I love these new ornament cards by Tiny Prints. They really are a great idea. I’ve never come up with the perfect way to display our holiday cards, and hanging them on the tree would be a simple and charming way to do it.
I hope I receive one of these cards this year! If not, maybe I’ll try turning the cards I do get into ornaments myself, hmm…
I seem to have a thing for red chairs lately. I’m not sure I realized it until I sorted through a pile of tear sheets this weekend and realized I had four different chairs from two different magazines, all in nearly the same shade of red!
This updated classic from the October 2010 issue of Country Living is sweet with punch of attitude sitting next to that bright yellow mantle! And you know I’m a big fan of yellow these days!
Another updated classic dining chair — painted white and upholstered in glossy red leather with nail head trim. Just perfect in this space!
I also have a thing for nail head trim. Love these cozy upholstered chairs, also from Veranda.
And finally, these lacquered side chairs with leather seats and nail head trim. Love, love, love.
Maybe it’s cozy feel of winter finally sinking in. Any decor trends surfacing in your favorites?
{magazine pages: top, Country Living October 2010; others, Veranda November/December 2010}
Remember this Mid-Century Danish Modern dining chair I picked up over the summer at my favorite thrift store? After tossing around lots of ideas, I opted to clean up the original finish and re-upholster the seat with a slightly sweet, slightly funky super-soft velvet.
I also used a pretty thick upholstery foam and cotton batting to give the chair a little more heft and a lot more comfort.
And while the chair is for sale (e-mail me directly if you are interested), I conservatively chose materials that would coordinate with my current dining room scheme — a funky mix of preppy salmon pink and sandy taupe.
My mom lovingly re-upholstered all six of these dining chairs for me five years ago. These are the chairs I grew up sitting on around our dining room table. The same ones that each of our puppies gnawed on under the table.
As my taste evolves, I appreciate the beauty of these aged cane-back and carved chairs more and more. In our next house, I plan to introduce the coordinating table that is too big for our current dining room.
As our lives get increasingly complicated, especially around the holidays, it’s nice to consider the real joy of sitting around a table full of food and family and friends. We’re taking the rest of the week off to do just that.
Wishing each of you a healthy start to a season of joy and gratitude…
It’s time for a change! The family room that we spend most of our time in has really turned into the kids’ space. Andy and I spend a lot of time stashing toys away when we want to relax at the end of the day or when we have visitors. So, we’ve decided that we need a grown-up space specifically designed for lounging after the little guys are asleep or when we have company. The plan is to update our living room from a sitting room to a place where we can actually do a little more living. Here is what our living room looks like today:
It’s not bad, but there are a few issues that have prevented us from really using the space. For starters, it’s not all that cozy or comfortable. The couch is small and a little hard and the empty bookshelves have always bothered me. The previous owner of our house was an English professor, and we have more built-in bookcases in our house than we need. So, the plan for this room is to remove the bookcases and use the wall space for some curtains to soften things up. The bummer is that the hardwood floors don’t go under the bookcases and the walls behind the shelves are covered with wallpaper that has been painted several times. This means repairs to the floors and the walls, so we’ll need to empty the room and repaint the walls. We’re going to take it as an opportunity to start from scratch. I’m planning to keep some blue, but not quite as much. I’m thinking white walls, neutral furniture and pops of bright blue. Here are some images I’ve been using as inspiration:
{images from House Beautiful, J.Crew, Domino (I think?), and Josephine Sasso}
Here’s my current design board:
We’ll be keeping the sideboard (and blue chairs, for now), but the rest of the pieces will be new additions. I’m so excited about the artwork by Amanda Talley. It’s our first piece of original art, and we actually commissioned it especially for the space – I’ll share more about that process some other time. The couch will be much bigger, and more comfortable, than our current couch and will have large table lamps on either side. We bought both the couch and lamps on sale this weekend at Ruth & Ollie, one of my favorite Richmond stores. I’m planning to make throw pillows for the couch out of this fun fabric by Quadrille. We’re considering a gilt cocktail table to replace the ottoman that our cats have shredded, but that won’t happen for a little while. The final touches will be white linen curtains and some white flowers.
We won’t be tackling the floors and walls until after the holidays, but some of the furnishings will be in place before then. I can’t wait until we’re relaxing in our new living room. I’ll keep you posted as it comes together!
I absolutely love yard sales, so the other week when I saw signs all around my neighborhood for a moving sale, I was eager to check it out. I ended up going home with just this mirror for a steal. It’s about 3 feet tall with an art-deco geometric pattern across the top. But, the wood was not in great shape. I ended up sanding down and painting it a light color – Spring Melt by Martha Stewart for Home Depot. It feels new and fresh…and I was curious to see what Rachel and Juliet would do with the same piece.
