Archive for the ‘Take 3’ Category

Take 3: Modern Bungalow

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

This week we are each designing our own small space for the Take 3 series. A while back on the ReadyMade web site I found these instructions to build a modern bungalow in your very own backyard. How fun to have a cozy retreat steps from your back door.

{ image from ReadyMade }

Juliet’s Take: Urban Farmhouse


I adore the idea of a livable retreat in my own backyard. I’d use a modern bungalow like this one as a place to read or write without distraction or to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets.

The key for me would be to eliminate any opportunity for clutter — both mental and physical — so I’m outfitting with only the basics!

A Persian-style rug offers just enough color to set the space apart from the natural landscape, while this time-worn wooden bench actually mimics it. A pair of casual, aptly named Oasis chairs from Crate & Barrel are perfect for nestling in with a blanket, a book and a friend.

For a bit of whimsy, I’d hang this faux chandelier by Urban Outfitters from the rafters (sans bulb) and lean one or both of these farmland paintings against the back wall.

My only real light source would be a collection of several white glass tea lights clustered on the floor and the bench.

I’m certain I could get lost for hours in my own backyard!

Rachel’s Take: Dinner For Two

I love the idea of being able to go “out” to dinner without really leaving the
premises. I would use this adorable bungalow shelter as our own personal
restaurant for date nights that don’t require a babysitter, just a monitor to
keep tabs on sleeping kids. I’d hang a bunch of lanterns with candles from the
ceiling to set the mood and create a dramatic table with black flatware, bold
plates, and golden glasses. I would keep the table and chairs sleek and modern
and add a cozy touch with a sheepskin rug. I’d like to make a reservation for
dinner for two for tonight, please!

Stephanie’s Take: Modern Office

I would love a separate space for a workroom that I can shut the door to and walk back to my house at the end of the day. Currently, when I have projects, I take over our dining room table and create chaos in there until I’m done. It makes for a messy house and we end up eating dinner on the sofa way too much!

This desk and bookcase combo would create the main work area for my retreat. My main source of light would be this graphic floor lamp. I would keep the walls pretty plain aside from this Helvetica poster in order to hang up my latest inspiration. Last, I would add these pops of red in the filing cabinet, stapler, binder, and clock for a touch of bold color.

What’s your take?

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Take 3: A Christmas Tree

Monday, December 6th, 2010

This week Rachel, Stephanie and I are tackling the Christmas tree in our Take 3 series. I suggested we each design a tree from scratch — without necessarily thinking of it as a sentimental family tree or even one that would suit our individual decor. Just a fun tree inspired by our individual creativity.

evergreen tree by Zazzle{image: Zazzle.com}

Stephanie’s Take: Winter Wonderland

Stephanie's Take: Winter WonderlandThis white and silver room was the inspiration for my tree. One day I would love to have a second tree in my home to dedicate to a look like this — the calm, wintery feeling it brings makes me want to curl up with some hot cocoa!

To decorate I would adorn the tree with all white, silver, and clear glass ornaments like these icicles, owl, and shiny balls. A fun, geometric snowflake would be a great topper and would play off the shiny jingle bell garland. To complete the look I would lay this all-white tree skirt around the base and cover up with gifts wrapped all in silver. Happy Holidays!

Rachel’s Take: Festive & Fancy

Rachel's Take: Festive & FancyI was inspired by this beautifully ornate paper from Kate’s Paperie to design a red, white, and turquoise tree with a few touches of gold.   I love pretty much everything from Tinsel Trading Company and would use the vintage golden decorations and beaded medallion as ornaments.  I would also wire some of these cute velvet flowers directly to the branches.  To balance out these fancy touches, I’d use plenty of the crisp white ball ornaments from Crate and Barrel along with a strand of gold garland.  The finial ornaments, also from Kate’s Paperie, would add another touch of turquoise.  To top the tree off, I’d make these ombre bells by Martha Stewart and attach them with a pretty white satin ribbon.

