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Fall is upon us in Chicago and although I will miss the Summer, I am looking forward to the changing leaves, beautiful autumn colors, and of course, all things pumpkin. Pumpkin Spice Latte, yes please!

With Fall also comes the annual festival that takes place in the heart of the Grand Avenue Design District where I am happy to call home to my Buckingham Interiors + Design Studio and Showroom! Formerly known as Design Harvest, the all-new Grand Art & Design Festival will take place in West Town on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th from 11 am to 8 pm.

The festival will continue the Design Harvest tradition of showcasing local home and garden design vendors, however this year there is much, much more!

Local artisans, handmade goods, clothing, jewelry designers, neighborhood vendors, a Happy Hour, and live music…

Everyone loves a great food truck as well. Enjoy everything from tamales to lobster rolls, mac n’ cheese to cupcakes!

Bring the kiddos as there are also hayrides and lots of family activities.

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I will be opening the doors of my Buckingham I+D Showroom the entire weekend of the festival. Come check out the beautiful new art exhibits by Artists Francine Turk and Richard Shipps, special festival pricing on the entire Showroom of Modernique® accessories, furniture, and lighting, and also my new Julia Buckingham for Global Views Collection (Don’t think I will ever get tired of saying that!:))

**Stop in Thursday and Friday for 1st Dibs! Showroom is open 11am-6pm**

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Find more info on this year’s Grand Ave Art & Design Festival here.

Hope to see y’all there!

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Xx, Julia

 

It has truly been a whirlwind summer! It’s hard to believe it is almost August and we are on to the Las Vegas Market beginning this weekend. Attending the summer markets in Dallas and Atlanta and finally introducing my collection with Global Views to the world has been an incredible experience. It has been a year in the making and I can’t tell you my excitement to share it with y’all.

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LOVE my designer gal pals Denise McGaha and Marlaina Teich sharing a giggle at the Hampton Designer Showhouse with my Chartreuse Bella Grapes!

It is just the tip of the iceberg! The greater balance of the collection will be introduced in October at High Point Market and people will really be able to see the versatile, personal and expressive nature of the entire group.

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It is a dream come true to curate a design project of mine with my own designed accessories. I just placed my alabaster Bella grapes in a client project as well as these fabulous glass “Dew Drops” and it was so surreal!

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The items are already starting to trickle into my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom in Chicago!

A few of the early arrivers…Bubbles in Blue, The Hex Decanters and Glassware, the Pink Dew Drops and Sunset Crown, and the Chainlink Vessel!

Check out the sneak peak of the Julia Buckingham for Global Views collection here.

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If you are attending Las Vegas Market, stop by the newly expanded Global Views Showroom and say hi during our Launch Party!

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xx, Julia

Art and design go hand in hand and I’ve been fortunate to work with many talented artists through the years, both curating pieces for my design clients and for the rotating art exhibits in my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom in Chicago.

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One of my absolute favorite installations in my Showroom still to this day is this gallery wall by Chicago-based Artist Francine Turk.

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Francine Turk breaks the rules of constraint. As artist and visionary behind Francine Turk Studio, Turk seamlessly blends thoughtful beauty with the dramatically raw and vulnerable nuances of life. Her artwork stems from a constant excavation of her truth and is revealed as a layered expression of emotion and discovery, evoking a connective and visceral response from the viewer.

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In its layered complexities and juxtapositions, she expresses this embodiment of her artwork as both delicate marks of charcoal on paper and fearless representations of what it means to be a rebel, a forger of one’s own path.

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Turk is influenced and inspired by great artists like Picasso and Matisse yet compared to contemporaries like confessional artist, Tracy Emin. She also draws inspiration from musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Jack White, who, in Turk’s eyes, have been fearless in their pursuit of personal truth. Given the complexity of influences and her own highly expressive and layered technique, she is not compelled to confine her work to a particular genre.

