She’s here!  She’s here!  She’s here!  Madeline Weinrib is officially here!  Urban Dwellings Design just got some of her pillows and clutches in….rugs are on their way.  I have been obsessed with her line for years and can not believe I get to see her designs everyday.  I am not exaggerating.  I really do love her work.  My proof-check out my April 6th, 2007 and September 12th, 2008 blogs.  Yep.  She is awesome and she is here!

http://www.madelineweinrib.com

http://www.urbandwellingsdesign.com/

As most homes do, my childhood home had an adults only room.  In my parent’s living room laid a beautiful brass kaleidoscope.  I was often mesmerized by it’s simplicity on the outside and beauty on the in.  Anthropolgie offers three unique styles of handmade in America kaleidoscopes.  They are all made of stained glass, copper and crystal.  I know buying American made usually makes the cost a bit higher but we should be supporting local and American made everything as much as we can right now.  Plus, the quality is usually better.  You may pay more but you get to enjoy it longer!

Anthropologie Missouri/Kansas City Location

531 Nichols Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 531 - 4429

http://www.the350project.net/home.html

I went to Thomas on 39th Street in Kansas City and had a fabulous grilled havarti cheese on sourdough with yummy tomato soup!  Stop in for dinner or lunch…both are wonderful.  They also have a rooftop open on nice days and a lovely piano player comes in a few nights a week.  Support local!

http://www.thomaskc.com/

I was catching up with one of my favorite blogs, Design Sponge, when I came across a post featuring cover designer Coralie Bickford-Smith.  She is the senior cover designer for Penguin Books and has transformed some of Penguin’s classics.  Emma, written by Jane Austen, is now covered in a soft gray/blue cloth with cream armchairs all over it.  Great Expectations, written by Charles Dickens, has a navy cloth and golden chandeliers of various sizes as it’s cover.  The books are classics and now the covers are too!

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.designspongeonline.com/

Oh how I love Beyonce!  Halo is a wonderful song and a stunning furniture line.  It is based in England and as far as I can tell it has very unique pieces.  Urban Dwellings Design is offering their vintage velvet patchwork chair, 2 different faux croc side tables, leather chair, round iron chandelier and a cowhide patchwork poof.  All of which have unusual details.  For example, the vintage velvet chair has upholstered legs, their leather chair has nailheads going down the center of each leg and the side table has brass casters.  They are details you just don’t see everyday.  Pictured here is the cowhide patchwork poof and round iron chandelier.  Stop in to see it all in person.

http://urbandwellingsdesign.com/

Every Fall I start to crave a bowl of tomato soup with a side of grilled cheese.  Yum!  Speaking of tomato soup…Andy Warhol, the artist who was made an icon with some help from the Campbell’s tomato soup can, is hanging in Kansas City.  Really!  His collection entitled “Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends” is now hanging in Union Station until January 10th.  Check out the below link for more information.

http://warhol.unionstation.org/

Hey…I’m just repeating what they said.  If The Knotty Rug ads don’t make you smile I don’t know what will.  How about “I love it when you walk all over me.”?  I was recently lucky enough to go to a yummy thai dinner with Darrell Wingo and Alan Karlin the brains behind The Knotty Rug. The store and Alan Karlin’s interior design firm are in the 45th Street antique district.  The store is filled with stunning Persian (semi-antique and new), French needlepoint, flatwoven Kilms, and some contemporary rugs.  The price points widely vary so go in with a size, color palette and budget.  Trust me, you won’t leave empty handed.

http://www.knottyrug.com

REMINDER…the plaza is hosting its 78th plaza art far this coming weekend. There will be 30 restaurants, 240 artists and live music.  It starts Friday September 25th and ends Sunday September 27th.  Support the arts and local businesses while having a few cocktails.  What’s not to love?

http://www.countryclubplaza.com

I have been following Jonathan Adler since 2002 when I came across his store in NYC.  It was love at first sight!  His ability to bring styles from all over the world and from all time periods together is incredibly impressive.  In one room he might use his Greek key rug, a needlepoint pillow, a Queen Anne mirror and a chippendale chair.  Thankfully Urban Dwellings Design is now a carrier of Jonathan Adler products.  One of the first items featured in the store is the Channing Desk.  It is a combination of white lacquer, lucite pulls and polished nickel legs.  It’s simple but elegant.  Come by the store to see it on the floor.  I hope you are enjoying your Fall as much as I am!

http://www.jonathanadler.com

I must admit that my ideal home would have fresh coffee brewing, chocolate everywhere, gift boxes with a rainbow of ribbons to choose from, candy jars full of goodies, cakes, pastries, vintage french furniture and a lovely soft color palette.  When you first enter Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott you can not help but feel at home.  A home is more than just the wall color or furniture.  It is also a feeling.  Don’t we all wish that every time we stepped into our home our spirits lifted and whatever mood or stresses we had would be left at the front door?  I say we all need some more Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott in our homes.  I know I do.  Enjoy!

http://www.natashasmulberryandmott.com