Monday, May 5, 2014

Undersized Urbanite Reveal: Let there be dark


When I got back from Chicago International I decided to revamp The Emerson with some of my loot and some new furniture pieces I designed to glam it up a bit for the Undersized Urbanite contest. I was really unhappy with all of the reflections in the windows from the photos I took in March, when I remembered Anna-Maria's night shots of her Emerson on The Shopping Sherpa. I probably shouldn't have waited until the night before the contest ends to test this approach, as I found out too late that I really need a new camera. My usual camera was taking horrible photos in the dark, so I resorted to my iPhone, and here is the best of what I could get.

The tub, sink, wall with mirror and plant are Studio7. Toilet and bath faucet is from minismodernas. Shelf and rug are from ebay. Frames in windowsill are by me. Shark art is from Chiago International*.


Framed komonos artwork (coming to her website soon), pillows and rug are by minimodernistas. Dresser, perfume bottles, screen, bed, night stand, lamp and chairs are Maryann Roy from Welcome Home. White side tables are by me (coming to my shop soon), other decor by PRD Miniatures, Re-ment and from Chiago International*.

The dinning table and chairs, table runner and patio furniture are MiniModels. Wood bowl is RJT Miniatures. Painting is by Lisa from PRD Miniatures. Credenza is minisX2. Wood artwork is by Laser Creations. The grey vases are my Cityscape Vase collection. Accessories are from Neen, mini2B, and planter is by me from craft store supplies. Rugs from minimodernistas.

The upstairs sofa, chair and pillows are Maryann Roy from Welcome Home. Rug by minimodernistas. Accessories are from Chicago International*. White bookcase by me, for sale in my shop soon. Potted plant from ebay.

Platform Chair and Ottoman, pillow and 1:18 scale 3 Spheres hanging Lamp are by minimodernistas. The potted orchid is Minisde cris. Magazine by PRD Miniatures. Hexagon side table is by me and available soon. Bamboo plant made from craft store supplies. Kitchen is vintage Lundby.


Tufted Sofa, V-Leg Day Bed Sofa, pillows and rug are by minimodernistas. The credenza, coffe table and mirror are by Pepper from MitchyMooMiniatures. Accessories are from PRD Miniatures, Chicago International*, Kaleidoscope Dollhouse Accessories, CB2 and local mini shop finds. Square art accessories, X side table and black Fixation bookcase are by me and will be available soon.

UndersizedUrbanite* I'm still digging through receipts and business cards to remember which vendor I bought what from at Chiago International. I will post more details about these items soon.

Now I have to go check out the other reveals for the Undersized Urbanite 2014 contest. Thanks again for hosting Christina!

24 comments:

  1. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your new designs!!! The Emerson looks amazing. I sort of regret selling mine. The outdoor furniture looks great in the blue. The shark is from Small Scale Living..I bought a few things from them and have a few more on order. I was so bummed when I found out you were going to be at the show on Sunday and I could only be there on Saturday! Maybe next year!

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    1. Thanks Cyd! But do not regret selling yours. Do remember the wiring is not the greatest and the lights go out or don't work half the time. And the glue and scratches on the panels!?!? Don't get me started. It's so hard to take photos through the plastic window because of the damage. You make houses better than this.

      Thanks for the shark art note. My biz card from them said Small Scale Living but I was trying to confirm on the vendor map and the booth they were at is under a different name. I don't think I'll be able to rely on the vendor map as I was hoping for some vendors names.

      NEXT YEAR FOR SURE! We'll have to meet up for dinner! :D

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  2. Whoa! Talk about atmosphere! The rooms are so cozy! That dresser and the fireplace are exceptional additions. I decided to go to Chicago at the last minute, but next time I will seek people out. It will be fun to meet genius in person!

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    1. Aww shucks. We definitely should meet up next year. It's always fun to put a face with the online presence. :D

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  3. Oh, Mini Dork...don't be so modest! This is a gorgeously decorated, cozy-but-modern home, and you can be proud of it.