Juliet’s Take: Candy Woodland

Juliet's Take: Candy WoodlandLast year I wrapped many of my presents in Snow & Graham’s Gum Drops wrapping paper. Gum drops are such a joyful expression of holiday treats; there is something modern about the shape and colors; and something vintage about their simplicity. I left a swatch of the paper on my inspiration board all year and I’m drawing from it again today with my take on a Christmas tree…

I’m starting with some crisp white leaf and pinecone ornaments from Crate & Barrel.  Then I’m layering on a gum drop garland from Jamali Garden (check out the coordinating wreath for just $12.99) and filling in with feathery pastel birds. I’m using a glossy white fiberglass urn to hold my tree. And under the tree, this adorable polka dot squirrel on wheels that reminds me of a wooden pull toy — an elephant, maybe — we had under our tree every year growing up.

What are your favorite ornaments this year?

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Take 3: Yard Sale Mirror

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

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.

Juliet's Take

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?

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Take 3: Wood Wall Clock

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

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?

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Take 3: Worlds Away Tess Cocktail Table

Monday, November 8th, 2010

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.

Worlds Away

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!

Take 3: Stephanie

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.

Take 3: Rachel

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.

Take 3: Juliet

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.

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Take 3: Kate Spade Place Setting

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

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?

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Take 3: Galbraith & Paul Poppy Fabric

Monday, October 25th, 2010

One of my favorite textile companies is Galbraith & Paul based in Philadelphia. They design and make their own textiles as well as rugs and lighting – all done by hand. The designs are beautiful and organic and I think would make a great addition to any home! For our Take 3 series this week, I have chosen the Poppy fabric to see what everyone would come up with.

Juliet: Reinvented Club Chair

I have a hand-me-down club chair that’s been in bad shape for a while but the quality and lines are exceptional. It has a deep seat and rounded back that makes its so easy to sink into, even with the blown out springs and torn leather! I’ve been hanging on to it until I can commit to re-upholstering it. This fabric that Stephanie chose has me thinking it might be time!

The legs are dark brown with weathered brass caps and wheels. I would love to use these square upholstery tacks for a fresh edge.

I intend to use it in our bedroom as both a statement piece and a cozy reading chair. I’ve had my eye on this Waterfall Ruffle duvet for a few months now and I believe it’s the perfect companion to Galbraith & Paul’s block printed Poppy in Pear.

I might even toss one of these wool bloom pillows between bed and chair to play out the muted palette and varied textures in this space.

Stephanie: Cozy Club

I think the fabric would be great to make a fun pillow out of. I would use this herringbone fabric to make a coordinating pillow to sit atop this cozy club chair. I guess Juliet and I were on the same wavelength this week! I’d love to add this rustic looking light fixture from Sundance above the chair for some subtle reading light and I would also bring in this rustic side table for my cup of hot tea to sit on while I relax. For some reason I’m always inspired to add the natural “tree” element into any room! Last, I would put this rug beneath my feet and call it a day!

Rachel: Beachy Bedroom

This fabric would be perfect for a duvet cover.  I’m picturing it in a fluffy fold at the end of a four-poster bed on top of a tailored navy quilt.  For an unexpected bit of color, I’d add this orange pillow from Jonathan Adler.  Over the headboard, I’d cluster three of these circle mirrors with brass details from Open House for a little shine.  Last, but not least, this zig zag rug from Calypso would be the base of this subtly beachy bedroom.

What’s your take?

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Take 3: Danish Modern Dining Chair

Monday, October 18th, 2010

We’re back with this week’s installment of Take 3. Today we’re working with an actual thrift store treasure that I’m fixing up to sell at a local show in November. More on that to come shortly!

I found this mid-century, Eames-era dining chair at one of my favorite thrift stores at the beginning of the summer and now that the air is dry and the temperatures are cool, it’s time to get outside and tackle this beauty.

Danish Modern Dining Chair

Here we go…

Stephanie’s Take: Juicy

I love to add life to old pieces of furniture and this chair is a great piece to have a little fun with. I would strip down and paint this light shade of pink called Juice by Serena & Lily. To complement that, I would recover the seat in a fabric from Amy Butlers new Soul collection for some spunkiness! I have a been lo0king for a small desk , and I think this tiny piece from Ikea would work well to hold my laptop and these couple of accessories:  a bright vase and retro- looking wood clock.

