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.