Chicago Design Blog | Material Girls | Chicago Interior Design

One of my favorite parts of any project is bringing in lighting, particularly overhead lighting.  Lighting can really set the tone of the room, and the right lighting can truly bring the space to life.  I loved this feature on chandeliers (of all sorts!) in Elle Decor, and it inspired me to feature some of my favorite ceiling lighting from some of my own design projects.  I have modern designer favorites as well as more transitional to traditional connections and always love using the Merchandise Mart as a much valued resource. It gives me great pleasure to seek out one-of-a-kind pieces that literally “light up” a home as each space and client calls for just the right piece of highlighted lighting.  Regardless of its vintage, the perfect piece of lighting adds character, style and personality to the home.

Happy Monday!

Take a look at some of my favorites from the Elle Decor lighting feature…

And here are some of my faves from my own Buckingham Interiors + Design projects…

Living room in a North Shore client home, lighting by Bradley Hughes.

Dining Room lighting custom designed by BID alongside Marjorie Skouras. I represent her entire line of lighting and furnishings in the Midwest and have some amazing examples in my showroom to see live!

Office in my Grand Ave. showroom (3 lights ago as they have all sold. It seems to be a hot spot!), is a fixture repurposed and found as an industrial object compilation.

Dining Room in my  North Shore home, lighting is an antique french crystal chandelier which I found during a visit to New Orleans.  I had to add over 4 feet of chain to suit my tall ceilings.  This was originally a flush ceiling mounted piece.

Dining Room in a project on Michigan Avenue, lighting found at Lightology.

Dining Room in one of my Nantucket project’s, lighting from Currey & Company.

Dining Room in a Wicker Park project, lighting from Furniture File in the UK.

Dining Room in one of my Lincoln Park project’s, vintage fixture from a demolished St. Louis hotel which I found while antiques hunting.

Foyer in a city project, lighting by Graypants.

Office in a North Shore home, vintage lighting by Sciolari.

Parlor in a North Shore home, chandelier from Randolph Street Antique Market and the hook is a found object from my collections. What fun I had pairing the two!

Study in a Gold Coast project, lighting by Cleveland Art.

Dining Room in a Gold Coast Oak Street residence, lighting by Formations found at Holly Hunt.

Guest bedroom in a Nantucket project, lighting by Oly Studio.

Office in one of my North Shore project’s, fixture made from a variety of vintage recycled industrial parts and pieces.

Dining room in another North Shore project, lighting by Niermann Weeks.

{Chinchilly, Essie}

{Buckingham Interiors + Design}

Fall has officially come to Chicago, and chilly it is!  Today it barely broke 60 degrees and what does cooler weather mean besides boots, scarves and jackets?  Autumn nail polish, of course!

Today was the first time I got my autumnal manicure/pedicure for the season, and what better color to choose than Chinchilly by Essie!  I discovered this color around this time about two years ago, and it has been a cool weather staple ever since.

Here are some of the colors that I am look forward to painting my nails this fall, and in the spirit of MG, here are some cool interiors to go along with them!

{Carry On, Essie}

{Lonny Magazine}

{Very Structured, Essie}

{Elle Decor}

{Glamour Purse, Essie}

{Rue Magazine}

{Power Clutch, Essie}

{Lonny Magazine}

{I Break for Manicures, OPI}

{Architectural Digest}

{Suzie Takes the Wheel, OPI}

{Decor Pad}

{Roadhouse Blues, OPI}

{Decorpad}

{I Eat Mainely Lobster}

{Architectural Digest}

{Are We There Yet}

{Decorpad}

I’m sure many of us have seen the marvelous photos of the 2010 San Francisco Elle Decor Showhouse.  I myself can say that I am eagerly anticipating the 2011 Showhouse!  If you want to get a more interactive experience of the 2010 home, Elle Decor offers a 360 tour that even includes links to how to buy certain pieces featured in the home.  Seems like we can never escape $$$ now can we?  Take a look for yourself…it’s very cool!

