Ready for holiday decorating? Why not go modern?

The sights and sounds of the holiday season are already filling retail stores and shopping malls (is it me, or does this start earlier and earlier every year?) It is easy to find traditional Christmas decor, but we wanted to share ways to give the holidays a modern flair.

Why have only one tree? This would look great with larger versions also...

This is such a creative way to display those ornaments without all of the needles!

Put those extra special ornaments in large bowls for display - they won't get lost in the tree.

We loved this! Think outside the box for a memorable family dinner!

Before and After - the Transformation of the Tunica Suites

We are so proud of our newest completed project - the Sam's Town Tunica Suites! Designed in 2008 and installed this year, this project is the latest in our hospitality design portfolio. To see more images and other Urban Design Studio projects, click this link:

http://www.urbandesignstudionv.com/

Purple Reign

When walking the streets of Rome, Milan and London, every retail store and hipster was wearing one color - PURPLE - every shade, hue and intensity. We are channelling Prince for this weeks purple inspiration - from the runway to your bedroom!

Image Source: frillr.com

Image Source: zara.com

Image Source: roxxn.com

Image Source: roxxn.com

Image Source: stylefiles

Old Hollywood Glam meets Modern Fantasy

The October issue of InStyle magazine featured a view into the home of pop idol Christina Aguilera. We loved the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic with the saturated hues, jeweled accents and most of all the intriguing color combinations. Designers Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield labeled the design "modage" (modern + vintage).

Image Source: wandrstylefile

Milan & Florence

Hi! I am actually back in Reno now (blogging from a foreign country is not very easy), but I still wanted to share some fun and inspirational ideas from my travels…

WOW!!!! After a quick one-day visit to Milan, which turned into a shopping trip for me and torture for my husband, we were lucky enough to stay in a bed and breakfast that overlooked the Duomo in Florence, which also put us smack dab in the middle of the action. After walking around for just an evening, it was not hard to decide what my surprising inspiration was in this place - FABRIC! There were fabric stores everywhere, displaying bright colors, unique patterns, and every construction possible. We also visited the Pitti Palace, which has an interior almost covered in fabric from top to bottom of every room. After thinking about it, the colorful and intricate fashion in Milan was directly inspired by the fabrics and decor in Florence. Here are some photos…

HOLIDAY DECOR IS HERE!!

Amazing holiday decor has just arrived at theStudionv!!

We will be having another open house at the end of the month but feel free to set up your own personal shopping appointment or party at any time!! We will debut the line at the Power of the Purse event this Thursday so please join us at the Atlantis for this great fundraiser supporting Nevada women.

More information on our next OPEN HOUSE will be posted beginning of next week, as well as an update from Lea's European trip. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Hot Cocoa Inspirations

Image Source: Unknown source

Image Source: Luxe Magazine

Image Source: flikr.com

It is chilly outside today. The leaves are rustling in the breeze and the temperature has dropped. It is officially fall and it makes the mind wonder to images of falling leaves, warm sweaters and what else? A mug filled with yummy hot cocoa. Smooth and rich, warm and toasty...delicious right? So why not take this feeling into your home? Hot chocolate walls with a creamy whip cream sofa or bed. Maybe a caramel drizzle in the decorative pillows or a throw. You make the call but have fun with it. Chocolate is a neutral that can be mixed with a monochromatic pallet of beiges, golds and creams or use a pop of color like lime green, fuchsia or orange to really make a statement.

What is your fall inspiration? Please send us your favorite fall ideas or thoughts. We would love to hear from you.

Next Thursday, October 8th is our next event "The Power of the Purse". See our blog from September 14th for more information.

Let's Talk Trends

It's true that design follows trends in fashion. You will hear us talk about this more from time to time, but this fall we are seeing this more than ever. Modernists at heart, we love clean lines with a play on textures to create a warm inviting space, but even in our office we seem to see a shift in our own personal style. Playing with large scale graphic patterns and stripes,
bold colors and jewel tones are making their way back in unexpected hues. These colors combined with grays or navy create a sophistication with punch. We have always loved the unexpected used of mixing a classic or traditional piece within a clearly modern space. The careful balance of mixing traditional and clean lined furniture is also a huge trend in both hotels and in the home. This fall we will be exploring these trends and giving you more examples in furniture, lighting and accessories. We will also talk about how these trends are influenced by green design. As Leed AP designers we find it fascinating how far this movement continues to grow.

