Hey

Binge On My Videos!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Are you done binge-watching “The Crown?” Check out my series of six interior design videos at Sweet Peas Design Videos.  They are short, so quicker to watch than the latest trials and tribulations of Queen Elizabeth. Each one is different, but all are full of tips to update your home for 2018. I’ll take you on a tour of my Chicago condo, above, where you can see these aluminum bar stools. They are a variation on the iconic Emeco 1006 chairs designed for Navy submarines during World War II. Gorgeous and  indestructible!

 

Garry Hattam and I will give you a tour of this three-story bachelor pad in Old Town, too. We focused on texture and geometric designs throughout, as in the living room above, with its blue suede coffee table and the square-in-square, hair-on-hide rug. It’s the perfect spot for entertaining or for solo evenings at home in front of the fireplace.

 

You will also meet my dear friend and intuitive extraordinaire, Jillian Maas Backman, above left, as we talk about how to bring positive energy into your home. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and get ready for loads of inspiration!  Many thanks to Julie Anderson for producing the video series.

More Portfolio Photos!

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Take a peek at our newest project photos at SweetPeasDesignPortfolio.  Look for Mountain-Inspired Home Design in the top row, followed by three more of our recently released projects – Libertyville Home Remodel, Northshore Home Redesign and Lake Forest Home Update.

You’ll find loads of fabulous design ideas for every room in your home among the two dozen-plus projects in our portfolio. Each home reflects that client’s vision, lifestyle and personality, so no two are ever alike!

 

 

New Portfolio Photos!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

We just posted photos of three of our most recent projects on our website at https://sweetpeas-inspired.com/portfolio/. Look for Libertyville Home Remodel, Northshore Home Redesign and Lake Forest Home Update at the top of the list.

 

You’ll find plenty of fabulous design  ideas for your kitchen, laundry/mud room, family room, dining room, master bedroom and bathrooms. Want more? We have photos of more than two dozen projects in our portfolio covering every room of a home.

 

Our unifying theme: Function first, then we layer in custom details and  textural elements for a collected, more livable and not so perfect style. Just enough and just right!

 

Talking Design Trends on FOX 32

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A warm thanks (on a very cold day) to news anchor Sally Schulze at FOX 32 Chicago! It was exciting to dish with her about design trends for 2018 on Good Day Chicago. You can see the whole interview at Design Trends 2018. But here’s a little sample….

 

Kitchens are going dark in the New Year – surprise! Navy blue, charcoal, black, forest green and darker stains for cabinets are moving in. (But I still love white kitchens!)

 

The design world will be throwing us a lot of curves in 2018 – gotta love it! Sofa and chair arms, headboards, side tables and chair backs will be rounding out our homes. I must admit I am a curvy gal who loves circles and S-curves and curvaceous sports cars!

Lighting will be more organic – free-form and loose, not structured. People want their homes to be elegant and sophisticated, but not pretentious.

 

Stone slabs such as marble and quartzite will be used as works of art, not just for countertops. After all, Mother Nature is the world’s most talented artist!

Thanks again, Sally, and stay warm!

Irresistibles

Reading Time: 3 minutes

So many beautiful furnishings, not enough space! I’m back with another installment of Irresistibles – our periodic blog featuring must-have furnishings that we discover during our never-ending search for treasures. In this post I’m featuring cravable selections from Senior Designer Angela Lavista, Junior Designer Lauren Benditzky and me.

Angela

I found this stunning table at the Jiun Ho showroom during a recent trip to the Merchandise Mart. It is so subtle and simple, but the curves and balance are so elegant. The variegated patina on the exterior of the base, with the golden interior contours, make it even more sophisticated. I can imagine sharing breakfast or a fancy dinner for two at this wonderful table. It comes in lacquer or oak on top, with a cast-bronze base.

Susan

This Niagara Chandelier Dome from Serip USA is just one of my cravables. The upside-down dome is a wonderful combination of uber-sophisticated but unconstructed. It reminds me of a luxe bird’s nest!

 

Susan

I’m also crazy about this squared-off Armstrong chair from KGBL. The solid brass frame makes a striking, architectural-like contrast for the down-filled seat and back cushions, which are upholstered in sage silk velvet. It just looks like such a cozy place to sit!

 

 

Lauren

I am obsessed with this 19^th century-inspired, giltwood settee upholstered in Miles Redd’s “Cubit Silk” fabric for Schumacher! To me, it is the perfect juxtaposition of classic traditional and modern.

 

Lauren

If you asked me what my favorite product is right now, the hand-painted wallcovering above, is it. Porter Teleo creates hand-painted fabrics and wallcoverings that are organic and graphic, giving any space an artistic, cool attitude.