Spring Into a Bright New Look

As the weather in Chicago turns from gray skies to bright, vibrant colors, we can take inspiration from the cues of nature to add some joyful color to our own homes.  Depending on your level of commitment to adding color to your home, there are several ways to do this. The first way is to add colorful accents like pillows, floral arrangements and bold, colorful art.  Many people believe that once you have completed a room that it should never be changed, but art and accessories can rotate seasonally to reflect the weather, similar to how holiday decorations add a festive feeling.  Check out our One room, two seasons page to see how Deb transformed a room for different seasons.

One great place to add some bold pops of color and pattern is in a powder room.  We love bold powder rooms- they are the perfect canvas for interesting textures and cool wall treatments.  Even a home that is all neutral can add some colorful sophistication in this small room.

If you are looking to add some permanent color to your home, a great way to do so is with your kitchen backsplash.  With so many gorgeous colorful mosaics on the market- why not try one?  Our high rise city beach house project is one great example.  We used a gorgeous mosaic from Ann Sacks which incorporates several interesting stones for a subtle drama and infusion of gorgeous color.

Here are some others we love!

Wishing you a colorful spring!

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.

A Design Treasure, Chicago Cultural Center

When I began compiling ideas for my new Monday blog series "Everything Old is New Again", I thought about the spaces around me in my city, sweet home Chicago.  One building that instantly came to mind is the magnificent Chicago Cultural Center, sometimes called "the people's palace". The Cultural Center was originally build in 1897 to be a public library.  Designed in the neo-classical style, this impressive granite and limestone building features a stunning Tiffany glass dome and sparkling mosaics.  As the needs of the library continued to grow, it became clear that the building either needed to be torn down and a larger, modern library needed to open instead or the library had to move.  Eleanor Daley, wife of Mayor Richard J. Daley, strongly believed the building should remain and encouraged her husband to save the building.  He began a committee to determine the fate of the building and it was decided it would be saved.   In the 1970s, the Chicago architecture firm of Holabird and Root were commissioned to remodel the incredible space, giving it a second life.

The cultural center is now an incredible space for the community featuring programs, musical performances, exhibitions and a private event space to host elegant weddings and other formal events.  It is a must see whether visiting from out of town or just wandering the streets of this amazing city.   Here are some shots of the amazing interior of this grand building.

Everything Old is New Again, Our New Monday Blog!

On a recent cruise to Italy, Greece and Turkey, I was struck by not only the unbelievable beauty of the Mediterranean scenery and incredible architecture, but also by just how much we have taken from the innovations of the people who lived there thousands of years ago.