This year, like any year, has been an eventful year for design. New doors opening, familiar doors closing, that fabric you just had to have for that armchair that you just had to have even more, those mugs you probably should have returned, those hedges that your landscaper convinced you (and therefore you convinced your husband) would “revolutionize” your garden, that amazing find on Ebay/Etsy/One Kings Lane…the list goes on and on.
With yet another 12 months behind us, why not take a look back down design memory lane and check out what we had our minds set on in January, February, March, April…
Here’s what Material Girls Chicago was talking about, thinking about, laughing about, lusting over, dying for, surprised by and excited for from January-December, 2010.
For more details, click on the highlighted link to be directed back to the original post.
January
“Living in the Movies…Literally!”
{Evanston home that has major on- screen appeal}
When a home in the north suburban Chicago town of Evanston was featured in the Chicago Tribune for its “star power,” or rather the many films that can credit this house for creating a lovely set, I decided to poke around to see what other films that have captivated audiences not only for their plot but also for the fabulous homes that make them worth watching.
{Father of the Bride}
February
“Picture Perfect”
{Winning design by Eddie Ross, “Bloomingdale’s Big Window Challenge”}
When my good friend Eddie Ross won the highly coveted title of victor in the “Bloomingdale’s Big Window Challenge” in NYC, I was so impressed not only by the design of the whole, but was really captivated by the large orange and white piece of art he used. Turns out Eddie got this piece from……
March
“The Bachelor Life”
{funky antlers in lieu of stuffed game animal}
I loved this home for its sophisticated, modern yet totally fun take on the traditional bachelor pad. No stuffed deer heads in this place! Chicago Home + Garden featured living the good (single) life in the issue from this month. Congrats to my pal, Darren on a truly remarkable pad 
April
“You Say Indoor, I Say Outdoor”
{Trina Turk for Schumacher}
Coming from a place that endures the most extreme in weather climates, outdoor fabric durability is crucial. However, you still want it to look good, right? These indoor/outdoor fabrics have the ability to withstand all inclimate conditions-from 3 year olds to thunderstorms.
{I used this Holly Hunt indoor/outdoor fabric in a Chicago lifestyle salon-Buckingham Interiors + Design}
May
“It Takes Two”
Twin beds remind you of summer camp or your grandmother’s house? Well…you’d be lucky to sleep in these swank beds out in a cabin or in your grandmother’s dusty house!
June
“Turquoise With Envy!”
It was the year of turquoise, literally. Pantone declared “turquoise” to be THE color of the 2010, so naturally when the New York Times featured designer Ghislaine Vina’s picks for all things turquoise for the home, I had to share with MG.
July
“Homecoming”
{Buckingham Interiors + Design}
The big move! July was the month that my design firm, Buckingham Interiors + Design, took up residence in Chicago’s hottest new design district, West Town. Seems like just yesterday that I was arranging (and rearranging, and arranging again), in our new space.
{Buckingham Interiors + Design}
August
“Kimmy K’s Swank New Digs”
As both a Kardashian fan as well as a design junkie, I was particularly excited to get a look at Kim Kardashian’s new Los Angeles home, which was revealed in August of this year. I personally think that it looks very tasteful, but a tad monochromatic for my taste…what do you think?
September
“Fabric Lust”
I really fell for this Thom Filicia fabric (an Ikat, go figure!) when I came across it an ad for it on the back cover on House Beautiful from this month. I still am a big admirer four months later and hope to use it at some point in the future! (Here we come, 2011!)
October
“Body Art”
I discovered the special edition Jeff Koon’s for Kiehl’s collection this month, a collaborative line from which proceeds go to the Koons Family Institute, an initative of the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This is a particularly personal cause for the artist, for his young son was abducted by his then wife, resulting in years of custody battles.
November
“Running Wild”
It seemed like everyone was getting in touch with their wild side this fall! Animal prints were everywhere in fashion as well as interiors. Elle Decor featured a piece on animal print design during this month.
December
“Got An Extra $50 Million Lying Around?”
The Bunny William’s living room heard round the world just so happens to be a part of a larger project, a $50 million dollar project that is. The 2009 Kip’s Bay Showhouse (2009, I know a little bit off), happens to be for sale for a jaw dropping price tag. Any takers? Name the date of the housewarming party, and I’ll be there! Hello, 2011 fete perhaps?