Danish Modern Dining Chair Makeover

Rachel’s Take: Dressing Up

This bedroom by Lee Kleinhelter was the inspiration for the color palette for a sophisticated dressing table.  First, I would paint Juliet’s great find a white lacquer and upholster the chair in brown linen from Designer Fabrics.  I would cover an inexpensive table in a tailored skirt made out of this graphic yellow fabric, also from Designer Fabrics, and add a piece of glass to the top to keep things clean.  I would hang this Queen Anne mirror over the table for getting dolled up.  The last touches, pineapple canisters from Lee Kleinhelter’s amazing collection at Pieces – the perfect place to stash some jewelry and lip gloss.

Danish Modern Dining Chair Makeover

Juliet’s Take: Center Stage

I’m tempted to leave the wood stained and give it a good scrub and polish to bring out the natural brown tones. I love the grooved detail around the openings in the back. What I would change, besides the upholstery of course, is the depth of the cushion — I’d really like something a little fuller and more inviting as a side chair.

As for the upholstery, normally I would lean toward a bold pattern with lots of color for a single piece like this, but for some reason the lines of the chair give me enough character to settle on rich velvet solid instead.

Set in front of this Lucite writing desk topped with an antique brass lamp and some fresh flowers, this vintage chair takes center stage.

Danish Modern Dining Chair

What would you do? Seriously, I’d love to know! Since I’m making over this chair to resell, anything goes.

{all images linked to sources above}

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Take 3: Turquoise Lamp

Monday, October 11th, 2010

I was browsing at Ruth & Ollie last weekend, and I marveled at the amount of gorgeous lighting this local Richmond furniture store carries.  If I had the luxury of adding one of their lamps to my home, I’d really have a hard time picking just one.  I might play it safe and pick a white lamp, like the Paulette, but I’d be tempted to pick something colorful like this turquoise lamp.

I couldn’t resist finding out what the girls would do with this punch of color.

Stephanie’s Take: Turquoise Treat

I love to see pops of turquoise in a room that is otherwise void of much color. It still leaves the space feeling light and fresh. So, I would place this lamp in my mostly all white sunroom atop this sweet side table from Etsy seller The Painted Cottage. The punched metal mirror fits in well with the rustic feel of the table. And these fun pillows from Jonathan Adler’s ‘Design Your Own’ section would complete the look and add that extra pop of color.

Juliet’s Take: Silver Spoons

I’m inclined to design a nursery around sophisticated details that will withstand age and time as a child grows. Wouldn’t this lamp make an elegant statement in a nursery, set atop an antique white demilune table from Ballard? I’d hang this brass birdcage mirror* and this extraordinary painting by Michelle Armas on the walls. I imagine both would offer bits of inspiration to get lost in for baby and parents alike.

A crib quilt by Plover paired with this sweet print of “Lewis & Oscar” add just enough sweetness, while a modern rocker and Herman Miller polished spinning tops from DWR keep the focus of the room on baby and child, albeit a rather privileged one! 


*mirror no longer available online.

Rachel’s Take: Kickin’ Back in Style

I would use the lamp on this side table, also from Ruth & Ollie, next to my white couch in my family room.  The brass vase from Jamali Garden would hold some frilly white flowers, and I would lounge on a couple of new pillows in these fabrics from Lee Jofa and Quadrille.  I would sip something cool out of golden berry glassware and snack on munchies in this Perch bowl, both from Open House.  

What’s your take?

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Take 3: Acrylic Chair

Monday, October 4th, 2010

Today we’re back with our new Take 3 series, which we have recently moved to Mondays. We apologize if you stopped by on Friday and were not able to find us. Our server was down, but we’re back up and running smoothly!

Today we’re sharing our ideas for the George II Clear Acrylic Chair. I have always loved seeing interiors that feature one great acrylic piece. It adds a playful and light touch and I’d love to add a piece to my home one day.

