Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

I was so excited to see that Chicago Home + Garden recently featured the home of the creative director of FLOR, a modular flooring company based outside of Chicago. This home was beautifully captured and photographed by the uber talented Chicago photographer Nathan Kirkman.  Chicago Home + Garden always features fine Chicago Design-I look forward to each issue.

Not only do I love the look of Flor, but also several of my projects, my own home, and now my own dogs (as part of the set) have been featured in their campaigns.  We actually have a shoot later this week with the FLOR Photography Crew at the home of one of my clients-sans dog models. And, one of my oldest daughter’s roomies was the model in their latest catalogue.  She had a blast at the shoot with our Wheaten Terriers, Jane and Frankie, but stole the show!

FLOR is a great solution for affordable, custom sized carpeting, and the broad selection is amazing.  The look of Flor trends toward modern with basics to suit any decor style.  I have the “Fine Feathers” pattern installed inside my offices. Having worked closely with Chip and Cynthia over the years, it was so much fun to “peek” into their home. It comes as no surprise that the home of this creative director in suburban, family-friendly Elmhurst would have a very midcentury look…I love it!

The look of Flor…

What an charming 1940’s ranch home.

Dying over this orange couch.

Love the original stove and oversized chalk board…perfect for a home with creative little ones.

Fabulous onyx entry table.

Such a fun room for the little guys.

I could get some serious R&R in this patio area…

Please visit the Chicago Home + Garden site for more images of this amazing home and much more!

A “hot off the press” design project of mine on the North Shore of Chicago.  Custom MS fixture in foyer!

Sitting in the pop-up showroom of furniture and lighting designer Marjorie Skouras at High Point Market was thrilling and  fulfilling.  A treasured friend of mine as well as the mastermind of a gorgeous new line for Currey and Co, I have used the work of Marjorie many times in my own design projects. It is because of my shopping and placing her works-from lighting to all sorts of gorgeous accessories into my projects that we became friends. I loved our last brunch in LA with my assistant, Amy, and dear Bruno and India.

Our friendship led to my showroom being the source for all things “Marjorie” as her midwestern rep. Nate Berkus Associates have become one of our most recent new client’s for that “Marjorie” style.  Her famed beaded chandeliers are to die for as well as her inventive and unique furniture. We have both on display in my Buckingham ID Showroom here in Chicago.

Check out some of my favorite pieces from Marjorie’s collection as well as the use of her work in several of my projects.

Custom designed piece using Tiger’s Eye and Amethyst in one of my latest design project’s in Chicago.  A pair of coordinating sconces seals the deal in this dining room.

Marjorie Skouras in my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

A different Marjorie Skouras light beaded chandelier in my BID showroom

Same fixture in my showroom, different decor-and art exhibit!

Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

Same fixture as used in my Showroom in the kitchen of  a Nantucket home I designed. Different scale but still the same “wow.”

Marjorie Skouras piece in the Lake Forest Showhouse Foyer that I participated in for The Infant Welfare Society. I worked with MS to integrate the Fromental Paper via Holly Hunt Chicago into our hand selected beads.

Marjorie Skouras in my space at the Chicago DIFFA Dining by Design event. Bradley Hughes was also a huge hit in my space!

Image of the custom sconce hanging out in Chicago at my client’s abode.

The color of this “Honeycomb” is breathtaking.

This mirror in a rectangular space is sitting pretty at BID Headquarters

Love this rug! Look like someone you know?

These curtain tie backs are gemstones and are to treasure alongside amazing fabrics or stand alone with a subtle monochromatic linen.

Stop by anytime to say “hello.”  We are around from 9am to 6pm CST Monday to Friday. Except this week when I will be cherishing the return of my 3 children from both coasts.

Happiest of Thanksgiving’s to you all!!!!

