Archive for design resources
September 15, 2009 at 8:00 pm · Filed under design, design resources, educational programs ·Tagged Guggenheim
If you are interested in American architecture you will enjoy a novelist’s take on the life of Frank Lloyd Wright in the book Loving Frank. I recently listened to it on cd, and for me it opened a door into Wright’s approach to and philosophy of his work. The novel’s plot is driven by the love affair between Wright and one of his clients, Mrs. Cheney. I was equally taken with Wright’s observations, including “The measure of a man’s culture is the measure of his appreciation,” he said. “We are ourselves what we appreciate and no more.”
I love this Guggenheim cup and saucer. You can buy this and more FLW-inspired designs online.
Guggenheim cappuccino cup and saucer
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September 14, 2009 at 2:25 pm · Filed under decorating, decorating tips, design, design resources, educational programs, window treatments
When I introduce myself it is not uncommon to be greeted by “I love HGTV” and I concur. Here is a helpful clip from their website. Since window treatments can be vexing and expensive, this 3-minute video on grommet panels is fun to watch. Granted, you see that nice installation guy appearing like magic out of the sidelines! But the basic idea is there: installing grommet panels is an appealing, fast, and cost-effective way to solve your window problems.
grommet panels
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September 10, 2009 at 7:51 pm · Filed under bedrooms, decorating, decorating tips, design, design resources ·Tagged bed linens, linens
bed in a bag
It is pretty amazing what you can buy for under $100. The linen industry is highly competitive, especially in the current economy. With the demise of Linens ‘n Things stores (they still have an online store) it’s clear that linens have become available almost everywhere and we can find quality goods in discount stores as well as department stores.
The bed pictured is dressed in a bed in a bag, a 7-piece set that gives you all you need to make a statement in your bedroom for very little money. As you prepare for fall and the chill sets in, why not freshen up your look by replacing those old and tired bed linens. Need help choosing the right look and color? Email me anytime. I would be delighted to answer your questions and assist you in making the right decision.
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August 18, 2009 at 2:08 pm · Filed under decorating, design, design resources ·Tagged art deco, mirrors, small business
I’m always amazed at the depth and breadth of the selections at MoreHome‘s site. This morning I clicked on “mirrors” and a list of nearly two thousand came up in their collection. This art deco-ish piece is one of my favorites.
art deco mirror
One of virtual shopping’s virtues is that is makes us more savvy as consumers. Our ability to compare pricing and selection soars when we have multiple stores at our fingertips. Now for the reminder: think globally and act locally. Find what you like online, then find similar items near your home. Remember us who are small business owners. We need you and, I daresay, you need us. Let’s work together. So give yourself a treat today: WALK to your nearest shops and support your local businesses.
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June 21, 2009 at 3:59 pm · Filed under decorating, design, design resources, educational programs ·Tagged color, design, fabric, nature, neocon, paint, robert allen, sherwin williams
At the recent Neocon show I was fortunate to catch a co-presentation by Sherwin Williams and Robert Allen. The two estimable firms, with a 200+-year design history combined, are serving up the most delicious color and fabric combinations in their new line of fabrics and coordinating paints.
Drawing on nature for inspiration is the keystone of this collection. Download the 4 pdf’s to see the beauties the two companies have co-created. Enjoy!
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May 23, 2009 at 4:50 pm · Filed under decorating, design resources ·Tagged blue, color, decorating, Lilac Park, paint, walls, white
A great article to read for this weekend is from Ceil Petrucelli Interiors. Scroll down to the 3rd section entitled Recycle, Repurpose, Renew. I guarantee you that you will be inspired.
I continue to hear from clients and friends that deciding on which color to paint their walls is their biggest decorating challenge. All we need to do is walk outside to get color ideas. Bring the outside in by deciding what you like best. Is it the blue of the sky, the lilac of a blossom, the shimmery white of a tulip? My photos from a walk in the Lilac Park this week confirm the beauty of natural color. Enjoy!
white tulips and blue sky
purple allium
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May 21, 2009 at 7:53 pm · Filed under decorating tips, design, design resources, Uncategorized, window treatments ·Tagged chicago, design center, designer showrooms, interior designers, merchandise mart, residential furnishings
One of our city jewels is the famous Merchandise Mart downtown Chicago. It is so huge that after walking several showrooms yesterday I actually woke up with a blister on my foot this morning, and I was wearing sensible shoes! Some stats:
The Merchandise Mart is the world’s largest commercial building, largest wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations. Encompassing 4.2 million gross square feet, The Mart spans two city blocks and rises 25 stories.
And best of all, I have access to the trade-only floors.
The Merchandise Mart Design Center™ showroom floors can be accessed by interior designers, architects, wholesale buyers and escorted visitors. Floors 3, 10 and 11 are devoted to contract furnishings showrooms. Residential and casual furnishings showrooms are located on 6, 16, 17 and 18. Gifts and home accessories wholesale showrooms are located on floors 12, 13, 14 and 15. Consumers are allowed access to these floors if accompanied by a designer.
So if you want to buy something that is one-of-a-kind, beautiful, and designed with style, come with me to the Mart!
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