Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

Social media is becoming quite the large community and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with who is where! (Whew!) I wanted to take the time and share with you what I LOVE about being a part of such amazing and diverse social networks!

Facebook:
I love  Facebook because it allows me to share some of the most visually stunning client projects and behind-the-scene photos of the daily happenings at Buckingham I+D. It’s also a great space to share upcoming events and happenings in the design world. I love utilizing Facebook to get people’s opinions on new trends and to discuss my favorite topic- design!

Twitter:
I LOVE connecting with other professional Interior Designers, students and design enthusiasts! Twitter is a great way to share info on the go and to connect with people from literally ALL over the world. Tuesdays are my designated favorite Twitter days thanks to my favorite weekly Twitter chat, #IntDesignerChat. Last week’s post was a great example of the great conversations we have about all things design! It’s great sharing and learning from other professionals.

Pinterest: 
Now this is a social site I might spend a little too much time on! Pinterest is a great tool to keep up with trends and create design story boards. I love following some of my favorite people and brands and sharing ideas! Speaking of Pinterest, you can also find me on High Point Market’s Style Spotter Pinterest page. I am so excited to be a Style Spotter at this year’s market! I will be pinning some of my favorite items I see while I’m there. Every re-pin and like counts as a vote for me!! I’d love your support! So please pin and like away!

Instagram:
Last but certainly not least, Buckingham I+D just started an Instagram account! I’m so excited to use Instagram to show those inspiring moments and objects I run into every day! Be sure to search for “buckinghamid” and follow!

What about you?
What are your favorite social media channels? I would love to connect. Leave a comment below with some of your social links and let’s start getting social together!! 

As many of you know, Pantone recently released their color palettes for Spring 2013. But we want to talk FALL! Every week I’m honored to join in one of Twitter’s best chats, #IntDesignerChat. This week some of the industry’s top interior designers came together to discuss what is hot for fall’s interiors. Check it out and let me know what colors YOU’RE loving right now!

 

I recently ran across a post on Vintage and Modern where American interior designer Christopher Coleman and Venezuelan fashion designer Angel Sanchez combined forces to create a surprisingly gorgeous space consisting of mainly primary colors. The idea may seem childish, but when mixed properly- primary colors really can give a space that special “pop.” Check out some of the unique examples of how to perfect the use of primary.

Primary Residence:

Going Google:
Google is known for inspiring and unique spaces. Check out the interiors of Google’s headquarters In Zurich.

Locally Known and Loved: 
If you haven’t taken a tour of Red Frog Events, then you simply must take the time to admire their innovation. Complete with a treehouse, lego conference table and (gasp!) even a fully stocked bar- Red Frog’s fun personality definitely shines through their space.

Buckingham Goes Primary:
Last but not least- one of my previous client’s offices perfectly resembles their modern style in mainly primary colors!

So what do YOU think of the use of primary colors? Would you ever consider featuring the colors together in a space? Leave your thoughts below!

Whether or not you’re a fan of HBO’s hit series True Blood, it’s hard to deny how gorgeous the set designs are and how elaborately cohesive they look. As the series heads into its fifth season, we’re introduced to new and intriguing interiors thanks to production designer Suzuki Ingerslev and set decorator Ron V. Franco. Each design is meticulously orchestrated to support character development. Here are some of the highlights.

Season 1 – A Sweet Home for Sweet Sookie
In True Blood’s premiere season, we view sweet Sookie Stackhouse in two environments: Sookie house (inherited from her Gran) and her work—Sam Merlott’s bar. Sookie’s house is enchanting, and surrounded by greenery. The interiors feature aged furnishings, antiques, delicate textiles and patterned wallpaper, clearly a distinctive, homey charm. The set design is warm, welcoming and representative of Gran’s personality-and that of many Gran’s that we may know ourselves.

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Merlott’s is another one of my favorite places from the show—just look at that fabulous chandelier! The bar’s interior is a mix of wood-paneled and slate-stone walls, creating the perfect pub setting. A bit too perfect for a small-town bar perhaps? I would have chosen that fixture myself for the space

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Season 2 – A Royal Dayroom
Welcome to Queen Sophie-Anne’s dayroom. The 1920s beachside feel mixed with touches of modern royalty perfectly compliment her personality—a 1,100-year-old vampire longing for human luxuries, such as soaking in the sun. Dioramas were placed at each window to create the illusion of natural sunlight and an ocean view. Once again I was very intrigued by the chandeliers in this set, but couldn’t get a close look.  But I was able to find a shot of the original Malibu home where the scene was shot! Multiple chandeliers over water – this space truly makes a statement.

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(images source: http://trueblood.wikia.com/wiki/Sophie_Anne’s_Mansion)

Season 3: Mississippi Royalty
As one of the primary locations for this season, King of Mississippi’s Longwood Mansion was set in a National Historic Landmark in today’s Mississippi. True Blood set designers used antiques, teak wood furniture, handmade rugs and drapes to create a luscious and regal feeling.

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Season 4: A Royal Change
In season four the décor changed dramatically as Bill Compton becomes the King of Louisiana. Breathtaking changes were made to his plantation home. (Check out what his house looked like from season one!) A new Hollywood Regency vibe, along with the hints of Bill Compton’s masculinity, elegant and mysterious demeanor and authoritative powers, can be seen… Once again, chandeliers take center stage with H.D. Buttercup pieces in the foyer and a gorgeous, if not unexpected, chandelier above Bill’s desk. I may have hung the fixture in the foyer a bit lower for added drama…..

