otherwise black and white kitchen and the shape of the knobs is perfect for easily catching the loop on my dish towels.

Speaking of dish towels, I bought these on clearance at Target for an entirely different project. They are just a prop in this photo and will make a transformed appearance in a different part of the house soon.

Thanks again for all your clever ideas to solving my screw-up!

Tags: towel hooks
Posted in Build the Nest | 2 Comments »

Fuzz that Wuzz

Friday, February 19th, 2010

I was so honored to receive many special gifts this past weekend at two different baby showers. One unique gift from my seventeen year-old, very environmentally conscious, cousin was this Wigglezzz Puppy stuffed animal from a company called Mary Meyer. This furry friend is from their line called Fuzz that Wuzz: products made from 100% recycled plastic PET bottles. It’s not as soft as a chenille blanket, but surprisingly cuddly considering the materials. I love it and think it’s a great addition to our nursery.

In the photo you can see a sneak peek of how our painted crib turned out. It’s so lively and bright! My uncle did a fantastic job. More details on that to come…

Tags: fuzz that wuzz, nursery
Posted in Build the Nest, Inspired Nest | 2 Comments »

Wall Flowers

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

What happens when I go into Quirk Gallery? I come out of Quirk Gallery with something fun. Every time. Sometimes it’s for me. Sometimes it’s for someone else. These are for me!

Magnetic test tube bud vases! I have them on my Ikea locker in my workroom and I just love them. A little sign of life, where you least expect it!

For those of you who do not share my obsession, I will now take a little break from talking about one of my favorite places in Richmond!

Tags: Quirk Gallery
Posted in Feather the Nest, Local {Richmond, VA} | 2 Comments »

Whisker Graphics

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

{ image from Whisker Graphics }

I’m loving this fun baker’s twine from Whisker Graphics! The colors are fresh and something about the giant size of these spools makes me want to collect one of each. I bought these tiny rolls of twine by Martha Stewart a few years ago from Michael’s. They’re handy for all sorts of gift wrapping and miscellaneous small projects…so I can imagine this “Divine Twine” would be useful for so many more things…hmmm–which color to buy first?

{ image from Whisker Graphics Etsy site }

Tags: etsy, twine, Whisker Graphics
Posted in Feather the Nest | 2 Comments »

Dog Bed Duvet

Monday, February 15th, 2010

How terrific is this idea?

It’s a necessity to be able to wash your dog’s bed and depending on the quality of the stuffing, it’s not always possible to do anything with the insert but replace it. And of course that presents the ever-tricky (or expensive) task of finding an insert to fit your cover. Because of course you want a stylish, durable cover so you go to Orvis, L.L. Bean or in our case, Utility Canvas. Pottery Barn has some nice ones these days, too. But then you have to pay their spendy prices for the life of the cover in order to get a perfect fit.

Drumroll, please…introducing, the dog duvet! Brilliant, eco-conscious, and adorable. Also the easiest load of laundry you’ll ever do!

Buy a fabulous, machine-washable duvet cover and stuff with old t-shirts, towels and blankets. You could even stash that pile of lost sock mates into the corners!

My mom reminded me that puppies adjust better to their new homes with a family-scented t-shirt or towel to sleep with. Just stuff one in and zip it up.

I discovered these at one of my favorite neighborhood shops, For the Love of Pete, but if you have any inclination toward sewing, I believe this would be a pretty easy DIY project. And of course, if you already have that perfect duvet cover and it’s time to replace the insert, this is the way to go.

HINT: I bought our 34″ square Utility Canvas floor pillow/dog bed at For the Love of Pete years ago. The insert has a zippered muslin cover into which the thoughtful shop owner lovingly tucked a lavender sachet. For at least two years, our dog Katy woke from her bed with the sweet scent of summer. I keep meaning to put a fresh sachet in there. I should do it right now! Here I go…

{images: For the Love of Pete}

Tags: dog bed, duvet, For the Love of Pete, puppy
Posted in Feather the Nest, Local {Richmond, VA} | 3 Comments »

Oh Baby

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Hello! It is so nice to be blogging again after a whirlwind month. Juliet shared the news a month ago that our little boy, Nathan, surprised us by arriving almost 3 weeks early. At my 37 week doctor’s appointment, my amniotic fluid level was extremely low, and my doctor sent me straight to the hospital for a c-section. I had an awfully long to-do list scheduled for those last 3 weeks, but I’m just so thankful that Nathan is healthy and doing well. I have ever so slowly been chipping away at my list of projects, mostly for the nursery. It still looks pretty much like it did a few months ago in this post.