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Much in demand by collectors worldwide, Turk’s acclaimed works are housed in private and corporate collections across the globe. Her most well received solo exhibitions include Bad Ass (2011), A Decade of Evolution (2012) and Verite (2014). She has been part of group exhibitions alongside Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Andy Warhol, Helen Frankenthaler, Marlene Dumas and the like.

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I recently reached out to Francine to discover she was “headquartered” in Barcelona for the month of June! I was instantly wishing I was back in Spain as well taking day trips to the countryside. We certainly share our love of travel and inspiration!

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Francine was in Spain for continued inspirations for the “Love Letter to A Matador” series. For the first time ever, Francine sent a private invitation to collectors to be a part of this journey by purchasing work created in Spain that would mark the beginnings of an upcoming solo show. A limited number of “site unseen” pieces were made available to collectors only as a presale and quickly sold out within days. It was a true exercise in gratitude to thank collectors for supporting her over the years as the pieces were made available for a fraction of the market value.

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Picasso has always been a huge influence on Francine’s work and this trip was no exception- especially his “bous” (bull) studies. She named each of the 27 sold works in Catalan. She was influenced by cubist and expressionist styles using charcoal, ink and oil sticks. The culture in Barcelona was also a huge influence on this series.  Back alleys hosted a variety of street performers, opera singers and men fighting with fire at every turn.  She created bous and matadors with undertones of romance, mystery, sex and masculinity.

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Francine stayed in the gothic quarter where graffiti was prevalent and influential. She visited a flea market acquiring ledger books, antique hand written letters and vintage postcards, which she used as the background for thank you notes to her collectors.  She enclosed this personalized note with each piece and shipped the work in drawing tubes from Barcelona.

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Follow along Francine’s entire journey on Instagram (@francineturk) and at www.francineturk.com.

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An upcoming exhibit of Francine’s work will be in the Buckingham I+D Showroom. Stay tuned!

xx,

Julia

The Julia Buckingham Collection for Global Views debuting Summer 2015…

Say again?! I am living a dream come true!

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It’s been an amazing journey this last year and such a learning experience. I am thrilled to introduce my new collection with Global Views.  They have been an amazing partner allowing me to bring my Modernique® vision to life. It has always been my dream to have a collection where I can literally curate an entire space from floor to ceiling- Global Views has allowed me to do just that. I’ve always been a huge fan of Global Views and they have been a go-to for many of my design projects.

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It was such fun to style the product for the Summer Brand Catalogue photoshoot. I arrived with a suitcase full of shoes, jewelry, and vintage accessories!

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Louboutins in the display “Vitrina”…why not right?? They are a work of art!

Here is the Global Views design teams take on my vision as they set up the Dallas Showroom for Market…

Gotta LOVE them!! These couture running kicks do look quite nice with my chartreuse marble “Bella” grapes!

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The collection stays true to my Modernique® style, a blending of past and present to create something uniquely new. Lots of rich colors with soothing neutrals, rustic finishes with refined touches, and multi-layered textures and rich metals, all living harmoniously together. You will see these elements in the collection that includes lighting fixtures, accessories, rugs, accent pillows, furniture and decorative tabletop pieces.

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The inspiration for my collection comes from all of my world travels and experiences. Global influences are reflected from my travels to French flea markets, Spain, and also living in the Southwest. Fashion plays a huge part in my designs as I’m always inspired by fashion houses like Chanel, Balenciaga, and Hermes. You will see that the collection is a huge nod to the fashion world which is becoming more and more prevalent in interior design- always within my projects. The sense was that the collection could stand alone, and appear to have been collected over time. All of the pieces complement each other by feeling unique alone or in a curated collection.

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The unexpected spirit of my new collection offers ease and inspiration to design enthusiasts everywhere, reducing the angst associated with making a correct interior design decision. The collection is based on taking a curated, creative journey and creating an ongoing relationship between people and their homes. One of my favorite pieces is our glass”Bubbles” in pink sculpture. Handmade to perfection!