Next week we will talk more about our upcoming events and give you another update from Lea's European travels. Remember, we would love to hear from you. Please comment below or go to thestudionv@gmail.com with your questions or topics

Color and Glass Inspirations

After arriving in London- the first place on our European tour, I was overwhelmed with the idea that we were in one of the most historical and influential design areas of the world. Those of us that have been fortunate enough to love design and study its history know that London, Milan, Venice, and Rome have influenced our world for centuries and that we reference these design elements in everything that we do today and everything that we will do in the future.

Design is cyclical, and we draw inspiration from the past to support and enrich our designs. So, besides the obvious architectural, art and cultural histories of these areas, which many of us are familiar with, what will influence me in the future? What will I take away from each place that was unexpected?

London

The first thing that we did in London was take the Underground - a spaghetti of train lines that weaves throughout the city. Let's get real - there is nothing like this anywhere in the States! And it was packed! We are going back there on our way home, so I will have much more to report when we can spend a little time adventuring around!

Dublin

Color, Color, Color! Ireland is the most colorful place I have ever been. The landscape is almost electric green and the city in contrast is full of every color in the rainbow. Everywhere I look there are flowers of the most vibrant colors. So honestly, the people in Dublin drink A LOT of beer, and there are more bars in Dublin per capita than anywhere else in the world! So, how do these bars distinguish themselves when there is so much competition? Paint. Every color possible and as many colors as they can put together. We stayed in the Temple Bar area, which is basically only bars, and I was amazed by the bar culture there - it lived up to my expectations of loud singing and bar brawls. Here are a few fun pics of the area...

Venice

Working in the hospitality industry, I have worked with many lighting companies that make their glass fixtures in Venice. But until I actually saw the amazing amounts of glass, I didn't know how much Venice inspired those designs. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful glass fixtures of different design ideas, from contemporary to very traditional, and are mixed into every style of architecture. I will never again look at glass lighting the same way - it was simply beautiful!

Studionv will continue to follow Lea on her European adventure. In the meantime, take a look around Reno and observe the architecture that has been influenced by European design elements. And watch how this influence is used time and time again in new architecture and design.

theStudionv and the Power of the Purse

theStudionv is proud to be a vendor at the Nevada Women's Fund - Power of the Purse, an event supporting women and children of our community. For more information about Nevada Women's Fund or the Power of the Purse please visit www.nevadawomensfund.org or search Power of the Purse on Facebook.

We will be showcasing some of the following holiday decor as well as our favorite furniture and accessories lines. It will be a wonderful night of shopping and wine while supporting your community.

Win a reservation to the Power of the Purse!! Get one friend to become a follower of theStudionv and you will be registered to win a reservation for you and your friend. Just make a comment below this blog with both your name and our new follower. ($100.00 value, limit one per person)

Charm & History

Over 13 years ago I took a trip to Europe with a group of interior design students. This trip changed my life and brought me a sense of history unlike anything I had ever read or studied. Today, Lea leaves for her first trip to Europe. We are thrilled to be following her travels and sharing them with all of you.

First stop...London England, where history, charm and character meet major metropolitan city. Buckingham Palace embodies neo-classic style and sense of family tradition that is unfound in the United States. Millions flock to Buckingham hoping for a sighting of the Queen or Prince Harry but we find inspiration in the architectural details; from the master planning of the palace footprint to the incredible gardens. Even the palace guard has influence in design and fashion...Michael Jackson circa 1983, the red military jacket with gold buttons or the iconic fur hat that Fred Flinestone and the Water Buffaloes wore to their lodge meetings. London is a perfect blend of iconic images (i.e. telephone booth), rich history and progressive city living.

Lea's travels will bring us many inspiring photos and ideas to discuss and enjoy. Happy travels Lea!!!

Friends of the Studionv...

We wanted to share a few more pictures of the opening party. Stay tuned for the next blog about future events and more design inspiration!