Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

For you Chicago MG readers, or anyone planning on visiting Chicago, a visit to the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago is a must.  I recently made a visit and all I can say is WOW.  Not only does it house some of the most famous and recognized names and works in contemporary art, but The Terzo Piano designed structure is also a work of art in itself.  I  first visited at night for a dinner event touting the Cy Twombly exhibit (on display until October 11), and my second and most recent visit was on a crisp, clear beautiful day…a testament that this truly is a destination for all seasons and times of day or night.  If you get a chance, you must check it out!

Here are only a few of the many fabulous works showcased at the Modern Wing.  There are many, many more…

{Vasily Kandinsky, Improvisation No. 3 (Cannons) 1913}

{René Magritte, Time Transfixed, 1938}

{Gerhard Richter, Woman Descending the Staircase, 1965}

{Cy Twombly, Untitled, 2001}

I came across this interesting wallpaper, called Lletras i Tipos designed by artist Javier Marsical for Tres Tintas Barcelona, in the latest issue of Chicago Home + Garden.  I think it is incredibly unique and  I would love to find an application for it.  A wallpaper as unusual and unique as this definitely would require a leap of faith and a willingness to try something new and exciting on the part of the client.  This wallpaper is like saffron or truffles or a vintage bottle of wine: only to be used at the right moment in the right setting, yet when applied it creates such a statement.  I love how graphic it is, yet  when viewed as a whole it almost appears as some sort of textured wall covering.  It no doubt is incredibly fascinating and quite a work of art in itself…I can’t stop admiring it!   What are your thoughts?

Interested in this wallpaper?  Tres Tintas Barcelona is carried at Urban Source in Chicago (1432 W. Chicago Ave., 312-455-0505) www.urbansourcechicago.com

{Blue/Green Fireworks}

I love finding local Chicago designers and artisans who showcase their designs and perfect their craft right in my hometown.  My latest obsession is the textiles of Evanston based Jessica Jones.  Jones is a blogging (check out her blog: www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com) graphic designer whose bold, lively prints are just fantastic.  They are sold locally at Bucktown’s The Needle Shop (2054 W. Charleston St., 773-489-4230) and online at J. Caroline Creative.  Check out Jessica’s cool, mod prints!  I am definitely envisioning some of these textiles in my future projects….and did I mention they are very well priced?

{Brown/Tan Calliope}

 

{Orange Boardwalk}

 

{Pink/Red Beads}

 

{Brown Sunflower}

 

{Blue Leaflet}

 

{Green Sprig}

 

{Green Herb}

I have been working on an amazing home in Bucktown for two years now- the anniversary is this month, and I must say it has become like a sixth child to me (3 of my own and a couple of adopted peeps .  This project of  a lifetime is now coming to a close, which is somewhat bittersweet.  It’s been a wonderful project that I am so excited to see come to fruition, but at the same time I will miss seeing the amazing homeowners and  their family – many times a week at some points-and their incredible home.  It has great karma.

It’s like sending a child off to college (which I have just done again with my second child, Alex, to Boston University and his big sis, Caroline,  back to USC)…You know that the time has come to set it all in motion but you cannot believe that the day has finally arrived.

Keep in mind that these are merely scouting shots by the amazing Chicago photographer to be remain unnamed until the “real” shots are complete in September.   Just exactly where did the time go?  I wanted to share with you some photos of the nearly complete home…not all of the finishing touches are in place but it’s so close to being absolutely and definitely an inviting and gracious place for one to call home. It will be photographed for publication in the fall, so stay tuned. See ya around but not yet good-bye

 

PB Teen is a favorite of mine for fun dorm room goods, funky accessories and unexpected touches.  They only have three stores, their third and newest in, you guessed it, CHICAGO!  Located in Lincoln Park on North Clybourn, PB Teen’s Chicago store is in one of the city’s most fun and hip areas…sure to be a big hit!  I have yet to go check it out for myself, but here are some cool items I hope to find in the store….

{Lulu Rug}

 

{Petit Lamp Base + Shade}

 

{Fluted Lamp Base + Loop Shade}

 

{Mirrored Wall Letters}

 

{Painted Dot Airgo Chair}

 

{Retro Rings Rug}

 

{Candy Pop Finials}

 

PB Teen- Chicago

2111 North Clybourn Building B

Chicago, IL 60614     (773) 525-8349