Three Reasons to Visit Chicago–Frank. Lloyd. Wright.

Several weeks ago, hubby and I visited Chicago for the first time.  We were wowed by the architecture, the landscaping and the friendly people! 

At the top of my list was a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio in Oak Park, a short transit ride from downtown Chicago.

Oak Park is an area of large beautiful homes on large beautiful lots with mature gardens and trees.  It was a pleasure to stroll through this neighbourhood and visit the home and studio of one of my favourite architects!

I’ve written about the home tour over on the TBB blog here.  In this post I’m going to share a tour of the studio Frank designed adjacent to his home in Oak Park.

After gaining popularity as an architect at the turn of the 20th century, Frank moved business from his home to the newly built studio adjoining his house.  This studio was designed to allow maximum light without obstruction so architects and their students could work the long hours required.

Support was provided using heavy duty chains as structural support rather than large wooden beams as seen below.

The room was filled drafting tables, overhead pendants and task lighting.  The quote shown from Rudyard Kipling’s “McAndrews Hymn” was displayed in the studio, I’m guessing to provide inspiration.  The adjoining office space was built to display the work of the architects and conduct business with clients.

The studio/office tour was a wonderful glimpse into Frank Lloyd Wright’s work life as well as his design aesthetic.  Next week I will share the walking tour of the Oak Park neighbourhood.

Happy travels….

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to create a home that reflects your style and your life

An Inspirational Series!

Over on the TBB blog, which I share with 5 very talented Ottawa decorators, we have just finished a series of guest posts featuring four of Canada's leading designing women.  These women shared with us their Colour, Fabric & Style forecasts for 2013 and let me tell you, I have been INSPIRED!  I know you will be too, so check them out:

 

• Kimberley Seldon gives us a glamorous "Gatsby" inspired palette
• Carol Reed shares a colour scheme that takes on cottage full of wood
• Sharon Grech paints the picture of a soothing seaside bedroom
• Margot Austin pairs tartan with ivy to comes up with a stunning result

 

 

 

I would love to hear which is your favourite!  I know I can't pick just one ...

 

Happy Decorating!

Inspired at IDS 2013

Well it’s been a little over a month since the Interior Design Show in Toronto.  I have started this post several times and struggled with the words to describe what I saw, what inspired me and what was pure gorgeousness.  So instead of agonizing over what to say, I’ll show you the pictures instead – what a concept!

From Studio North, a section of the IDS floor devoted to unique artisans, crystal wine glasses repurposed as lighting from Tat Chao out of Montreal.

Urban Barn’s take on mustard:

And this lighting display from Living Lighting on King

Wide plank engineered hardwood from PurParket:

Gorgeous ikat inspired area carpets from Weavers Art in one of my favourite colour combinations:

Industrial cage lighting from the Earth Inc. booth

A wonderful blend of rustic and modern from Tomlin Group

There were many more inspiring exhibits some of which have been covered on the TBB Wine Dine and Design blog:

• Texture at the Interior Design Show 2013– from Lisa Goulet
• IDS2013 – Searching for Emerald – from Nicole Duguay
• The Return of Warm Metals – at IDS 2013 – from yours truly
• What Walls are Wearing … IDS13 – from Maureen Coates

I am looking forward to drawing on this inspiration in upcoming projects!

Happy decorating!

An Inspiring Interlude–#IDS2013

This week I’m heading to Toronto for the 2013 Interior Design Show, fondly known as #IDSToronto or #IDS2013 for those of us on Twitter.

It will be a whirlwind of activity including opening galas, after parties and glitzy hob nobbing!

Honestly though, the real reason I’m there is to be inspired.  Friday is “Trade Day”, where members of the trade are granted exclusive access to the show and it’s exhibitors, speakers and product.

The last few shows I’ve been to have provided inspiration on several fronts.

• The abundance of wood in design

• Lighting that dazzles

• Bathroom fixtures that amaze

• Works of art underfoot

I am looking forward to more inspiration this year – that and well, perhaps a little bit of the partying too *wink*!

Happy Decorating

Lots of News!

It's been a busy fall here in this household!

We have been spending a lot of time with our 2 year old grandson, who has just become a BIG brother to the worlds most adorable baby boy - Rhoen!

We've been assisting in wedding plans, you know venues, decor, flowers and dresses,  for our oldest daughter, who has also just moved into her first home!  Sooo exciting!!

Apart from all of this wonderful family activity, I have been very busy with another venture - namely The TBBs.  As part of this talented group of local decorators I'm contributing to what we hope to be a great resource for local wine-ing, dine-ing and design-ing!  Our three favourite things!!!

Source: The TBBs

We have been busy trying out restaurants, sourcing design goodies and tasting wine – all of it for our readers – sigh, the sacrifices we make!  We`ve also had a couple of local television segments, with a couple more coming up giving tips on decorating your home for Christmas!  Check them out on the blog - www.thetbbs.com.

And to top it off I was featured on the Ottawa Citizen Style magazine website.  My thanks to editor Jennifer Campbell and photographer Wayne Cuddington!

Source: Wayne Cuddington

Check out the interview here.

So, it's been an

˜”*°•.¸”*°•.¸☆ ★ ☆¸.•°*”¸.•°*”˜

. . ★★★ AWESOME ★★★ . .

¸.•°*”˜¸.•°*”☆ ★ ☆”*°•.¸˜”*°•.¸

fall!

Bring on Christmas!!!!