Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

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

{Chinchilly, Essie}

{Buckingham Interiors + Design}

Fall has officially come to Chicago, and chilly it is!  Today it barely broke 60 degrees and what does cooler weather mean besides boots, scarves and jackets?  Autumn nail polish, of course!

Today was the first time I got my autumnal manicure/pedicure for the season, and what better color to choose than Chinchilly by Essie!  I discovered this color around this time about two years ago, and it has been a cool weather staple ever since.

Here are some of the colors that I am look forward to painting my nails this fall, and in the spirit of MG, here are some cool interiors to go along with them!

{Carry On, Essie}

{Lonny Magazine}

{Very Structured, Essie}

{Elle Decor}

{Glamour Purse, Essie}

{Rue Magazine}

{Power Clutch, Essie}

{Lonny Magazine}

{I Break for Manicures, OPI}

{Architectural Digest}

{Suzie Takes the Wheel, OPI}

{Decor Pad}

{Roadhouse Blues, OPI}

{Decorpad}

{I Eat Mainely Lobster}

{Architectural Digest}

{Are We There Yet}

{Decorpad}

{Antonio Lupi ad in CS Interiors}

As I was flipping through the pages of the latest CS Interiors, I came across an ad for Antonio Lupi.  As Chicago is home to one of only two Antonio Lupi showrooms in the US, (the other is in Miami) I have always been intrigued by the Italian bath and home outfitter for my own projects.  I was particularly struck by the image used in the ad, which incorporates the eclecticism-old and new, antique and modern- which is essentially my mantra.  These spaces they’ve created are truly works of art, really pushing the limits of the conventional bath and home.  How do you feel about this look?  Would you rather soak in your traditional porcelain bubble bath or bathe in one of these oversize marble basins?

{Chicago Showroom}

{Antonio Lupi designed villa in Sardinia}

{Antonio Lupi villa in Sardinia}

A DeGiulio Kitchen in one of my Buckingham Interiors + Design Projects in Kenilworth, Illinois

While the title of this post is a nod to one of my favorite books (by Anthony Bourdain), the real reference here is to kitchen extraordinaire Mick De Giulio’s new book, “Kitchen Centric.” De Guilio is a veritable kitchen genius and is one of the most revered names in kitchen design not only in Chicago but throughout the country as well.  With over 25 years in the kitchen biz, De Giulio really knows what works.  With his versatility in design, De Giulio appeals to clients with almost any taste.  His projects have been featured in publications from Traditional Home, Better Homes and Gardens to House Beautiful, and his unbelievable showroom in the Chicago Merchandise Mart is definitely worth a visit.  De Giulio is a frequent speaker at industry events, but now his words are being immortalized in a beautiful book that I surely am looking forward to checking out!

Mick De Giulio’s new book, Kitchen Centric

De Giulio kitchen Glencoe, IL

De Giulio kitchen Glencoe, IL

De Giulio Highland Park, IL

De Giulio kitchen Highland Park, IL

De Giulio kitchen Highland Park, IL

De Giulio kitchen Atherton, CA

De Giulio kitchen Winnetka, IL

De Giulio kitchen Monte Sereno, CA

De Giulio kitchen Monte Sereno, CA

De Giulio kitchen Chicago, IL

De Giulio kitchen Chicago, IL

De Giulio kitchen Scottsdale, AZ

As I passed by the Chicago showroom of Roche Bobois the other day, I decided to check out what this uber chic Parisian home outfitter is up to.  I discovered their Jean Paul Gaultier home collection, which is fashioned in the same style as the designer’s couture creations.  Avant garde, opulent and oh so glamorous, I must admit that this collection isn’t particularly my style, but in the words of one of my most favorite taste makers, Carrie Bradshaw, it is undeniable that it is just “fabulous.”  This sophisticated and very unique line of furniture and accessories is so distinctive that it would take a bold designer and willing client to fashion a room out of this collection.  Perhaps a few pieces here and there might produce a more manageable effect.  What are your thoughts?  Hate it, love it, or somewhere in between?

{Jean Paul Gaultier Fall Winter 2010/2011}

{Jean Paul Gaultier Fall Winter 2010/2011}

{Jean Paul Gaultier Fall Winter 2010/2011}

{Hermes Avalon Blanket, $2,425}

Luckily Chicago was spared the wintry madness that recently sacked the East Coast, causing thousands of flight cancellations and forcing many people to just stay put.  Although the amount of precipitation that Chitown has received has been managable, I still very much enjoy the idea of curling up with a good book (or good shelter mag) in front of a fire, underneath a cozy blanket.  Throws always make great gifts-neutral yet useful.

The Hermes Avalon blanket is the epitome of elegant comfort.  However, if you don’t feel like dropping $2,425 to stay warm on your sofa then here are some other great options (many of which are now on sale).

