There are, of course, lots of stores all over the nation that highlight modern aesthetic which I’ll move into after we have exhausted the Dallas area.  The internet has made cities just villages one click over and we should as appreciative consumers, exploit that as well.  However, I want to pimp the local as much as I can.  See my love affair with Dallas a few posts ago to understand.

Recently I a friend, gave me a flyer she got in the mail about a new store called Natuzzi.  It’s apparently new to Dallas as the card is for a “Grand Opening Sale”.  The sale is over tomorrow (October 24th, 2008) but I explored the site and found a piece that I’m attracted to.

DURINI WALL UNIT

This wall section appeals to me – I would prefer lighter lacquer which I swear “a wide range of finishes are available”.  The dark makes me think seventies decor but I like the flush shelf with the wall and the presentation of the objects versus what’s holding it  up.  The versatility of the arrangement allows multiple configurations and allow artful presentations.  I also can envision technology integrated which would fuse this together perfectly for me.  Think flat screen snuggled up in the space.  Here is Natuzzi’s page on the piece.

KOLE Sectional Couch

This couch is not exactly what I wanted you to see.  It looks comfortable though.  My dogs on it would be a disaster.  Perhaps another color.  But I was very attracted to the wall unit and shelving behind it.  Again flush, the color is lighter and the wall unit just accents the clean lines.  It looks modular so you could arrange it allow for heights and products but it’s really attractive to me.  Good for a common room.  But being wacky, I could see it in a kitchen for plates, glasses in an open setting.  See pics, details here.

I’m not on their payroll but in the essence of giving you complete data, here are their two addresses in the local area if you are interested.

NOW OPEN
Natuzzi Plano
7300 Lonestar Drive – C100
The Shops at Legacy
972-801-6933

Natuzzi Dallas
11700 Preston Road
Next to Whole Foods
214-363-7070

In site news, I got to go back to Urban Reserve.  I am very excited that Diane Cheatham has responded so enthusiastically to educating me and allowing me access.  If you notice a trend toward me highlighting both Urban Reserve and Diane Cheatham, you’ll know why.  An entire Modern Home community that I can walk and take pictures of and ask questions, I’m in heaven.  It’s easier than knocking on strangers doors and saying – HEY Can I take a picture or two of your house.  Most people are rightly creeped out by that.

These were taken at Urban Reserve community last week.  Diane Cheatham, the CEO/Owner of Urban Edge Developers which developed Urban Reserve, graciously allowed me to walk around and take pictures of her house.  I got one of a line of other modern homes in the community (which turned out a little blurry).  I’ll explain what I was going for with each one.  Also Diane Cheatham was featured in a recent news article in the Dallas Morning News about Urban Reserve.  Great read and they took professional photos of the whole community.

The Chris-Craft House

This is the house that the Cheatham’s are living in while their new home is being built down the street in the Urban Reserve community.  It is available for sale and gorgeous.

The Chris-Craft House side view

This a view that takes in the side view of the house.

The Chris-Craft House side view, up close

The house is longer than it is wide.  This is the side view with a bit of sculpture in the shot.  There is a winding staircase up to the en suite part of the house.

The Chris-Craft House view of front detail

This view lets you see some of the architectural / design detail of the front of the house.

details of the front of the house, above the porch

row of modern homes at Urban Reserve

That’s it for now.  I have more to write about.  I have some articles about Modern Homes in Dallas I have come across that I’ll be linking too.  Also I have some interior shots of the our visit.  Those of course, include the design and architectural ramifications of exterior choices of the house and since it’s interior design, rely on each individual’s design preference.  Since I enjoy seeing pictures of modern furnishings, I’ll probably start putting those up from places I find them and posting them here.  Some are from local stores.  Some from other places that are all over the place.  I’ll note those local and those not.

In the meantime, I encourage you to visit Urban Reserve and see for yourself.