Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

Greetings from the City of Lights!  I am here with my hubby John to attend the Maison & Objet Home Fashion Showcase, and we couldn’t be having a better time eating, drinking, sightseeing and shopping our way through this magnificent city!  Although the weather has been a bit dreary at times, that hasn’t stopped us from taking in all that Paris has to offer. Also a blast meeting one of my Chicago client’s at the flea market to find goodies for her new home.  I am so excited to bring the best of European chic back to the U-S of A for my clients and showroom!

Here is a look inside what we have been up to…

Hotel Plaza Athenee…our amazing hotel!  So Paris chic.  Lavish glam to the max! The Gallerie and Night Club were elegant and happening.  The Dior Spa and Fitness Center was one of my favorite haunts during my stay. Fitness was much sought out after foie gras intake daily.

Beautiful nighttime at our lovely hotel with the twinkling lights of the Tour Eiffel in the background. There is an ice skating rink in the courtyard of the hotel with children skating daily to the tunes of french music.

Restaurant Le Jules Verne at the Eifel Tower

Hands down the best meal and views of our stay in Paris.  I highly recommend for lunch, sipping champagne of course!

Clignancourt Flea Market…I was like a kid in a candy store even though I have visited many times….

My client and I trying to wrangle best prices while amusing the crowd

Vanves Flea Market…another endless world of treasures!

The main attraction of our trip, Maison & Objet Home Fashion Showcase.  Five days of the most amazing home furnishings and decor in the world!  What is it about Paris that makes everything so oo-la-la?

Check out these chairs…j’adore!

Some exhibitors and me in the Hall of Garden and Home Furnishing’s………..

A few little treats from Laduree to end the perfect day in our hotel …These are mostly gifts I swear!

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!

CB2 really has been coming up with some very innovative ideas as of late!  I recently blogged about CB2’s “Unlock Affordable Modern” event, taking place in various cities throughout the country, and now they are being do-gooders with their “Can Do” event.

From November 10-November 28, CB2 is partnering with local food banks for an in-store food drive.  Customers who donate 7 non-perishable food items in-store will receive 15% off their total purchase; online customers who donate $10 to the Share Our Strength, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger, will receive 15% off their purchase.

“Can Do” is yet another great reason to shop at CB2!

After a whirlwind travel tour this past week- to High Point North Carolina for my speaking gig at High Point Market, and to Florida to check in on a client project- I am finally able to get back to working, and blogging, at my office in Chicago.

I was so happy to see a copy of the latest Luxe Magazine on my desk upon my return, not only because I am a big fan of the magazine in general but also because one of my recently completed projects is a featured spread.

I had such a great time decorating this Gold Coast home for the clients, who also happen to be good friends of mine-which can be a different and special gig.  The building is new and features unbelievable views of the city-Barney’s being a major highlight- and the wall space that wasn’t taken up by the floor-to-ceiling windows we filled with some really fantastic pieces of art.  I am bubbling over with the results and so excited to see it in both the local Chicago edition- and was notified by the Luxe team that it was also chosen for the national edition of Luxe Magazine this month.  To say that I am flattered to be among the projects’s of Phillip Gorrivan, Jay Jeffers, James Magni, Laura Umansky and the team of Andi Pepper and Stephen Jacobs would be a huge understatement. The talent surrounding me is crazy inspirational.

Check out the images from the feature below!

Biscuits, grits, and High Point Market!  That’s what I’m doing down South this weekend- in High Point, North Carolina.  My assistant Paulina and I headed to the famous home furnishings market for their “Market Week,” not only to check out goods from some of the best vendors in the country, but also because I have been asked to be a speaker at the High Point Market in the Antique & Design Center at Market Square this weekend.  I will be giving a talk on the “Modern-ique” style, which is, as you may have guessed,  is the fusion of modern + antique.

{Sneak peek of my High Point presentation!}

Having been an interior designer for many years, the owner of several shops and showrooms and an inhabitant of many historic and one modern home, “Modern-ique” has come to define my work.  This hybrid style is truly my passion, and I really try to infuse all of my client projects with that special   “Modern-ique” look and feel.

