Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

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!

Here’s to another great year for MG!  Where has this time gone?  It seems like just yesterday that I was blogging about the Business of Design Conference back in August or debuting my space at the Chicago Merchandise Mart Dream Home back in June.

I did this post at the end of 2010, and I can’t believe the time has already come to do it again!  Here’s to you, 2011!

What MG Chicago and my firm Buckingham Interiors + Design were up to these past 12 months…

Wishing all MG readers health and prosperity in the new year!

December

“Fun for the Whole Family”

This post was about a very family friendly project I recently completed in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.  I wanted to showcase bold colors, textures and patterns in a space that is just as whimsical for adults as it is for children. Look for this home being featured in the January issue of CSInteriors on bookstands January 19th. Written by Tate Gunnerson and photographed by Anthony Tahlier, this should be a very good read.

November

“The Luxe Life”

This is a post about a project I recently completed in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood that was featured in Luxe Magazine.  I tried to play up the homeowner’s love and appreciation of fine art as well as the unparalleled views from this stunning modern high rise.

October

“Affordable Modern? Sign Me Up!”

CB2 did a promotion called “Unlock Affordable Modern” throughout the country, and while it has since ended, my affinity for CB2 certainly has not.  As a lover of all things modern and antique, it was around this time that I coined the term “modernique” to define by aesthetic. I was asked to speak at the  High Point Antiques Market to elaborate on my visions of design nirvana achieved by the mixture of using antiques and modern furnishing’s within each space that I design. Thank you Karen and Amanda!

September

“Totally Wu-ed”

The month of September was a busy one for me!  I was here, there and everywhere, including the Brizo event for Jason Wu in NYC during Fashion Week.  I was invited to the Blogger 19 event (as you can see, there are 19 of us) and had a fabulous time mingling amongst some of the blogosphere’s finest!  Not to mention being up close and personal with Jason Wu’s stunning couture creations was worth the trip in itself! I made some amazing new pals- we are connecting again in February of this year for the 2nd annual Design Blogger’s Conference in LA. So looking forward to seeing them and friends who will be speaking and presenting this year.

August

“Staying in Style in NYC”

One of my assistant’s stayed at the Surrey Hotel in NYC in August and came back to Chicago raving about it.  Of course, I had to check it out for myself! I must say I was very impressed!  Sleek, modern, sophisticated yet so comfortable and livable…I didn’t ever want to check out when I was staying here!

July

“A Gift for You, A Gift for Me!”

I became obsessed with Layla Grace when I had to purchase a birthday present for a friend in July.  While I bought her a monogrammed lucite tray, I inevitably found many things that I was obsessing over for myself! Needless to say that the BID Team has been on the wire many times since then sourcing for our client’s galore.  This orange side table being one of my faves…

June

“Dreaming Big at the Merchandise Mart Dream Home”

I was thrilled to be a part of this year’s Dream Home at the Chicago Merchandise Mart!  Above is an image of my space.  Many thanks to my wonderful team and vendors at the Mart-Bradley Hughes, Baker, Dessin Fournir, Boyd, Paris Ceramics, Holly Hunt, Cai, Jim Thompson, Joanne Trestrail, Richard Norton and Lee Jofa…couldn’t have pulled this together without you! I am looking forward to seeing what next years chosen Chicago designer’s do with these spaces.

May

“Come out to See the Lake Forest Showhouse!”

May was the month of the highly anticipated biannual Lake Forest Showhouse.  My firm designed the foyer, front staircase, and second floor front hall.  May was a fantastic, albeit very busy, month for me.  All worth it because I love what I do!

April

“Victorian Era”

I finished this Lincoln Park Victorian in April.  I loved this project because like many of my projects, this was a historic home that had unbelievable architectural details beneath the surface of some subtle digging and that we were able to bring back upon restoration.  It was amazing to see the history of the house come alive while being updated with modern furniture, art and finishes.

March

“Sunny Side Up”

Spring break month!  One of my assistant’s spent a week in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida and sent me this article about the Lauder Estate there.  Can anything top this view?!  Aerin…I will come hang out anytime

February

“Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful!”

February is truly is the doldrums of winter, and during this time nothing looks better than a blue sky, crystal clear ocean and tropical drink.  Included in Travel and Leisure’s 500 Best Hotel issue were many beach resorts, and I couldn’t resist indulging and fantasizing that I was was lounging on this chaise above.

January

“No ‘Breaking Up’ With This!”

