Archive for August, 2010

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A Cup of Carolina

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

I start every day with a cup of coffee.  Even though I drink decaf, it’s still a much needed morning pick-me-up.  I’m not a flavored coffee girl, though, and I don’t take cream – just a tiny sprinkle of sugar.  While we were on vacation this summer, we ran out of decaf coffee, and Andy picked up a couple bags of coffee from the Carolina Coffee Company.  He brought home their regular blend and a flavored coffee called Country Harvest.  I drank the regular blend while we were away and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I didn’t get to the Country Harvest.  Anyway, time to get to the point, I ran out of my usual coffee again last week and finally got around to the Country Harvest.  Let me tell you, it is delicious.  It would be the perfect warm start to the cool fall mornings that are right around the corner.  

Here’s how the Carolina Coffee Company describes it:

“A rich blend of southern pecan, hazelnut, butterscotch toffee, and caramel creme, lightly sprinkled with pieces of North Carolina pecans!

With your first cup of our Carolina Country Harvest Blend, you’ll taste the first flavors of the fall season. Like the breath-taking colors of a bountiful harvest, this special blend will leave you with a sense of warmth and thanksgiving!”

Sounds pretty yummy, doesn’t it?  I’ve finished the whole bag, so it’s time to place an order (I’m happy to know that a portion of the proceeds help a great cause).  This one is definitely worth a try if you’re a coffee lover, too!

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Knock Knock: Update to Front Door

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Like all good paint jobs, it takes a few tries to get it right! Do you agree? As many of you know there was some dissent regarding the color I chose for our front door in a recent exterior paint makeover. While I have not conceded to a new color altogether, two observant readers pointed out a critical detail that I believe makes a huge difference!

As a refresher, here’s the original “before” and the finished exterior paint job from a few weeks ago.

original before + after, round 1Dramatically different and notably better. But not quite right. A little editing, as shown below, makes a huge difference.

front door, edited

I was really struggling to figure out why I preferred the yellow on the sun porch door (left image below) so much more than on the front door. Then Susan and Nancy pointed out the white trim surrounding the sun porch door. That bit of detail creates a much needed visual break between two deep colors. Brilliant!

white molding surrounds yellow doorsAs you can see here, I went back and painted the molding and storm door white and we all agree (I hope you do too!) that it makes that daring yellow downright delightful.

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Posted in Build the Nest | 8 Comments »

Take 3: Ikea PS August Bench

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Welcome to our second installment of “Take 3″. We’re having a lot of fun with this and hope you are, too! This week, I chose the PS August Bench from Ikea. The cushions are upholstered in a soft leather and the solid pine frame can be adjusted to three recliner positions. I love the modern look of the square white edges combined with rustic pine details.

Let’s see where everyone went with it…

Rachel’s Take: Ladylike Luxury

I’m going for ladylike luxury with this one.  I’d use the bench along the wall
in my walk-in closet as a comfy spot to put on this fabulous pair of Badgley
Mischka shoes.  I would cover the cushion in this bold print from Of the Young and the Restless and paint the frame a charcoal color, like Francesca by Martha Stewart for Home Depot.  The rug is from Serena & Lily and is the perfect place for bare feet to get a little extra pampering.

Take 3 {Rachel}

Stephanie’s Take: Bedroom Retreat

I would place this bench at the foot of my bed in our Master bedroom. Currently, our walls are a medium color grey, most all of the furniture is a dark, chocolatey brown, and we have orange and cream colored linens and rugs. I would add these throw pillows to the bench for a cozy spot. The colorful one is from Anthropologie and the two geometric ones are from CB2. And since the bench has a back that reclines, I’d add this throw, also from CB2, and snuggle up with a good book!

Take 3 {Stephanie}

Juliet’s Take: Sophisticated Camp

This bench makes me think of an upscale cot. While it’s not quite big enough to sleep on all night, I do envision two or three of them lined up in a sunroom like a camp bunk! I’d pair each with one of these Timber side tables from La Difference, hang this washed wood chandelier above and fill in the corners with lots of greenery, like these ficus trees.  To pull it all together and make the room feel really cozy and elegant, I’d put a vibrant Turkish rug (love the pink and yellow!) like this antique one from ABC Carpet & Home. Seems like a great spot for reading together on a lazy Sunday or watching a movie with the girls.

Take 3 {Juliet}

What would you do with it?

{all images linked to sources in text above}

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Prismera

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

I discovered Prismera Design this week and have loved looking through Laura Su’s gallery of jewelry and art pieces. The wide variety of styles are unique, beautiful, and well-crafted. The necklaces below are inspiring me to create an outfit just to go with them! And while I don’t typically wear a lot of gold, I love the raw/weathered look that you get from these natural looking forms.

