Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

{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?

Jonathan Adler really is doing something right, because not only is he an interior designer, he also has a collection of office goods, creator of all things home decor (vases, pillows, china, candles…the list is endless), and designer of some pretty great furniture pieces, he now is the proud designer of beach totes and umbrellas.  So whether you are hitting la playa or get caught in a midsummer shower, you will be well prepared with these goods by Adler.

I have to say they are very fun, as is most everything created by Adler’s golden touch.  These items will no doubt be a big hit.  What do you think?  I’d be happy to sport one of these totes around town!

All totes are $198 and umbrellas $25.  Available at Shopbop. I just snagged one of the umbrella’s for my upcoming holiday in Tokyo.  Guess which one?

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!

It makes sense that the line between fashion and home has become increasingly blurred, as often times I (as I’m sure you too!) will see a print or fabric coming down the runway or in a magazine that seems IDEAL for that ottoman in your latest project, and vice versa.  Many of the biggest names in fashion have capitalized on this notion of fashion/home interchange, including Trina Turk for Schumacher, Diane von Furstenberg, and Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois, just to name a few.

I recently came across this fantastic ad for Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa on the back of a magazine the other day, and I just had to share.  Although this collection isn’t new, it is definitely noteworthy.  This so perfectly captures all that is so alluring about this fashion to home trend…wouldn’t you just feel amazing either be draped in a gown in these fabrics or sitting in front of drapes in your living room in these prints?  Either way, I’d be happy to have anything Oscar de la Renta, whether it be a couture evening gown, or more feasibly several throw pillows in one of over 120 prints in his collection for Lee Jofa.

Design Within Reach is literally down the street from me in the neighboring town of Evanston.  Whenever I am running errands- or working out around the corner (although this is mainly before the sun rises)-  in the charming downtown, I pass by DWR’s ever changing, always intriguing windows.  Although I rarely have time to actually stop in, I took a minute to “flip through” their latest online catalogue. The gals in Evanston as well as the team in Chicago at the Tree Studios location and, of course Curtis in Hawaii have helped me to deck out many clients homes with their cleverly modern- yet timeless pieces.

I am always impressed with what I see in its pages.  Lots of beautiful patio furniture, interesting artwork and fabulous rugs. In my office, we are constantly sourcing from these pages…The Evanston team even loaned us chairs for an event that we recently held when our Eames chairs were not able to be delivered in time.  What fantastic customer service.  Keeps me coming back again and again!

{Cusp, Northbrook IL}

On a very gloomy day yesterday in Chicago, (it’s April and it’s SNOWING?! 1#@#dkasl!@$@$@!!) I headed indoors to find some relief in the form of retail therapy after a long day at the office with three of my favorite clients and with a potential new client whose project sounds AMAZING.  One of my favorite stores these days- thanks to my daughters Caroline and Madi, is Cusp, an offshoot of Neiman Marcus that is essentially their contemporary department on steroids.  Not only do I just die over their clothes, but the decor inside the store is also extremely cool.  I snapped a few pictures (very stealthily, as I don’t think paparazzi are really welcome inside Cusp) to share with you!

Some great looks from Cusp…

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 I spotted these plates in a bridal magazine (CS Brides), I decided I liked them enough to suggest them to clients- and possibly even consider them for myself.  However, it is no doubt that they would make a great gift for a bridal shower, baby shower or a gift for any special occasion that would be appreciated for its personal touch and commemorative nature.

The My Private Sky collection from Nymphenburg consists of a set of 7 plates, each piece unique, showing the night sky at the time the purchaser was born at his or her place of birth.  Although Nymphenburg uses computer programming to determine the precise look of the night sky for the set, eat piece is meticulously hand crafted to absolute perfection.  About 500 stars, nebulas, constellations and planets are individually painted by hand for precise accuracy…what a task!

This collection is limited edition, so if you are interested in owning this one of a kind (literally!) set, act fast!  The My Private Sky collection can be purchased at Kneen and Co., a luxury tableware company in Chicago (I actually did a post on them recently).

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}