The Michelle's Interiors Holiday Party

The last few days of the holiday season are closing in, and last week the Michelle’s Interiors office celebrated by going to dinner at Trattoria Pomigliano in Libertyville. To begin the night, we cheered in celebration of a good past year, for a better one to come, and happy holidays to one another. While eating the great Italian food, we exchanged our gifts, and shared laughs. As we wish among each other, we also wish everyone a Happy Holiday and New Year!

A Round of Thank You's for All

Last week was the Diffa event, Dining by Design. The event may be over but I still have more to say. This year was my first in being apart of the event and I am grateful to have participated. I have so many people to thank for their contributions, and with their help my designs came to life.

First of all, I want to thank my ladies at the studio, for their hard work and help with the busyness of coordinating everything. A big thank you goes to Kravet, their fabric provided beautiful panel fabric that people couldn’t stop touching and the upholstery on the custom booth was almost entirely Kravet fabric. I was excited to tell people where these materials were from. Also, a part of that thanks also goes to Joe Caminiti for his participation, teamwork, and of course, the chairs through C.A.I, which complimented the rest of the room beautifully. I can’t forget Osborne and Little, the pink fabric on the booth gave a unique look that also received many compliments.

An enormous thank you goes to JML Remodeling Specialists, Johansen Woodworks, Creations & Style Upholstery, for working with my designs of both the walls and the booths, which were fabricated better than I imagined. Also, Kandice and Francisco from San Juan Ventures, there were so many compliments on the tabletop, and surprise at how that big beautiful tree was a renewable resource. To Maya Romanoff, the beaded black wallpaper was the perfect backdrop for the dining room, and Vince from Designer’s Choice Painting, did a beautiful job installing it, so I want to thank both of you for that. The zebra rug, by Peerless Imported Rugs, was an excellent complement. Thank all of you for being so much apart of the Diffa event.

Last but not least, thank you to Melissa and Luke at Modern Luxury, for the sponsorship and Light Art for providing an elegant light fixture. Brimar’s grommet tape gave the booths the look of separate seats, and wholeness at the same time, Holly and Mark you both were so accommodating. Also Brimar’s finials and hardware details worked greatly with the ceiling sheers and panels, done by Edco Drapery Workroom. Barbara, of Barbara Morely Photography, the support of your photography added to the edgy, urban downtown feel of the space. Finally, Allison at Stems, Inc., did the beautiful fresh floral arrangement, which lasted for four days, and fit perfectly with the character of the vignette.

I am proud to say the three-day event turned out wonderfully and again, I cannot thank everyone who were apart of this charitable event enough. The final product was delivered flawlessly. I look forward to what may come next year, thank you.

Dining by Design, a Diffa Event

Starting on Thursday, November 5th, Diffa kicks off a three-day event for a great cause that has raised “over $5.5 million,” (diffachicago.org). Diffa/Chicago, Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids-Chicago chapter, has organized their third Dining by Design event. I am proud to be designing a dining room vignette, sponsored by CS Interiors Magazine, for this cause to help raise money and to change peoples’ lives.

From the first day, Cocktails by Design, to Friday, the Pre-Gala Viewing on the second day, to the final day, which hosts two events: the Table Hop and Taste, where you can enjoy the wine tasting and great food from Chicago restaurants, and to finish the night, the elegant Gala Dinner, this is an event you don’t want miss. If you’re interested in supporting this cause, there are tickets available online for several of the events, including: Open House tickets, Cocktails by Design, Table Hop and Taste, and Believe Table Tickets (see the link below to for more information).



Here’s the link for information on the event and tickets:
http://diffachicago.org/dbdeventinfo.html




Works Cited:
diffachicago.org. 2009. Diffa/Chicago Events Page. 29 Oct. 2009.

The Holidays in Your Home

This is it, the holidays are right around the corner, and of course this year is your turn to host. You’re stressed out, wondering what to do about where everyone will sit, not to mention what they’ll sit on, where to put their things, and what they’ll think of your home. Stop stressing, don’t be embarrassed, and don’t continue to worry.

First of all, repainting is a great way to transform any room, whether you completely change the color or just do touch-ups; paint gives a crisp clean look, but most importantly is cost effective. When it comes to making room for your guests, sometimes new space planning options are the answer. Also if you’re questioning the look of your furniture, consider reupholstering. (See last Thursday’s post on reupholstering.) Sometimes closets are forgotten, but by using organizing systems, you can maximize the use of any closet leaving you worry-free about giving your guests a place for their belongings.