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A preview assortment of the collection debuts at the summer markets in Dallas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas with the full collection unveiling in October at High Point Market. Hope to see y’all there!!

Be sure to stop by my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom in Chicago where the pieces will begin to arrive by the fall!

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xx, Julia


 

 

 

 

 

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Who doesn’t need a furry sheep stool in their lives? I rounded up this lil guy while at the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt, Germany earlier this year. I’m still anxiously awaiting his arrival to my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom in Chicago…it’s a long trek from Germany!

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He’s also got a fleecy suede friend tagging along for the ride too:)

I was so fortunate to be a part of the 1st ever Blogtour for Modenus visiting the biggest consumer trade fair in the world. I saw so many amazing new introductions in the world of gift and table top decor.

One of my faves, copper, made a huge statement throughout….

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I also always can’t resist a great hair-on-hide piece…especially when it is dyed lilac!!! How fabulous is this hue???

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Big shout out again Veronika Miller, Editor in Chief & CEO of Modenus and her amazing Modenus Team!

Please check out more highlights of my amazing Ambiente Tour experience on the Ambiente Blog!

Xx, Julia


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I’m feeling like a pretty lucky lady! 2015 has kicked off to a fabulous start.

It’s been a good kind of crazy busy with lots of design projects of both new and previous fave clients and amazing opportunities for travel as well!

My first trip of the year to Las Vegas was a double dose of fun with KBIS–The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show–and a quick lil visit to Las Vegas Market!

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I was honored to attend KBIS with Cosentino, the global leader in natural stone and quartz, to reveal their first ever designer collaboration series- known as the “Influencer Series” with my talented cohorts-Kerrie Kelly, Courtney Cachet, Kim Lewis, and Mark Williams.

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 My color was inspired by the combination of the urban sophistication of the city and my interior design work in Chicago, along with the elements of the Southwest that speak to a natural and elemental mysticism. I have a second home in Phoenix, AZ and the colors of this desert paradise are incredibly inspiring. The mineral‐rich shades found in the Camelback Mountains highlighted when the sunrises over them really served as the catalyst for Copper Mist. Copper Mist offers mineral‐rich shades that highlight the resurging popularity of copper, offering a color that provides a sophisticated, yet earthy look with strong movement.

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My daughter’s new Vizsla puppy Penelope fits right in with the copper trend!!

I was sooo excited to finally unveil ….Copper Mist!

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Power panel in progress below and check out more of our Trendspotter action at KBIS here in this video!

This year Cosentino celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Silestone. I’m so honored to be a part of this rich history.

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I was happy to have the chance to sneak over to Las Vegas Market and visit my dear friends at Global Views. My line of decorative accessories, lighting, accent furniture, pillows and rugs with Global Views launches this fall at High Point Market. I am excited beyond words for this extravaganza in October.

They sure know how to host a market party!

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The Global Views showroom looked beautiful as ever rocking this copper look paired with deep navy blues for a stunning combination.

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Copper is all the rage currently as it is a signature melding of shiny gold and silver. It is glam, regal, yet not snobby!

I loved seeing shimmering specks of copper in this gorgeous console and wall display within the Phillips Collection Showroom. Thank you for the tour Jason 🙂


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Between work, there was of course lots of laughs and it was so nice reconnecting with so many wonderful colleagues I am fortunate to call dear pals!

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Rose, Kelly, Joann, Laurie, Jamie, Ron, Patty, Kerrie and Blog Tour…Cheers y’all!

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Even made some new friends…”Oh hey Vanilla Ice, fancy meeting you here….”

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A city after my very own heart….we share the shoe love.

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It was a ball Vegas….until next time!!

Xx, Julia

 

 

Bags are (almost) packed and ready for take-off! I am truly honored and feeling giddy to be invited on the first ever Blog Tour for Modenus to Frankfurt, Germany.

  Ambiente 2015, here we come!!

