Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

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!

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!

Browsing Pinterest is like a great day of window shopping, except from the comfort of my own home or office (shhhhh)!  I open Pinterest and vow to only spend a few minutes for inspiration gathering.  However, those 5 minutes somehow turn into an hour.  This evening’s visit to Pinterest, per usual, produced many inspirational images that I want to share with MG readers-heck the editing process took at least an hour.  Check out my latest finds on one of my favorite sites.  Follow me so that I can see what your favorites are!

{Set of 50 Fretwork Coasters, $29 from One Kings Lane}

Now that the turkey coma is starting the wear off, the holiday spirit is really starting to set in.  While I have never been one to rush out to stores at the crack of dawn on Black Friday, the “cyber” Black Friday movement is right up my alley.  I could really do all of my holiday shopping with the click of a mouse.  Deals and steals without even leaving the settee!  Ok, I guess the turkey coma hasn’t totally worn off just yet…

Check out some of my favorite Black Friday finds from around the web…you just have saved yourself from undue stress this season.  Imagine having the shopping for all of your friends and family finished early this year?!   That spa day that you always envisioned (and rightfully so) around the middle of December may actually be possible this year

{Black + Blum Fruit Loop Bowl, $40 from Swirl}

{Black + Blum Loop Candlestick, $28 from Swirl}

{Menu Pourer and Stopper Set, $32 from Swirl}

{Joseph Joseph Food Preparation Set, $50 from Swirl}

{Thomas Paul Ornithology Coaster Set, $16 from Swirl}

{Thomas Paul Ornithology Tray, $26 from Swirl}

{Orange Mod Acrylic Tray, $49 from One Kings Lane}

{Holiday Lucite Tray, $69 from One Kings Lane}

{Lunares Round Bamboo Platter, $39 from One Kings Lane}

{Quilt Beaded Glass Tray, $29 from One Kings Lane}

{Artland Splash Champagne Flutes, $28 from Open Sky}

{Zodiac Mugs, $6 from West Elm}

{Square Lacquer Trays, $22-24 from West Elm}

{Honeycomb Tassel Hand Towels, $10 from West Elm}

{Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection, $9-$24 from West Elm}

{Square Desk Clock, $10 from West Elm}

{Perpetual Calendar, $29 from West Elm}

{Scott Lifshutz Appetizer Plates, $24 from West Elm}

{Dip Dye Throw, $39 from West Elm}

{Op Art Tables by Anne Herbst}

I wish I could consider Sunday a day of rest, but in this line of work, it is a 24/7 operation.  Even when I am “relaxing” at home, I am still glued to my computer combing the vast sea of internet based interior design for inspiration, furniture and accessories.  Sitting down at home (albeit in front of my computer) is as close as I get to truly “taking the day to rest.”  Sigh…

On the flip side, I truly do love searching high and low for the absolute perfect, special “somethings” to present to my clients and use in my projects.

This Sunday took me to 1stdibs, a favorite online marketplace of all sorts of extremely high-end goods- from furniture to fine art to vintage clothing.  If your budget allows, it is an excellent place to find one-of-a-kind, fabulous pieces that really have that “wow” factor. I was approached by Michael Bruno to exhibit my wares when he first began -and now, I have inquired and am waiting patiently for his response.  I think that he may have forgotten about me- but I am still VERY interested :0

Check out my latest finds…ironic it was my “resting” day when thousands of others were running 26.2 miles in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

{Set of 6 Lucite Bar Stools by Lion in Frost}

{Mid-Century Ceruse Credenza}

{Mid Century Biomorphic Dresser by Popel’s}

{Digit 1 Wool Rug by Cristian Zuzunaga}

{Large 60’s Op Art Mirror}

{Pair of club chars by Leon Rossen for Pace Furniture}

{Set of 6 Teak Spindle Back Round Chairs}

{1960’s Italian Frosted Glass Fixture (pair Available)}

{1970’s French Black Lacquer, Brass, and Agate Table Lamp}

{Pair of Silvered Metal and Wood Table Lamps}

{Art Deco Lamp Base by Frederic Weinberg}

{Chrome & Glass Ball Chandelier}

{Low Table By FranÇois Monnet}

{‘Le Yacht’ drinks tray by Hermès, Paris}

{Pair of Italian Brass and Lucite Side Tables}

{Mid Century Console / Sofa Table in the Manner of Paul Laszlo}

{Mirror, Italian Ca. 1960’s}

{1950s Italian Pair of Bronze-Edged Mirrored Chests}

{Burl & Chrome Etagere by Paul Evans}

{Pair of Flame Veneered Semaniers}

{Restored Brass Serpentine Chest}

Also loving this whole vignette!