I did manage to turn the twin bed that used to be in Violet’s room into a day bed, thanks to some help from my mom. Here’s a sneak peek – more to come on this next week:

I’ve also been looking for some fun new lighting for the nursery. Right now I have my heart set on this fixture from Serena and Lily.

I love the natural colors and organic feel, and I think it would fit right in in the nursery. I’ll keep you posted as it comes along. Hopefully it will ready for an official reveal in a month or two.

Have a great weekend, and happy Valentines Day!

Tags: nursery
Posted in Feather the Nest | 2 Comments »

Home Is Where the Blog Is

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Richmond Magazine recently came out with their annual ‘Complete Sourcebook’ for 2010. Once a year they publish this issue that includes facts and figures for our city in regards to anything you can imagine: the arts, nightlife, volunteering, religion, business, donuts!, education, and homes.

We were delighted to be highlighted in the HOMES section with fellow local bloggers Young House Love. The publication is on newstands now, so check it out. Thank you, Richmond Magazine!

Posted in Inspired Nest | 3 Comments »

Quirk Gallery Window {Grade-School Crush}

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Quick follow up to our Quirk Gallery Window installation. We thought you might like to know a little more about what went into the display.

Here’s How We Did It:
We started with a few thrift store treasures: a vintage school desk, globe, and picture frame. We didn’t do a thing to the desk other than dust it off. The globe needed a little TLC, so we pulled all the pieces apart, re-glued the globe halves, painted the base and arms a crisp white, and re-assembled it. We popped a piece of matte black foam core into the frame and Stephanie drew this awesome doodle-heart, filled with “LOVE,” using good old-fashioned chalk!

We covered stacks of books and made 100′s of cootie-catchers out of some of our favorite Ink & Paper gift wrap.

Finally, we pulled a few fun things from the shop — gorgeous porcelain book vases, a Cardboard Safari DIY rocket, and a bunch of Quirk’s signature buttons.

So much fun to work in this amazing downtown space with these super creative and inspiring gallery girls!

Tags: Quirk Gallery, Valentine's Day, window display
Posted in Build the Nest | No Comments »

Quirk Gallery Window Revealed!

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

We are so excited to share these pictures with you! Stephanie gave you a sneak peak of our Quirk Gallery window installation last week. Our theme is “Grade-School Crush” — a sweet nod to Valentine’s Day.

Grade-School Crush

If you’re in the Richmond area, everyday is a good day to drop into Quirk Gallery, but this Thursday, Friday and Saturday are even better!

What is Your Heart Made Of? A Jewelry Sale to Benefit Haiti
Thursday, Feb. 11 – Saturday, Feb. 13
Opening Reception, Thursday, Feb. 11 {6 – 8 p.m.}
>> read more about this very cool effort

A Few of Our Favorite Valentines
Saturday, Feb. 13 {11 a.m. – 4 p.m}

Quirk will have an assortment of friends and their treats, including orchids from Chadwick & Son Orchids, chocolates by De Rochonnet Delights, pastries from Garnett’s Cafe, and handmade valentines by local artist Stacy Moore.

And, you can view our window installation throughout the month of February!

If you’re not in this area, you can still shop online and take 14% off your purchase by entering QUIRKLOVE at checkout.

Thanks for all the love Katie, Maggie and Diana!

Tags: Quirk Gallery, window
Posted in Build the Nest, Leave the Nest | 5 Comments »

Dream Kitchen

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

I do some marketing consulting for a local business and as I was verifying some hyperlinks in a newsletter this morning, I landed on a blog written by the wife of the business owner. I had visited a happy nest months ago and I knew Nikole was working on this project over the holidays, but I hadn’t seen the photos before today.

How amazing is this play kitchen?

Let’s talk about the whole wheat pasta and sugar cookies — with sprinkles!

This kitchen is baking some serious love. Check out all the details and many more photos on Nikole’s blog, a happy nest.

{all images: a happy nest}

Tags: children, felt food, play kitchen
Posted in Build the Nest | 4 Comments »

Heart Day How-Tos

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Valentine’s Day snuck up on me this year and I can’t believe it’s this weekend! My husband and I typically don’t go overboard for this holiday, we usually do a special dinner with no elaborate gifts (if any), but I do love to see what fun ideas are out there.

