Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

{Rue Magazine- May/June 2011}

I can’t get enough of Rue Magazine, possibly because it’s such a fun, cheery read.  This little feature on side tables in the May/June 2011 issue could have totally be a “skim over” but I did a double take when I saw these “wow” worthy pieces!  Some cool tables, don’t you think?

After being featured in the magazine’s first issue back in September, this online publication has become a must read for me! Had lots of fun with Crystal and co. and photographer, Werner, at the shoot in my home.  They learned a lot about my obsession with crowns

If I had the means to aquire a fully furnished chateau in France, I’d take it!  Well, I guess I’d have to think of the logistics first.  A 16th century manor home filled with dusty old furnishings would require a lot of TLC, but this British entrepreneur was up to the challenge, as documented in Architectural Digest.  Having owned a weekend home for many years in the English countryside, the Brit was ready for a move to the agricultural region of La Beauce in France, 70 miles from Paris.  Although the wealthy, art-collecting owner has many homes throughout the world, including Ibiza and Paris, this home became a particularly special project.  Chateau de Fontenay was a moated dream castle, and its location in a quiet village provided anonymity and removal from the owner’s social scene.

The owner and friend/principal of prominent design firm Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi, Tino Zervudachi, went to work overhauling the grand home.  Notably, the extensive taxidermy throughout the house had to go, as the owner explains that it was inappropriate as his daughter was an avid vegetarian.  They set out to redecorate the home, keeping old pieces yet updating the manor with many new pieces.  ”It was meant to feel like an amalgamation of over generations,” notes the homeowner.

Image captions courtesy of Architectural Digest.

Zervudachi converted the rustic library into a billiard room. On the walls are paintings by, from left, Hurvin Anderson, Anke Weyer, and Alejandra Icaza. The curtains are made of Algiers silk by Robert Kime, and Claremont’s Toile Chevron stripe covers chairs and a bench; the kilim is from Galerie Triff.

In the television room, the overstuffed armchair and the Louis XV–style bergère are upholstered in a Charles Burger print and a Georges Le Manach chenille, respectively.

Framed herbarium pages bring nature into the entrance hall.

A Claremont fabric covers matching sofas in the paneled living room. The curtains are of Ashoka linen by Robert Kime; slipcovered ottomans serve as cocktail tables.

The kitchen’s neo-Gothic millwork was installed by the previous owners.

A corridor is paved with encaustic tiles.

The pool is hidden behind hedges and flower beds.

An inventively rustic veranda stretches across the rear of the house—its columns are made of tree trunks set on stone bases.

A breakfast table on the gravel-covered veranda.

A guest bedroom’s curtains are made of Concini cotton by Georges Le Manach.

A carved-wood chandelier adds an element of fantasy to a guest bath. The chair, upholstered in needlepoint, is Victorian.

An old-fashioned hot-water tank serves a claw-foot tub; the wallpaper, added by the previous owners, depicts neoclassical urns and statues.

Antique Zuber wallpaper hangs in the Chambre aux Oiseaux.

The Chambre Indienne is enlivened by a Madeleine Castaing print by Edmond Petit, available at Clarence House.

A lit à la polonaise is the focal point of one bedroom.

Bergères are pulled up to a fireplace.

As I passed by the Chicago showroom of Roche Bobois the other day, I decided to check out what this uber chic Parisian home outfitter is up to.  I discovered their Jean Paul Gaultier home collection, which is fashioned in the same style as the designer’s couture creations.  Avant garde, opulent and oh so glamorous, I must admit that this collection isn’t particularly my style, but in the words of one of my most favorite taste makers, Carrie Bradshaw, it is undeniable that it is just “fabulous.”  This sophisticated and very unique line of furniture and accessories is so distinctive that it would take a bold designer and willing client to fashion a room out of this collection.  Perhaps a few pieces here and there might produce a more manageable effect.  What are your thoughts?  Hate it, love it, or somewhere in between?

{Jean Paul Gaultier Fall Winter 2010/2011}

{Jean Paul Gaultier Fall Winter 2010/2011}

{Jean Paul Gaultier Fall Winter 2010/2011}

{The Painted Lady}

I featured a post a few weeks ago about Chicago Home + Garden’s latest issue, “Best of the New in 2011,” and I am so excited to say that the Grand Avenue (West Town) district of Chicago has been deemed the “Best New Design District” in the city!  Grand Avenue is not only home to my own showroom, but it also is the most up and coming area for many designers, showrooms and shops, both those new on the scene and those looking to relocate to this latest design hub.  In fact, my friends at Scentimental Gardens opened up a second shop (their first is in Geneva, IL)-SG Grand- right next to me!  We even have our very own website touting the neighborhood and alerting all to upcoming events and happenings.  Nice to have such fantastic neighbors

{West Town neighborhood with featured Grand Ave. design shops/showrooms}

{SG Grand}

{SG Grand}

Check out the magazine feature below, and feel free to stop by the Buckingham Interiors + Design showroom at 1820 W. Grand Ave. Chicago, if you’re in the neighborhood!

