URBAN FARMHOUSE: The Guest Bath

Happy Holidays Everyone! I hope you had a nice Christmas and have something fun (and not too anti-climactic) planned for new years.

I've now shown you the kitchen, master bath and kids' bath for the Urban Farmhouse project. Now on to the guest bath.  We didn't want to spend a ton in here but we wanted to keep that modern rustic feel and also fit as much as we could into the small space.

Option 1 utilizes the barn board on the walls again (when I presented this I hadn't had the discussion with my clients about using it in more key focal spots), a cool retro light, oil rubbed bronze hardware and a rustic vanity. I also love the black penny rounds. Their traditional but the black gives them a modern edge.

Option 2 is definitely more traditional with its chrome edged mirror, black beadboard wainscot, hex floor tile and grey vanity.

The final option that we ended up going with is sort of a hybrid. It's mostly Option 1 sans wall paneling and with the cool red light fixture from Option 2. We also opted to use the same vanity style as Option 1 but instead of doing a store bought vanity, create something similar but custom so that we can maximize counter space and do an undermount sink.

Next up is the powder room which is one of my favorite spaces thus far. Can't wait to share it with you!

Stylin' Mamma: Stumped

Stylin' Mamma has been a little stumped lately on what to write about.  Another post on holiday dressing?  Another post on clothes that do double-duty?  Sigh.  Such is the life of the blogger: we write all the time, and we inevitably go through phases where we get a little one-note.

So here's what's new with me: I've launched a lifestyle website dedicated to the 4th Trimester mama.  It's called postmodyrn and I'm so honored that Jess has agreed to contribute to our home/decorating section.  Definitely scoot over and check out her posts if you have a minute (I particularly like her tips on maximizing your space)...they really transcend the 4th Trimester and are relevant to all kinds of moms (and people in general).

But back to style.  This is San Francisco, home of tech startups.  So now that I'm overseeing my own little tech startup I gotta think about looking the part.  But what is the part?  Hipster mama?  Not sure I can pull that off.  Norm-core mama?  Comfortable and inexpensive but...nope.  

The startup world is notoriously casual, but there is actually a lot of pressure to look "creatively professional."  So if I'm having one of those What On Earth Should I Wear? days I try to keep a few key pieces at my fingertips.

1. Slightly distressed jeans.  Emphasis on the slightly: the idea is to look a little bit subversive but still polished.  The price point on these Old Navy mid-rises is a no-brainer and they are universally flattering as advertised.  I like mine rolled up a bit at the ankle, the better to show off my...

2. ...Ankle boots!  I have been searching for a fun, pointy ankle boot with a heel I can actually trot in, and just the other day I found it!  I love the delicate cut of these, which can easily swing elegant with opaque black tights and a skirt.  But I will admit that the edgier wannabe in me was tempted by these as well.

3. Jeans and boots take care of the "casual" so now it's time to add the "professional".  This J. Crew shirt is perfection - worn under a cropped sweater (or boxy leather tee) it's the perfect layering piece, and I love the way the long cuffs peek out from the sleeves of my...

4. ...Favorite blazer.  'Nuff said.

5.  Still searching for the perfect bag to cart my laptop around in, but for the moment I'm settling for a cross-body bucket tote for essentials and a fabulous, clutch-looking case for my tech.  And anyone who reads these posts knows that I'm a sucker for a killer pair of...

6. ...Shades, and an outfit-making...

7. ...Statement necklace.  

Dressed!

URBAN FARMHOUSE: The Kid's Bath

Hi Everyone.  Happy Christmas Eve Eve. I hope you have all reached your final holiday destinations and are enjoying a little relaxation before the mayhem begins. Over the past couple of weeks I've shown you some concepts for the Urban Farmhouse project I'm working on in LA, first the kitchen, and then the master bath.  Next up is the kids' bathroom. My clients have a wee one currently (about Lucy's age) but in anticipation of at least one more child, the kids' bath has to be a fun space that makes sense for bathing, washing ittle dirty hands, potty training and the like.  Here are the two initial concepts that I presented to them.

Option 1 definitely has the fun factor with the utility sink and barn lights, but storage space was a bit of an issue here:

Option 2 has a fun green painted vanity with ample storage.  I kept a bit of that farmhouse character with horizontal plank paneling and a vessel trough sink:

 Option 3 is the final option that my clients decided on. It's similar to Option 2 but we eliminated the paneling (love it but figured it was best to use it in a more impactful area) and opted for two undermount sinks so that we could maximize counter space.

I can't wait to see this project get built. What sorts of big projects do you have slated for 2015?

CURATED NEST: New Year Planning

It wouldn't be right not to shop for the best, most stylish calendar to get us through 2015 on-trend! Here's some beautiful options...