“The Breakup” is one of my favorite movies because a. I love Vince Vaughn b. it takes place in my hometown of Chicago and c. it features my good friend and wonderful artist Francine Turk!  I use Francine’s work all the time (and exhibited her work in my showroom as seen above) and wanted to share with MG just how talented and amazing she is! Hopefully Francine will be joining me this month at Maison et Objet in Paris. Can’t wait for that- not just Paris but to see and learn the latest and greatest in design for the upcoming year.  More to share with y’all!

{Me and designer Jason Wu }

Things have been quite hectic for me lately!  I have been in New York (twice), Boston, Florida and Arizona all within the last month, and I feel like I hardly have had time to  sit down- except while I was in the air.  Can’t complain, though, because all of these trips were extremely worthwhile.  We moved our son Alex into his new apartment at Boston University-a charming vintage home in Brookline- was sprucing up a client’s home in the Sunshine State, visited our youngest daughter during the University of Arizona Parent’s Weekend, attended the 8th annual BoD (Business of Design) Conference and the Blogger 19 Event with Brizo and Jason Wu- both of which were in the Big Apple.

{Enjoying cocktails and conversation with the other amazing bloggers in attendance at the Blogger 19 event hosted by Brizo}

{Hanging out with other inspirational women!}

I blogged about the Brizo/Jason Wu Blogger 19 event beforehand, but I can’t believe how much it surpassed my expectations!  As I’m sure you gathered, there were 19 of us designers/bloggers all together, and as part of the event schedule we were split into five different teams.  Each team was given 3.5 hours and a specified area of Manhattan (my team’s designated area was Midtown), to create a proposed bathroom scheme for Brizo, the luxury bathroom outfitter.  Each team had the chance to create a concept board for the group, all of which was presented in front of the other bloggers as well as members of the Brizo company.  The guest judge was Michelle Adams, editor-in-chief of Lonny Magazine.  Brizo really knows how to throw a fabulous event!

{Our team-Team Solna- inspiration board}

Not only was the challenge amazing, but we had the opportunity of attending designer Jason Wu’s show during NY Fashion Week as well as a special cocktail party with the man of the hour.  Brizo has sponsored Wu for several years, and now he is collaborating with them on a line of faucets.

Although I was well acquainted with Brizo before this event, I learned so much about the company and their wonderful team through this experience.  Brizo has been sponsoring the talented, young Wu since 2006, several years before he was quickly launched into the fashion stratosphere with Michelle Obama’s iconic Inaugural Ball dress.  Remember that dreamy white, one shoulder creation?  That was a Jason Wu design!

Seem like an odd pairing?  Think again.  Both Brizo and Wu are very cutting edge in their respective fields, and fashion and interiors have always had a great deal of creative crossover.  Brizo is known for their whimsical ad campaigns, green initiatives and elegant designs.  Wu’s similar aesthetic of a seamless blend of timeless and classic lends itself well to the Brizo line.

{Wu’s collaboration with Brizo- unveiling this fall}

{At Jason Wu’s fashion show with fellow bloggers}

{Fabulous gowns by Jason Wu…I wish I had an occasion to wear them all!}

It was great to see old friends, make new ones and get to attend one of the most stylish and inspiring events I have had the pleasure of attending!

{Me at the Jason Wu event with fellow blogger, Kerrie Kelly}

{All 19 of us at the Wu after party}

{Amazing Q&A session with the designer himself}

I love blogging for MG so much and it was wonderful to be in the company of those who were equally as passionate about sharing inspiration with their audience.  I will be sure to follow the blogs of my new friends from now on and hope you will do so as well!  Here is where (in cyberspace) you will find them located…Miss you guys!

{My Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom at 1820 W. Grand Ave. in Chicago}

Finally, my belated addition to our MG stream of how we became Interior Design addicted practicing Interior Designer’s.

This is the story of a Chicago Material Girl…..

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love beautiful surroundings or crave to have things “just right” in the world around me.  I know that this sounds quasi-ethereal but for those of you who love interior design and fashion, I think that you will understand.  The desire to pick up a simple accessory and change it’s perspective- from one table to another- can be a pretty strong impulse sometimes.  Likewise in a fashion sense, the perfect pair of black boots can just “seal the deal” on an outfit when those brown sandals just don’t feel right.

The quest for more information and experience to craft and hone this interest in fashion and design had begun…….

After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Fashion and Apparel Merchandising, I set off for a long string of interviews to become a Management Trainee for either Bullock’s, Robinson’s, or The May Company in Southern California.  I couldn’t decide which company to begin my career with….and, as fate would have it, I decided to move back to my hometown of Chicago to begin a career with Neiman Marcus – and with a very special bonus, the man of my dreams as my fiancé! (Who, if you can believe it, was a kindergarten classmate of mine!!)