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Ambiente is the biggest consumer goods trade fair in the world revealing the latest and greatest in gift and table top decor.  This year it features 4700 exhibitors from 89 different countries with USA being this year’s official partner country. I am beyond excited to see all the latest innovations in consumer products and bring these latest design trends back to share (and shop) with my team and my clients. It is sure to be an inspiring trip!

Big thank you to Editor in Chief, CEO of Modenus, and the creative mind behind the Blog Tour-Veronika Miller and her amazing Modenus Team-

Celia, Sarah, Florence, Chasen, Leanne, Julia, Marion and Erdmann Kilian from Ambiente!

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We’ve got an amazing group of designers and lifestyle bloggers on the Modenus Blog Tour, many of which I am lucky to call dear friends. It is always a joyous occasion to reconnect with other creative minds and no better place to do it than Ambiente in Frankfurt, Germany! I’m sure we will share a lot of giggles- as we always do- and make life-lasting memories. I promise to share all of the amazing new products which are laying await in Germany!

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Get ready ladies! Denise McGahan, Lisa Mende, and Courtney Price (Photo credit for this lovely photo)…see you soon!

 

Xx, Julia

 

 

 

 

2015 has certainly kicked off with a bang! It has been a busy, busy few weeks. I am momentarily jetting off to warmer temps to the always exciting Las Vegas for The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS)! KBIS is an inspiring show that introduces the latest industry trends, products, and technologies. Read behind the lines here…major dose of fun, feast, finds and friends!

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Even more thrilling than the city itself, I am so excited to be reunited with my fellow Silestone by  Cosentino Trendspotters- Kerrie Kelly, Courtney Cachet, Mark Williams, and Kim Lewis– where we will be unveiling our new Silestone colors for Cosentino within the “Influencer Series.” The road has been a long and meaningful one as we launched our designs in NYC while viewing the Kips Bay Showhouse. Then, our travels to Spain for the color and product inspiration and innovation alongside the UBER talented Cosentino Product Development Group. They listened to our words and designed my countertop design just perfectly…Did you hear the word copper?!

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Cosentino has long been the global leader in natural stone and quartz, known for its innovation and vast color offering. Their products are amazing for kitchens. My latest kitchen design project features a whole lotta silestone!

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This is the first ever designer collaboration for Cosentino. This “Influencer Series” has been an exciting collaboration that has taken us across the world to Spain this past summer for inspiration and product development. We will be introducing our 5 stunning and distinct hues, all reflecting regional design trends that each of us draw inspiration from daily.

A hint at my hue–I was inspired by the mineral-rich shades and colors of the desert paradise surrounding my getaway home in Phoenix, AZ. Hope you enjoy!….unveiling will be tomorrow at KBIS!

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We will certainly be sharing that with everyone…as far as everything else that happens in Vegas…well, y’all know the saying.

xx, Julia

 

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What city am I in today? (Between the weather in Chicago this winter and the sunshine in Arizona, that answer is clearly obvious!) The last few months have been a whirlwind. I’m reminded every day of how lucky I am to be living my dream.

Next week I have the huge honor of hosting my first seminar at the Decoration and Design building in NYC! Hosted by Kravet fabrics, and joined by my dear friend and Executive Editor of Lonny Magazine, Irene Edwards, I will be sharing my experience of building an interior design brand and my trademark design aesthetic, Modernique.

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Whether you are just beginning your interior design career or your realize that being an interior designer is your next must-do career, I hope you can join Irene and me as we share our secrets of building a successful business and brand within the exciting world of interior design.

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“Modernique” Living Room featuring Kravet Chairs! This recent project of mine is hot off the pages of the most recent Luxe Magazine! Photography by Hausman and Associates

After a quick trip to NYC, it is then off to North Carolina for High Point Furniture Market! It’s hard to believe it is that time of year again. I LOVE High Point Market. The most amazing thing about market is that you get to touch, see, hear, and visualize all the latest and greatest in interior design. It always inspires me and I bring those ideas back to share with my team and my clients.