All locations/contact information provided at the end of the post.

{Buckingham Interiors + Design}

{Buckingham Interiors + Design}

{Post 27}

{Post 27}

{Post 27}

{Urban Remains}

{Urban Remains}

{Urban Remains}

Locations

Buckingham Interiors & Design
1820 W. Grand Ave.
312-243-9975
buckinghamid.com

European Furniture Warehouse
2145 W. Grand Ave.
800-243-1955
eurofurniture.com

Grand Street Gardens
2200 W. Grand Ave.
312-829-8200
grandstreetgardens.com

MCM Grand
2219 W. Grand Ave.
312-666-3376
mcmgrand.net

Modern Times
2100 W. Grand Ave.
312-243-5706
moderntimeschicago.com

The Painted Lady
1818 W. Grand Ave.
312-226-0155
thepaintedladychicago.com

Post 27
1819 W. Grand Ave.
312-829-6122
post27store.com

Salvage One
1840 W. Hubbard St.
312-733-0098
salvageone.com

SG Grand
1822 W. Grand Ave.
312-226-6654
sggrand.com

State Street Salvage
2248 W. Grand Ave.
630-863-9941
statestreetsalvage.com

Urban Remains
1819 W. Grand Ave.
312-492-6254
urbanremainschicago.com

Wright
1440 W. Hubbard St.
312-563-0020
wright20.com

Design Inc.
1359 W. Grand Ave.
312-243-4333
designinchicago.com

{Buckingham Interiors + Design showroom, featured in CS Interiors}

Chicago has always held an important place in the design world, with not only the world renowned Merchandise Mart but also a plethora of international design showrooms within the Mart and around the city.  A new and exciting design trend to come to the Windy City is the combination interior designer showroom + shop.  I myself have decided to embrace this concept, with my newly opened Buckingham ID design space on Grand Avenue in the West Loop area of Chicago.  My plan is to showcase the multitude of talented local artist and artisans as well as those from across the country and globe in my space, changing it up on a regular basis.  And of course, most items are available for purchase. Right now, the space features art by local artist Marilyn Borglum, lighting by LA based Marjorie Skouras and furniture from various artisans at Outdoorz Gallery in Paris.

{feature article in CS Interiors}

My good friends from Scentimental Gardens are now my next door neighbors in this shop/showroom venture!  In fact, we bought the space together and then split it for our respective uses.  The West Loop area is the latest up and coming neighborhood in the city, so I’m excited to be on the cutting edge of this impending design boom!

Other Marjorie Skouras Pieces:

{Chandelier I used in my showroom}

Other Marilyn Borglum Pieces:

More pieces from Outdoorz Gallery:

I was poking around the App Store in search for some “design app” inspiration after rediscovering the “Ben Color Capture” app from Benjamin Moore that I downloaded on my iPhone sometime last summer.  Trying to sort through the melee of over 200,000 apps got to be quite tedious, so I took my query to Google. The top search result for “iPhone interior design apps” was none other than “15 iPhone apps for home design” from Apartment Therapy!  Looks like they beat me to it.  If you’re an iPhone user, check out these and other apps which are like having an arsenal of design tools literally in the palm of your hand.  And if nothing else, they are just simply fun to play around with.  Here are Apartment Therapy’s 15 best apps and their descriptions about each.  All available at the App Store on iTunes (or on your iPhone).

1. Color Capture by Benjamin Moore: “lets you snap a photo of anything at all and find a color match among Benjamin Moore’s many paint chips. Wow! Plus, it’s free.”

2. Sherwin Williams Color Snap: “gives you a color match, too, along with a complementary palette and a Sherwin-Williams store finder. This one’s free too.”

3. Mark on Call: “created by interior designer Mark Lewison, has tons of helpful features, including shopping lists, measurement tools, layout planners, and the like. All for $2.99.”

4. I.D. Wood: “is a pocket guide to woods, including information about durability, sustainability, and color. Also includes helpful info about cutting techniques and a nail size reference. $2.99.”

5. Home Sizer: “calculates square footage and construction costs for $2.99.”

6. Convert: “a unit calculator, comes highly recommended. Helpful for converting from metric when shopping for imported furniture. Costs $.99.”

7. iHandy Level: “s just what it sounds like. It turns the iPhone into a level. There are many level apps available, but this one comes recommended by friends. Great for hanging art! Free.”

8. eBay Mobile: “of course, allows you to track your auctions easily from your phone, so you won’t miss that perfect vintage kilim rug again. Free.”

9. Craigsphone: “is Craigslist’s mobile version for the iPhone, new this year. Would be great for garage sale weekends. Free.”

