Doreen Schweitzer Interiors

Color,Color, Everywhere

2012-03-01T08:39:00.002-08:00

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

2012-02-27T10:00:00.008-08:00

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.

2012-02-27T10:00:00.002-08:00

Côte d’Azur Indoor / Outdoor

2012-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

Côte d’Azur Indoor / Outdoor

TED x women, Jane Fonda

2012-01-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

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.

Wanted: Buyer for this Great Rug

2011-11-17T21:00:00.001-08:00

I found this great contemporary rug at the Merchandise Mart. It is 9'x12'. Do you know the most commom mistake people make when purchasing an area rug is buying one that is too small? In a seating area, furniture should always be placed at least 6" onto the rug. This unifies the seating grouping. Having the rug sit up to the front legs of furniture pieces creates a disjointed busy look and says you were too cheap to buy the right size rug. In a dining area the rug should always be a minimum of 27-28" beyond the table edge-30" if at all possible. People should be able to push back their chair without getting it caught on the edge of the rug.

Edgartown Door

2011-10-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

I enjoy studying architecture wherever I go. This door on Martha's Vineyard in Edgartown has great detail. Notice the layers of bracket and dentil trim at the top of the door pediment and the Ionic columns. The sidelights and transom windows have classic Federal muntins. I also love the fence and the finials on the post. So much to enjoy here. Beautiful architecture is timeless.

Interior design trend spotting - wine cellars, 2011 style

2011-09-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

Interior design trend spotting - wine cellars, 2011 style
Wine cellars in private homes are a new trend. This article has some great photos you might be interested in.

After: 600 N. Lakeshore Dr.

2011-08-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Check out the chandelier. It's perfect over the oval table. The owner constructed the ceiling recess to hide the fact that we had to move the electrical box. The recess also has rope lighting inside.

Before: 600 N. Lakeshore Dr.

2011-08-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

After: 600 N. Lakeshore Dr.

2011-08-24T14:05:00.001-07:00

Foyer Entrance

Don't miss the great base on this console table. The walls have a horizontal stripe of metallic glaze and the ceiling recess is gold leaf.

Before:600 N.Lakeshore Dr,

2011-08-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

Niche In Florida Home

2011-04-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

This niche is in a clients Florida home. It was painted by one of my talented decorative painters Wendy Gresmer. She did a great job capturing my clients native Haiti. The structure at the top is called The Citadel and is located near Cape Haitian.

Mom

2011-02-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

" Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven"

2010-11-18T14:26:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Marie Ward for taking some last minute photos. I will work on posting them. Also thanks to Carmin Awadzi from Magnolia homes for introducing me to Michelle Trotter. I never underestimate the power of woman working together. I enjoyed the music at the Chicago Haitian American of Illinois Holiday Ball Saturday night. Thanks to Sterlins for the invite. Also my sincere sympathy to Reynald and family on the loss of your mother. I hope your trip to Haiti is safe and gives comfort. On a happier note congrats to Meg & Chris Bostrom on the birth of a new daughter. Bjorn-how cool to be a big brother!

Great Deal On Custom Draperies

2010-06-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

These cornices and draperies are in like new condition and would look great on a beige, teal or navy colored wall. They were made for my previous home in Winding Creek Subdivision in Naperville and will fit a window 36"- 42" wide and standard 80"-82" height. They have a pagoda style cornice which does require some space between windows but if you give me the measurements I can tell you if they will fit. I also have a professional installer that I can refer you to if you need them installed. Traverse rods are also included. They have a unique boucle style brush fringe trim on the cornices and the shape is a detail only available in a totally custom window treatment. I am offering them for sale for $ 100.00 a pair. have two pair and will include a similar smaller cornice that fits a narrower bathroom window. That cornice is 31 3/4" wide inside measurement with straight ends-no pagoda profile. The cost of the trim alone would equal the the price I am asking for these. I will also give you paint colors to complete the room if you are interested. Pull together a whole new look for only $200.00. Call me if you are interested. 630-717-5668

2010-05-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Waubonsie Valley High School on a truely awesome presentation of Les Miserables. Saturday's performance was equal to any profesional show I have ever seen in all aspects; set, performances, musial pit. You have raised the bar to a level that will be hard to beat.

