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Skrebneski exhibit at my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

…to the exhibit I am hosting at my Chicago showroom of world renowned fashion and celebrity photographer Victor Skrebneski The exhibit, Homage Magritte, featuring never before seen works,  will run through May 13, so I’d love to see ya’ll stop by to check out this iconic artist’s incredible work.

Skrebneski exhibit at my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

Skrebneski’s love of photography began at an early age, and at the age of 70 the prolific artist is still actively practicing his craft. His broad body of work includes portraiture, fashion shots and beauty photography, all imbued with a non-traditional twist.  Some of the most famous names in fashion, film and art have been immortalized in his portraiture, and celebrated brands and magazine publications have employed Skrebneski to create works of art through editorial and advertisement photography. As a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the artist began his career as a painter and sculptor, yet a chance encounter with a friend’s discarded dark room equipment would forever change the course of his life and career.

Although Skrebneski’s early career objectives included a relocation to New York, an assignment for Marshall Field’s in Chicago called him back to the Windy City, eventually influencing him to settle permanent in the city where it all began.

Skrebneski’s work has been featured in countless museums, periodicals and books, most recently including an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and in the publication of Skrebneski: The First Fifty Years.  With no plans to slow down any time soon, the artist has embarked on a new project to create 33 portraits of Steppenwolf actors to commemorate the theater’s 25th anniversary.  The lively artist is a true inspiration both in his artistic practices and his life experience whose work is both captivating and revolutionary. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Victor and delighted to call both him and Dennis friends of mine. What gentlemen and a whole lot of fun!  What’s next you two?  Count me in!

Skrebneski exhibit at my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

Skrebneski exhibit at my Buckingham Interiors + Design Showroom

Portrait of Andy Warhol. Skrebneski Photographs.

Portrait of Audrey Hepburn. Skrebneski Photographs.

Portrait of John Malkovich. Skrebneski Photographs.

Portrait of Carolina Herrera. Skrebneski Photographs.

Portrait of Dennis Hopper. Skrebneski Photographs.

Town and Country Magazine. Skrebneski Photographs.

Chanel advertisement. Skrebneski Photographs.

Florida International Magazine

Florida International Magazine

Although the forecast doesn’t predict 80 and sunny, I am excited to leave Chicago for Los Angeles for a few days for a reason other than weather…the Design Bloggers Conference!  Taking place at the Sofitel in LA from February 28-March 1, the 3 day long event will include a keynote speech from Jan Showers, presentations by Paloma Contreras (of La Dolce Vita), Ann Sage (executive editor of Rue magazine), Loren Ruch (director of original and special event programming for HGTV), Ann Omvig Maine (editor in chief of Traditional Home) and Michelle Adams (editor in chief of Lonny)…in addition to many others!

{Sofitel, Los Angeles}

Topics to be covered include:

Interior Design Trends of 2011

The Impact of Blogging on the Design Industry

Blogging With the Stars: Snapshot of Four Successful Blogs

Leveraging Social Media to Build Your Business

…and the list goes on!

I am so proud to be representing Material Girls at this extraordinary event, and I cannot wait to be in such good company with my exceptional (cyberspace) neighbors.

Chicago Home + Garden is hosting their first ever “Chairs for Charity” event that I as well as 13 other Chicago designers/design teams will be participating in.  The gist of the event is that each design team has refurbished a vintage chair to be auctioned off that night.  I know I’m very excited about it (and gotta say proud of our chair ) The charity event will be taking place on November 3, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Tile Gallery (555 N. Franklin St. Chicago).  Tickets are $32.50, and auction proceeds/portion of the ticket proceeds will be going to Designs for Dignity.  Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails to be served…sounds good to me…a little retail therapy here.  Would love to see some MG out there to check out the Buckingham Interiors + Design chair as well as to support a great cause.  Thank you to Romo for the amazing fabric, Burchell Upholstery for the custom handiwork, Craig’s List for the fab chair- what an amazing previous owner story here- and to Ballard Design for the ultra secret surprise that we are keeping from the paparazzi until the event

{Buckingham ID chair!}

{our chair!!}

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While 60 Minutes may be CBS’s longstanding news show, 60 seconds is the length of the micro Skype interview that I will be doing for an online media project that launches today, October 28!  The mini interview will be conducted by Hana Kamm, who is curating and hosting the digital media series on her site called “She’s Next.” The She’s Next project will be a “24 hour vigil on October 28, 2010 which will include 60 second video segments from inspirational women each hour, and be followed up by a 60 second interview each day for the rest of the month.  The entire series will be focusing on what it means for a 21st century woman to find happiness, cultivate leadership, and help change the world for the better….” words straight from Hana’s mouth!  Doesn’t it sound like an amazing, unique and fascinating project?  Kudos to her for dreaming up such a fabulous idea!  I will be watching and listening feverishly!