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Season 5: Authority
So where to go after 4 seasons of royal luxury?  New characters require new sets. Most prominent are the interiors of the Authority Headquarters and Salome’s bedroom. The Headquarters highlights a modern sensibility mixed with historic artifacts. I love how the  lighting completely surrounds this interior. The ancient columns, accentuated by the clean furniture lines and bright blue color shout Modern-ique™. This is-as most of you already know-my favorite compilation of modern and antique finishes and architecture.

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Salome’s bedroom is another mix of styles with Oriental influences, hinting to a modern Scheherazade’s bedroom, lush with fabrics and color. I love how the designers used the bold print of the mural panels next to the subtle gold pattern. Very “Wow”, no?

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What do you think of the interiors of True Blood and how they reflect the personalities of the characters? Which are your favorite design elements? Please comment and share your opinions all MG Peeps!

With record breaking temperatures sweeping the country, there really isn’t much you can do to beat the heat than either stay inside or jump into some sort of body of water.  Whether it be a pool, lake or ocean lazy river at the local water park, try to keep cool.  And if you have the luxury, head out onto your boat to cruise around and make all the non-boaters jealous.  If you have one of these super luxe yachts, you are sure to illicit the envy of all those on shore.

I am sending this post from the Island of Maui. Been tending to the heat a bit myself here.  Aloha!

Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest.

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.

Ever seen this movie?  Yes, it’s kind of creepy but the house is truly stunning.  When I came across this home in Chicago in a recent issue of Architectural Digest that very much resembled “The Glass House,” I couldn’t help but be blown away by it’s breathtaking beauty.  A waterfront plot of land in Chicago is the most coveted real estate in the area, so it would be a virtual crime to not take full advantage of the lake views.

Architecture firm Peter Gluck and Partners created this modernist masterpiece, dubbed “The Cascade House,” as it is literally tiers of glass boxes that cascade towards the water.  Although the family originally commissioned the architect to design a townhouse in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, they soon realized they would need more space to accomodate their growing family.  Even though the home is family friendly, its sophistication and elegance is undeniable. With a pool, half basketball court and expansive outdoor space, the Cascade House is a kid’s paradise.  While the North Shore is full of glorious, historic estates, this home bucks tradition yet truly honors the most splendid of all design elements: Lake Michigan.

{One and Only Palmilla, Los Cabos Mexico}

With the record breaking snowfall and arctic temperatures that have been slamming the Windy City as of late (-20 windchill! Ouch!) my mind has been drifting to the warm, tropical paradise destinations that would be the sweetest escape during the doldrums of the bitter Chicago winter.  It just so happens that Travel & Leisure is currently featuring their 500 Best Hotels of 2011, many of which include beaches, pools and endless sunshine.  With 500 glorious destinations, how could anyone only choose one?!  I want to visit them all!  But for the purpose of this post, however, I had to keep it to my favorites, which was a difficult task! And while these may only be a tease on this cloudy February day, I can’t help but indulge myself in the hopes of (soon!?) visiting these luxurious (and warm!) hotels and resorts.  Anyone visited any of these remarkable destinations?  Please share!

{One and Only Palmilla, Los Cabos Mexico}

{Cap Juluca, Anguilla}

{Curtain Bluff, Antigua}

{One and Only Ocean Club, Bahamas}

{Sandy Lane, Barbados}

{Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis}

{Hotel Eden Rock, St. Barths}

{Grace Bay Club, Turks and Caicos}

{Jade Mountain. St. Lucia}

{Esperanza Resort, Los Cabos Mexico}

{Turtle Inn, Belize}

{Four Seasons, Costa Rica}

{Las Ventanas, Los Cabos Mexico}

{La Residence Phou Vao, Laos}

{Pantone Platinum Visa Cards}

I think all of us know how addicting swiping that plastic can be, and I hate to break it to you, but this news isn’t going to make it any easier to kick this habit….Pantone has paired with Visa to create a line of stylish credit cards in five shades chosen from Pantone’s 2011 Spring Fashion Color Report.  These candy colored cards make buying groceries and picking up the dry cleaning (or more preferably buying that adorable lamp, luscious throw blanket or glorious vase) stylish activities.

The Pantone Visa comes with no annual fee, a low introductory APR, travel insurance and more.  Furthermore, using your Pantone Visa could score you points at participating retailers, redeemable for rewards including free and discounted travel to global destinations, name brand merchandise, tickets to sports events and theatrical attractions…and many more!

What do you think of the Pantone Platinum Visa?  Are you a shade of warm beeswax, cheerful firecracker or confident regatta?

{The Neon Hive}

{The Neon Hive}

{The Neon Hive}

I love a good showcase house…showcasing the latest from various design talents is an exciting way to unite the design world.  I am also a big fan of the annual Lake Forest Show House that takes place every other year in the North Shore suburb of Lake Forest.  I am thrilled to have been asked to design a space at the Showhouse this Spring! The three week long event benefits the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago while uniting many talented Chicago designers and outfitting a stunning manor home. Stay tuned for more on this soon…. My design board is hot off the press as we speak.

I stumbled upon Elle Decor’s first San Francisco showcase house recently on Casa Sugar, and I am pretty impressed.  San Francisco has a very cool design aesthetic, and this exhibition represents San Francisco well.  It is not my 100% favorite showcase home I have seen, but it pretty amazing how much of a design transformation can take place.  The 5,000 square foot home was built in 1911 and is located in SF’s historic St. Francis Wood neighborhood.  Elle Decor called on some of the Bay Area’s hottest designers to transform the home from drab to fab!

Check out the pics below (there were 160…I had such a hard time choosing!) and stay tuned for more amazing showcase houses from around the country.