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Ooooh Sparklies!

Tyra has the Fiercies™, TV has the Emmy's™, I present to you the Sparklies!  "What are sparklies?" you might ask.  Sparklies are people, places or things that stop you dead in your tracks in the middle of a conversation (or whatever you may be doing) for their beauty, unique qualities, or just bring inspiration and light at that given moment.  So many times I'll be sourcing for jobs, or just out and about with colleagues and we'll be distracted, look at each other and go "ooooh sparklies!"  

I recently met up with my friend Bret Grafton, acclaimed photographer and artist here in Chicago.  During our conversation, he informed me he just launched a new collaboration with CB2 selling prints of his artwork.  Checking out the website, I saw his holga magnolia print and instantly forgot all about winter and went right into the beauty of spring.

Having worked with Bret on photo shoots for both Signature Staging and Restoration Salon, I can't wait to see what creative juices he has flowing for his next work!  While you're checking out Bret's work, be sure to do a search for artwork at CB2 by Matthew Lew, another one of my Chicago favorites!

 

Signature Staging on Yelp!

We've been very busy staging homes all over Chicago with Signature Staging!  Not only are homes we stage continuing to sell (proving once again that staging does work), but we just got our first review on Yelp.com!

Thank you Julia for the review!  Click on the Yelp link above to view.

The Perfect Fall Daytrip - The Baker House

Fall is quickly approaching!  There's nothing I like more this time of year than getting outside and enjoying fall colors, breaking out the sweaters, and taking little road trips before winter sets in.  One of my new favorite places to go is The Baker House in Lake Geneva, WI.

The Baker House is a step back in time to the guilded age with nightly entertainment, one of a kind original Victorian grandeur and a staff that will make every visit an unforgettable one!  Open nightly, I can't think of a better way to spend a relaxing, colorful fall day on a magnificent lake.  Be sure to stick around for sunset...not only are they breathtaking, but there's a special celebration every night!  Only 90 minutes from Chicago and about an hour from Milwaukee - this is a perfect little getaway for the day.  

A colorful re-purpose

I have loved to repurpose and recreate objects for as long as I can remember.  One of my favorite projects to date is this funky old brass chandelier that I gave a colorful facelift using ribbon and paint.

 

Chandelier from antique shop before

   

 

After some paint, ribbon and glue!

 

This particular piece was installed in an office in an Andersonville condo.  Given everyone fixture is different and custom to your color scheme, what a great way to add a little drama to your space! 

 

 

 

Design Road Trip - Farnsworth House

With so many historical homes in Illinois and Wisconsin, what a better way to spend a perfect summer day than hopping in the car and taking a road trip.  The first house featured in this series is the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe, located in Plano, Ill.  Completed in 1951, the Farnsworth House is truly a masterpiece.  The minimalist expression combined with Mies' attention to detail create a seamless environment between architecture and nature.  Pictures are not allowed inside the home, so on the next sunny 80 degree day you must go experience this for yourself!  By the way, the tree pictured here is 175 years old...Crazy!  For more information, and to book a tour ahead of time (highly recommended) visit www.farnsworthhouse.org

      

 

Restoration Salon Photo Shoot

 

Partnering with Bret Grafton Photography, I recently had the opportunity to work with a great team of people on a photo shoot for Restoration Salon.  Thank you to everyone involved for a fun shoot! 

Click on the photos below to see the rest of our Twilight-inspired fabulosity, and be sure to check out the following links to some great Chicago-based services.

Bret Grafton Photography - www.photografton.com

Restoration Salon - www.restorationsalonchicago.com

Galleria Concord - www.galleriaconcord.com

5p1t - www.5p1t.com

 

        

        

     

Strange Closets

Recently, I had the opportunity to be a guest designer on Strange Closets, a Chicago-based design blogsite.  The mission was to create a plan for a cramped Manhattan apartment on a very tight budget. 

To check out the post you can visit www.strangeclosets.com, or click here.  While you're there, check out the rest of the site.  Tate hunts for the hidden treasures of Chicago and there are some truly fascinating finds! 

Thanks to Tate for the opportunity!