I would love to go over solutions for your home so you can start preparing for the holidays as soon as possible. Stay stress-free this season; together we can make your home fit your lifestyle

Redo or All New, Customize Your Furniture

Today I met with a representative from a fabric, carpet, and wallcovering, company I enjoy working with. As I was looking through all the new fabrics, I was thinking of the potential uses. One possibility is, having furniture that you love, something that has been in the family for a long time, and you want to keep it, but maybe the colors just don’t match you’re décor or it simply needs a new look. Reupholstering is a solution to give a new life to furniture. If you need something new, that completes your space, go for a more customized piece. With this company, many of the fabrics offered also offer rugs in similar patterns and color ways, making the perfect cohesion in your room. My studio has a considerable amount of fabrics to choose from, so scheduling an appointment at my studio is the first step to your perfect piece.

Texures in Wall Coverings You Must See

I might have some new favorite wall coverings; a great company I work with has just come out with some new products, which are rich in texture and hardly resemble traditional vinyl wallpaper, in fact these wall coverings will draw your hand to it. Many of these products come in earthy tones, are made of natural products, but most importantly there is a covering offered that will compliment both your style of living and style at home.

If you want earthy tones, they have it, in several different depths of textures and styles.

• Made from hemp, this covering comes in a braided, knotted, or subtlety-textured pattern.
  Pressed paper with flecks of mica give a shimmer, offered in organic circle patterns or lightly textured.

For a look that is more contemporary, but still has the touch of natural materials, there’s a covering.

• A thin, flexible wood veneered wall covering, available in different inlays, has option of either a detail of pearl or crystal.
  
• Glass beads, applied in different colors, some in patterns, add glimmer and texture that seems to change with different lighting and different point-of-views.

Sometimes what we want is a space that just feels warmer, and of course there is a product for that.

• Felt, also offered in earthy tones, is protected from stains and water, and has embroidered stripes that, from a distance, give an effect of a pinstripe suit.

Be fearless of wallpaper, with the many styles, textures, details, and colors, there is surely a match for you, with the added bonus of a great conversational piece. I have samples of each of these products that are just begging to be touched, give my studio a call for more information and to set up an appointment.

Picture update and Decorative Pillows

As promised, I am posting a picture of my Michelle's Interiors staff with Barclay Butera. I also want to bring up that while Barclay was speaking, he mentioned his thoughts on pillows and I can’t agree more. I use decorative pillows in all my projects. They are a great way to add the extra little details and a finished look to any bedroom, living room, family room or even theatre room. Because they are customizable in shape, size, fabrics, and trim, pillows are an easy way to update any space. Most importantly, they are the most cost effective way to get a fresh new look.

Future Color Trends

Living in such a kaleidoscopic world, its only natural that we are attracted to colors. It seems we all have our favorites and how can we not when color is everywhere. In 2010, keep an eye out for a new variation of your favorite. If you’re ready to give your favorite spot in your home a fresh new look, focusing on the colors can create the most impact on a space. Whether you want an area that’s relaxing and spa-inspired or warm and inviting, there are easy ways to add new colors. Let’s look at next year’s color trends!

• Earth-friendly living translates to hues found in nature, so these colors are a big part of next year’s palette. Neutral earthy colors, browns, tans, greens, even variations of yellows, oranges, and reds.


• Darker values will be deep and bold, giving the feeling of true richness. Great examples are plums, mossy greens, navy blues, mustard yellow, and burgundies.


• Light hues are also rich in color, but with a delicateness that still allows for a soft and warm feeling.


• Last but not least, we'll be seeing bright colors- not the neon’s of the eighties, but colors that can, with the correct proportions, compliment nearly any of the others previously described.

Now, what to do with these newly selected colors? Try applying easy solutions, flooring, pillows, window treatments, and paint. This way you don’t have to completely commit; however, don’t be afraid to go all out, just look for materials with these colors. Another way to start is by finding an inspiration piece, stores are carrying these colors, or you could also go through your favorite magazines. Whichever way you begin, be fearless! There is always someone that can help, look through my website for other examples I’ve done.

The Kravet Event and Barclay Butera

Yesterday’s Kravet event was memorable. Barclay Butera was the guest speaker, and was fascinating to listen to. I think what intrigued me the most was his story of how he began as a designer. Growing up in the world of design and working for his mother gave him an advantage this industry. I also found that he and I work with similar goals in mind, to transform every space the client wants to compliment his or her lifestyle. Butera introduced his fabric collection for Kravet Collections, which have influenced designs for Tufts by Kravet Carpet. After speaking, Butera sat for book signing, which I’ve already started looking through. ( A picture is coming soon, so check back). Later, other designers and I had the pleasure of having dinner with Butera To be able to discuss how he runs his business while managing projects was invaluable information. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can work with these timeless fabrics.