10. SwedeShop: “helps you stay organized on your Ikea shopping trips. Take photos, make notes, and tab the locations of all the items you’re considering. Given how frustrating it can be to navigate that store, this app seems well worth the $.99.”

11. Christie’s: “auction house has an app for those following auctions of their valuable big-ticket items. Great for serious collectors. Free.”

12. What the Font: “will identify any typeface. Just snap a pic of a poster, sign, or any other source for type, and you’ll get your font. Great for DIY projects! Free.”

13. EverNote: “an all-purpose organizational app, can become a great replacement for your giant design binders. Snap pics of fabrics, rooms, and furniture; make recordings and notes; map locations of your favorite stores and sales. Free.”

14. 3rd Whale: “helps you shop green. Find businesses, services, and contractors who focus on sustainability. Shop by categories, like “Garden and Landscaping” or “Green Power.” $1.99.”

I am very excited and proud that my home city, Chicago, will be home to the first and only Culti showroom in the United States.  The amazing Italian luxury brand brings together the finest in furniture, perfume, spa products, and many other luxury lifestyle items under one label.  Culti’s founder, Alessandro Agrati, has been in the interiors and design business for years and has a great passion for creating a beautiful, versatile, and personal collection of products to suit the individual who purchases them.  With that chic spirit so unique to European design, I cannot wait to browse the store for myself in search of wonderful finds and inspirational ideas.

CS Interiors puts it perfectly when they say that, “they can’t think of another luxury brand that sells everything from leather slippers (with cashmere insoles) and sleek living room tables to innovative swirl-themselves wine glasses and apothecary products.”  I would definitely have to agree!  And if you can think of any others, by all means please share!

Check out Culti’s boutique at 840 N. Michigan in Chicago.

{Decor Pad}

Oh the good old twin bed.  Remind you of summer camp?  Your poster covered, 7 year old bedroom you shared with your kid sister? 1950′s sitcoms where married couples slept in separate beds?  Vanquish all the above from your memory!  Twin beds are hot these days, and these pics will show you why!  They are a great guest room option and yes, still are perfect for kid’s rooms.  These twin bed abodes prove that two really can be better than one.

{Decor Pad}

{Decor Pad}

{Branca}

{Branca}

{Decor Pad}

{Decor Pad}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Elle Decor}

{Elle Decor}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Flickr}

{Decor Pad}

{Decor Pad}

{Flickr}

My intern Colette is an Art History student at Northwestern and recently reminded me about the fascinating history of the now legendary Barcelona Chair.  I am a big fan of the Barcelona Chair for its timeless design and the instant pop of chic it adds to a room.

The Barcelona Chair was actually designed by acclaimed architect Mies Van der Rohe himself for the German Pavilion at the Barcelona World’s Fair in 1928.  However, the chair was not designed by Mies alone…his partner and companion Lilly Reich also had a large part in the design. It is hard to believe this chair was designed over 80 years ago, for its design is not at all antiquated.  Rather, I think it still looks incredibly modern!

{The Barcelona Chair in the recreated German Pavilion}

The chair is said to have been inspired by the folding chairs of pharaohs as well as the x-shaped footstools of the Romans.  While the original design was made in stainless steel with ivory leather, the Barcelona Chair now has many variations and has inspired countless other furniture designs.

Check out some of today’s version of the muy hermosa Barcelona Chair!

{Barcelona Chair from Knoll}

{Shangri La Mondern Furniture}

{Hides and Co.}

{Hides and Co.}

{Modern Furniture Decor}

(Elle Decor}

{Architectural Digest}

{Architectural Digest}

{Architectural Digest}

{Architectural Digest}

Another Mies house- The Farnsworth House.  Right here in Illinois.

{Architectural Digest}

{Architectural Digest}

{Architectural Digest}

{Metropolitan Home}

It’s about time West Elm came to Chicago!  With locations all over the country, it seemed rather strange (almost hurtful?) that West Elm lacked a Chicago outpost.  With the abundance of young, working professionals and inundation of modern high rises popping up all over the city, it seemed almost blatantly obvious that Chicago ought to have a West Elm.  But the day has come when the Williams-Sonoma owned retailer opens its doors in the Windy City.  Located at 1000 W. North Avenue in Chicago, West Elm is conveniently located to its sister store, Pottery Barn (both are owned by Williams-Sonoma). I sent my crew to the Grand Opening last week and after asking them about all of the goodies surrounding them I was told that the place was sooo jammed that they couldn’t see most of the pieces. But, the food was excellent and abundant!  With its look that I like to equate to a sort of higher quality blend between Ikea and Pottery Barn, West Elm suits the needs of those who want fun, stylish pieces without spending a fortune, but without the short life expectancy of certain other unnamed retailers (hint: assembly required…)