Material Girls

Designer 911

It’s been one of those weeks where I’ve been stretching myself so thin, I feel as though there’s got to be a more efficient way to get things done.  I’m meeting with clients, painters, contractors, architects, shopping, returning, cleaning up after a painter (i’m not above it), pinning, blogging, creating contracts, putting out fires (not literally), billing, creating, scheming and the list goes on.  Wouldn’t it be nice to hire some help to get you through the busier weeks but not pay for full-time help?  Well, wake up NYC – Designer Attache has arrived and they’re here to help only when you need them.  I like to call them designer 911 but their real names are Brittany and Nicole.  These two design extraoidinaires have started a business that offers assistant design services to interior designers by the hour or for a flat fee by project.  If you’re like me and you can use an extra hand or two, give them a call.  They’re ready to save you!

Brittany and Nicole

Lighten Up!

Occasionally it’s refreshing to see interiors that are airy, light, and bright. While dark colors can be exciting and dramatic, lighter colors tend to be more soothing. Often times, clients request warm colors for the sake of having some richness to their rooms. Yet, this past week I did a paint color consultation for a client’s new home where we went with “barely there colors” – paint colors almost devoid of anything but a hint of color.  Sometimes it’s nice to “lighten up!”

{image via Hometown Girl}

Tone on tone, whites and creams.

Benjamin Moore Elmira White HC-84

{image via Pinterest}

A crisp white, bright entry!

Benjamin Moore Decorator White 1-04

{image via Home-Styling}

Light with a subtle hint of pink.

Benjamin Moore Mirage White 2116-70

{image via House & Home}

Cool blues and grays.

Benjamin Moore Wales Gray 1585

{image via Pinterest}

Off-whites and grays.

Benjamin Moore Owl Gray 2137-60

{image via Pinterest}

Cabinets painted in greige with a soft white contrast.

Benjamin Moore Ozark Shadow AC-26

{image via Pinterest}

A tone on tone affect with a hint of warmth.

Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash HC-174

{*for E.}

Rumor Mill

Is it true that Lonny magazine has closed it’s digital doors or will it live on under the supervision of Meredith Corporation?  Check out Curbed.com for the full story and see what the talk around town is.. . I, for one, want the real 411.  Michelle Adams, editor in chief of Lonny Magazine, has an exciting announcement to make.  Let’s just hope it means Lonny will stay afloat in some form – we need these younger, fresher, hipper magazines to thrive so that we can continue to gather inspiration from innovative ideas and sources.  Plus, it’s much better for us decorators to have more places to display our work once we’ve completed a project.  wink.

Pinterest Inspiration

Browsing Pinterest is like a great day of window shopping, except from the comfort of my own home or office (shhhhh)!  I open Pinterest and vow to only spend a few minutes for inspiration gathering.  However, those 5 minutes somehow turn into an hour.  This evening’s visit to Pinterest, per usual, produced many inspirational images that I want to share with MG readers-heck the editing process took at least an hour.  Check out my latest finds on one of my favorite sites.  Follow me so that I can see what your favorites are!

The Built-In Desk

{image via Houzz}

I am currently working on a project where the client has decided to demo the linen cabinets of an upstairs hallway and create a built-in desk in it’s place.  The space is on the children’s wing of the house and opens up to a loft playroom. I think this is going to be a great use of space! Of course, I had to go searching for inspiration…

{image via Pinterest}

A compact work area (the inspiration picture my client likes).

{via Pinterest}

A small space maximizes a home office.

{image via Houzz}

A built-in nook blends seamlessly between this kitchen and dining space.

{via Simple Blueprint}

A converted attic space.

{via Pinterest}

A rustic chic wood work surface wall to wall.

{via Meet Butterflies}

A great use of space to accommodate a work area and window seat.

{via Elle Decor}

Dual work spaces and lots of room to display inspiration!

Winter White

Funny I stumbled across this article in Chicago Home + Garden, as I was just sporting my winter white coat today!  I did a post not too long ago entitled “White After Labor Day,” which featured the season-less elegance of monochromatic, white kitchens.  Once again, I want to emphasize that white should not be limited to spring and summer, especially when it comes to home decor.