{ all images from Prismera web site }

Visit Prismera’s web site to browse through the whole collection. And check out the everyday section for art pieces and a selection of paper products. I love the silver and natural kraft paper look of the sketchbooks and postcards…somewhat reminds me of Oh Joy, elegant, but down-to-earth. And Laura recently added some sweet home goods in the Tinker Supply Section. There’s a little something for everyone at Primera…so visit today!

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Doodle All the Day

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010


What do you think of this artwork hanging above Cath Kidston’s couch?  I think it’s really fun!

{image from lonny}

I had to chuckle when I saw it in the current issue of Lonny magazine because my mom and Violet were recently making pictures just like it.  My mom doodled with a black crayon, and Violet filled in all of the loops and shapes with bright colors.  Now I wish that I saved them, but I’m inspired to try my hand at one!  I’ll let you know if I come up with anything frame-worthy.

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Clayton Gray

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

During my recent searches for a dresser, I stumbled on Clayton Gray Home.  This store in Tampa Florida has a great online shop chock full of interesting lighting, mirrors, furniture and accessories.  Here are just a few of the pieces that I could easily find a place for in my house…

  1. Porcelain bird lamp
  2. Recycled scaffold mirror
  3. Kaleidoscope linen pillow
  4. Brigitte large chest
  5. Nantucket mirror
  6. Hibiscus rug
  7. Polo 6-drawer chest
  8. Aldine opal glass lamp

I’ve added Clayton Gray to my list of inspiring shops.  What are your favorite online spots for browsing?

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Posted in Feather the Nest | 3 Comments »

Just Another Literary Dining Room

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Not much more to say here. Just another well-read dining room from my ongoing collection of library dining inspiration. This one is from Kerri & Luke’s “Bang for Your Buck” Bungalow on Apartment Therapy.

library dining room

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Take 3: A Dresser

Friday, August 20th, 2010

We are starting something new here at Urban Nest!  On Fridays (give or take a few), we’ll be featuring a regular series that we’re calling “Take 3″.  Here’s the idea – every week one of us will pick something for the home (a piece of furniture, a couple yards of fabric, an accessory) and each of us will tell you what we would do with it – that is, our “take” on it.  You’ll get more glimpses of our personal styles and hopefully some great ideas!  I’m really excited about it and was happy to win the round of rock-paper-scissors that meant I got the first to pick.  So, here goes.

My family room is in desperate need of more storage.  As Nathan’s toys join Violet’s collection of stuff, we are in danger of no longer being able to see the floor!  I’ve been looking at dressers to stash some of Violet’s craft supplies and games in and am considering this one from Gothic Cabinet Craft:

The goal, a piece of furniture that doesn’t scream “kid-gear lies within” and also has some character.

Juliet’s take:  Surfer Girl Preppy

“I’m feeling a little surfer girl preppy with this one. I would order the Flat Shaker Dresser in the Midnight Blue premium finish and label each of the six drawers with oversized numeric stencils — 01, 02, 03, etc. — in Ballet Slipper Pink by Martha Stewart for Home Depot. If you can’t tell online, this pale shade of pink actually has some gold undertones to it — think champagne. 

I can’t decide if I’d align the numbers straight down the center of each drawer or if it would be hip to align them to the center of the dresser (right align left drawers; left align right drawers). 

Finally, I would line the interior of the drawers with Marigold Wrapping Paper from Paper-Source. I’d top the whole thing off with this Rustic Whitewash table lamp from Shades of Light, a straw beach bag and my sunglasses!  

A perfect fit for a fresh and breezy beach bungalow.” – Juliet

Stephanie’s take: Vintage Coastal

“I was inspired by a tutorial for a coastal style wooden flag from The Lettered Cottage. Basically, I would paint the dresser Picket Fence by Martha Stewart for Home Depot and sand it to give a weathered look with a slight vintage effect.  I would use Sea Glass also by Martha as an accent for the 2 stripes on the front and add this hardware from Lee Valley.” – Stephanie

My take: Subtle Glam

My inspiration came from these lucite knobs from The Paris Apartment – they would add just a hint of glam to the dresser.  I would keep the color scheme fresh and clean and frame out each of the drawers with simple moulding and have it spray-laquered in Vanilla Milkshake by Benjamin Moore.  The Harriet lamp from Jayson Home & Garden would sit next to a stack of books topped with this yellow glass by Jonathan Adler filled with white flowers.

I have to say that I love what Juliet and Stephanie came up with and think I need to tweak my design to include some beachy vibes!  Maybe a driftwood lamp and a hint of color.  I just might do it!