2010-04-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Once again I enjoyed a fabulous springtime visit to Charleston. Along the way I discovered some money saving tips. Consider flying into Myrtle Beach. You can get a direct flight for a good price on Spirit Airlines and the 1 1/2 hour drive can be fast or you can make some interesting stops and discoveries along the way such as these: boiled peanuts, the backwater low country, Brook haven gardens(this is worth a good half day at least), the beach, Georgetown (too bad they have a steel plant),Hog Heaven-a great soul food buffet for $6.95 definitely NOT low fat, and low country baskets. We also rented our car 7 minutes from the airport for less than 1/2 the price with the$10.00 taxi fare to Enterprise. I also discovered a great bed and breakfast on Broad Street for a great price. The Broad Street B &B claims to be the only Kosher B&B in Charleston but you don't have to be Jewish-just respectful of their customs. It was quiet and the none sabbath breakfast was great. The Sabbath breakfast with fresh fruit and Chaullah( sp?) bread sufficient for someone like myself who doesn't need a heavy breakfast. Haddassah was a great host and we had a small kitchen, sitting area, bedroom and bath all to ourselves. I still love the King George Inn but now I have another favorite place to stay in Charleston. More later.
Doreen

2010-04-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Quote of the day:
"Negative thinking empowers the problem. It takes us out of harmony. Negative energy sabotages and destroys. It has a powerful life of his own.
So does positive energy. Each day, we can ask what's right, what's good-
Positive energy heals, conducts love, and transforms. Choose positive energy."
Melodie Beattie

2009-11-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

Just got info from a great source about wood flooring made from various parts of wine barrels. They are oak wood and have that great old patina. These floors would be great for informal areas like recreation spaces, wine cellars and other casual spots. Great idea for loft spaces!

2009-11-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

I would like to make everyone aware of an article called In Honor of Veterans which was written by my friend and mentor Bill Bartlett for The Business Ledger. You can read it by going to news@corporatestrategies-il.com and clicking on the link to the article. Isn't it interesting that a lot of the qualities that good soldiers possess are the same qualities that good business people possess?

Bill is also offering free salestraining to any soldier who has recently returned home who is interested in a sales career. Spread the word. You can see the details on his website. He is a phenominal mentor.

2009-11-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

Just found some great old french shop signs. I believe the translation is Produce and chickens, "Produits Alimentaires Coq Hardi". The shop proprietor's names are all different. I just bought one myself. If anyone is interested let me know.

2009-10-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend a very informative event Thursday, October 1st at the Cabinets at Danada location in Geneva, IL. The subject was green design for kitchens and baths. I learned about some interesting new products and production techniques that fall into the "green" and "sustainable" categories.

Bamboo is a material you may have seen used for flooring and cabinetry. It is extremely hard when manufactured for either purpose, harder than maple or oak in fact. It grows very quickly, requires no pesticides, little water and absorbs 5 times more greenhouse gas than trees. To be considered green the end product must be manufactured using no urea formaldehyde resins.

Lyptus is another material used for cabinetry that is considered sustainable because it can be harvested in just 15 years. It has a grain that is closed and harder than oak and it looks very similar to mahogany. It naturally darkens like cherry and is grown in South America.

2009-10-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

A Fall Floral Open House featuring floral creations by Hues In Harmony is happening Friday October 9th from 6:00-9:00pm at 408 West Jefferson Ave.,Naperville,IL. Can't seem to get the date to register on the posted invite no matter how I post it. The event will feature Fall and Holiday life like florals. Also on hand will be my network of trusted business professionals for you to meet. Hope to see you there and be sure to tell me how you found out about the event when you introduce yourself.

Doreen Schweitzer Interiors

2009-09-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

Doreen Schweitzer Interiors: "Slideshow"

2009-09-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

2009-09-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Just came back from a short trip to NYC and upstate NY. I stayed at a great B&B called Mt. Beacon Inn in Beacon. It was everything you imgine when you think of a B&B. The house is a beautiful Georgian Revival from the early 1900's. Very special. I am still thinking about the fireplace mantles and the great interior color choices. It really was a warm inviting place and Barbra and her daughter were great hosts. It's one of those places that I will call on for inspiration. The town has great restaurants and an interesting modern art museum. If you go don't miss the garden. Bannerman Castle was also interesting from a historical and design perspective.The people working on the restortion definately have a passion for their work. Also had a chance to check out the floral dept. on the 7th floor of Takashimaya. Their floral designs always inspire me. If you are in NYC check it out.