There is something dreamy and elegant about incorporating a wintry shade of white throughout your home.  Softer than stark white yet still very neutral, winter white is extremely versatile.  I love creamy colored walls, buttery settees, even white roses will do the trick. What are some of your favorite ways to “beat the winter blah’s” with white as a design element?

{Living room in one of my North Shore projects}

Chicago Home + Garden has some great ideas of how to brighten up with your winter with  white!

Pushing the Limits

One of my assistants said to me the other day, “through decorating my own apartment I realized how much fun it is to push the limits of decorating,” and I couldn’t agree more!  While I respect and admire the historic and traditional (I have lived in many historic homes myself and I have a major obsession with antiques, after all!), infusing my projects with a modern flair is central to my design mantra.

One way I love to incorporate contemporary style in my projects is through art.  I often find myself juxtaposing the traditional (18th Century Colonial Oil Portraits which I found antiquing in Boston) with some of the most cutting edge artist’s out there today.

Right now, one of the artists who is inspiring me the most is Marilyn Minter. Her provocative, beguiling work left me captivated from first glance.  To me, her work is just as much a conversation piece as the 18th century oil portrait hanging in the next room. I have coveted a book of her work that was given to me by one of my intern’s as a gift over a year ago.

To quote a recent blurb from Artinfo…

“If you missed Marilyn Minter’s most recent show at Salon 96 in the Bowery, which closed on December 4, you missed one of the purer pleasures of the fall season. The show featured a few of her large-scaled, hyper-detailed paintings — she hates the term “photorealist,” so we won’t use it — of some of her signature themes: close-ups of women’s mouths and high-heeled shoes, all rendered with her signature atmosphere of dirty glamour.

The real stand-out of the show, however, was the new video work. Minter’s long-time interest in video has been receiving increased attention, since her short clip “Green Pink Caviar” — a closeup of a mouth smearing colored caviar on glass — was unveiled in 2009. The standout new work at Salon 94, “Play Pen” (2011), features toddlers splashing around in a pool of viscous silver liquid, presented in super-slow-motion, so that the dynamics of the goo — and the looks of mixed joy and confusion on their faces as they discover these dynamics — are captured with dream-like emphasis”.

I can’t wait to place a work of Marilyn’s intensely mesmerizing work-it is only a matter of time!

From Runway to Room

Last night I was reading the latest US Weekly, and I came across these six gorgeous Gucci looks in the classic color combo – black, gold, and white. It is such a timeless, elegant look that is perfect for both fashion and interiors!

(The middle is my personal favorite!)

The Gucci Spring 2012 fashion show. So glamorous – I can’t get enough!

{image via Pinterest}

Inspired by the runway looks, I decided to show how easily fashion can translate to interiors. This glam combination works in any room!

{image via Pinterest}

Simple gold artwork grouped together makes a big statement on the black wall!

{image via Pinterest}

{image via Decorpad}

The gold frame stands out so nicely from the graphic black and white background.

{image via Pinterest}

{image via Pinterest}

Mixing cream in with the stark white, warms up the room!

Little hints of gold go a long way in this Suzanne Kasler bedroom.

{image via Pinterest}

The Dorothy Draper chest is a perfect example of how black and gold are a timeless combination. It is a beautiful piece alone, but paired with white lamps and accessories – amazing!

{image via Pinterest}

It looks great in white and gold too!

{image via 1stdibs}

LOVE the gold base on the Saarinen tulip table!

{image via Pinterest}

I really like how they decided to mix in the bright yellow with the golds here.

{image via Pinterest}

Yep, it even works in bathrooms!

{images via Pinterest}

{image via Pinterest}

Gold hardware in a white kitchen is pretty unique.   It’s not often that you see this, but I do have to say that it looks dynamite paired with a black and white checkerboard flooring and a graphic backsplash!

{Image via Pinterest}

Whether you are looking for fashion or design inspiration, Gucci’s fabulous spring line is perfect for both your closet and your home!

The Most Private Room in the House….