{My husband John and I in the same kindergarten class in Wilmette, Illinois. Can you spot me? Third row second from the  right.  Edels was the tallest boy in the class and he is in the fourth row second from left}

After several years with Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue and Ann Taylor on Oak Street, all the while living in a tiny Gold Coast apartment, where we had red and gray tool chests from Ace Hardware as side tables, my husband and I transferred to the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This is where we welcomed our first daughter.  The brownstone  walk-up condo was my first interior design project.  I can still remember that stunning black leather sofa  (LOL) and the built-in buffet shelf that seemed ingenious as we didn’t have enough space to hold a piece of furniture in it’s stead.  Anxious to own a piece of real “property” we moved to the North Shore of Chicago and our  son arrived soon thereafter. Funny how that happens

Our children in front of our second house.  Caroline, Alex and Madi

This first house was the most design fun that I had ever had!  I began collecting furnishings and accessories during all of our family travels and scoured any and all antiques markets for goodies whenever I had a free moment.  Soon enough, friends started requesting me to help find pieces for them.  What a blast!

Some interior shots from the various homes I have lived in- These first images were of my first Traditional Home publication…..

Another daughter, and yet another new house, allowed me to tackle my first gut rehab, along with DIY interior painting and a total redesign. It was an amazing experience and solidified my love for this thing called design. I couldn’t stop searching for another project- and my travels spent accumulating antique treasures and artifacts turned into entire House Sales, where I borrowed friend’s homes, removed all of their existing furniture and replaced it with collections from my world travels. Each room was staged and I sold entire “vignettes” and rooms.  People would ask me to place their new purchases into their homes- and guess what? My first design clients were acquired.

…and yet some MORE photos from the many homes I’ve  renovated and lived in.

Yet another new home in a neighboring suburb on the North Shore of Chicago- which was another entire gut/rehab project, was closely followed by a relocation to Cincinnati. This was at first a devastating event but ultimately turned out to be a wonderful twist to my dabbling in antiques and the world of interior design. Not long into my time there, I was approached by the three owners of an antiques store – one which I had become quite obsessed with and visited often (perhaps a little too often) – to join them as a partner.  Could I do this?  Did I have the knack for filling the store with things that people would purchase on a daily basis?  Would I be able to find markets and little spots to fill the space?  All of my doubt quickly disappeared as I entered the wonderfully crazy world of antiques and got to know the many dealers with and from whom I purchased glorious pieces from all over the country-all to this day.  My spaces were filled and sometimes people would ask to shop my Suburban when I picked my kiddos up from school. You can just imagine how much my children liked that!  A business entrepreneur must start somewhere and things were just beginning for me… I began several client projects for my shop regulars and my interior design passion was reaching a new level.  Then, with bittersweet emotions, we moved back to Chicago and onto my house renovation #5.

Antiquing with Eddie Ross

Gut rehab #5 was complete, and shortly thereafter a family dropped by with their realtor one afternoon and asked us if we would sell.  “Yes” was the answer and we moved around the corner to gut rehab #6. Phew! I was getting lots of great experience and my antiques and interiors work was gaining momentum. I took the HUGE plunge of opening design offices and a showroom in the city. I was also exhibiting my antiques, art, and artifacts at several big shows in Chicago and New York. My design projects were getting bigger and publicity started coming in via word of mouth and some great press.

{Another one of my own homes on Chicago’s North Shore- photo courtesy of Traditional Home}

In 2008, I was a guest blogger on Material Girls, and shortly thereafter, invited to join as a permanent member of their team – what a thrill! I still love planning and writing the blog and have met so many amazing people through it – it has opened up creative doors that I never knew existed. From the Material Girls themselves, to other design bloggers, to the readers, and to the many clients that have found me through my posts, each one of you continually inspires me.

My current house circa 1910

{My current house now in Wilmette, IL}

Fast-forward to house #7- (an 1870’s Queen Anne), which is a home that I have wanted to inhabit since I was a little girl- 5 blocks away on the same street as my childhood home and 8 blocks from Edels childhood home.  Note the nod to our eldest daughter’s alma mater, the University of  Southern California-  I cannot live at home without acknowledging the Boston University of our son and our alma mater (Yay!) that our youngest daughter has decided to attend in the Fall, University of Arizona. Flag photo’s do exist here but due to short content cannot be included .

Almost a year ago, I opened another design office and Showroom, now in the West Town neighborhood of the city. And this year as thrilled to be invited to participate in two amazing Chicago Interior Design coveted venues  – DreamHome at the Merchandise Mart, and the 2011 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens – I have truly reached a place in my career that makes me take pause. I will always remember my first projects, contacts and clients fondly as they have all been a part of my “dream” business journey.

