Flowers Evoke Comfort and Sweet Memories
Lilac Alert!!
Image credits: 29 Blackstreet via Remodelista.com
When I read this post on Remodelista.com, I couldn’t help but share this lovely piece on Lilacs, “Consider The Lilac”. Just a few days ago, I read a beauty section in Lucky Magazine highlighting the color Lilac. Growing up in Northampton, Massachusetts, I still remember when Lilacs abundantly bloomed and their wonderful scent permeated the air. I remember as a child driving or walking by a grouping of Lilac bushes and shouting “Lilac Alert!” as soon as I saw them. Whenever I encountered Lilacs I couldn’t help but stop if possible, sniff, and touch the soft petals on the blooms.
I don’t encounter Lilacs as often in the Midwest, but when I do I am grateful for their beauty and scent because to me they evoke a feeling of warmth, freshness and tranquility, qualities of life that I seek everyday.
Commercial Interior Design Done Right
A great perk to my job is that I often discover enchanting spots in the City of Chicago. One day, while waiting for Roy’s to open, I decided to take my all-of-a-sudden-free-15-minutes and stroll down Sheffield to see what I could find. Spotting a coffee house I ducked in to take a moment out of my already hectic day. To my delight I entered Savor The Flavor Coffee House at 2545 Sheffield Ave., a uniquely charming spot that boasts Best Coffee Of Chicago (in 2006) and other light fare. Yes, my cup of coffee was really good, but what struck me the most was the atmosphere and overall feeling I had as soon as I walked in.
The front space of the coffee house is furnished with re-purposed, eclectic furniture including inviting sofas, chairs and tables of all shapes, sizes, and styles and the walls are adorned with colorfully intense yet warm artwork. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with the sense of visiting an old friend’s home where you can let your guard down and recharge. The furniture layout and space planning in the small space is perfect; each seating collection has it’s own personal orbit.
A coffee house or any other type of public gathering space should always feel like Savor The Flavor Coffee House. Why does it feel so good in there? It feels good because the space creates a home away from home. A well designed living space where you experience your every day tasks, either in your home or beyond, should envelop you with warmth and ease, whether you are waiting to see your doctor, work out at the gym, shop, or sip a cup of 
coffee. Imagine that idea and see what you will discover or contact Schema Interiors for an interior design for your public space!
Interior Designer Finds Creative Power At Magical Chicago Venue
There is a magical place here in Chicago that everyone must visit. Salvage One, located on W. Hubbard Street stirs my imagination and delights my senses. A while ago, we threw a huge party at this one-of-a-kind space in honor of my daughter becoming a Bat Mitzvah. When shopping for a venue for her celebration, I stumbled upon Salvage One and was immediately struck by the creative power it offered me.
Nostalgia and vast design opportunities meet and greet you as soon as you enter the world of Salvage One. It is a huge 2-story loft space filled with furniture from all time periods and styles, from Mid-Century Modern to Victorian, to the1970′s and beyond. It also contains incredible sculptures, art, mirrors, lighting, and salvaged architectural items from local Chicago buildings and landmarks. Walking through the first level is an enchanting journey of discovery. Everywhere you look is candy for the eyes. You can imagine why an interior designer would want to throw a party in such a magical place.
The second floor offers a rocking party space. I set up the dining area with vintage, modern, and traditional tables and chairs and placed existing chandeliers over each table, all provided by Salvage One. I took advantage of the armoires sitting about the open space to house food and extra cutlery and decorative props for the guests to enjoy. I also threw pink and chocolate throw pillows on the sofas set up around the bar area. It was truly a night to remember. Not only because of the joyous spirit in the air, but because of the powerful ambiance I could create with Salvage One as my backdrop.
I urge you all to stop by this Jewel in the City. Please visit their website at www.salvageone.com to discover the magic of Salvage One!
9 Colors – Interior Design Trends
Whenever I need to check the color trend barometer I pop into Crate and Barrel. Sure enough, I was not disappointed the other day when I 
stopped in to pick up some drinking glasses. As I walked through the revolving doors I was expecting tangerine, yellow and gray. After all, the home décor and clothing manufacturers have long ago saturated the market with these colors. In fact, last summer I picked up a lacquered gray tray from Crate and Barrel, and two yellow bird shaped votives from CB2, Crate and Barrel’s mod sister company. But that was several months ago. Today, my beloved orange, yellow and gray color palette has evolved into combinations of the three with MORE. fuchsia, royal blue, purple, kelly green and black and white. It’s a veritable rocking and rolling color party where anything goes. I love it! What a difference from a couple of years ago when aqua and tangerine simply ruled.
Bold color is gaining momentum in today’s design marketplace. It’s not so scary anymore. It’s refreshing and upbeat, positive and strong. Go get ‘em Crate and Barrel. May you continue to innovate, take risks and inspire us to live color to its fullest! After all, isn’t that the way we should live?
An Interior Designer’s Dream – Sauganash Stone and Tile Design
Selecting stone and tile for your bathroom, kitchen or fireplace can be an intimidating and overwhelming process but Sauganash Stone and Tile Design located in North Chicago makes it easy. It is my “Interior Design Go-To Shop” where I know I will find anything I want for the best materials and price. And, the customer service is unsurpassed. The shop’s friendly and warm owner, Oscar Banuelos, provides the latest tile on the market. He is constantly bringing in and stocking new inventory to help his customers make the best decision for whatever installation is required. There is something for everyone at every budget, whether you’re building a contemporary home, remodeling a traditional bathroom, or need a restaurant floor. Oscar has it all.