Yellow Chairs by Ironies Design

Light Fixture by Urban Electric

Art Panel Wall Treatment by Christopher Jones Marino

Sofa by Restoration Hardware

Hanging Pendant by Circa Lighting

Fabric on Bulletin Board by Sunbrella

Wall Covering by Suzanne Tucker Home

Sconces by Circa Lighting

Floor Tile by Akdo

Overhead Lighting by Circa Lighting

Sconces by Urban Electric

Curtain Fabric by Serena and Lily

Bathroom Light Fixture by Circa Lighting

Tile by Akdo

Bathroom Fixtures by Kohler

Library Accessories by Gumps

Bookcases by Kraftmaid

Picture Lights by Circa Lighting

Wall Tile by Akdo

Sink by Kohler

Cabinets by Kraftmaid

After having done a recent post on the most enticing warm weather destinations featured in the Travel and Leisure 500 Best Hotels of 2011 issue, I came across this remarkable Moroccan home in Elle Decor that I would be more than happy to visit and soak up some rays.  As the home of fashion designer Liza Bruce and artist Nicholas Alvis Vega, the home was destined to be remarkable from the start.  The home is brimming with color and light…a perfect combination of antique, honoring the home’s Moroccan heritage, and modern touches.  Check out the kitchen…who would have thought that a tree trunk would work in a space!?  In such an exotic locale, bending the rules of convention may be permitted.  While the home may be in Marrakech rather than Casablanca, I couldn’t help but dream of Humphrey Bogart  whispering “we’ll always have Paris” to Ingrid Bergman in this sensual abode.

{Margaret Russell, now editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest, formerly editor-in-chief of Elle Decor}

I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the January issue of Architectural Digest since the fall.  Why?  Because Margaret Russell, former editor-in-chief of Elle Decor, is now the head honcho at Architectural Digest.  Elle Decor has long been one of my most favored shelter mags, and although AD has been losing my interest in recent years, I think that Russell’s arrival will really breathe new life into one of the industry’s oldest publications.  Margaret Russell will be replacing AD’s longstanding editor-in-chief, Paige Rense (who held the position from 1971-2010).

I was very impressed with the January issue, particularly the feature on the unbelievable Tuscan estate of Sting and Trudie Styler.  Villa Palagio, built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for the dukes of San Clemente, is now used by Sting as a vacation home, working vineyard, and also hosts private yoga retreats (I’m in!)

The feature focused on the fabulous gardens, designed by landscape architect Arabella Lennox-Boyd.  Arabella, you have a standing invitation to visit my garden anytime!

{Ikat Bowls, Anthropologie, $14…featured these back in September of 2009!}

It’s most definitely that time of year again, but doesn’t it seem like last Christmas was just yesterday? Where did 2010 go?!  Beats me!  Anyway, Elle Decor is featuring a Best of 2010 gift guide (all under $100), all great ideas for that design junkie in your life.  But what really caught my eye were the Ikat bowls from Anthropologie, a cool find that I had previously featured (all the way back in September of last year, I guess we were ahead of the curve!).  It really was the year of Ikat, wasn’t it?

Take a look at what else you might be placing under the tree this year…

{Rwandan Baskets, Trading4Treasures, $48-90}

{Nautical Print Hammer, $26, Alice Supply Co.}

Postcards from Penguin, Penguin, $25}

{Patterned Books, Victoria and Albert Museum, $13 each $48 boxed set of 4}

{Grapefruit Muguet Scented Candle, Belle Fleur, $48}

{Postcard Holder, $48, Jayson Home and Garden}

{Cream Mugs, Ancient Industries, $22}

Shiny cars, shiny mirrors, shiny windows…shiny walls?  While the aforemetioned are pretty much preferred shiny across the board, not everyone is head over heels for lacquered walls.  Personally, I think when done right they give a space an elegant sophistication with an undeniable “wow” factor upon walking into a gleaming room.  It is no doubt somewhat of a design leap of faith, but I think the following rooms featured in Elle Decor hit the mark.  Lacquered walls seem to appear frequently in libraries, dens and foyers, but these photos suggest that the finish can actually be very versatile.  What do you think?  Could you get your shine on?

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.

{LaRok Luxe, Wild Thing Moto Jacket, $468 Shopbop}

Animal prints are all over the place right now!  I myself am considering investing in a faux leopard print fur jacket (too out there? I think I might have to go for it!)  I stumbled upon this feature on Elle Decor about animal print in interiors, and I must say I am a huge fan.  Bringing the outside in, I like!  Adds a little spice and whimsy to any room, especially a traditional space.  Don’t be afraid to add a touch of “wild” to your space.  Whether it be in a big (armchair, headboard) or small way (throw pillow, accent fabrics) let your wild side out!

{Diane Von Furstenberg at Claridge’s Hotel, London}

Diane Von Furstenberg’s name has become synonymous with the printed wrap dress.  Her latest venture is the print, minus the wrap, plus a bolt of fabric.  The designer has snagged 87 of her own prints and rather than put them on the body has gracefully created upholstery  for the couch, chair, pillow and more.  The prints are super chic, fun and innovative.  Such a great idea, as just about every DVF print is fabulously eye catching.  Want to see the fabrics in use?  Check out these photos from her decorating collaboration with Claridge’s Hotel in London.  What are your thoughts….would you rather wear them or lounge on them?

Photos courtesy of Elle Decor and Claridge’s

{Dress from fall 2008 collection…see a resemblance?}

{Claridges Room with China Vine pattern}

{Room at Claridge’s}

{Claridge’s}

{Claridge’s}