Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

I am so excited to have been asked to be a part of the LX.TV – NBC Universal ”Open Houses” series!  You can catch the episode on which I will be featured next Sunday, September 12th at  10:30 AM CST.  This “Designer Living” segment is a unique opportunity for designers to welcome viewers into their homes on a virtual (televised) open house tour.  I myself know that I am always excited to see what goes on behind the scenes in a designer’s own personal world.  I will be taking viewers throughout the various spaces of my home, showcasing my favorite pieces, explaining how my design aesthetic is reflected in my own space and giving tips on how you can translate your own personality into designing your own living space.  Designing for yourself is most challenging, for there are so many fabrics, furnishings, design objects and artifacts plus sooooo many amazing artists work to choose from at your disposal. I can’t tell you how many times I have been sourcing for  a client during my many travels and find something that I MUST have. So in essence, my home is a reflection of my very favorite pieces from my excursions all over the world. Designing for yourself is extremely rewarding- and the best part is that there is only one person to convince as to what are the best design decisions!

LX.TV NBC airs in a variety of different cities, and “Open Houses” therefore features designers from across the country.  While my segment will be airing on television at LX.TV NBC Chicago,  it will also be airing simultaneously across the country. My son in Boston has no excuse not to watch  My oldest daughter, traveling in Europe will have to settle for Tivo.  For now, check out the link to LXTV Chicago, the place to go for life and style seekers of the Windy City!

Here is a preview of my Queen Anne style home (Buckingham Interiors + Design), that is being featured on the special airing Sunday, September 12.

One of my recently completed projects is currently featured on the cover of this month’s “Renovation Style” magazine! So exciting!

The Historic Victorian home is located on a gorgeous tree lined street on Chicago’s North Shore- very close to the beaches of Lake Michigan. The Southern raised, incredible to work with home owners were accustomed to more traditional furnishings and decor, so the challenge was how best to  honor the tradition’s of both the home itself and the client’s taste- all the while infusing it with a more colorful and whimsical aura.  After much love, enthusiasm and dedication to detail from the owners, this project is one of my most treasured accomplishment’s!  Look and see below images of an historic home with a”happy” spin- well suited for a modern family.

All images courtesy of Buckingham ID and photographed by the uber talented Eric Hausman except for the cover shot by  master photographer Werner Straube for Renovation Style and Meredith Publications.

Kids of all ages are sporting the latest craze to sweep the nation: Silly Bandz.  These small, pliable pre-formed rubber band bracelets come in all shapes and colors, each pack individually themed.  If you’re into baseball, princesses, even the Chicago Bears…there’s a pack of Silly Bandz for you!

With my daughter recently sporting her own variety, I realized the color ways of each pack are pretty well paired.  After reading the September issue of House Beautiful, the main theme being color, I decided to take a look and see if the Silly Band color ways correlated with interior color ways…and sure enough they do!  Check out some of the matches below…not so silly after all!  But don’t at all feel limited by these selected color ways; google Silly Bandz to see many more collections and colors of this crazy trend.

{Silly Bandz Fantasy Shape, $4.95}

{Jeffrey Bilhuber}

{Silly Bandz Beach Pack, $1.85}

{Steven Gambrel}

{Silly Bandz Baseball, $3.39}

{Silly Bandz, Wild West $3.49}

{Kathryn M. Ireland}

{Crazy Bandz Neptune, $3.99}

{Miles Redd}

{Silly Bandz Sea Creatures}

{Bunny Williams}

{Buckingham Interiors + Design showroom, featured in CS Interiors}

Chicago has always held an important place in the design world, with not only the world renowned Merchandise Mart but also a plethora of international design showrooms within the Mart and around the city.  A new and exciting design trend to come to the Windy City is the combination interior designer showroom + shop.  I myself have decided to embrace this concept, with my newly opened Buckingham ID design space on Grand Avenue in the West Loop area of Chicago.  My plan is to showcase the multitude of talented local artist and artisans as well as those from across the country and globe in my space, changing it up on a regular basis.  And of course, most items are available for purchase. Right now, the space features art by local artist Marilyn Borglum, lighting by LA based Marjorie Skouras and furniture from various artisans at Outdoorz Gallery in Paris.

{feature article in CS Interiors}

My good friends from Scentimental Gardens are now my next door neighbors in this shop/showroom venture!  In fact, we bought the space together and then split it for our respective uses.  The West Loop area is the latest up and coming neighborhood in the city, so I’m excited to be on the cutting edge of this impending design boom!

Other Marjorie Skouras Pieces:

{Chandelier I used in my showroom}

Other Marilyn Borglum Pieces:

More pieces from Outdoorz Gallery:

{ 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}

As I was running out the door the other morning, I caught a glimpse of Candice Olson (aka design megastar) giving home design pointers on the “Today Show.” Anyone else catch this segment? Candice was taking down and out homes out of their “time warped” state and bringing them up to speed with a fresh, modern makeover.