Stephanie’s Take: Elephant Parade
With the fresh coat of paint, I thought this mirror would be great for a nursery – my little guy loves to laugh at his funny faces in the mirror. I love these elephant silhouettes and images, it would be fun to hang this print and clock alongside the mirror. I would use these sheets in a crib and put a sweet picture of James and I in the elephant frame. And lastly, what little boy or girl wouldn’t want this mod elephant to ride on?
Juliet’s Take: Linear
I love using mirrors in my decor to open up closed spaces and reflect light and color. Stephanie’s yard sale treasure would be great at the end of a long hallway with a simple lantern glowing from above and a tall wooden coat rack. I like using these natural wood tones with a vibrant navy blue wallpaper like this one by Julia Rothman. I’d finish it off with this simple zinc console table — a great spot to stack books or rest shopping bags.
Rachel’s Take: Sophisticated Sideboard
For a change, I would resist my usual temptation to paint this mirror white and go for something more daring: red. Since red is supposed to stimulate appetite and conversation, I would hang the mirror in the dining room above this sideboard by West Elm. I would add a slim runner to the top of the sideboard out of this deep brown fabric by Quadrille. To lighten up the scheme, I’d use two lamps on either side of the mirror, like these tall white ones from Ruth and Ollie. Some bright red flowers would add one last punch of color.
What’s your take?
I am in desperate need of some more spots to stash toys, and I would love to have these blue Senegalese storage baskets from Serena and Lily.
So pretty, and they are having a sale right now, hmm…
Have a great weekend!
I know Thanksgiving has not even come and gone yet…but I want you to save-the-date for the 5th Annual Deck the Halls event. This fun, festive holiday tradition is taking place on Sunday, December 5, from 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm at Pine Grove Farm in Ashland.
If you are not familiar with this event, your $25 donation let’s you to create as many fresh holiday decorations as you can carry home! All greenery and supplies are provided- wreath forms, clippers, bows, etc, but feel fre to bring any special items to adorn your creations. There will be garden club experts for hands on guidance and there will also be pre-made wreaths to purchase if wreath making isn’t your thing, but you want to come hang out and enjoy the festivities.
In addition to all the craftiness, enjoy christmas cookies and hot drinks in the barn and holiday music provided by local favorite, Susan Greenbaum. And last, but not least, this year there will be a Country General Store for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
Proceeds from Deck the Halls go to Hilliard House, so come out to support a great cause and get in the holiday spirit!
{ all images from Richmond Magazine }
In the past week, I’ve been inspired by big lights, little lights and these three very bright ideas:
These gorgeous burlap lanterns were hanging from rafters in an incredible urban warehouse where R.Home for the Holidays was held last week.
{source: Urban Nest}
I have a terrific dress form in my work room that is typically decked out in ribbons or fabrics. She will be the perfect winter-y addition to the bedroom adorned with white white lights. I usually have a tabletop tree strung with lights, but this year I’m going to be less conventional.
{source: unknown*}
Even less conventional, I’m officially on the hunt for an old wooden ladder to decorate on our sun porch!
{source: CB2 let it snow, let it faux catalog and in the loop blog}
What’s inspiring you this week?
*I just saved this image within the past three or four days and did not note the source! Please let me know if it’s yours or if you posted it on your blog! I’m certain it came from somewhere fun that I’d love to share.
I have a little obsession with J.Crew these days (that may be an understatement). So, I was excited to see a sneak peek of the spring 2011 collection on Fashionologie via coco+kelley. The color palettes are so pretty:
I’m not sure I could pull off the yellow shorts, but I still think they’re great. A pretty, pale chambray shirt and off-the-shoulder dress could be new go-to pieces. Now I just need to come up with an occasion for a full-length, denim-hued sequined skirt this spring…
Is anyone else still recovering from the time change? Our kids actually did better with it than I expected. I thought we’d be getting up at 5:30 every day, but they’ve adjusted really well. I’m the one who can barely keep my eyes open in the evening! I did notice with the time change that we hardly had to reset any clocks in our house. Our phones and cable boxes automatically update, and really, that’s what we use to tell time around here. It got me thinking that an old fashioned wall clock could be fun, and this new wooden clock from West Elm is simple and charming.
Juliet’s Take:It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
I love the simplicity of this wall clock. The clean lines would be a perfect fit, placed asymmetrically within a gallery of framed concert posters, like these I’ve been collecting from my husband’s band. My gallery display would surround a long, slightly masculine dresser like this Danish Modern beauty. I’d top the dresser with two brightly colored, more feminine lamps, leaving the center surface wide open for keys, mail and magazines in an entryway, or better yet, a set of shiny bar tools and a few bottles of our favorite wine and spirits.