What is Your Inspiration?

Inspirations, words, colors, shapes, music, art, nature, architecture, fashion, weather, furniture, fabrics, textures, the list can go on. What inspires one person, may not for another, an obvious concept. So today I decided to skim through a local magazine in search of an inspiration of my own. As I was perusing the fine print in a section where the listings for upcoming events such as art shows and benefits, and that’s where I found it. Between the columns named “Miscellany,” and “Opera,” you find “Museums.” I find it interesting that as time has gone by, styles have evolved from one another, and have sometimes evolved into something new and different from the previous era- all because someone had a new idea, a new inspiration. I think it is important to get back in touch with our history, and the Chicago-land area has plenty to offer. Who knows what might happen when you visit, you may learn something new, find an object to inspire your home, or even just have a good time with the family. Finding what’s near you is easy, just look through local magazines, newspapers, or maybe the easiest way is online.

I want to know what inspires you, or what local landmarks or historical sites are near you!

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

A fellow member of the Best Practices Network (BPN), Tim Schelfe needs your support on the online reality show, Nation's Next Top Model Home. He and six others are competeing for the title and top prize. You can either vote onsite or online, until September 26th so click on the link below and show support too! You can only vote once per email, so tell everyone you know.

http://www.nationsnexttopmodelhome.com/

Eco-Friendly Flooring for Your Home

To pick the right type of flooring, best for you, there are a lot of factors. One being where you are in life, whether you have children or not and if you do, are they still at home? Other factors to consider are the ease of maintenance, durability, comfort, and how healthy it is for you and your environment.

So maybe having eco-friendly flooring isn’t one of your top priorities- it should be. Considering the many options (materials, colors, and styles, just to name a few) for green flooring, it really is a no-brainer. While not all green flooring is cost effective up front, it does pay for itself in the long run.

Bamboo and cork are two popular flooring types. Both are offered in different colors, this can be done with a stain and can be used in any room of your home. In kitchens and bathrooms, a protective coat that, like the stains, is earth-friendly, can be applied.

If bamboo and cork aren’t for you, it’s ok; there are other hard surfaces to choose from. Linoleum, rubber, and tile can all be made with recycled materials. Speaking of recycled materials, one great way to recycle flooring is by using reclaimed wood. You get natural hardwood floors, while giving a new home to wood.

While using hard surfaces for flooring looks great, (and allows the ability to easily change any room décor by adding or changing natural rugs), some people just prefer carpet. Carpet is a soft, cushioning, material that is safe for children and can be made using either natural or recycled fibers. Using eco-friendly carpet reduces irritants for sensitive people, making it healthier to be around. Like other flooring options, there are many styles, colors, and designs to choose from, and can also be made custom.

When you’re ready to update any room with new flooring, the deciding factors that come first, durability, maintenance, and style are very important; but keep in mind what other options you have, like using products that are safe for you, your family, future generations, and the environment.

Keep checking back for more information on recycling fabrics!

For Our Pets

One of the best feelings anyone can get is when they walk through their door, and are greeted by the warm wagging of a tail, the purr of excitement, and of course any form of a smile your pet is capable of. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) states that since 1994, ownership of pets has grown steadily. (“Industry Statistics & Trends.”) So it shouldn’t be surprising that even though the economy has been bad for most job markets, and even after the horrible events of September 11, 2001, the pet market has continued to grow.

There are so many benefits of owning a pet of any kind, from lowering chances of heart disease, blood pressure, to easing depression and minimizing doctor visits. (“Industry Statistics & Trends.”) Our pets do so much for us; I thought I would think up a few ways to thank them.

• Beds built the perfect size for your pet and customized to fit in with your home décor offers a place of comfort, not an eyesore. Also, ergonomic beds relieve any joint pains or pressures.
• Keep shallow baskets in easy-to-reach places for your pets’ favorite toys, you can keep your home clean with less clutter, while your pet can still play.
• Having custom play towers for cats, and play areas for dogs, it will keep them busy and give them a space just for them.
• Think of unique applications for pets, like floating shelves and framed eco-friendly materials made for cats to scratch on. This is a great way to create more floor space by replacing a scratching post for wall units.
  
  If you have special ways or ideas to thank your pet, let us know we would love to hear!
  
  
  
  “Industry Statistics & Trends.” americanpetproducts.org. American Pet Products Association. 14 Sep. 2009.