Juliet’s Take: Modern Family

Someday I would love to have a large rustic farm table at the heart of our house where family and friends could gather any time of day. I’d like it take on the fresh feel of this one, photographed by Hotze Eisma, by surrounding the table George II Lucite chairs. I would top the table with colorful linens like these by John Robshaw. Something like the Sorbonne Crystal Chandelier would hang above the table.

While the Lucite chairs and crystal chandelier share a modern aesthetic, I chose the Sorbonne because it also introduces soft, organic lines in each of its loops — a subtle nod to the rustic wood and natural linens.


Stephanie’s Take: Clear + Cozy

I would use this chair in a quiet corner of my living room. The lounge natural shag rug would lay beneath and this soft wool throw from Serena & Lily would drape on top. For lighting, this pendant lamp hanging above would be a lovely touch. I have always admired the hand printed fabrics from Galbraith and Paul, and this one, sold through Room & Board, would be perfect. To complete this little nook, I would add a tiny secretary desk for notes and letters to friends.

Rachel’s Take: Colorful Chic

I picture this chair tucked under a desk in a chic and feminine office, and the Channing desk by Jonathan Adler is the perfect match. I’d accessorize the desk with a bright pink lamp, wooden box for stashing pens and pencils, white crocodile dictionary, and quirky pink eraser ring.  The finishing touch, a beautiful rug from Weego Home.

What’s your take?

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What's Your Take?

Monday, September 27th, 2010

A few weeks ago we launched a new series called Take 3, where one of us selects a product or material to work with and all three of us present our individual design take. We don’t consult each other on our design inspiration so it’s always a surprise to see what we each come up with.

What we love about blogging at Urban Nest is that Rachel, Stephanie and I all share a love for great design but we each come at it from different aesthetics. Of course, there’s some overlap in our styles, but Take 3 was born of our unique design directions.

We’re wondering if it’s as fun for you as it is for us?

{Stephanie’s Take on Quadrille Cintra Fabric}

Oh, and would you be interested in participating? We’re thinking it could be fun if you submit a product or material and the three of us take a stab at what we’d do with it. What do you think?

{Rachel’s Take on A Dresser}

We also have another idea up our sleeves for some of our thrift store treasures as they pertain to the series, but we still need to put some finishing touches on the idea before we spill the beans!

{Juliet’s Take on the Ikea PS August Bench}

In the meantime, let us know what you think. Take 3 — brilliant or a bust (or somewhere in between)?

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Take 3: A Picnic Table

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Our Take 3 series has moved to Mondays. Today we’re talking picnics and the weather in Richmond is perfect for just the occasion. I chose the conventional picnic table because I have always thought with a little imagination it is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture — a dining table or a desk, in a playroom or in the yard, painted, stained or au naturel. I just love the picnic table!

Rachel’s Take: Smokey Floral

Take 3: Smokey Floral

The color scheme for my picnic was inspired by this lovely floral lantern
from Pearl River.  I’m picturing several of them hanging from a big tree in my
back yard over a whitewashed picnic table.  I would set the table with
a charcoal runner and pink napkins made out of shot cotton from Purl Soho.

The place settings would be slate and ash plates and bowls from Gretel Home
and bamboo utensils.  The final touches — moody peony flower arrangements
and orangesicle candle holders for a punch of color.

Stephanie’s Take: Rustic French Country

Rustic French CountryI would use this picnic table in my backyard with some rustic touches. I love this burplap table runner with black, screenprinted, Parisian inspired design. I would add several of these lanterns with candles for some soft lighting and use these fun typewriter coasters for beverages. To complete the look, and provide seating for more guests, these stools could sit at each end of the table. Bon Appetit!

Juliet’s Take: Fox Hunt

Fox HuntI am so ready for fall and I have colorful wool plaids and bold red wine on my mind. For my picnic table, I would combine these Dorian of Wye small plates from Anthropologie with a more contemporary red-rimmed dinner plate from Crate & Barrel. Colorful steak knives, like the Spectrum Set  from Laguiole are perfect for a hearty meal.

I have a small collection of depression glass goblets, just like these sold on Ebay, from my Grammy’s house that I love to use for outdoor entertaining — they are both elegant and invincible!