If you happen to be at High Point Market this weekend, I would love for you to come and join me!  The event will be taking place from 2-3 PM at Market Square, Antique and Design Center- Mezzanine Level Seminar Space. The space in which I will be speaking is quite appropriate for it has a rustic and modern vibe all for itself.

To get a sneak peek of my “latest” Modern-ique completion, see images below!  I recently completed this apartment in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.

Images courtesy of Luxe Magazine.

Stay tuned for more on this project and its feature in Luxe Magazine-both in the Chicago edition and was recently unveiled in the National Luxe Issue- very soon!

If I had to sum up my personal aesthetic in one word, it would be modern + antique.  Ok, two words plus a punctuation symbol.  Having been in this industry for many years, living in many homes, and owning/operating several shops and showrooms, I have become accustomed to searching high and low for artifacts- both new and old- to fit a space.  More often than not, such pieces can be very pricey, but I am always on the lookout for things that won’t break the bank.  One of my go to’s for affordable modern is CB2, the fun, funky and well-priced kid sibling of Crate and Barrel.

I was very excited to learn of CB2’s “Unlock Affordable Modern” event taking place in various cities across the country this fall/winter- including Chicago, DC, San Francisco, LA, New York and Atlanta.  The concept behind this initiative is the handiwork of some very creative minds…CB2 representatives will be traveling to the cities listed above (as well as five others) to hand out 95,000 “orange keys”, each with a unique code.  Orange key…you’ve got my attention right there!  These keys can be redeemed at CB2 locations for a chance to win a CB2 card, worth $10 up to $1000!

Over the weekend, the CB2 team dropped off keys for this event at my showroom and we all scrambled over to the store- but no winners yet.  Better chances for the rest of you!

Chicagoans…if  missed the drop off at my showroom and across town this weekend and want a key respond “Attending” to the “Unlock Affordable Modern: Chicago”event and swing by the CB2 store (800 W. North Ave., Chicago) October 8-9 to pick up your key!

If you are unable to get your hands on a physical key or want to learn more, you can receive a “virtual key” via text by visiting the “Unlock Affordable Modern” website.  Oh the joys of modern technology!

And…ONLY for MG reader’s a “secret” phrase mentioned at the Chicago or Washington DC stores for the first 20 reader’s will garner you another key..announce that “Material Girls Love CB2″ and you will grab another chance at winning.

To learn more about the event, what cities the CB2 team will be visiting and where the representatives will be handing out keys visit their website here.

More from CB2….

Brizo Ad Campaign

I will be getting a big slice of the Big Apple in the next few weeks!  I will be in NYC attending the BoD Conference from August 31-September 2 as mentioned in my previous post, and then I will be a guest of Brizo during their Fashion Week Events.  If you are not familiar with Brizo, it is a brand of luxury faucets that specializes in bringing together eco-friendly and elegance.  I have come across Brizo in many projects, and I must say I am a big fan of not only their aesthetics but also their ethics.

Brizo Faucet Collections

I am very much looking forward to attending this multi-day event, which includes introduction to the brand, interactive sessions with the Brizo product and design teams, and even a sneak-peek into their upcoming concept pieces!  I couldn’t be more excited about this fantastic opportunity.

Brizo Faucet Collections

But there is more…

Brizo has been a sponsor of esteemed fashion designer Jason Wu since 2006, and they are now collaborating on a new line of faucets with Wu.  Because of this partnership, part of the Brizo event experience includes attending Wu’s fashion show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as well as a private cocktail party with Wu as the honored guest!  Ok then, I guess I could be more excited

I actually featured a post a while back about Wu’s amazing showroom.  I was so captivated by the sheer beauty of his collection and the sleek modernism that showcased it so well.

Favorites from Wu’s Pre-Fall 2011 Collection

Stay tuned for lots of feedback and hopefully lots of pretty pix from my NYC whirlwind extravaganza!

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!

I was so honored to be selected as one of the nine designers for the coveted Merchandise Mart DreamHome exhibit, which runs from now until December 9, 2011.