{ heart potholders; image from Martha Stewart }

{ homemade soaps; image from Martha Stewart }

{ rose barrettes; images from the Purl Bee }

{ Valentine Goodie Bags; image from Twig and Thistle }

1. Heart Potholders from Martha Stewart.
2. Personalized Heart Soaps from Martha Stewart.
3. Sweet Rose Barrettes from the Purl Bee.
4. Printable Valentine Goodie Bags from Twig and Thistle. Check out this delicious Brownie Bag as well.

Are you working on crafts for Heart Day this year? Send in your creations!

Tags: Valentine's Day
Posted in Inspired Nest | 1 Comment »

Love Lynn Butler

Friday, February 5th, 2010

More great stuff from an old issue of Elle Decor! Lynn Butler Beling is a former senior style editor at Martha Stewart Weddings. She is now a freelance editorial consultant and stylist to many popular magazines. Her work is clean, fresh and inviting.

Lynn also has a delightful line of men’s ties. I love the florals! My guy wouldn’t do it, but if we were the preppy beach type, I might have to insist!

You now know, if you didn’t already, that Lynn has terrific style, which always begs the question, “Where do you shop?” While I don’t have the full inside scoop, I do know that we can shop Lynne’s style at The Product Gallery — an online store with products hand-picked by Lynn Butler from around the world.

Lovely, isn’t it?

Tags: Lynn Butler Design, shopping, stylist
Posted in Leave the Nest | 3 Comments »

Sneak Peek: Quirk Gallery

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Rachel, Juliet, and I have tried our hands at many projects over the years using assortments of materials from fabric, paint, paper, hardware–you name it, we’ve probably used it! Well, this week, we’re combining all of those elements to create a window display for a local favorite: Quirk Gallery. Below is what the window currently looks like from the inside.

These are a few teaser snapshots of our work in progress. The reds and pinks might give it away that it’s Valentine themed…but can you guess what the second image is? To check it out in person, visit Quirk Gallery on Broad Street in Richmond, VA starting this afternoon. We’ll post pics of the final window for all of our readers to view, so stay tuned!

Tags: Quirk Gallery, sneak peek, window
Posted in Inspired Nest | 1 Comment »

Architectural Drawing

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

I know I said I don’t like chalk, and the thought of holding it in my hands right now is making me a little bit uncomfortable. But I also know lots of you do love chalk and these are too fun not to share.

I just came across this set of Classic Chalk Columns in the new Paper Source catalog. I immediately thought of the blackboard wall in Tom’s bedroom in 500 Days of Summer — the part at the end where he sketches the entire LA skyline…

Maybe I’m not a good Google researcher, but I cannot believe that I couldn’t find an image, or better a video, of that entire skyline illustration. If you’ve seen the movie, you know what I’m talking about. And if you haven’t, you probably should. It’s pretty good, despite what Oscar says.

{image: 500 Days of Summer, Fox Searchlight}

I also think this clever set of chalk would be the perfect detail at any one of these weddings, featuring chalkboards. Imagine the fun guests would have drawing on sidewalks and driveways during an outdoor reception!

Tags: 500 Days of Summer, chalk, weddings
Posted in Inspired Nest | 1 Comment »

New York International Gift Fair

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

{ new product from Dwell Studio from NYIGF Twitter }

The International Gift Fair is currently taking place this week in New York, January 30 – February 4. I’m excited to find out in the coming weeks and months what new product is being debuted at the show. Our new Ink & Paper spring products are being represented through our sales rep in the New York area who has a booth with many stationery vendors…wish we could be there!

The fabric and pillow shown to the left are from one of my all time favs – DwellStudio. They never cease to amaze me with their color choice, pattern, and all around great design sense. I almost registered for baby stuff at Target solely because of their products!

{ new product from Jonathan Adler at the NYIGF courtesy of Margeaux }

Above is product from Jonathan Adler courtesy of the blog Margeaux. I love what I can see of the bright colored pillows and fun new ceramics.

{ images form the NYIGF Flickr site }

And I don’t know who the company shown above left are – any ideas? The pillows are whimsical and funny. I’d love to add one to our living room for a good conversation piece. And who isn’t interested in new Amy Butler textiles? Now we just wait for product to hit the stores and web…

Tags: NYIGF
Posted in Leave the Nest | 4 Comments »