1. Travel the World via Urbanic

2. Calligraphy Letterpress via Bloom Letterpress

3. Stendig via Crate & Barrel

4. Gem & Minerals via Leif

5. Beaute via Rifle Paper

6. Sugar Paper via Target

7. Kukkuu via Marimekko

Inspiration image via Tiny Sidekick

 

- Cori

Postmod: Tablescapes for Kids of All Sizes

Another article went up yesterday for Postmodyrn.  You can check it out here (as well as all of their other great articles about fashion, lifestyle post kiddos).  And here it is:

Well the Holidays have descended upon us and we’re in the depths of work holiday parties, get-togethers with friends, and family Christmas gatherings.  This year we opted for the pre-lit faux tree and garland which I have to say, cut our decorating time in half.  With two little ones at home, forgoing the real tree smell and ambiance was a sacrifice I was willing to make for safety and efficiency purposes.  The glass balls are staying in the Rubbermaid box this year (and probably the couple Christmases after) and the more delicate ornaments are hung up high.  

 When it comes to entertaining, I like to keep the festive spirit alive but use kid-friendly decorations and items that aren’t so holiday specific that they can’t be used at other times of year. I’ve put together a Big Kid table for us adults and a fun table for the wee ones that keep entertaining easy but definitely maintain the festive factor.

For the “Big Kids” this year we are going holiday rustic.  A centerpiece composed of various bottles and jars painted white (use white paint on the inside to keep it from peeling), red faux berries and pinecones keeps it simple and doesn’t require watering.  For the place settings, pinecone place cards echo the theme and are something you can collect with the kids in the days before your gathering. Vintage red enamel dishes are durable and give a little campy flavor to your fete while gold flatware and patterned glasses add a touch of un-fussy glam.    Block-printed linen napkins from Etsy contribute to the rustic feel and are appropriate at any time of year.  And on top of each plate we like to give each guest a little goody wrapped in craft paper, baker’s twine and a home-made snowflake (again a great craft project for the kids).  A star garland adds a touch of sparkle and could easily be re-used for the fourth of July.  And don’t forget the cocktails! A rustic bar cart allows guests to serve themselves and a collection of blankets invite people to cozy up by the fire (I love this one from Pendelton – it’s such a classic and looks fabulous on a bed). 

For the Wee Ones we like to keep it fun and spill-proof.  Cover the table in craft paper and put out receptacles of crayons to keep those little hands occupied (I love using vintage containers or creating something fun like these bark covered tins).  For the place settings, colorful melamine plates and plastic handled flatware are durable and can be used at any time (the key is keep things graphic but not commit to a specific image like a Christmas tree or train or character like Dora).  Give the kids cloth napkins and see if they feel “fancy” (these are IKEA dishtowels and at 50 cents a pop are totally kid-worthy).  Mason jar glasses with straws make sure cider stays off the furniture and floors.  For kids favors, I like to use fun soft felt or knit animal ornaments that they can take home and hang on the tree.  Felt balls and garland in poppy colors hung above the table add to the festive feel but are also useable for other occasions. 

Hopefully I’ve inspired some of you to do a little pre-get-together decorating.  By using items that can function for every day or at least for other occasions holiday decorating becomes much less daunting and more fun.  Just remember that you are by no-means tied to doing everything red and green and ridden with holly.  Use a pop of yellow, hot pink or lime green to make things more modern and fun. And remember red items can be re-purposed for Valentines Day, the Fourth of July or any other gathering that requires a dose of heat. The holidays can be so daunting but if you keep things simple and kid friendly (and let’s be honest, adult-with-cocktail friendly too!) everyone will be impressed by how put-together you are and all you will have to worry about come party time is what to wear and where to order your food from ;)

Source pictures, Big Kids:  French jars // Gold flatware // Star garland // Beveled glassware // Blanket // Bar cart // Snowflake craft box // Red enamel plates // Printed napkin // Pinecone place card holders

Source pictures, Wee Ones: Ceramic crayon jars // Felt garland // Mason jar cup // Kids’ flatware // Graphic plate // Bark crayon jar // Felt ornaments // Felt ball ornaments // Tea towel

Graphics by Cori Magee

DESIGN BLUEPRINT: Cozy Whites

There's nothing more inviting, during these cold months, than a cozy family room. And what's more cozy than shabby chic?

I can't help but want to add lots of white texture to my living room, some branches, candles and voila. This is a look anyone can achieve because it's all about simple color palettes and layers of texture.

There's nothing too complicated and that's what makes it so inviting...