{Chenille Heathered Strip Throw, Restoration Hardware, $59}

{Mink Faux Fur Throw, Restoration Hardware, $99}

{Cubist Chocolate Throw, Dwell Studio, $190}

{Thomas Paul Octopus Throw-Grey, Velocity, $350}

{Amenity Alpaca Afghan in Yellow, Velocity, $167-$287}

{Coyuchi Striped Wool Blanket, $125}

{Authentic Kantha Throw, Pottery Barn, $99}

{Merino Wool Grey Throw, CB2, $39.95}

{Lima Alpaca Throws, Crate & Barrel, $99-$169}

{Dimension Throw, Crate & Barrel, $69}

{Alpaca Throw Teal, Jayson Home & Garden, $250}

{Vintage Pieced Blanket, $250}

{Lambswool Throw, Design Within Reach, $150}

{Mohair Blanket, Design Within Reach, $200}

For all you prepsters out there, this one is for you. The quintessential preppy outfitters, Brooks Brothers, is taking their signature style one step further…home decor.  This makes a lot of sense now that I look at the collection, which includes bedding, bath and decorative pillows.  The classic stripes of silk ties and button downs translate nicely into home apparel, although they strike me as a little “hotelish.” The bedding is very understated (however maybe even a little bland), but I find the pillows to be somewhat fun (they are a literal translation of classic Brooks Brothers ties into pillow form).  Like the tried and true brand itself, this latest venture from Brooks Brothers is meant to be timeless, classic and conservative, not trendy and fleeting.

{ Big Bloom Twin XL Sheet Set; Regular $26.00 – $49.00 SPECIAL $19.00 – $22.00}

With the start of school just around the corner, (seriously, where has this summer gone?!) it’s time to start loading up supplies for your son or daughter.  If your child is heading back to middle school or high school, you’re probably making a beeline for Target right about now.  If he or she is heading back to college, you’re probably scrambling to find bedding/room decor to liven up that cinder block, cell-like dorm room that is pretty much standard at any college throughout the country.

A great place to find affordable and fun college age bedding and furnishings is PB Teen.  Yes, at times it can be a little kitschy but using select items for pops of color can really make cold, sterile dorm room feel more warm and inviting.  Check out PB Teen’s twin xl bedding selection (plus some cool throw pillows) for some eye catching and well-priced options for that strangely sized dorm bed.  Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a selection of guy’s bedding too.

GIRL BEDDING SELECTION:

{Zebra Twin XL Sheet Set; Regular$26.00 – $49.00 SPECIAL $22.00 – $39.00}

{Double Dot Twin XL Sheet Set; Regular$26.00 – $49.00 SPECIAL $20.00 – $39.00}

{Surf Stripe Twin XL Sheet Set; Regular $28.00 – $69.00 SPECIAL $18.00 – $59.00}

{Paisley Pop Twin XL Sheet Set; $26-$49}

{PB Classic Essential Twin XL Sheet Set; $15-$22}

{De-Vine Organic Twin XL Sheet Set; $28-$69}

{Nouveau Floral Organic Twin XL Sheet Set; $28-$69}

{Zig Zag Pillow Cover; Regular$25.00 SPECIAL $19.00}

{Double Dot Neck Roll Pillow Cover; $19.00 SPECIAL $12.00}

{Lighthouse Beach Lumbar Pillow Cover; $29.00 SPECIAL $19.00}

GUY BEDDING SELECTION:

{Classic Plaid Organic Twin XL Sheet Set; $32-$89}

{MLB Twin XL Sheet Set; $26-$49}

{Classic Twin XL Sheet Set;  Regular $26.00 – $49.00 SPECIAL $22.00 – $49.00}

{Big Leaf Organic  Twin XL Sheet Set; Regular $28.00 SPECIAL $22.00}

{Stripe Favorite Tee Twin XL Sheet Set $28.00 – $69.00}

{Decor Pad}

Oh the good old twin bed.  Remind you of summer camp?  Your poster covered, 7 year old bedroom you shared with your kid sister? 1950′s sitcoms where married couples slept in separate beds?  Vanquish all the above from your memory!  Twin beds are hot these days, and these pics will show you why!  They are a great guest room option and yes, still are perfect for kid’s rooms.  These twin bed abodes prove that two really can be better than one.

{Decor Pad}

{Decor Pad}

{Branca}

{Branca}

{Decor Pad}

{Decor Pad}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Elle Decor}

{Elle Decor}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Decor Pad}

{Decor Pad}

{Flickr}

To me, nothing signals the approach of the most wonderful time of the year more than Starbucks’ annual release of their signature red cups. Today marks the 12th Anniversary of the colorful tradition and I hope it brings you as much pre-holiday cheer and excitement as it does me!..  Let’s warm up with a little handful of red today…

A few more reasons I’m loving on this festive hue:

Rina Menardi has added a new shade to her already irresistable collection… Che bella!

I absolutely adore Farrow & Ball’s new Lotus print in red and can not wait to showcase it in my one of a kind designer space at the Merchandise Mart’s “One of a Kind Show” this upcoming December…

Can you imagine feeling anything but fabulous in this Jolie tub?  Regia earned Designer Plus 2009 status with this decadent design…

Getting warmer?

What’s in your red cup?