Here are some stills from the segment, but if you want to check out the whole video clip from the Today Show click here.

Featured was Laura’s self-titled “1980’s Emporium.” Check out that green carpet!  Laura knows too that things need to change in this room….

So here’s the dramatic transformation post Candice-fied!

Check out stylist Dave’s terribly dated kitchen….he admits that the irony of this being the kitchen of a stylist is incredible!

…And after the Candice touch!

Eek! Check out the gold piano in this couple’s living room that they are insistent on keeping….

Look at the elegant transformation a la Candice while still incorporating this unusual piece!

{Carrie Bradshaw in her new apartment}

I personally did not get a chance to see “Sex and the City 2”  in theaters (not so many positive reviews, as I’m sure you know…).  I am waiting until it is available on HBO on Demand to watch this flick for free from the comfort of my own home.  Per usual though, everything design related, from the clothes to the sets, was thoroughly decorated.  I caught a glimpse of several images from a feature on the set design from Elle Decor.  Like the girls themselves, the interiors are diverse in style and personality.  Many were left underwhelmed by the highly anticipated sequel, and I must say I felt the same way about the interiors themselves.  Although her place does have some quirky, unexpected and chic pieces like the main gal herself, I honestly was expecting a bit more pizzaz from Carrie’s new apartment; I thought her redecorated old apartment was much more captivating.  And Samantha’s office in Times Square seems a little bland (at least from the Elle Decor shot).  Were you excited at all by Charlotte’s all white kitchen?  What do you think?  Love em, hate em?

{Carrie and Big’s living room}

{Carrie and Big’s dining room, with kitchen in the background}

{Hallway in Carrie and Big’s apartment…love the Lindsey Adelman light fixture}

{Carrie and Big’s master bedroom}

{Carrie and Big’s closet…how do you feel about the differing his and her’s sides?}

{Carrie’s iconic closet in her old apartment}

{Carrie’s apartment post renovation in the fist “Sex and the City” movie}

{Charlotte’s kitchen…how adorable are the coordinated outfits, cupcakes and drapes?}

{Samantha in her Times Square office}

{Kitchen in Miranda’s Brooklyn home…loved what I saw from the first movie}

{Author Candace Bushnell’s own apartment…definitely my favorite SATC related interior!  Painting look familiar? Reminds me so much of the “Love” piece (actually a needlepoint rug) from Carrie’s renovated former apartment}

{“Love Too” by Paul Smith}

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.”

{Donghia Casino in Barney’s Co-Op in New York}

My former intern Colette spotted these ottomans in the Barney’s Co-Op shoe department in New York and immediately sent me a picture with the caption…”seen this before?!”  Indeed I have…many times!  The fabric is Donghia Casino, and I have in fact used it in projects from traditional to modern in design.  Coming in an astonishing 9 color ways, this fabric has long been a go-to of mine for its versatility and ability to be paired with a variety of other fabrics, textures and patterns.  However, no matter which color you choose, Casino adds that retro-chic flair that brings that special twist to any space. In the past I have used it on pillows and an ottoman myself.  I am creating my first chair beauty in the “Stardust” colorway as we speak.  It is going to be gorgeous!

{Donghia Casino}

{Spot the Donghia Casino on the throw pillow on the bed?  Used this fabric in my own daughter’s room}

I often forget that department store fabrics are not necessarily mass produced, industrial strength textiles, especially in the high end variety.  Any fabrics you’ve spotted that you either know or specifically like?

Here are the Casino color ways: (notice all their Vegas inspired names?)

{Caesar}

{Desert Inn}

{Luxor}

{Sahara}

{Flamingo}

{Tropicana}

{Mirage}

{Sands}

{Stardust}

{Absalom Boston House…epitome of Nantucket style}

I recently just got back from a trip to Nantucket to put the final touches on the vacation home of a client that I have been working on (from my Chicago office) for quite some time.  I have to say…I am in love.  So quaint, charming and beautiful, Nantucket really takes your breath away.  One gets the sense that not much has changed on this island in generations, taking comfort in the tradition and steadfast dedication to its way of life as a simple retreat. Furthermore, the homes in this intimate community have retained the classic look so associated with the island….shingled structures of muted grays, blues whites and soft neutrals.  While I was adding a modern spin on my client’s 1800’s classic charmer, many of the homes still retain that rustic,old world feel that so many of the beach getaways of the East Coast (Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod….) are known for.  Take a look at some of the images from Lisa McGee’s book, “A Home in Nantucket” and feel the instant comfort and ease of the Nantucket life.

Stay tuned for photos of my spin on the Nantucket home!