Hanna is a recent transplant to Chicago from NYC, so I am excited to be representing her adopted hometown  I’d love if all you MGs out there checked out at least one of the interviews….after all, they are only 60 seconds each!

My inspirational image for today……

{Article from Chicago Home + Garden, on sale now!}

Everyone has a favorite color.  Although I have many, one of my most favorite is orange.  However, color is truly personal, and furthermore is something that can define a space.  Although everyone has a color of choice, pairing hues can be a tricky task.

{Chicago Home + Garden editor, Jan Parr}

This coming Wednesday (October 13) I will be a guest on WGN’s midday show at noon, chatting with Chicago Home + Garden’s editor, Jan Parr, about adding/using color in the home.  With virtually any color in the rainbow at a homeowner’s disposal, those who crave the bold or those who prefer the subdued will find tips and tricks on color schemes during this segment.  Whether color is incorporated in a big way (a brightly colored accent wall) or a more subtle way (a few brightly colored books and nicknacks in a bookshelf or a bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter), mixing up hues can make all the difference.  So kick that color fear to the curb and tune in Wednesday!

All images courtesy of Buckingham Interiors + Design.

Two of my favorites in the design world, Eddie Ross and Debra Phillips, the owner of Geneva, IL Scentimental Gardens, come together on June 17 for an event not to be missed.  Debra Phillips is an old friend of mine, and I always enjoy browsing her unique store that includes superb antiques, furniture and garden goods.  I have picked up many items myself to use in my own home and homes of clients. And, to share a little bit of GREAT NEWS- Debra and I will become neighbors later this month when I open my Interior Design Offices and Design Showroom in the city at 1820 W. Grand Avenue,  and she opens SGGrand next door at 1822 W. Grand.  Now, I can shop her shop much more easily!

If you have not yet become acquainted with Eddie Ross, I tend to rave about him on MG!  Check out some prior Eddie posts…”Congrats to Our Main Man Eddie Ross” and “Eddie Ross Brings a Sense of Style to a Chicago Flea Market.”  His brilliant concepts for home, garden and entertainment never cease to amaze me.  In fact, he recently won the “Big Window Challenge” at Bloomingdales in NYC back in December. I’m so proud of him!  He beat out Apartment Therapy and Elle Decor in this cool challenge.  An afternoon with the two is a match made in heaven.  If you are in the Chicago area on Thursday June 17, checking out this event is definitely worth your while.  They will be discussing how to make magnificent tablesscapes and arrangements out of  that which already exists in your everyday.   Check out some of the images below for a preview of the magic transformation of a table into a work of art, courtesy of Eddie Ross.

As a former owner of an antique showroom and an avid collector of vintage furniture and decor for both myself and my clients, I am constantly on the hunt for vintage hotspots.  There are quite a few out there, some good and many bad, and frequently very pricey.  The Vintage Bazaar however, a self proclaimed “modern pop-up flea market” will feature over 40 vintage vendors selling affordable, one-of-a-kind, housewares, furniture, clothing and accessories.  The event will be held on Saturday February 27 from 12-5 at the Dank Haus in Lincoln Square in Chicago (4740 N. Western Ave).  Best of all…admission is free!  ”Vintage” does not have to be expensive to be beautiful, and I will certainly be checking out this unique show.

The masterminds behind the show…Katherine Raz and Libby Alexander.

Check out their own antiques businesses: Back Garage and Alexander Salvage.

Have you caught wind of Blu Dot’s Real Good Experiment?

If you haven’t, catch this: 25 of Blu Dot’s iconic Real Good Chairs were abandoned and left for the taking atop New York streets with a few curiosities leading the way: “Who will grab them?” “Where will they go?” “How will they get there?” “What will their new homes look like?”… GPS tracking devices were discretely attached to journal journeys, and their stories couldn’t be more eagerly awaited. This experiment is above and beyond “real good” in my book and I love every ounce of imagination that founded the creation…

Will these glossy, vibrant, sturdy seats become permanent curbside furnishings or well-adored, adopted interior additions? Stay tuned for the Real Good Experiment Film, premiering December 15th, and unfolding the fate of each.

The One of a Kind Show and Sale, celebrated in Toronto, Vancouver, New York and the Windy City is back. Our very own Merchandise Mart has opened it’s doors to over 500 unique artists and artisans and has asked Buckingham Interiors + Design to celebrate the 9 year tradition by crafting a truly “One of a Kind Design Living Space” for all to enjoy.  Blending furnishings from sensational Mart showrooms (including Holly Hunt, Farrow & Ball, Interior Crafts, Boyd Lighting/Donghia and Atelier Lapchi) with exclusive pieces from artists exhibiting at the show, we have put together one show-stopping space and had so much fun unveiling and celebrating it amid unparalleled company and design last night.

Stop in this weekend and and enjoy the most “ONEderful” time of the year with us amongst exceptional art, gourmet goodies and holiday inspiration galore… For those of you who can’t make it to the Mart, check out more of our space in today’s issue of the Examiner Chicago.

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