 

DESIGN BLUEPRINT:

Sofa / Crate & Barrel

Side Table / Pottery Barn

Basket / Target

Grey Pillow / Crate & Barrel

White Bolster / Target

Pouf / West Elm

Table Lamp / Target

Candleholder / Urban Couture

Side Chair / West Elm

Coffee Table / Shabby Chic

Faux Sheepskin / Ikea

Area Rug / Loom

Inspiration image via Idyllog Him

 

- Cori

 

URBAN FARMHOUSE: The Master Bath

Last week I showed you some concepting I'd done for the kitchen of the urban farmhouse I am designing in LA. The aesthetic is modern yet rooted in tradition and we are incorporating this updated farmhouse vibe into all the spaces. The Master Bath is a clean airy retreat.  I kept the design clean and simple with subway tile, marble counters and penny round floors, hanging pendants for lighting and a stained vanity.  Touches of brass add a bit of luxury.  Here it is.

You can follow more of my Farmhouse furnishings on my pinterest board here.

MEET THE TEAM: The Other Jessica Davis

Back at the beginning of the year (well, actually, a couple months into the year) I posted about my business new years resolutions. The primary resolution I had was to delegate. With a baby on the way and an expanding business I knew there was no way for me to continue going it alone while keeping my head above water.  At the time of writing the post I had just hired a contract employee to help me with fulfillment, systems, admin and all the other stuff that I don't have time to do.  Funnily her name is also Jessica Davis.  Jessica Burne Davis that is.  Being that I am Jessica Ahnert Davis, we now have Jessica A and Jessica B.  Luckily she agreed to go by her maiden name Jessica Burne to avoid confusion at work :)

Now that we are nearing the end of 2014 and Jessica is officially part of the Nest Studio Team, I though I'd take this opportunity to introduce you to her. And here she is!

I'm sure she is mortified that I posted a large picture of her face here - although I think she looks pretty incredible.  For those of you who may have placed orders for our hardware or called with questions, Jessica Burne is most likely the person you communicated with.  As I mentioned back in my business resolutions post, Jessica is ridiculously overqualified for the job.  She worked for many years at JP Morgan as a consultant and then helped start their Private Bank Art Advisory Group. Jessica describes herself as an "art market sponge" and while working on that side of the business took every opportunity to visit client's homes and see their amazing art collections.  That said, Jessica says that the only downside to her job at JP Morgan was that "after admiring museum-quality works up close, my own taste level has exceed my budget infinitely.  My walls are decorated with family pictures and art from the kids because I cannot get myself to buy, what I call, CHART (cheap art)."  Jessica is also a self-proclaimed Microsoft Excel Geek.  According to her, there is nothing like a good spreadsheet to keep things organized. She uses Excel to manage everything from birthday RSVP's to dinner party food lists to garden plans.    

Here is a photo of Jessica and her beautiful family, along with some other fun stats

Currently hails from: Livingston, NJ 

Grew up: in London and along the East Coast of the US, moving often for her father's job

Attended: Lehigh University

Married to: Andrew Brian Davis (funnily, Jess A's husband Scott's middle name is also Bryan!)

Kids: Madeline 9 and Gabrielle 6

Loves: Family time; warm weather; beaches - lake and ocean equally; a good book; learning a new hobby (currently yoga and photography)

Guilty pleasures: Drinking a glass of wine during kids' bath time, listening to explicit version rap songs while exercising, buying too many shoes for her very difficult to find size 11 narrow feet

Hopes / dreams: To raise her daughters to be confident, successful, and empowered women; watching her major house renovation become a reality; helping Nest Studio grow into a hardware design powerhouse :)  

I hope you enjoyed meeting the other Jessica Davis (as our kids fondly call us both). As our business grows we hope to introduce you to more additions to the Nest Studio family!

CURATED NEST: Christmas Colors

I'm excited for Christmas, as I'm sure all of you are. December is my favorite month... The holiday season are always fun and the new year is just around the corner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In celebration of this holiday season, I've rounded up some chic products in a very thematic color scheme, inspired by this beautiful wreath. Enjoy.

1. Pendant Light via Hive

2. Messenger Bag via Banana Republic

3. Touchscreen Gloves via Urban Outfitters

4. Dresser via CB2

5. Pot Holder via Ferm Living

6. Sneakers via J. Crew

7. Sofa via Dot & Bo

8. Smeg Mixer via West Elm

- Cori

Urban Farmhouse: The Kitchen

I've been really lucky lately in that I've been able to scratch my design itch by working on a new home for a couple of friends out in LA. The house they are building is farmhouse modern - totally up my alley - I had literally been pinning farmhouse modern images on Pinterest atnd lusting over open airy spaces for the past few months until their call.  We've been working on space planning with their architect and have been figuring out the design direction for all of the areas with built-ins and hard surface finishes.  We're mostly done with those areas and next up will be fun stuff like furniture, rugs and lighting. I thought I'd share with you what we've done to date. This week I'll be sharing the kitchen. The look is clean and minimal but with a bit of a traditional bent.  Here is the design board I created (I love the mixed metals)

And an elevation of the main appliance wall.

And a quick sketch I did looking into the space.

Stay tuned! Next week I'll be sharing the master bath.