Upper Pacific Suite- Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA

May be the most beautiful!  Well, at these hotels at least….. the bathrooms give the rooms themselves a run for their money.  Ranging from sanctuary like retreats to provocative, funky spaces, these bathrooms are truly sights to be see in and of themselves.  You will pay a premium for a “deluxe” bathroom (or more like bath suite)…the Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental in New York will set you back $18,000 a night!  Tempting…that does look like a very nice tub…

Thanks to Conde Nast Traveler for this great article!

The Terrace Suite- Maritime Hotel, New York, NY

Told U So Yacht by Molori Private Retreats

Men’s Lobby Bathroom at 25Hours Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany

Deluxe Garden Room One- Barnsley House, Cirencester, England

Lifestyle Suite, Le Royal Monceau Raffles, Paris

Presidential Suite, Hyatt on the Bund, Shangai

Amber Suite- The Tides Miami, South Beach

Presidential Suite- Mandarin Oriental, New York, NY

La Suite- Clos de Lethe, Languedoc Roussillon, France

Lighting should never be underestimated!

A “hot off the press” design project of mine on the North Shore of Chicago.  Custom MS fixture in foyer!

Sitting in the pop-up showroom of furniture and lighting designer Marjorie Skouras at High Point Market was thrilling and  fulfilling.  A treasured friend of mine as well as the mastermind of a gorgeous new line for Currey and Co, I have used the work of Marjorie many times in my own design projects. It is because of my shopping and placing her works-from lighting to all sorts of gorgeous accessories into my projects that we became friends. I loved our last brunch in LA with my assistant, Amy, and dear Bruno and India.

Our friendship led to my showroom being the source for all things “Marjorie” as her midwestern rep. Nate Berkus Associates have become one of our most recent new client’s for that “Marjorie” style.  Her famed beaded chandeliers are to die for as well as her inventive and unique furniture. We have both on display in my Buckingham ID Showroom here in Chicago.

Check out some of my favorite pieces from Marjorie’s collection as well as the use of her work in several of my projects.

Custom designed piece using Tiger’s Eye and Amethyst in one of my latest design project’s in Chicago.  A pair of coordinating sconces seals the deal in this dining room.

Marjorie Skouras in my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

A different Marjorie Skouras light beaded chandelier in my BID showroom

Same fixture in my showroom, different decor-and art exhibit!

Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

Same fixture as used in my Showroom in the kitchen of  a Nantucket home I designed. Different scale but still the same “wow.”

Marjorie Skouras piece in the Lake Forest Showhouse Foyer that I participated in for The Infant Welfare Society. I worked with MS to integrate the Fromental Paper via Holly Hunt Chicago into our hand selected beads.

Marjorie Skouras in my space at the Chicago DIFFA Dining by Design event. Bradley Hughes was also a huge hit in my space!

Image of the custom sconce hanging out in Chicago at my client’s abode.

The color of this “Honeycomb” is breathtaking.

This mirror in a rectangular space is sitting pretty at BID Headquarters

Love this rug! Look like someone you know?

These curtain tie backs are gemstones and are to treasure alongside amazing fabrics or stand alone with a subtle monochromatic linen.

Stop by anytime to say “hello.”  We are around from 9am to 6pm CST Monday to Friday. Except this week when I will be cherishing the return of my 3 children from both coasts.

Happiest of Thanksgiving’s to you all!!!!

Peacock Passion

{the mural in “Mrs. Doheny’s” bedroom at the Greystone Mansion, designed by Woodson & Rummerfield}

Lately I have been noticing a lot of peacocks in interior design – everything from artwork to accessories! It may be a classic motif, but it certainly has made a resurgence. Take a look!

Painted peacock feathers on a platter at a show house in Austin, TX. Image via Houzz.

Peacock pillow from Dwell Studio (we actually purchased this for a client of mine).

Peacock wallpaper from Schumacher.

A peacock on a fireplace mantle – sure to be a conversation starter! Image via Houzz.

And to have that “conversation starter” – might want to sit in this Peacock chair from the Divine Chair.

Peacock napkin rings, via ZGallerie.

Peacock bench from Horchow.

Peacock mirror from Restoration Hardware.

Peacock printed wallpaper – and wall decor. Image via Houzz.