Stephanie’s Take: Vintage Schoolhouse
When I first saw this clock, I immediately pictured a somewhat rustic schoolhouse setting, so I have created my personal version of this vintage workspace. I would center everything around this desk – I absolutely love the card catalog drawers and dark top. This vintage lamp would sit atop alongside this file made from all recycled paper. The chair, also from Three Potato Four, is an old commercial drafting stool and would be the perfect seat to use for sketching in this workspace. I would keep these lockers nearby to store any work supplies and to top it off, these rustic “jacks” make a great paperweight or doorstop.
Rachel’s Take: Contemporary Kiddie
I would hang this clock in a colorful, contemporary nursery. The overall scheme would be grey and red with touches of warm wood. The focal point of the nursery would be this beautiful crib with walnut wood detail by Oeuf. The adorable organic cotton donkey from Petit Bebe would keep the little one company in bed. I’d make curtains and a bumper pad out of the bold red stripe fabric and add another graphic punch with a zigzag rug from West Elm. The final detail, a shiny silver speedster for toddler tooling around.
What’s your take?
Have you seen the new online magazine Covet Garden? It’s fantastic! Each issue features one home and gives you a glimpse into the lives of the people (big and little) who live there.
{baby Clover's room}
The homes have been lovingly decorated by the owners themselves, and they share their sources – gotta love finding a new place to shop. I also love the idea that readers get to know a little bit about the people who live inside the interesting homes they feature, from favorite books and music to recipes and beauty secrets.
If you haven’t seen an issue of Covet Garden yet, it’s definitely worth a read!
Tonight is the third annual R. Home for the Holidays event at La Diff here in Richmond and Ink & Paper was asked to create one of the wreaths that will be auctioned off at the end of the night. Each wreath designer was asked to pick one color to focus one – so we selected orange, one of our signature colors to work with. The whole thing came together pretty quickly and turned out looking festive and fun! Stop by the event this evening to check out the final piece, but here are a few images to give you a sneak peek.
We started with a 30″ wire frame and used some of our orange gift wrap and then various other orange-y tissue papers and gift wrap. It was a lot of fun to create and turned out very whimsical!
{ paper wreath in progress }
Also, if you’re in town, Ink & Paper will be at the St. James Holiday Bazaar on Friday from 9am–4pm with all of our goodies for sale: stationery, gift wrap, note pads, and more. There will be many other vendors, so stop by to get some of your holiday shopping done!
How sweet is this handmade cake bunting by Kiki La Ru on Etsy? Sweet enough to make me want to bake a cake. No, it’s easy enough for me to seek out cake. Let’s say, it’s enough to make me want to celebrate!
And speaking of celebrating, Lexie from Life Interrupted is the lucky winner of two tickets to R.Home for the Holidays this Thursday evening! Congratulations, Lexie!
Cheers to simple pleasures, sunny days and crisp fall evenings. Cheers to winning something fun. Thanks R.Home! Cheers to cake.
This week’s Take 3 comes from Worlds Away (via One Kings Lane*). I provided the option to choose the gold or the silver leaf finish with antique mirror top.
Stephanie’s Take: Local Luxury
For this week’s Take 3 I decided to “shop locally” and use pieces you can purchase here in Richmond to accompany the table Juliet selected. Since we’ll be at the R.Home event at La Diff this Thursday, I chose the bloom sofa available there. Its sleek leather surface would look great with the shiny silver and highlight the architectural lines of the table. I would create some window treatments using this houndstooth fabric found at U Fab and also use it to make an accent pillow for the sofa, which I would pair with this fun velvet one from Ruth & Ollie. Finally, the lamp would be placed atop the table and I would enjoy a cup of tea in this sweet tea cup from Quirk!
Rachel’s Take: Feminine Bedside
I would use this great find as a bedside table in a feminine bedroom. I love the shape of the Pondicherry headboard from Serena and Lily – I would pair the bold pattern of the headboard with clean and simple pintuck linens in white.
I’d start the table vignette with this globe lamp with bubble cut outs, and I’d add a cute posey vase in bright green. A little light reading, Vanity Fair’s Proust Questionnaire: 101 Luminaries Ponder Love, Death, Happiness and the Meaning of Life, would be my final touch.
Juliet’s Take: Rustic Chic
I chose to pair the gold leaf version of the Tess Cocktail Table with a light and rustic living room like this inspiration from Beach Studios. I love the contrast of rough natural surfaces in a casual space with high style gilded accents.
The informal — though quite refined — slipcovered sofa is the perfect anchor for a room like this. I’d toss a few Shimmer Tiger throw pillows for some added texture and sparkle. And for a punch of whimsy and color, this modern adaptation of the Twiggy floor lamp in bright yellow.