Tips for Getting Ready for Winter

This summer has been cooler than most others, and fall might be the same way, so what about winter? Before we start seeing snowy days, double-check that list to make sure ever thing is done. There are some elements to consider before winter, in order to keep warm indoors. Many of these are also ways to live sustainable, healthier lifestyle.

• Having energy efficient windows are the best way to make sure warm air doesn’t escape
• Use window treatments that are designed to help save energy; by keeping warm air in during the colder seasons and during the warm seasons, they keep warm air out.
• Clients of ours use a waterless tank, which helps with conserving water; it only heats up as much as needed when in use.
• Clients with allergies take special precautions, by not having carpet within their homes also, making sure to use furnaces with clean air filters, which are much better than freestanding units on people with allergies.
• Make sure there aren’t any air leaks around exterior doors.

If you have ideas on ways to stay healthy while living indoors this winter let us know!

At Home Retreats

Let’s be honest, times are tough. As the economy is slowly moving out of a recession, vacations are limited. If the recession hasn’t hit you, maybe it’s your busy schedule keeping you from a vacation. Just because you may not be able to leave your home, doesn’t mean you can’t get away. Designating a special area to retreat to can give you the peace of mind nearly any vacation can.

Many of our clients have been making their bathroom their own home spa. Choosing relaxing colors, soft lighting, body sprays in the shower, and jets in the tub all are ways that can affects our body in soothing ways. Reading nooks are also popular getaways for clients. It’s a perfect way to spend a little extra time by yourself or with family, getting lost within the pages of a great book or having a family adventure. The backyard season is closing and we’re all starting to spend more time indoors. Why not lose yourself within a movie with a home theatre. Family time can also be spent watching your favorite television shows.

After vacations, it is all too easy to forget that you even left. Reaching the spot where you can rejuvenate, feel fresh, and find serenity within your home is possible; you just need to find them.

What is your favorite way to relax within your home? Tell us, we want to know!

Organizing Tips for Going Back to School

Mornings can sometimes be hectic, between getting yourself ready and making sure the kids make it to school on time, it seems there are a thousand things to do. Don’t forget that after school can be just as chaotic, as well as the night before. When it comes to tackling clutter, start with the source. Here are tips on ways to stay organized.

Schedule, rotate, and designate. When there is sharing involved with the bathroom, find a schedule that works for your family, then keep it! While one child is having breakfast, the other should be using the bathroom, then rotate. These are ways to save time. Ways to stay organized can be just as simple; outlets put under the counters, for items like electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, etc. keep counters clean. Another way to keep counters clean is by putting opaque storage units on walls, for older children and teens, which can be easily accessed or able to be taken from the wall, all while hiding the contents. We have a solution for smaller children too, keep a basket for each child to put his or her belongings in- make it fun, have them label it their own way. By bathing at night, small children clam down easier for bedtime and older kids and teens free up time in the morning.

Being used to summertime cookouts, after school activities may make family dinners infrequent. Saving one night a week to have dinner with the family is a way to keep in touch. On the other nights, take advantage of the one-on-one time with your kids. Also by using a crock-pot or warming drawer you can save time during the week by preparing meals ahead. Scheduled meals also free time for parents. For little children occasionally make dinner fun, have a picnic-in. Prepare the table with a picnic style tablecloth and serve food from a basket.

Bedrooms are great spaces to teach organization skills. By laying clothes out the night before, you save time in the morning. Alarm clocks are great tools to teach independence from having parents waking them up. By putting in a black out shade, going to bed is a lot easier when bed times still have daylight.

Family rooms are great areas to spend quality time. When bedtime gets nearer, lowering shades about an hour before helps calm and relax children. Another great thing to do is to set up a special corner, whether it’s a chair or loveseat, and make it just for reading with the family, privately, or for story time before bed.
Other great ideas are to keep a calendar by the door used the most. Children and teens can get in the habit of looking for their name and activity to do. This teaches children responsibility of scheduling and planning, as well as lets parents know what their children are doing, when and where. Keep a file system, organizing it by each child and the activities, from school to sports to clubs, he or she are in. Each night have bags packed and ready by the door, this eliminates rushing around in the morning. Last but not least, keep your car packed with items like folding chairs, blankets and a cooler with drinks and snacks, so you’re always ready to go when for the next game!

Solutions for Shades

Solutions can be found for almost everything. So when a client asks us for a window treatment that provides privacy without losing the benefits of daylight, visual appeal, and insulation. We came up with a solution- a multi-layered, multi-vender, window treatment.