{Buckingham ID Foyer at the Chicago Merchandise Mart DreamHome}

{Buckingham ID Grand Entrance at the Lake Forest Showhouse}

What a fantastically convoluted journey this has been! I feel so thankful to have reached this point in my career – as you can see, there are a number of ways to “become” an Interior Designer, many of which are non-traditional. How lucky I am to be working in a field that embraces the different and unique, as well as encourages people to create their own paths. I can’t wait to see how the next chapter in my book will read. The best part is that I have my family and my Buckingham ID Team along for the ride.  Couldn’t do it without you all…John,Caroline, Alex, Madi my beloved Fam- Nancy, Paulina, Colette, Shannon, Whitney, Amy, Marla, Christa and Rachel my beloved BID team. And of course to my beloved clients that have shared their homes and families- you are my real inspiration. We have had an amazing ride!

{In Style}

Then you’ll LOVE her home!  Designer Tory Burch has taken the fashion world by storm in recent years with her bold prints, fresh take on classic styles and cornering a niche of chic day to day wear.  Burch’s Upper East Side apartment is featured in the March issue of In Style magazine, and I must say I am really feeling the vibe she has going in her pad!  Gotta admire a fellow orange devotee   And this is no mere Manhattan fourth floor walk up…Burch’s 9,000 square foot apartment is comprised of 3 apartments remodeled into one in the Pierre Hotel.  Modern day Eloise, right?  Burch fills her home not only with orange, but with a variety of other statement colors as well (color schemes not all that much different than those found in her clothing line).  Her eclectic mix of furnishings, art work and accessories creates the perfect balance between luxury and comfort (Burch has 3 boys, after all, so ease of living is paramount!)

{In Style}

Check out these images from the In Style article (was unable to find the images on the magazine’s website, so pulled these off of Tory’s fabulous blog!), and also images from her Spring 2010 fashion shoot that took place in her apartment (courtesy of The Well Appointed House) and an article from Elle magazine.

{In Style}

{In Style}

{In Style}

{Elle}

{Elle}

{The Well Appointed House}

{The Well Appointed House}

{The Well Appointed House}

{The Well Appointed House}

{The Well Appointed House}

{The Well Appointed House}

Although the forecast doesn’t predict 80 and sunny, I am excited to leave Chicago for Los Angeles for a few days for a reason other than weather…the Design Bloggers Conference!  Taking place at the Sofitel in LA from February 28-March 1, the 3 day long event will include a keynote speech from Jan Showers, presentations by Paloma Contreras (of La Dolce Vita), Ann Sage (executive editor of Rue magazine), Loren Ruch (director of original and special event programming for HGTV), Ann Omvig Maine (editor in chief of Traditional Home) and Michelle Adams (editor in chief of Lonny)…in addition to many others!

{Sofitel, Los Angeles}

Topics to be covered include:

Interior Design Trends of 2011

The Impact of Blogging on the Design Industry

Blogging With the Stars: Snapshot of Four Successful Blogs

Leveraging Social Media to Build Your Business

…and the list goes on!

I am so proud to be representing Material Girls at this extraordinary event, and I cannot wait to be in such good company with my exceptional (cyberspace) neighbors.

, 

While 60 Minutes may be CBS’s longstanding news show, 60 seconds is the length of the micro Skype interview that I will be doing for an online media project that launches today, October 28!  The mini interview will be conducted by Hana Kamm, who is curating and hosting the digital media series on her site called “She’s Next.” The She’s Next project will be a “24 hour vigil on October 28, 2010 which will include 60 second video segments from inspirational women each hour, and be followed up by a 60 second interview each day for the rest of the month.  The entire series will be focusing on what it means for a 21st century woman to find happiness, cultivate leadership, and help change the world for the better….” words straight from Hana’s mouth!  Doesn’t it sound like an amazing, unique and fascinating project?  Kudos to her for dreaming up such a fabulous idea!  I will be watching and listening feverishly!

Hanna is a recent transplant to Chicago from NYC, so I am excited to be representing her adopted hometown  I’d love if all you MGs out there checked out at least one of the interviews….after all, they are only 60 seconds each!