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NYIGF 2010

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

The New York International Gift Fair took place this week, August 13th–today, at the Javits Center in New York. While I was not in attendance, I have been loving seeing photos around the web of product showcased at the event. These are some of my favorites:

{ image from Oh So Beautiful Paper }

Laurel Denise is a jewelry designer now based in Charlottesville, VA. I first came across her work at a trade show a few years ago and love her delicate, detailed pieces. Her signature designs include her own handwriting and illustrations on glass. Visit her web site to see more.

{ image from Oh So Beautiful Paper }

{ image from Oh So Beautiful Paper }

Smock is an eco-friendly print shop with beautiful designs printed on bamboo paper. Those sheets of hanging wrap make me want one of each! And below are new designs from another favorite, 9 Spot Monk, I love these new note card boxes with the circle die-cut window. So sweet!

{ image from Oh So Beautiful Paper }

And lastly, check out new product from Dwell Studio. The debuted their fabric collection that was created in collaboration with Robert Allen, along with new rugs, pillows, wallpaper, and baby items. I cant wait to see the new textiles in person and figure out what I might need for my home!

{ image from Shelterrific }

{ image from Shelterrific }

All of the images shown above are from Shelterrific and Oh So Beautiful Paper. Check out their blogs for more photos and information.

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Posted in Leave the Nest | 3 Comments »

Get Away to Irvington, VA

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

As usual, I took an excessive number of photographs this weekend in Irvington, VA, thus I’ve spent the better part of the day organizing and editing! Hopefully you’ll enjoy a little photo tour of our stay at The Hope & Glory. It was a truly delightful weekend — a perfect getaway for the girls or to escape with your guy or girl. Hope & Glory PatioWe rode bikes all around town and stopped mid-day for a dip in the pool tucked away in a vineyard nearby.

Amenities at The Hope & GloryWe lounged around in any number of delightfully cozy corners at the Inn.

Hope & Glory DetailsWe took a sunset cruise on the bay, complete with cocktails, munchies and the perfect breeze.

Faded Glory Sunset CruiseWe read countless magazines, chatted into the night and might have checked e-mail once or twice…

Sitting Room at The Hope & GloryAnd we spent a wee bit of time in, er, detention. The main inn is a restored schoolhouse to which owners Dudley and Peggy Patteson recently added a full bar open to guests any time of day. The walls are painted chalkboards adorned with clever indications of a weekend well-spent. And the lovely zinc tables and chairs make a classy spot for a little penance — including composition books where guests are encouraged to note the more savory details of their stay. Hilarious to read, as you might imagine!

Detention at The Hope & GloryOur visit to this charming little water town on the Northern Neck could not have been better thanks to the gracious hospitality and  delightful company at The Hope & Glory Inn.

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Scout

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

This weekend, Juliet and I came across The Scout Guide for Charlottesville:


Blogger, Susie Matheson, created this pretty guide as another way to support and promote local businesses in C’ville.  To say it’s a collection of business advertisements doesn’t do it justice.  The ads are cute and clever and are printed on heavy duty paper bound together in a way that feels more like a book than a magazine.  The guide includes some businesses that are new to me, like duo and derriere de soie:

I’ve put these on my list for the next time I’m in Charlottesville.  It also has some favorite finds from a girls weekend last fall:  Sustain and Mas.

I found my copy of this charming guide at Can Can – definitely keep your eyes out for it!  I wonder if anything like this is in the works for Richmond…

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Hope & Glory

Monday, August 16th, 2010

A weekend away with my girlfriends looked like this in the mornings … Including a refreshing breeze and Frank Sinatra surrounding us in the courtyard.

Since I’m still here with a cup of coffee and the best cranberry muffin ever, I’ll share more details another time.

For now, you can check out the our delightful B&B online at hopeandglory.com in Irvington, VA.

PS: this is my first attempt to post from my iPhone, so please forgive the photos and any other shortcomings! — Juliet

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Falleluia

Friday, August 13th, 2010

That’s what I’ll be saying when the temperatures finally cool off around here and we head into the crisp weather of fall.  Hopefully when that happens, I’ll be wearing something like this outfit from J. Crews’ fall lookbook:

I love this outfit – particularly the touches of bright blue.  In fact, this bright blue has been on my mind for the past several months, and I’m planning on working it in to a little update to our family room.  Here’s a sneak peek at a new piece that’s going to be front and center in my new scheme.

Stay tuned for more updates on my family room redo.  I hope everyone has a great weekend and stays cool!

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Design Star, Season 5

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Have you caught any episodes of this season’s HGTV Design Star? I have watched a handful and seen a few interesting ideas to keep in mind when designing in the future. From this past Sunday, I liked how Emily & Michael painted the ceiling in their dining room space. I thought it added the right amount of color without darkening the room…it was unexpected and fun. You can catch a glimpse in this image.

