Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

If it isn’t already abundantly apparent, I have a mild (maybe a little more than mild…) obsession with orange.  One of the most prominent features in my house is an oversized orange vintage leather wingback chair that sits next to a vintage Audrey Hepburn print, in which she proudly sports orange garb.  It is one of the first things that greets visitors upon their arrival into my home, firmly establishing that orange holds a special place in my  heart and in my interiors.

{Orange lovin’ in my own home}

Well needless to say that when I dined at the chic Fulton Market restaurant Otom the other night, my heart was aflutter with the orange themed interior.  Simple yet beautifully modern, Otom serves up delicious dishes that are as fresh as the orange and white interiors.  My eggplant and tomato gnocchi followed by mahi mahi with beluga lentils was heavenly, as were the orange and chrome chair I was sitting in.

{via Zagat}

Turquoise!  Winner of what, might you ask?  Pantone’s “Color of the Year” for 2010, of course!  As the official press release on the “color solutions” company’s website states, “turquoise transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times.”  It’s official color name, in case you were interested in picking up a paint sample or repainting your entire dining room this color (idea for next project, perhaps?) is 15-5519.

Turquoise has a long an influential history in the world of colors, from being a “protective talisman” in some cultures to a color of healing to a color of deep faith.  Additionally, turquoise can be paired nicely with almost any color in the spectrum, is fairly unisex and works well in almost any space.  Whether you choose to incorporate turquoise in a large or a small way, it never seems to disappoint.

I certainly am a fan of this lovely hue and have used in many times throughout my own designs.  Now I thought it would only be appropriate to do a little ode to turquoise!

Dwell always seems to house the most architecturally unmatched homes imaginable and as I stock up on inspiration, I can’t help but share these unparalleled abodes with you.

From tranquil trailers…

…to loftlike lairs.

From steel-based suburban sanctuaries…

…to vibrant villas.

From sun-powered surroundings…

…to harvesting habitats….

…and courtyard coves.

It’s hard not to dwell well within spaces like these…

Gleaming, glowing, glossy and bright… These walls are anything but understated and I’m infatuated with every inch…

Never afraid to color outside the lines, Miles Redd allows sapphire to shine…

Where was this room when I wrote Purple Rain? Check out these glossy, bold boundaries… Yum!

Jonathan Berger gave this late-19th-century Brooklyn home one jaw-dropping entrance with Benjamin Moore’s Razzle Dazzle… Wowza!

Laquered loveliness… This space couldn’t be more fab if it tried.  Loving this high-gloss blue amid black, white and yellow…  Fierce.

{Images gathered from Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and Head Over Heels.}

Essie’s new flavorful Winter Collection has me smitten like never before… Mint Candy Apple, Lollipop and Rock Candy have joined the Essie line up and are far too fabulous to cover fingertips alone…

Don’t you agree?

Mint Candy Apple floors shine amid snow white subway tiles and lacquered cabinetry… I am eating this Windsor Smith kitchen up with a spoon! Delish!

Sarah Jessica Parker packs a Lollipop punch in her Hamptons kitchen with Enzo Mari art and a glossy red island center.

Betsey Johnson, Eye Candy Goddess, coated her NYC Penthouse sky in Rock Candy-inspired hues… Can we blame her?

I just love how a tiny .5 oz. bottle can inspire an entire room… Don’t you?

{Images collected from Elle Decor and Elle Decor UK.}

Haute Living, never skimping on innovative luxury and style for both home and office, is hosting a floor sample sale through the end of November. Stop and shop phenomenal furniture from Fritz Hansen, Mooi, Piet Boon, USM, Rimadesio, Lema, Erba and Binova Kitchens and keep up to 50% in your pocket.

How haute are these?

Ant Chairs by Fritz Hansen:

Sam Loveseat by Piet Boon:

(Oh so handsome) Janszoon Armchair by Pietboon:

Viceversa Sofa by Erba:

Spazio Sofa by Erba:

Antonio Table by Lema:

Fab floor finds await!

When: Now through November 30th

Where: 222 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago

As you know, I’m quite partial to brights, lights and whites… of neutrals and heather grays… but must admit, these slate-inspired spaces have me going to the dark side…

Mario Buatta adds depth and elegance with his brilliant selection amid feminine, delicate decor…

Loving this seamless blend of ebony walls and glistening black flooring…

Crisp white linens set off soot-like surroundings oh so beautifully in this Domino bedroom…

Drama and glamour filled walls house this chic ebony and ivory tub just right…

This sleek backdrop is the perfect compliment to Vueve Clicquot hues and rustic wood floors…

Natural elements and fresh whites pair perfectly atop pitch-black boundaries…

What do you think? Time to turn in those pale walls for a little dose of drama?

{Images gathered from Apartment Therapy, Domino, Decor Pad and Living Etc.}

House Beautiful always houses an endless collection of delectable tablescapes and featured a great concept in their November issue.  15 tastemakers received a classic white Pottery Barn setting and a challenge to make it their own.

Eric Cohler’s perfectly prepared breakfast tray guarantees a good morning in my book!

Color me happy! Would you expect anything less from Miles Redd?

Amy Ephron sets the scene with elegance and charm…

I’m loving Phoebe Howard’s timeless trio of white, silver and gold…

Jan Barboglio brings a “richness of spirit, a softness of age and a story” to the table with meaningful artifacts and minimal color.

Pick up the latest issue of House Beautiful for more classic white transformations and entertaining inspiration…

I think that I am going to grab a bite to eat!

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?