I would toss a few sheepskins on the benches and lay some wool plaid scarves or swaths of wool plaid fabric under each place setting as table runners.

Finally, rich fall flowers arranged in a trophy, like this arrangement from Studio Choo (via Design*Sponge). I love the modern effect of the porcelain trophy but I think a vintage silver or brass one would be stunning, too.

What would you do with a picnic table? Do you have one at home? Do you love it as much as I do?

{all images linked to sources}

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Take 3: Cintra Fabric

Friday, September 10th, 2010

I ordered some swatches from Quadrille recently and have fallen for cintra, this funky ikat pattern, in browns and turquoise.  I’d love to find a spot for it in my house, but I’m not sure where.  I thought I’d throw it out there for this week’s take 3 and get more inspiration from the girls.  Here’s what we came up with:

Juliet’s Take: Feminine Swagger
This space is a marriage of feminine lines and masculine textures. 

I’ve wanted one of these French Colonial Chairs from Wisteria for a long time. I decided Rachel’s fabric selection would be a great way to bring some color and dimension to the chair’s delicate lines and neutral palette. 

I chose this incredible vintage telephone in bright yellow (I’m sorry, I can’t seem to shake it!) to take the blue and brown Ikat fabric in an unexpected direction. 

To pull it together, I found all three of these terrific throw pillows on House & Home’s blog. I’d put the felt petals on the upholstered chair and toss the others on a dark leather chaise nearby.

Finally, the Bowmont Mirror from Anthropologie complements the feminine lines of the old telephone while the Jack table lamp keep things grounded a bit. 

Stephanie’s Take:  Cozy Chic

I would use the Cintra fabric in Multi Browns and Turquoise to make a cozy oversized pillow. I would then add it to this sleek chaise from CB2 to create a cozy nook in a corner of my home. To add a touch of elegance and some soft lighting, this chandelier would hang above this handcrafted rug…described as ‘a modern take on the vintage area rug’ – love it! And to top it off, a sweet smelling candle to set the mood for relaxtion.

Rachel’s Take:  Relaxed Lounge

I’d make some comfy pillows out of cintra and another Quadrille fabric from their China Seas collection, Lysette reverse in taupe.  The pillows would rest on the Arlington sofa from Pottery Barn.  I can just picture myself kicking back on the pillows under this throw from Jonathan Adler!

What would you do with a couple of yards of this great fabric?  Do tell!

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Take 3: Wingback Chair

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

This is our third installment of our new “Take 3″ Fridays, where we pick one item and share with you our three different ideas for how to use/style/incorporate into your home. This week I chose the Country Luxe Upholstered Wingback Chair by Land’s End for Sears. I think the price is right and the simple design make it an easy piece to find a cozy nook in your home for.

Check out what we all had to say:

Juliet’s Take: First Impressions
I love the classic lines of this wingback. And price is right to splurge a bit on this modern embroidered linen from India. I envision it at the end of a hallway lined with a long jute runner on the floor and some of this vintage wallpaper on the wall behind it. Hanging from above, this elegant pendant. A lovely spot to make a first impression. (Pendant lamp sourced from Olioboard — source unlisted)

Rachel’s Take: Girly Fun
I’m picturing this chair in a girly bedroom paired with this branch side table from West Elm. I would make coasters out of this pretty Black Blooms floral fabric from Purl Soho to rest a bubbly Izze soda on. Last, but definitely not least, the chair needs a comfy pillow for flopping on at the end of a long day. The ostrich feather pillow from Calypso is perfect!

Stephanie’s Take: Dining Room Delight
I’d love to add 2 of these chairs in my dining room – one at either end of our table. We have a very simple, wooden table (made by my grandfather!) and very simple chairs, so I think this basic wingback would add a touch of elegance without overdoing it. Currently the room has mostly chocolate and mint colors, so I would reupholster with the Emerald Cut fabric by Kelly Wearstler and add these sweet, handprinted pillows from Hable Construction. To top it off I would add these table linens and enjoy a cold drink using these recycled glasses and pitcher from Pier One. Cheers!

What would you do with this chair?

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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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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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