I am thrilled to be asked to return as a host of a “Suite Spot Tour” at the Suites at Market Square! Please join me and my fellow fabulous cohorts- Crystal Palacek, Christian May, and Corey Damen Jenkins- as we share design trends and innovation as we see it. My tour is Sunday, April 6th at 2:00pm! Sign up today! A huge shout out to the International Market Centers and my pal, Gretchen Aubuchon for spearheading the fabulous festivities!

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That Sunday, I am also taking over Instagram for market! Follow me on Instagram @designonhpmkt as I takeover and snap pics of all my fab finds!

 

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Here is a sneak peak at some of my tour stops…

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Chan Geo Collection Look # 8 Chandelier, Gold

 

Ro Sham Beaux

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Fluted Table

 

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Mae Chandlier in gold/silver gilt with vintage blue Murano Glass

 

Tommy Mitchell

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Lucite Gilded Flower Side Table

Stray Dog Designs

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I’m counting the days till market. It is not only wonderful seeing all the beautiful introductions in the world of interior design, but also seeing old friends, making new friends, and who could forget eating your way from showroom to showroom and party to party!! Hope to see y’all there!

 

 

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As of last Sunday, the 2013 Napa Valley Showhouse at the Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena California is history. Sometime next year, many of its beautifully designed rooms will appear in the glossy pages of Traditional Home Magazine,  but nothing tops visiting a quality show house in person and seeing it firsthand. And speaking of firsts, it was a first for me. Not just doing a show house: I’ve been privileged to take part in a number of good ones over the years.  But I had never done one on the West Coast before. And if you haven’t been there, let me tell you, the Napa Valley is one of this country’s most beautiful areas.  So of course I said Yes when they asked me! Yes yes yes!

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Trad Home has been sponsoring showhouses for a number of years but the house they chose this time was unique: an expansive hundred-year-old farmhouse owned by vintner Peter Mondavi and designed by Willis Polk, one of San Francisco’s most important historically architects. And while you know I always love to see what’s new in the design world, I also love history, so this was a perfect chance for me to do one of my favorite things–blend the two!

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The dining room still retained its historic wood paneling, so we introduced color with fabric–the fun Kravet Kelly Wearstler print upholstery on their custom chairs (thank you so for a fabulous job with expediting), the crazy cool Jonathan Adler for Kravet fabric sourced for the roman shades and the glistening Maya Romanoff wall covering above the plate rail-one of my favorite local Chi town vendors. Thank you also to Benjamin Moore   for donating the paint for the ceiling and another shout out to Bloomingdale’s for supplying all the tabletop accessories. Speaking of my dining room tabletop…. the showstopper was a one-of-a-kind ceramic masterpiece by Ohio artist Tara Winslow. I became obsessed with Tara’s works when first spied at the High Point Market last Spring.

One thing I didn’t do was use any wine-themed motifs–old labels, bottles, grape leaves, that stuff–because those things were all around us already.  What would be the point? Instead, I used a series of blues & greens in our room: some soft, some vibrant, all beautiful, and, together, perfect complements to the warm tones of the wood. Plus a gigantic table big enough for the whole Peter Mondavi family. It featured a glass-topped gearwheel out from a historic European water mill, and let me tell you, getting that beast into place was a real feat for our heroic installers, who had to roll its ancient wood–very carefully--through the other designers’ rooms without wrecking the floors. When we finally got it into place, we were all ready for a glass of wine. Maybe more than one!

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But it wasn’t just the installers whose efforts I need to mention.  To everyone involved in this massive project–the magazine that invited us, the other talented designers I got to meet, the Charles Krug winery, the Napa Film Festival that benefits from all the visitors, and all the patient and professional work crews, a big Thank You from all of us at BID. Thank you for making me feel welcome at my first California showhouse.  And to my own team–back in rainy, cold Chicago, while I was basking in the glory of a California autumn–you are the best! (But you already know that.)