Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

Cubist Woman
Judith Deim

I love sharing my modern + antique finds with my clients, MG followers and shelter mag readers.  Now, I am so thrilled to say that I will be sharing my favorite pieces from Buckingham Interiors + Design with 1stdibs members too!  I loved being a part of the One Kings Lane Design Blogger Tastemaker Tag sale, and now I have been asked to be a dealer on one of my other favorite sites.  I will have my collection up and ready for viewing tomorrow at 12pm CST!

I have long been virtually obsessed with 1stdibs, aka “The Most Beautiful Things on Earth” (love their tag line).  As a site dedicated to the highest quality of all things furniture, fashion, art…you name it, I feel strongly that 1stdibs has maintained the integrity of high end products while still making it all accessible to an internet audience.

Here are some of my current favorites on 1stdibs now-  from the only place where one can view “Storefronts” of 1200 of the most respected antiques dealers in the world!

Lip Streaks (Donna Mitchell), New York, 1967
Melvin Sokolsky
1967

Pair Of Hans Wegner ‘Halyard’ Chairs , Denmark 1957

 Silas Seandel Free Form Coffee Tables

Wicker Park project that will be featured in tomorrow on LXTV Open House

I had such a blast when I hosted an LXTV tour of my own home on Chicago’s North Shore, and was so excited when I was invited back as a guest designer to give a tour of one of my projects in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.

This project was several years in the making, and I must say that it is one of my proudest achievements.  The home is loved and cherished by a lovely family and I was so lucky that they were willing to embark on this journey with me in pushing the design envelope a bit in a surprising fashion.  This house is an amazing 19th century Italianate manse that the family-along with the renowned Chicago architectural firm of Vinci Hamp and famed Chicago Landscape Design firm, Hoerr Schaudt and myself- completely gutted and restored from top to bottom.  No detail was overlooked in this massive undertaking.  It was definitely worth the years of waiting for the big reveal. The house is beyond amazing, especially since it sits on a rare 5 city lots in the heart of one of Chicago’s chicest and most historic neighborhoods.  It is like a suburban paradise in the middle of its urban surroundings!

Join me on the tour tomorrow (Sunday, March 4th) during LXTV Open House on NBC Channel 5 at 10:30 AM CST.  I would love to have my MGs tune in

Here’s a sneak peek of what you will be seeing tomorrow…

Photos all from Buckingham Interiors + Design website and photographed by Eric Hausman.

 

Exterior of this North Shore home

All of my projects are special and unique in some way, but one particular project was unlike anything I’d done before. Well, it was exactly like what I’d done before…it was the same house, but a different client!  I had designed this particular North Shore home for lovely clients back in 2008, but they sold the home a few years later to an equally lovely couple, who wanted me to overhaul the home and take it in a completely different direction than I had done for the previous homeowner.  Make no mistake- they loved the home as it was designed before and fell in love with it “as was.”  It was a surprise to see their home on my website after being referred by a mutual friend. I like this kind of surprise

Although they did keep some of the same features and fixtures as the previous homeowner, their design aesthetic was driven towards a more colorful and layered feel. I knew that we were moving away the “French” feel after several consultations and Merchandise Mart visits with them proved. The look of the home under the previous homeowner had been very “French Country”, but my new clients wanted more of a modern, eclectic feel.  Very different, but equally as fun!  This is a wonderful home, and I am so glad that it has had such loving homeowners!  Welcome fabulous art that we sourced in New York together.  A nod to Indian and Chinese influences.

Take a look at the “then” and “now” photos…keep an eye out for the new owners pup making a cameo

Photographs courtesy of Buckingham Interiors + Design.

Living room 2012

Living Room 2012

Living Room 2012

Living Room 2008

Dining Room 2012

Dining Room 2012

Dining Room 2008

Hallway 2012

Hallway 2008

Stairway 2012

Stairway 2008

Kitchen 2012

Kitchen 2008

Master Bedroom 2012

Master Bedroom 2008

Family Room 2012

Den 2012

Indoor Pool 2012

Backyard of house

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.  I LOVE this day.  Hoping that you all have an amazing one! xx

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