Accenting the ceiling with unique materials: Part 2

Let's peek into the kitchen of our luxury Chicago bachelor pad. And like last time, we're focusing on the ceiling. (Clearly, we love ceilings around here!)

We chose to replace the hood with an updraft (which can do the job just as well and, in this home of a bachelor with little interest in cooking, the 'gourmet kitchen' didn't fit with his lifestyle) surrounded by a soffit and inset lighting that shows off this beautiful antique carved panel.

Just like a chandelier over a dining table, this panel grounds the space...plus the slight drop of the soffit and the warm detail of the panel creates a more intimate feeling space, a special nook rather than just kitchen overflow.

 It's architectural detail, visual art and functionality all in one! Ceilings can be wonderful things!

What was old is new again- Timeless elegance at a Chicago landmark

As I discussed in a recent blog, sometimes the most beautiful aspects of interior design aren't the ones you see straight ahead, but rather, above you.  A beautiful ceiling can be the difference between an average room and a magnificent one.  Take for example, this incredible Chicago landmark.

The Tiffany glass mosaic ceiling was the first iridescent glass dome and remains the largest glass mosaic ceiling in the world at over 6,000 square feet.

Can you guess where this beautiful ceiling is?  It is the Macy's on State Street!  Housed in the former Marshall Field's building, the space has undergone many transformations over the nearly 150 years since it was built, but some of the original beautiful elements remain in tact.  Next time you are browsing through the racks of clothes or grabbing a sandwich at the marketplace, be sure to look up at the beautiful ceiling created in a different era, when shopping was a special and formal experience and stores were filled with grandeur.

Reaching New Heights with Ceiling Design

I have been working on the office of a client that is currently a simple, rather dull space.  It does have one beautiful architectural detail- the ceiling!  It is amazing the difference a ceiling can make to the overall feel of a room.  If you take a simple room and do a special detailing on the ceiling, like add molding or beams, a wallpaper treatment, or even a cool paint treatment, you instantly turn an average room into something special.

As a designer, I am constantly scanning design mags and websites for inspiration and to learn about new products.  I saw these beautiful rooms on Houzz and was impressed by the beauty of the ceilings in these spaces.

I could truly go on all day with more amazing shots of beautifully designed ceilings and the spaces that exist beneath them, but I will leave you with just one more....

Living Room Interior Design & Staging

This blog shows the  process  of this Streeterville town home living room remodel & interior design. After building the custom ceiling the footprint of this living room became significantly larger.  We re-upholstering the existing sectional with a bold indoor/outdoor velour red fabric (which is very durable against pets, stains & wear).  The sectional was then arranging it in a unconventional way so that the furniture plan takes advantage of this expanded space.

Accessories & artifacts collected from around the world are now displayed on the focal point of this space, which is the custom build-out of the fireplace & shelving unit.

We are including before , in-process and after photos to show the interior design process of this living room

Streeterville Townhome: Kitchen Remodel

Our next focus on this Streeterville town home is the kitchen remodel. The island was completely rebuilt to give the homeowner more storage and better use of the island.  The hood from the cook top was moved so it is no longer visible. In it's placed 2 Asian panels where placed inside of the custom built-out ceiling along with layered lighting to add function and one of a kind charm to this space.

New stone was placed on the kitchen counters & a waterfall stone design was added to the island. A new mosaic back splash  replaced the old large tile this gives "face-lift" to the entire space without requiring a lot of labor.

Please view the before & after pictures of this amazing kitchen transformation.

Kitchen: After

Please check back soon and we will include photos of other areas of this excited project!