    Years ago I decided against buying the Emerson, even though I loved the look of it, because I couldn't afford it and couldn't find furniture I liked in 1:16 scale (yes, I looked into furnishings for a dollhouse I didn't own! I know, I know). Thanks to these pictures, I am now kicking myself harder than ever for not buying it anyway.

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    1. Thanks Anna, and again no regrets. Very smart to research the furniture before committing to the house. The house is huge, you can't move it by yourself unless you disconnect the the two sides (which is why the electrical gets shot, my wires were too short and have tension on them when the sides are connected, probably why the go out often). It lives on the floor as I have no table big enough to hold it when open. Lundby furniture is the best fit size wise but it's not the style I prefer. I am totally sticking with 1:12. It's so much easier to just collect one size. The rooms are odd heights so in some places the 1:12 scale furniture fits, but not throughout. I'm happy with it, but won't be heartbroken to see it go. :)

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    2. I know, I always do extensive research before making a big purchase. So the electrical wiring isn't great...and I have a pet who likes to chew on wire. Good to know...maybe I can scratch-build something like it instead (and in 1:12!).

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  4. This looks fantastic! I LOVE the shark art. And the dining table. And the patio set. And so so so much more!!!!!!! *standing ovation* But what I love most is the cool, big city vibe you get, without the hoitee toitee ick. And the pictures in the dark are inspired! Great job!!!

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    1. Thanks so much Lyssa! (The night pictures are totally inspired by my hero Anna-Maria TSS, I hadn't thought to do it until I saw her amazing photos, no I just need a better camera so the shots are not so grainy).

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  5. OMG I love it so much, it's like being back in the 60's all you are missing is a garage with a baby blue caddy *a la Mad Men*

    Hugs
    Marisa

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    1. THANKS Marissa!! I totally want a baby blue caddy now. That would be perfect. :D

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  6. Oh just gorgeous! The mood you set in these shots is fantastic! Every piece looks so original in its place the colors like the rugs are just amazing!

    Wonderful work, love it! ~J

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  7. Megan, your house is worthy of a photo spread in an upscale design magazine. Your decorating taste is impeccable, and very exciting. There are so many parts to the whole picture, and they fit so well. I don't know how you managed to handle so many pieces of furniture, works of art, and household necessities and make them all work with each other. Designers who do this for full scale houses take months to put it together, yet you did it the night before the contest?! Well done!

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    1. Oh no, Neen, I didn't do this in one night, sorry I didn't meant to imply that. It probably took about two weeks to stage the house. I started a few months ago, and then after I got back from Chicago International, I kept tinkering with it. What I waited until the last minute to do was taking the photos at night, the night before the contest ended. I should have done a dry run and then I would have seen I needed more lights to help reduce the graininess of the photos on my camera. But I had in my brain the contest ended on May 8 at 5pm, when in fact it ended May 5 at 8pm, so I was in a mad dash to finish and post the photos. So no, I can't throw this together in a day, it took a few weeks over a few months. Thanks for the lovely comments. All the best to you for a healthy year! :D

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  8. This is stunning, as always. I'd live there in a second if it were life-size. :) Thank you so much for participating, it's awesome to have you.

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    1. Thanks Christina!!! I'm hoping next year I'll make the time to actually build a house for my entry. Looking forward to UU 15!

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  9. Glad to act as inspiration and I will be surprised if you don't win. I see what you mean about grainy: if it's any help, I've used Canon cameras for my entire time with digital photography (my first IXUS cost $1500: hard to believe now when they are so cheap) and I'm currently using an IXUS 100 IS 'handbag camera' in preference to my scary expensive (thought not to me thankfully) Canon G11.

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    1. Thanks Anna-Marie! Right now all of my photos are on my iPhone as the last camera broke, so I'm looking for an upgrade. :)

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  10. I love it! The photos are amazing, it looks like you could just move it tomorrow!

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  11. This is gorgeous and cosy! Love the modern styling and the realistic feel - you could walk straight in.

    Anna (My Design Ethos)

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  12. I love the dining room settings. Good work !

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