{ all images from HGTV.com }

One of my favorite elements in a room so far was the fireman silhouette painting that was created for the firehouse lounge room in NYC. I’m trying to think of a way to incorporate the same idea into a painting for my own home. I don’t have any connection to firemen, so I need some ideas of other interesting shapes that would relate to my family…hmmm…I might have to keep thinking on that!

Other recent challenges included designing and styling a kitchen for a Sears Catalog photo shoot and this was my pick of the two.

They are down to the final three designers, so tune in this weekend to see who will be left standing. Right now Casey seems to be the favorite among the judges and I agree. What do you think? Who should get their own show? You?

{ Casey, Emily, and Michael }

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My Grand Foyer is Her Grand Living Room

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Remember my painted orange accent wall in my pseudo, er grand, foyer? I still love it. And I even got around to touching up all the fuzzy edges. Really it remains one my very favorite spots in the house.

Well, I can’t tell you how delighted I was when Gaby from After the Before, but Before the After wrote to tell me she was inspired to paint her living room wall!

Talk about “grand”! This wall is gorgeous.

After the Before, but Before the AfterWhat a dramatic effect this color and pattern have in Gaby’s living room. Don’t those sleek lamps create the perfect glow on the wall?

And I love that painted white chair to the left of the t.v.

Check out Gaby’s terrific blog to learn more about how she refined my process (thanks to her very own engineer!) and a few tricks she learned along the way that will make it easier for all of us the next time around. And be sure to dig around and see all the fabulous projects Gaby takes on in her home. She’s full of terrific before and after features!

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Tommy

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Looking for more inspiration?  Tommy Smythe, Sarah Richardson’s hilarious design partner, is now on facebook! Last week he posted pictures of this fabulous kitchen:

I absolutely love the slate floor, and the rustic dining table is the perfect contrast to the stainless steel countertop.  I can’t wait to see what other sneak peeks he posts.  Thanks, Tommy!

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I Have An Idea: Paint!

Monday, August 9th, 2010

I’m way behind on my blog reading, but got caught up on some print publications this weekend, so I hope this isn’t old news. In reading the August issue of skirt! magazine, I learned about IdeaPaint. Brilliant…

IdeaPaint turns virtually anything you can paint into a high-performance dry-erase surface, giving you the space you need to collaborate, interact and fully explore your creativity.

– IdeaPaint.com

Just think of the possibilities for ideas, memos and art…for kids (of all ages)…for recipes, menus and love notes…

{images: IdeaPaint on Flickr}

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Really?

Monday, August 9th, 2010

I just won this enormous stuffed lion! I never win anything. Remember how badly I wanted to win that cow portrait?

We have the most charming old-school toy store just down the street from us called The Toy Center. I pop in from time to time to shop for all the kiddoos in my life. Last week they were celebrating their first anniversary under new ownership and I entered a drawing.

The Toy Center, Richmond VA

I got the call this morning and went straight in to pick up my “Grand Prize!” For a moment I felt really guilty when they asked how old my kids are. But then I decided, whatever, I’m gonna be the best Aunt Julie/Miss Juliet/Mrs. Brown out there! No apologies.

As you can see, our Katy is not so fond of me, or the lion…

Back in a bit with something slightly more relevant!

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Posted in Local {Richmond, VA} | 3 Comments »

EmersonMade

Friday, August 6th, 2010

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen EmersonMade in the blogosphere before, but Sarah Richardson’s finds reminded me of these pretty fabric flowers.  I love the colors – my fall wardrobe might just need one of these.

And the packaging and presentation are so stinking cute – they would make such a chic gift.

On August 10th, EmersonMade is introducing a new line of clothing (you can pre-order now).

I love the silk dot blouse, blazer and jeans (especially since they promise to never show your underwear when you sit down!).  Sign me up!

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I'm Lovin'…

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Retro Camp Style. I’ve never actually been in a camper like the ones shown below, but for some reason it evokes a nostalgia for childhood and the simple things in life! I’ve camped plenty of times in a tent, so maybe it’s the same laid-back, rustic, and classic feeling you get when enjoying your natural surroundings and relaxing to the max.


Check out these fun products:

1. Mr. Campy Scrapbook Paper from Cosmo Cricket

2. Retro Travel Trailer

3. Happy Camper Fabric by American Jane

4. Holiday Camper Ribbon by Jessica Jones (made into dog collar)

5. Old School Stationers Letterpress Camping Prints

6. Camper necklace, image from Pie Bird Blog

7. Coffee Sleeve, image also from Pie Bird Blog

I have the two letterpressed prints from Old School Stationers by my front door in my house, but I’d love to incorporate more of this camp style. Any ideas? Are you inspired by this Parent Trap-esque aesthetic as well?

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