Today's Obsession: Blue Lacquered Walls

Blue Lacquered Walls

It couldn't be better than this... High Gloss royal blue walls make a great back drop to this 'Parlor Wall' of art with Pink Peonies and Gold Leaf Table .  Love Love Love!

Blue mixed with pops of red or pink and a black and white floor seem to be the formula.

Inspiration:

Tartans

After visiting Brimfield last weekend I've been trying to think of ways to incorporate more plaid and tartans into my daily routine and life.  I'm also feeling a tad self conscious about my new RayBan frames with 1" thick lenses and found this girl to be a cute inspiration. 

Smart Green Tartan Dresses

Tartan Ties

Plaid City Cabins with Gold Flecks of Asian Accents

Chicago Design Retail Scene:Brimfield

BRIMFIELD on Clark street in Andersonville



One of my favorite hot spots for inspiration on a rainy Sunday (like yesterday in Chicago) is Brimfield in Andersonville.  This shop is filled with army surplus, revamped estate sale finds, plaids&tartans, antlers, vintage skis, and cabin/cottage novelties.

I watched my good friend Erin purchase two tartan upholstered rod iron chairs (similar to this one) and a sweater pillow as a cozy addition to her Lincoln Park apartment.

February red inspiration

RED AND PINK WITH LOVE ALL OVER

ANTIQUE RED TUFTED SOFA WITH PINK TRIM

DOWN ON THE INSIDE AND OUT RED VELVET THROW PILLOW COVERED IN DOWN

RED HIDE RUG TO KEEP YOUR TOOTSIES WARM

COZY UP WITH A LOVER

PERHAPS A FLORIDA ESCAPE

CHILL OUT WITH PINKS AND BLUES

ORANGE AND PINK!

BE FEMININE WITHOUT TRYING TOO HARD

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

REMEMBER SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Chicago Design Retail Scene: Branca

Alexandra Branca is one of Chicago's most well known designers and has been sharing her good taste with Chicago patrons since 2008 after opening Branca on East Pearson street.  Her signature color 'red' flocks the windows and the striped black&white awning is hard to miss.

 $1000.00 Gold Leaf applied to trophy antlers adds a polished twist to a rustic trophy.

In addition to selling antiques, gifts, and accessories she has her own listing on 1st dibs http://www.1stdibs.com/  a commonly used tool by most designers.

Her Color palates and attention to detail are promonate in most of her work and items she chooses for her store.

Branca Table Top

Trimming every nook and cranny outlines the room with clean lines and adds a tailored twist.

'BRANCAIZED' DRESSER

Chicago's Design Retail Scene: Jayson Home and Garden

Over Priced? or Fun Finds that are worth splurging on? 

Every time I visit Jayson Home and Garden I find my self confused. It smells like a thrift store, looks like a Bohemian Soho loft, but has the prices of a Oak street boutique.   I am always amazed by the exuberant array of home accents and vintage finds, but can never afford to 'blow my wad' on my seemingly silly finds.... (see $1500.00 taxidermy peacock below). 

Get Jayson's look for less

Jayson's Gold Leaf Accent table $650.00

Pier one's Accent table $49.99 

(not crazy about the bird, but you could spruce this up with gold  paint from the hardware store)

Jayson's Hide $695.00

Ikea Kolby Hide $199.00

Jayson's Sofa $3295.00

Z Gallerie Sofa $999.00

Jayson's Sofa $2995.00

Z Gallerie Sofa $999.00

Jayson's Horn Stool $475.00

Z Gallerie's Horn Table $199.00

Chicago's Design Retail Scene: Painted Lady

The Painted Lady, a unique  place to shop, is an ever-changing collection of hand-painted antique furniture pieces and accessories. From French provincial dining tables, apothecary jars, and vintage chandeliers to hand painted signs, original artwork and farmhouse finds.

Owner, Beth Brace, keeps a customer wish list in her pocket while hunting for fabulous wares at antique markets. When your desired item is found repainting, distressing, and other treatments are available upon request.

Feminine linen ruffles mixed with a small dose of Urban minimalism creates a nice balance.