By using different vendors and multiple layers, we captured the qualities the client wanted, protection from sun damage, insulation, and privacy, while achieving an aesthetic appeal, without any sacrifices. To top it off, the whole treatment is an electric shade. Hard wired, low voltage and running on a universal remote, each layer of the shade works separately from the others, alleviating the struggles of pulling cords this way and that.

For our client, we used these treatments in two large windows of a living room, which work independently of each other. Electric shades don’t always have to be used in layers either. One shade can work just as easily, in places such as patio doors or hard to reach windows. Also, the options seem endless; they come in a variety of colors and textures- a simple, fabulous solution to shades.

Thoughts From the Lake House

The summer is ending soon and many students have gone back to school. Spending the last possible weekends at our Nantucket-style lake house, has produced thoughts…

We are entering between the seasons that bring families together. This is the segment in time where we all search for ways to prepare- our homes and ourselves. We all have those times when we look around the house and make mental, if not written, lists of all the projects needed to be done- big or small.

This thought reminded me of being in a similar position, while creating projects here, at our lake house. With so many things to consider, I recognized that I couldn’t treat this house as I would with my primary home. Between the elements outdoors, the sand and water, and the activities our family does, durable materials and protected pieces were a must!

The next time you take a look at your list, see if any of the projects have special needs, like where to keep your winter boots when they’re full of snow, or creating a special spot for the soccer shoes, instead of tossed in the corner, in the mudroom versus a family room, where you are most likely to want to kick-back and relax with the family, maybe even watch your favorite movie or television show, or a bathroom, where you need the extra space for storage or even for more than one person to get ready. Think about how whether or not that area meets with the natural world, if so consider using more durable products. Also note that rooms that require more help should be started sooner, to have the best chance at being finished in time for the holidays!

Watch Out September!

We're excited and you should be too! With the opening of a second location, in Chicago, we have an awesome ad in CS Magazine. Make sure you have a copy of the special anniversary, September issue.

Go For Quality

When you look around your home, what do you see; furniture, light fixtures, window treatments, and décor? Of these items, how many could you reuse?

While making purchases, go for quality! This seems like an obvious idea, but many people are still living in a “throwaway society” when we should be living green. Here’s a perfect example. For a client of ours, we are space planning and reworking furniture, lighting, and window treatments to accommodate a new home in Florida. By doing this, we have been able to fully furnish nearly all of the rooms in the new house. New life and a new vision have been created, while avoiding the cost of buying all new furniture.

The next time you’re considering a purchase, look closely for important details, such as: the quality of construction, fabrics, even the embellishments. Don’t just go with something inexpensive. Also keep in mind the flexibility of the piece, it should be something that you will want to cherish, appreciate, and most importantly keep up with your lifestyle.

Green Design

Green and eco-friendly practices and materials have become a big influence in interior design and there are some beautiful options that not only help the environment but add unique design elements to your home.

Check out Michelle's Green Design segment on WGN-TV. Here are some ideas to green every room in your home.

New Trends for the New Year

Happy 2009 and we are excited to be back blogging !!!

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home ~

Michelle’s Interiors Gives Tips on How to Spruce Up Your Home in the New Year

Especially with the stress of this year’s economy, New Year’s is an opportunity to start fresh, yet many end up with a long list of unreasonable resolutions that are hard to keep. One step in the right direction that doesn’t have to involve spending hours in the gym or following the latest diet craze is to make small steps to improve your home. Michelle Rohrer-Lauer of Michelle’s Interiors shares her tips on how a comfortable and happy home makes for a healthier, happier you.

“This year, people are staying put by not going on vacations and definitely not moving. For that reason, it is more important than ever that your home must be your retreat, and the place that you go to relax and regroup,” says Michelle. The couple should come first in the home so it is crucial to make the bedroom or bathroom a retreat. Here are just a few of Michelle’s tips for a better home in the New Year.

Make the Bedroom a Sanctuary. The most crucial element of a relaxing bedroom is to make sure to have a comfortable bed and linens. Bed linens should be the colors and textures that evoke calm and happy feelings within you. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on the highest thread count of sheets to create a bed that is inviting and relaxing.

Have a Personal Space Within the Bedroom. Try rearranging your furniture to create a space for reading, relaxing or quiet thought. By having a private reading corner in your bedroom, the bed is reserved for sleeping, but you still have a retreat from your busy life in your bedroom haven.

Add Some Ambiance to Your Room. Don’t underestimate the power of the little details. With soft, intimate lighting and a relaxing fragrance of lavender or peppermint in the room, the room can come alive with senses of romance and tranquility.

Kick Out the T.V. While this may be the most difficult resolution for most, having a television in the room hinders our ability to truly relax and regroup. Replace the television with music that allows your mind to unwind.