{My own foyer, included in this feature in Chicago Home + Garden}

The first space a visitor often sees into a home (as well as the homeowner)  is the foyer, and whether the space is grand with soaring ceilings or a beachy front entry, a foyer is a great place to set the tone and feel of the home.  Use this opportunity to bring in bold statement pieces, fabulous pieces of art and personal touches.  The foyer is also a a justifiable place to splurge, as this space will literally be seen every time you and your guests walk in and out of the house and it is also the first blush as to the homes vibe. Go beyond an ordinary table and average looking mirror whenever possible.

Chicago Home + Garden recently did a feature entitled “Eight Foyers to Inspire,” and I’m very excited to say that two of my own projects were featured in the piece.  You, too, can play and stage just the right amount of emotion into the first glimpse into your homes decor. Perhaps surprise a pal or two.

{Front entry into one of my projects, a lake home in Michigan, also in this feature in Chicago Home + Garden}

{Ad in Rue Magazine that prompted my research into the Duralee ad campaign}

After being featured in the debut issue of online shelter mag “Rue” I like to check back in with them to see how they’ve been doing over the past 6 months. I am constantly inspired by their featured interiors and the innovative copy. Every time I “flip” (with a click of a mouse) through the magazine, I come across Duralee ads that I have been meaning to share with MG readers.

Ads for Duralee fabric and furniture collections are some of the best out there in my opinion.  With eye popping color and extraordinary set design, these advertisements make me want to run to the Duralee showroom at the Chicago Merchandise Mart and grab a bundle of their samples to share with clients-which I often do.

I guess I am not the only one who is delighted over Duralee’s ads.  They have a whole section of their website devoted to their ad campaigns.

{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!

{Urban Smoke Ball Fixture}

Lighting has long been one of my favorite parts of any design project, but it can also be one of the most difficult and time consuming part of the process.  First off, lighting really comes in bulk.  In some of my larger projects, I have upwards of 100 fixtures!  Wattage, placement, dimensions, shades….so much to think about when choosing just the right lighting schemes.

When I was blogging about the 2010 San Francisco Elle Decor Showhouse, I realized that the various designers had one common lighting theme: Urban Electric.  I often use UE myself, for their diverse collection of fixtures can appeal to a broad range of clients’ tastes.  I really admired the pieces used in the showhouse, but I wanted to also share with you some of my personal favorites.  Enjoy!

{Anson Ribbon Fixture}

{Athena Fixture}

{Chisholm Hall Fixture}

{Diamond Fixture}

{Dover Ball Fixture- Elle Decor Showhouse}

{Gwendolyn Hang Fixture}

{Kings Road Fixture}

{Poppy Fixture}

{Morris Ribbon Fixture}

{Sprig Fixture}

I’m sure many of us have seen the marvelous photos of the 2010 San Francisco Elle Decor Showhouse.  I myself can say that I am eagerly anticipating the 2011 Showhouse!  If you want to get a more interactive experience of the 2010 home, Elle Decor offers a 360 tour that even includes links to how to buy certain pieces featured in the home.  Seems like we can never escape $$$ now can we?  Take a look for yourself…it’s very cool!

Yellow Chairs by Ironies Design

Light Fixture by Urban Electric

Art Panel Wall Treatment by Christopher Jones Marino

Sofa by Restoration Hardware

Hanging Pendant by Circa Lighting

Fabric on Bulletin Board by Sunbrella

Wall Covering by Suzanne Tucker Home

Sconces by Circa Lighting

Floor Tile by Akdo

Overhead Lighting by Circa Lighting

Sconces by Urban Electric

Curtain Fabric by Serena and Lily

Bathroom Light Fixture by Circa Lighting

Tile by Akdo

Bathroom Fixtures by Kohler

Library Accessories by Gumps

Bookcases by Kraftmaid

Picture Lights by Circa Lighting

Wall Tile by Akdo

Sink by Kohler

Cabinets by Kraftmaid

I am looking really forward to my upcoming trip to the Big Apple this next week.  Traveling for design inspiration and for the latest things that rate for all that is design.

Although it will not quite be a relaxing vacation, it will be an exciting experience nonetheless.  I will be in NYC to attend the 8th annual BoD (Business of Design) Conference from August 30- September 2.  The theme this year is “Designing Happiness”…I’m interested to see how they will bring this concept to life as it feels right for how my design firm is navigated.