Deco Peacock Rug from Company C.

Trina Turk peacock fabric by the yard via Layla Grace.

Peacock bedding from Serena & Lily.

Peacock pillow from Chiasso.

If you’re passionate about peacocks – there is so much out there!

Blog Share: The work of Sketch42

{photo via Sketch42}

Early on Thursday morning I saw a tweet go past with a link to a recent blog post by Nicole Cohen of the blog Sketch42. The tweet said “Keith Haring inspired” and I was instantly drawn – and once I took a look at Nicole’s post I was instantly in love! She had created an entry with Keith Haring inspired graphics painted (by her!) on the walls. Considering I’ve been a huge fan and collector of Keith Haring since my teens, I was by far impressed with this stunning entry!

{the tweet that had me at “hello”}

Nicole’s moodboard for her bachelor client, which she featured here – note the foyer inspired walls.

Nicole wrote that she was also inspired by the work of Kelly Wearstler’s entry at her Hillcrest Estate.

{photo via Sketch42}

Makes for such a dramatic backdrop when styling! Loving this!

I actually featured this on a blog post awhile back about my visit to the Keith Haring Foundation in NYC (photo by me).

The entry at the Keith Haring Foundation in NYC (photo by me).

It was also featured on Elle Decor’s “Design Insiders’ Weekly Finds” on Friday!

{photo via Sketch42}

To see more pics (including the befores) and view Nicole in action, click here!

High Point Highlights

I just returned from an amazing few days at High Point Market in North Carolina! I was invited to attend and tour the Lexington Home Brands headquarters (more on that in an upcoming post). But first wanted to share some highlights of the past few days’ events and experiences!

Had the best time ever hanging out with these fabulous bloggers: (l-r) Christian of Maison21, Julieann of Create Girl, me, Cassandra of Coco + Kelly, Ashlina of The Decorista, Crystal of Plush Palate & Rue Magazine, and Katie of The Neo Traditionalist & Matchbook Magazine.

On the very first evening upon arriving at High Point, we were invited to meet Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer (Princess Diana’s brother) at the Theodore Alexander showroom.

The Althrop Collection features over 500 years of English tradition and heritage.

Theodore Alexander hosts the opening of the new Althorp Living History Showroom at High Point.

On Day 2, we went over to the IHFC (International Home Furnishings Center) to check out the Elite Leather Company space.

A vignette at Elite Leather Company.

Cassie testing out a chair at Elite Leather Company.

And another chair!

Next, we headed over to Visual Comfort where Paloma (also of the blog La Dolce Vita) gave us a tour the Circa Lighting collections.

Each & every individual fixture from Circa Lighting is exquisite!

Cute pic: Paloma & Katie!

From there, Katie & I headed over to Market Square for a book signing event hosted by Rizzoli featuring Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mary McDonald, Suzanne Kasler, Bobby McAlpine, Michael Connors, Henrietta Churchill Spencer, & Florence de Dampierre.

Interior Designer & Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Decorator star, Mary McDonald signing Katie’s book.

Both Katie & Mary share a love for pugs!

Back at High Point headquarters, I took a group shot of Julieann, Crystal, Christian, Katie, & Ashlina before we take off for the Architectural Design party.

photo via The Decorista

The party scene at the AD party hosted by Margaret Russell.

We wrapped the night up at a super fab party at the Halo showroom!

The ambiance at the very cool Halo party in it’s amazing space!

Early the next morning we were invited to attend the press breakfast with Martyn Lawrence Bullard where he gave us highlights and excerpts on his most famous client’s & their interiors!

Viewing the work of Martyn Lawrence Bullard from his recent book, “Live, Love, Decorate.”

After the press breakfast, Katie & I, along with Erin of the blog Elements of Style head over to Lexington Home Brands for an exlusive tour of their headquarters (more on that to come!).

Back again at High Point “headquarters,” we happen to meet Deborah Needleman, former editor of Domino magazine and current editor of the WSJ magazine. She had just spoken at an event at High Point & given away copies of her book, “The Perfectly Imperfect Home.”