My inspirational image for today……

I’m so excited about the launch of the new online shelter mag, Rue!  It is a great mix of style, sophistication and chic trends in the design world.  Additionally, I am very honored to be featured in their September issue!  I am such a fan of mixing past with present, old with new and incorporating antiques and finds into any space.  In the feature, I take readers through my home on the North Shore of Chicago, where I have incorporated these design tenets, which I truly live by.  The text didn’t copy very well so well so flip to page 184 of the digital copy on the website to check out the feature on my home  You will not be disappointed by any one of the  many gorgeous pages!

I was poking around the App Store in search for some “design app” inspiration after rediscovering the “Ben Color Capture” app from Benjamin Moore that I downloaded on my iPhone sometime last summer.  Trying to sort through the melee of over 200,000 apps got to be quite tedious, so I took my query to Google. The top search result for “iPhone interior design apps” was none other than “15 iPhone apps for home design” from Apartment Therapy!  Looks like they beat me to it.  If you’re an iPhone user, check out these and other apps which are like having an arsenal of design tools literally in the palm of your hand.  And if nothing else, they are just simply fun to play around with.  Here are Apartment Therapy’s 15 best apps and their descriptions about each.  All available at the App Store on iTunes (or on your iPhone).

1. Color Capture by Benjamin Moore: “lets you snap a photo of anything at all and find a color match among Benjamin Moore’s many paint chips. Wow! Plus, it’s free.”

2. Sherwin Williams Color Snap: “gives you a color match, too, along with a complementary palette and a Sherwin-Williams store finder. This one’s free too.”

3. Mark on Call: “created by interior designer Mark Lewison, has tons of helpful features, including shopping lists, measurement tools, layout planners, and the like. All for $2.99.”

4. I.D. Wood: “is a pocket guide to woods, including information about durability, sustainability, and color. Also includes helpful info about cutting techniques and a nail size reference. $2.99.”

5. Home Sizer: “calculates square footage and construction costs for $2.99.”

6. Convert: “a unit calculator, comes highly recommended. Helpful for converting from metric when shopping for imported furniture. Costs $.99.”

7. iHandy Level: “s just what it sounds like. It turns the iPhone into a level. There are many level apps available, but this one comes recommended by friends. Great for hanging art! Free.”

8. eBay Mobile: “of course, allows you to track your auctions easily from your phone, so you won’t miss that perfect vintage kilim rug again. Free.”

9. Craigsphone: “is Craigslist’s mobile version for the iPhone, new this year. Would be great for garage sale weekends. Free.”

10. SwedeShop: “helps you stay organized on your Ikea shopping trips. Take photos, make notes, and tab the locations of all the items you’re considering. Given how frustrating it can be to navigate that store, this app seems well worth the $.99.”

11. Christie’s: “auction house has an app for those following auctions of their valuable big-ticket items. Great for serious collectors. Free.”

12. What the Font: “will identify any typeface. Just snap a pic of a poster, sign, or any other source for type, and you’ll get your font. Great for DIY projects! Free.”

13. EverNote: “an all-purpose organizational app, can become a great replacement for your giant design binders. Snap pics of fabrics, rooms, and furniture; make recordings and notes; map locations of your favorite stores and sales. Free.”

14. 3rd Whale: “helps you shop green. Find businesses, services, and contractors who focus on sustainability. Shop by categories, like “Garden and Landscaping” or “Green Power.” $1.99.”

The day has finally come when Buckingham Interiors + Design moves out of its long time North Shore home and into its new space.  The space is far from all work, no play however.  I wanted it to feel like a comfortable home in which clients are able to get a feel for the BID design experience.

With an ever expanding project list and the addition of several more (wonderful!) employees, it was time that BID moved into one of the hottest design district’s in the city- the West Town neighborhood. Naturally as a designer, this was an exhilarating new project!  We took an old industrial plant and crafted it into an urban gallery setting.  I have done several commercial spaces before, but this was the project that I really had been waiting for for years.

In addition to being the hub of our design firm, we have an ever-changing array of featured artist’s and furniture designer’s that are exclusive to Buckingham ID in Chicago.  Some of these artists’s are brought to us by the Outdoorz Gallery in Paris. We also are lucky to feature Marjorie Skouras lighting rooted in Los Angeles and Marilyn Borglum- a local amazing artistic find. And, of course there are many of my unique finds culled from all over the world to add to the mix of my classic design- meets modern world aesthetic.

Thanks to Jo and Kim at Desire to Inspire for featuring our new showroom on their blog.   Also, many thanks to my family, friends and my fantastic design team; Nancy, Paulina, Alison, Shannon, Adrienne- and our summer interns, Danielle and Madeline- and our amazing clients for being so supportive and enthusiastic.  Couldn’t have done it without all of you!

Come swing by the Buckingham Interiors + Design showroom at
1820 West Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60622.