Design….it is my center, my identity, it is the passion that drives me.

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Ever since I was a small child I knew that the views of my world were different from the views of those around me.  I saw art/design  as a means of communication, the way to live a life fulfilled, thinking that one cannot co-exist without the other.  Large thoughts for a little person!  I was influenced very simply:  The smell of the linseed oil used to thin paint in my uncle’s studio.  Shyly watching my grandfather from the doorway of his studio, as he smoked his pipe and cut glass, listening to the opera on Saturday afternoons.  The garden to table food that my mother so gorgeously prepared.  All have been as influential as the pundit Masters that would soon become a well spring of icons to emulate. As I grew older, I followed the mandatory path of higher education, albeit … [Read more...]

Urban Dwellings Honored with Perspectives New England Award

Perspective Magazine Awards

On June 1, the Urban Dwellings team was honored with a Perspective on Design award in a ceremony held at Twelve Chairs Home Furnishings.  We had a great time, and were extremely excited to see these great photos of our team posing with the Perspective Magazine editors appear on the pages of the Perspective New England Summer 2011 Issue.   … [Read more...]

Project Nursery Interview With Tracy Davis

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The design experts at Project Nursery recently took note of our project for young client, Thea, a nursery turned special personal space that she could enjoy all through her growing years.  As a result, they featured an interview with Tracy Davis on their blog.  Read the full interview here, and for more details on the project itself, keep reading below.   Child's Name: Thea Child's Age: At the time of completion Thea was 2 Location: Coastal Maine Description: This project was designed to be a special, personal place for a little girl to enjoy throughout the many stages of youth. Design Inspiration: My design inspiration for Thea's bedroom and adjacent playroom was based on the desire to create a unique, individual space -- a space that was so personal and fun … [Read more...]

Terrain Influences: An Introduction

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It goes without saying that the architecture and design of any given geographic location holds a great deal of significance for both the inhabitants and visitors. Instantly, and without explanation, bead board wainscoting brings you to Cape Cod, Terra Cotta Roof Tiles to the Mediterranean, a hand cut mosaic tile to Marrakesh. Iconic details serving as an instant, de-codified reminder of either where you are, or perhaps where you would like to be. It is this interaction between design and location that gives insight into not only how any given culture came to be, but also how it hopes to evolve. Just as the fears and passions of a society are often echoed in its pop culture, they too are alluded to in the architecture and design of the time. How, for example,in a time of economic … [Read more...]

Markings: An Introduction

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Look around you; start to notice the furniture that you interact with daily. Observe design details and patterns, even the most minute. Recognize the materials in which the interior objects that you use are made of. This is something that I enjoy doing which I am excited to share with you through “Markings”; a venue to post my observations about design, focusing on furniture design. Markings are all around us; in the foot a armoire, in the curve of a chair seat, in a cross brace on a console table, in the styling of leather upholstery , and in the use and application of materials. One thing that I love about design in general is that markings; lines, patterns, and impressions, that are found within a piece or a structure are most often influenced by something created … [Read more...]

Teixidors: A Living Example of Trac*er*y

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trac er y:  ornamental pattern of interlacing lines trac er y: affectionate nick name from beloved friend and colleague trac er y: a pattern of 3 I believe that we are all, in our own right,  a sparkling living ornament.  Creating living patterns within our spaces, and interlacing among relationships. As a designer I am in constant awe of how these connections to space and others can come full circle and make a powerful difference in the lives of others. Particularly with regard to giving back to the community both locally and globally. A living example of tracery, in both form and practice, is a South American company called Teixidors.  Formed in 1983, Marta Ribas and Juan Ruiz set out to provide economic freedom and social integration to adults living with a mental … [Read more...]

PSO Designers’ Showhouse

PSO Designers Showhouse

  Urban Dwellings is proud announce their participation in the 2011 PSO Show House! With our team assembled,  will be redesigning the kitchen and it’s adjacencies.  Our design team will consist of the following: Geoff King as General Contractor; Greg Day, Lighting Designer, DayMatero Studio; Herb Clark, Chameleon Coatings; Nick Whatley, Morningstar Granite and Marble; Brady Cushing and Katie Capozza, Old Port Specialty Tile; Frank and Jan Gagnon, Gagnon’s Upholstery; John Paul Toohey, Toohey Painting; Brian O’Neil, O’Neil Consulting; Sharon and Paul Mronzinski, Marston House Antiques.  We are so grateful to be working in collaboration with such a wonderfully talented group!  Thank all of you for your participation. For ticket information please visit the PSO … [Read more...]

Woman’s Day Special Issue: Remodeling & Makeovers (Volume XX1)

Woman's Day Remodeling & Makeovers August 2011-Cover

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Design New England (May/June 2011)

Design New England Cover May/June 2011

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Design New England (March/April 2011)

Design New England March-April 2011-Cover

Principal Tracy A. Davis is featured in the March/April 2011 issue of Design New England, giving her top picks for bringing the outdoors in. … [Read more...]