The rest of the afternoon, we checked out InterHall at the IHFC wrapping up with cocktail hour at the very cool Global Views space – thanks to Erin for hosting us!

“Chair model” Cassie at the Global Views space.

The last event of our few day’s at High Point was the anticipated (& packed!) party hosted by Four Hands in a very cool industrial showroom.

Thanks to the High Point Authority for an amazing experience! More to come!

High Point Highlights

I just returned from an amazing few days at High Point Market in North Carolina! I was invited to attend and tour the Lexington Home Brands headquarters (more on that in an upcoming post). But first wanted to share some highlights of the past few days’ events and experiences!

Had the best time ever hanging out with these fabulous bloggers: (l-r) Christian of Maison21, Julieann of Create Girl, me, Cassandra of Coco + Kelly, Ashlina of The Decorista, Crystal of Plush Palate & Rue Magazine, and Katie of The Neo Traditionalist & Matchbook Magazine.

On the very first evening upon arriving at High Point, we were invited to meet Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer (Princess Diana’s brother) at the Theodore Alexander showroom.

The Althrop Collection features over 500 years of English tradition and heritage.

Theodore Alexander hosts the opening of the new Althorp Living History Showroom at High Point.

On Day 2, we went over to the IHFC (International Home Furnishings Center) to check out the Elite Leather Company space.

A vignette at Elite Leather Company.

Cassie testing out a chair at Elite Leather Company.

And another chair!

Next, we headed over to Visual Comfort where Paloma (also of the blog La Dolce Vita) gave us a tour the Circa Lighting collections.

Each & every individual fixture from Circa Lighting is exquisite!

Cute pic: Paloma & Katie!

From there, Katie & I headed over to Market Square for a book signing event hosted by Rizzoli featuring Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mary McDonald, Suzanne Kasler, Bobby McAlpine, Michael Connors, Henrietta Churchill Spencer, & Florence de Dampierre.

Interior Designer & Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Decorator star, Mary McDonald signing Katie’s book.

Both Katie & Mary share a love for pugs!

Back at High Point headquarters, I took a group shot of Julieann, Crystal, Christian, Katie, & Ashlina before we take off for the Architectural Design party.

photo via The Decorista

The party scene at the AD party hosted by Margaret Russell.

We wrapped the night up at a super fab party at the Halo showroom!

The ambiance at the very cool Halo party in it’s amazing space!

Early the next morning we were invited to attend the press breakfast with Martyn Lawrence Bullard where he gave us highlights and excerpts on his most famous client’s & their interiors!

Viewing the work of Martyn Lawrence Bullard from his recent book, “Live, Love, Decorate.”

After the press breakfast, Katie & I, along with Erin of the blog Elements of Style head over to Lexington Home Brands for an exlusive tour of their headquarters (more on that to come!).

Back again at High Point “headquarters,” we happen to meet Deborah Needleman, former editor of Domino magazine and current editor of the WSJ magazine. She had just spoken at an event at High Point & given away copies of her book, “The Perfectly Imperfect Home.”

The rest of the afternoon, we checked out InterHall at the IHFC wrapping up with cocktail hour at the very cool Global Views space – thanks to Erin for hosting us!

“Chair model” Cassie at the Global Views space.

The last event of our few day’s at High Point was the anticipated (& packed!) party hosted by Four Hands in a very cool industrial showroom.

Thanks to the High Point Authority for an amazing experience! More to come!

Urban Chic

I wish that it was every day that I had the chance to work on a Michigan Avenue project-right in the thick of things.   Add to that description a swank  apartment project in the city.  Many of my clients live in single family homes, but when I was presented with the opportunity to work on a pad in a posh Gold Coast high-rise (one of Chicago’s most beautiful neighborhoods) I immediately said “Heck yes!”

This was such a great project for me in that the client also shared an appreciation for art, antiques and artifacts- the 3 A’s which I live by.  In a smaller space like an apartment, every square foot must count.  No detail was overlooked, however I had to be careful not to “over decorate” the home.  No matter what objects or artifacts I put in the space, the finest piece of art will always be the phenomenal views of my beautiful city

It doesn’t matter that my phone doesn’t work here….kinda like a work oasis when I am here.