Sunroom

Just completed the installation of these cornices in a sun room in Naperville. Also selected the carpeting, furniture and accessories.Just a few finishing touches left to complete.

Orange in it's varied shades continues to be popular as are geometric prints such as the fabric featured in these draperies. The accent fabric on the back of the chairs adds an interesting touch.

Posters of Paris

This is the last week end for the Posters of Paris exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum. It features the work of Toulouse Lautrec and his contemporaries.

This is a fabulous day trip. Parking is easy. The building is fabulous. Milwaukee continues to be one of my favorite little big cities. Take a walk along the lake shore and have lunch or dinner at The Horny Goat. This is an interesting spot with very high quality bar food and an interesting location-inside an old Milwaukee firehouse. Be sure to ask about the building. It also has an outdoor bar area which has interesting contemporary design and a great location on the river. Also check out the third ward shopping. It has interesting shops for design junkies and is within walking distance of the lake front. Love It!

Tribal patterns

Tribal patterns continue to be popular in fabrics, accessories, clothing and rugs. They are interesting mixed with texture, color and traditional or contemporary decor. They also work well with Arts and Crafts and Prairie Style designs.

I saw this clever adaption of Winston Churchill's famous advice at the Farrow and Ball showroom at the Merchandise Mart yesterday. It definitely reflects my philosophy. What feels better than a beautiful, functional home? Home should always feel good and be comforting.

Don't Forget the Ceiling

Ceilings are part of a room's architecture and can be a great place to add interest or a special touch to a room. Adding a ceiling medallion, crown molding, a paint treatment or color can all do the trick. Dave Ryan is working on one of my client's homes in Western Springs in the above picture. He is adding a lighter value of shading to a medium green base color and a touch of gold wash. He also added soft gold touches to the details on the ceiling medallion. The chandelier has green leaves and the color on the ceiling brought the whole room together and made it unique.

   When adding color a soft value is best unless you have very high ceilings that feel cold and you are wanting to create warmth. Wallpaper can also be a great touch to add interest to the ceiling. Even a small toilet room is a good spot to try this trick. Gold or silver leaf is also stunning on a ceiling.

If you are looking for a special fireplace surround or a garden detail I have access to skilled stone cutters who have worked on Windsor Castle. They can create custom details and ship from their location in London.

Lateral Hinges Solve Cabinetry Issues

This is one of the best solutions I have seen that addresses the problem of how to make the best use of corner cabinet space. It could be applied to upper and lower cabinets as well as the floor to ceiling pantry style example shown here. The lateral hinge application could be applied to traditional or contemporary styled doors. It is also great for any area where space for a standard door swing is a problem such as an island area or behind a desk in an office.

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Embroidery and Crewel Work is Back

Embroidery is one of the oldest forms of textile art dating back 2000 years.Thistle and Thyme is a collection of coordinating embroideries in both classic and popular colors.

Gothic Tracery

How beautiful would this peice be as the back wall of your basement pub room? It is absolutely stunning and the mirrors would reflect light and have the architectural effect of a window. It is available through one of my architectural salvage sources.

The Finishing Touch

This mirror is a great transitional piece that has traditional roots but would look great above a fireplace or bed in a classic contemporary interior. It is 42" wide, finished in gold leaf with a convex glass. It is available through my trade resources.

Color,Color, Everywhere

Murano Glass is showing fixtures in the same bright colors shown in the Robert Allen fabrics I posted. This is an example of how the colors selected by the color forecasters permeate all aspects of product design. You will be sure to see these colors in clothing and table top items as well.

Bright Colors Are the New Trend

The latest color palette for home interiors is bright and colorful. The fabrics shown are from Robert Allen's new line and are on display in their showroom at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago. While these hues may seem too bold for many they are great when used to update a more neutral color scheme as shown below in the case of the neutral sofa with bright accent pillows. These bright colors are being used with traditional furnishings as well as contemporary styles.

Côte d’Azur Indoor / Outdoor

Côte d’Azur Indoor / Outdoor

TED x women, Jane Fonda

Everyone should check out http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_fonda_life_s_third_act.html . Thanks to my client and friend Linda Mabee for bringing it to my attention. It's amazing how thoughts and ways of thinking and responding get ingrained into our brain. It takes concerted effort and self examination to recognise what no longer serves us and make the effort to change our way of thinking and acting.