What’s your take?
*I didn’t think this through entirely as One Kings Lane offers limited time sales and this product is no longer available on their site; however, the details are listed here, on the manufacturer’s site.
Richmond-region Readers: We have an exciting opportunity for you. R.Home magazine is hosting a terrific annual event — R.Home for the Holidays — next Thursday night at La Difference in Shockoe Bottom. Even better, the magazine is giving away two tickets to one lucky Urban Nest reader!
Here’s the scoop…
Matthew Gillingham-Ryan, co-founder of Apartment Therapy will be the keynote speaker. Wow.THE DETAILS:
R·Home for the Holidays
Thursday, Nov. 11
Reception at 6 p.m.; program at 7 p.m.
La Différence, 125 S. 14th St., Richmond, Va. 23219
Tickets $15 or $25 for two. Available online. Space is limited. For more information, visit http://www.rhomemag.com or call (804) 355-0111.
Proceeds, including book signing, benefit the School of Richmond Ballet’s need-based scholarship fund.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TWO TICKETS:
It’s pretty easy. Just leave a comment on this post by noon on Monday (Nov. 
and tell us something you’d love to have in your home from La Diff! We’ll randomly select one winner to receive two tickets to R.Home for the Holidays!
Richmond area-readers, Wisteria Faire is taking place this afternoon and tomorrow! Come visit us at St. Giles Presbyterian Church on Grove Avenue near the shops at Libbie & Grove. The Faire will feature local artisans, craftpeople, and designers, including Urban Nest. Stop by and see our one-of-a-kind treasures for your home or just say hello!
Thursday, November 4, 4-9 PM
Friday, November 5, 10 AM-4 PM
5200 Grove Avenue :: stgiles.org
For more details, visit the St. Giles web site.
See you there!
- Stephanie, Juliet, & Rachel
I spent most of last week on a beautiful farm in Nova Scotia with my family. I can’t wait to share some photos with you, but I’m afraid it’ll have to be next week. I’m home with airport germs slowing me down during a busy week at work.
For now, I’ll give you a sneak peak of my new pals, Chloe and Hester:
Aren’t they magical? I kept thinking about the book and film, Where the Wild Things Are. Something about their quiet eyes, tossled hair (fur?), and hideaway in the woods reminded me so much of Maurice Sendak’s Wild Things. And honestly, I really wanted snuggle up with both of them — maybe I was missing my dog, but Chloe & Hester had this gentle presence about them that I couldn’t turn away from. I really did want to hug them. I didn’t. They’re farm animals and very large and bashful ones at that. But I wanted to.
Come to think of it, I had just downloaded the soundtrack to my iPhone for the trip, which is only just occurring to me as I write this! Funny how things play out sometimes…
{images: left, Matt Nettheim via Entertainment Weekly; right, Entertainment Wallpaper}
It’s finally chilly here in Richmond. Time to start cooking warm and comforting food for some leisurely dinners at the table. I have a chicken from the farm waiting in my freezer for this weekend. I’m planning on mashed potatoes and gravy and maybe even a pumpkin pie. Now all I need is a cozy table setting – so this week’s take three is this casual place setting by Kate Spade.
Juliet: Kitchen Bistro
I just got back from a wonderful week away with family. If we weren’t playing on the farm or hiking through the woods, we were quite literally sitting around the kitchen table — for hours at a time. And it was delightful. So, it’s easy for me to set this table.
I’d leave these smoky plates and bowls stacked on the table for easy access, paired with stainless steel Laguiole flatware or my heirloom silver. These brightly colored vegetable tea towels would serve as both place mat and napkin under each setting. And a nest of fruit or muffins on this Jadeite pedestal (surprisingly by Rejuvenation!) would be my everyday centerpiece.
All set on this marble-top French Kitchen Table I’ve had my eye on from Crate & Barrel.
Stephanie: Farmhouse Chic
I love the color of this bittersweet place setting…it has a richness that feels hearty and bold, so I felt these pieces belong in a chic, farmhouse environment. I would display my place settings in a rustic hutch, which I would wallpaper the back of for an added texture and pop of color. My table would be adorned with these country, yellow placemats. For lighting, this glass jar pendant chandelier would be the perfect touch. A chic scene to gather friends and family!
Rachel: Rustic Charm
My table setting starts with a plain white table cloth. Then I’d top it with two of these large wooden floor tiles that would serve as place mats and trivets. I’d add candle light at multiple levels with looped candle holders and white glass votives, and colored glasses from anthropologie would hold creamy roses. I’d set each place with modern silverware and napkins made from this bright blue fabric. Cheers!
What’s your take?