The conference, with a national roll call of high- end residential Interior Designer Firms,  will be my second year of membership. The conference will feature world renowned speakers, insight into innovative business strategies, extensive networking opportunities, and much more. We have been known to have a bit of fun alongside the biz work. Staying at The Peninsula Hotel isn’t exactly torture.

The conference is designed for Interior Design Firms (from 1-20 employees) with an emphasis on attention to client satisfaction and design excellence. After 8 years, it is now attended by an elite one hundred members within the  Interior Design world in the United States and Canada.  I will be there representing my firm, Buckingham Interiors + Design.

I am thrilled to have been invited to attend an alternative addition to this conference and to join 19 of my esteemed colleagues for a luxury experience with Steve Nobel. The LEO (Luxury Experience Option) will allow me to engage and meet:

• Thomas Jayne, Author, “The Finest Rooms in America”
• Judith Gura, NYSID Faculty, “Designers Through the Ages – an inspiring look at design influence”
• Newell Turner, Editor, House Beautiful
• Michael Calman, former chief marketing officer, Bergdorf Goodman
• Nancye Green, co-author of “Home and Interior Design Among the Affluent”
• Alan Siegel, Esq. Attorney to many Distinguished Interior Designers

With speakers who range from graphic designers, magazine editors, economists, psychologists and to interior designers themselves, I can’t wait to attend this bound to be enlightening conference.  Also looking forward to seeing my old friends from whom I find great inspiration on a daily basis.

Heading straight from NYC to Boston to move our son into his apartment in Brookline for his next year at BU.  He will have some groovy new stuff fer sure. All in CAD

Stay tuned for feedback from the conference!

{A montage of Peter Gluck projects}

Almost everyday I drive by one of the last remaining vacant lots left along the lake on the North Shore.  However, it will not remain undeveloped for long, as the lot was purchased last year and construction has begun on the home.  I was curious as to who would win the coveted  commission of architect of this amazing building project, and it seems like Peter Gluck and Partners has won the lucky prize (I spied his sign posted on the construction fencing).

I posted not long ago about another lakefront home that Peter Gluck and Partners built on Chicago’s North Shore.  His signature ultra-modern, “glass box” construction is undoubtedly unique and only fitting for certain tastes, yet for those who desire a one-of-a-kind home that is more like a piece of art than merely a house, commissioning this New York based architect is certainly worth it.

Check out some of Gluck’s other unbelievable works…can’t wait to see what my new neighbors have in store for the street!

House I previously featured…another Gluck home (called Cascade House) on Lake Michigan outside of Chicago.

New York City Townhouse

Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina

Floating Box House, Austin Texas

Possibly the coolest pool I have ever seen!

I am hooked on basically anything on Bravo, and their latest show is no exception.  “Million Dollar Decorators” chronicles the highs (and yes, the lows) of 4 well-known Los Angeles based interior designers.  Mary McDonald, Nathan Turner, Jeffrey Alan Marks, Kathryn Ireland and Martyn Lawrence Bullard are all big names in the design world, but getting to peek behind the scenes in the running of their successful businesses is very entertaining. Being an interior designer isn’t glitz and glamour all the time, it’s extremely stressful, very hard work, and the attention to detail keeps me up at night-all days of the week.

My  job requires lots of patience and many texts, emails and real-time conversations day and night.  I wouldn’t trade any of it as the rewards are bountiful and the relationships that are made last forever. Plus, it is a huge amount of fun.

“Million Dollar Decorators” shows also how ultimately rewarding/frustrating this fantastic job can be. The show can be pretty wild sometimes….

Check out these projects featured in the first few episodes.

Kathryn Ireland overhauls Shannon Factor’s home (her husband is the grandson of Max Factor, makeup extraordinaire).

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Mary McDonald: client guest house

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Martyn Lawrence Bullard redoes Sharon Osbourne’s apartment

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