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….

My Office/Showroom nearly always functions as a shop, with virtually anything in it being up for sale at any given time.  I have been an avid collector and antique junkie for many years, so acquiring and selling things has become a natural life cycle in my business and personal life.  I have learned to not become overly attached to particular pieces, as I am always shifting/gifting/selling/moving things around, and thus acquiring more.  In fact, my family has become accustomed to this “here today, gone tomorrow” mentality in which anything is fair game, including artifacts in my own home.  I have about 10 treasures that will always remain in my possession (the inspiration items that mean so very much to me) and remain NFS-not including my three “Jewels” and my “Prince”-aka children and my husband.

It has happened on more than one occasion where I have been asked “Didn’t we used to have a different lamp here?”  Like my love for fashion and searching for beautiful things, I am always craving something new and different for my own spaces.

The look of my Office + Showroom has changed  along with my latest art exhibits. Since I initially opened my latest Showroom in the West Town Neighborhood of Chicago last year (check out a post featuring the original decor here), I wanted to share the changes and  the current state of the BID headquarters. We have gone through changes all along- this keeps our inventory evolving and introduces our clients to many new and different artists and artifacts. Along with the virtual changes, we are thrilled to be aligned with the most amazing new clients- it is a pretty thrilling time on Grand Avenue.

If you are in the neighborhood, I’d love for you to stop by.  As we all know, everything looks much better in person!

Buckingham Interiors + Design 1820 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago.  All art and artifacts are available for relocation into your home-as always- but may change at any time

Tokyo at night.

A whole lot of action here.

Last nights dining experience. The New York Grill.

The 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel.  Remember the movie “Lost in Translation?”

Greetings from Tokyo!  My husband John and I just arrived via Hawaii to Japan to see our son, Alex, play with the Pacific Music Festival in Osaka and Tokyo…this is a HUGE dream come true for him and we could not be any more proud.  Add to that our 25th Wedding Anniversary and this is quite an amazing and wonderful holiday.

I have sometimes ventured into Asian influence in my design, but this trip is proving ever-more inspirational for me.  Can’t wait to bring back some great innovation and ideas.  Oh…the fashion…oh the eating….oh the shopping.

I am working on the transport of all the amazing pieces that I am finding here back to the Windy City.  Todays venture into the Tokyo Post Office was fun and fascination

I have always been able to get my fix for all things Asian-with an emphasis on Chinese treasures-  at Pagoda Red, one of my favorite shops in Chicago. Here are a sample of some of things that have caught my eye while sourcing for clients recently at home…

This first image is from a recent Pagoda Red exhibit featuring one of my favorite local photographers, Doug Fogelson. His works here are of Japan’s annual blooming of cherry blossoms. Doug has a way of allowing us to see each of his works as three dimensional and moving along with the eye.  Exquisite. I always feel lucky when I have the opportunity to install one of his pieces in a clients home.

{Ditte Sofa, Fred Shand Pink, $3998}

I know I have posted about Anthropologie’s home decor before, but I just can’t help myself because there are always so many fantastic pieces!  I am inspired literally every time I go into the store or browse the website, and today was no exception…

These are my latest obsessions, expect more to come!

{Mosaic Desk, $998}

{Woodland Slumber Canopy Bed, $2698-2998}

{Amorphous Nesting Tables, $898}

{Springbok Benches, $1698}

{Chien Coffee Table, $2898}

{Kansai Bookcase, $1298}

{Celluloid Dream Base, $498}

{Sure Footed Base, $498}

The new Restoration Hardware “Gallery” at the San Francisco Design District really caught my eye as I was doing my daily sweep of design blogs/websites this morning.  Showcasing the best of their latest collection excellently pulled together into various room scenarios, I must say that I am pretty impressed.  I particularly love the Colonnade Entry, seamlessly blending modern, rustic and traditional into one.  I also love the nicknacks throughout the Kensington living room!

What are your thoughts?  Impressed, disappointed, neutral or just over this altogether?