My firm, Buckingham Interiors + Design, was chosen to design the foyer.  My goal was to incorporate different eras and textures- along with a visual “jolt” into the first room one sees upon entering a home. The pieces used for my space came from many of my favorite showrooms at the Mart- Holly Hunt, Bradley Hughes (the newest showroom at the Mart)  Dessin Fournir, Baker, Donghia, Boyd Lighting, Paris Ceramics, Lee Jofa, Summerhill and Richard Norton Inc. The showrooms play a huge part in this event as they graciously donate pieces to be on display for the duration of this 9th annual event showcasing design talent from the Midwest. Thank you all for being so magnanimous in letting me select and highlight your stunning pieces!

Here’s a little blurb about what inspired me to create this space…

I had so much fun working on this room, and I hope that Chicago area MGs can come out to enjoy the fantastic exhibit.  The Dream House is open Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM, and Saturday 10 AM- 3 PM. Photography of my Foyer by Hedrich Blessing and Eric Hausman.

Want more info on the Dream Home or need directions to the Merchandise Mart, click here!

These past few months have been extremely chaotic over here at Buckingham Interiors + Design, but in a good way!  I have so many new clients that I absolutely love, and several commercial projects that have been extremely fun to work on (yes, albeit time-consuming).  In addition to recently completing the foyer in the Chicago Merchandise Mart’s Dream Home, I also designed the foyer in the 2011 Lake Forest Showhouse.  Located in the leafy, historic Chicago suburb that is known for its graceful estates and stunning homes, this really was a pleasure to work on.  Designed by the esteemed architect Howard Van Doren Shaw in 1916, the 25 room Thorndale Manor was commissioned by railroad tycoon Darius Miller, and originally sat on an astounding 19 acres.  Although the house was in much need of some TLC, it still retains its original architectural details that were so meticulously crafted by Shaw.

The Lake Forest Showhouse benefits the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, and is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 showcase homes in the nation.  Having visited many of the LF Showhouses before, trust me when I say they are definitely worth seeing.  If anything, you’ll get a little taste of what Buckingham ID has been up to these days  Going on now through May 22!

For more info, how to buy tickets, and location visit the Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens website here!  Also, not only does this event benefit a worthy cause, it is also a great way to showcase this house, literally, because it is for sale!  If you are interested in spending $4.1 million, that is.  Contact Jean Anderson at Prudential Properties if you are interested.  And if any of you are the lucky new owner of Thorndale Manor, I’d be happy to lend a hand decorating the other 24 out of 25 rooms.

All interior images here are of my designed spaces throughout the Grand Foyer,  Staircase and Second Floor Hallway of the Manor Home.  All images were photographed by the amazingly talented and all around great guy,  Werner Straube, the favorite photographer of Traditional Home and Renovation Style Magazines.  I am always lucky when I get to work with Werner!

Thank you to my dear friend, Marjorie Skouras, who collaborated with me to custom design the gemstone chandelier hanging in the stairwell and whose pieces are represented in my showroom throughout the Midwest. Kudos to you for your new line represented by Currey and Company!  Thanks also to Oscar Isberian Carpets (Oscar and my husband and I grew up together- what a great claim to fame) for assisting me in my “crazy vision” to reinterpret the staircase first introduced in Lake Forest by Frances Elkins in the 40’s for one of her brothers’, famed architect- David Adler- pet projects down the road.

Many additional thanks go out to all who made this vision possible, Holly Hunt and Fromental, Bradley Hughes for their levity in allowing me to design poured lacquer consoles in my FAVORITE Ben Moore color, Nocturnal Gray, to blend with the stunning Dufour Wallpaper Screen circa 1815 from Richard Norton Inc, which was the first piece that I selected for this whole endeavor.  It was the inspiration- if you will- Farrow and Ball for their paint and wallpaper, Remains Lighting, Dessin Fournir,  Jim Thompson fabrics- thank you Tim Johnson,  and how could anyone not love the work of Todd Murphy featured on the second floor-available also through Buckingham ID, a pair of glass lamps by Swank Lighting added the finishing touch …also to the women of the Infant Welfare Board who made it extremely easy to enjoy this many months together.  Thank you for all of your hard work Lanie, Marcia, KK, Suzanne et all.