Hey guys! I get a lot of questions from clients about my favorite things...

So, I want to answer those questions right here and give you my GO-TO list of fabulous furniture, accessories, lighting and paint colors I cannot live without! Seriously.

1. Flickering Flameless Wax Candles - these are essential. I use them on fireplaces, in bookcases, & throughout bedrooms. In hard to reach places, I use a remote - super convenient! More importantly, I automatically set these babies to begin illumination at 5pm and turn off by 11pm, genius. 

2. Indoor/Outdoor Flat weave Area Rugs - not only are these easy to clean (you guys, throw them in your washing machine easy) but will also add a pop of color to your space without breaking the bank (on a rug!)

3. Paint Color: AC-31: Benjamin Moore's Hot Springs Stone - my FAVORITE soft neutral. It is a warm grey, that does not go purple, thank goodness. This paint is a perfect backdrop for your accessories and art.

Now, you too can find these online or at your local retailers, cheers!

Materials Marketing re-opened their gorgeous new showroom this week in Chicago's Fulton Market.  Of course, I'm always excited to see what they are working on, so I was thrilled to get a sneak peek tour of their new space!

And...Guess what? We are huge fans of their new glazed brick!

Brick has a long and storied history as both a decorative and durable surface. They have really captured functional durability and a rugged look with this bronze glaze. The modern, soothing color lifts the ever humble brick to a whole new level.

I'm looking forward to utilizing it in a sleek urban interior or on a warm inviting fireplace!

Ciao!

Michelle

A well lit room with the perfect mix of ambiance and task lighting can be gorgeous and overwhelming at the same time. But, we are here to make decorative lighting your new best friend! Oh, chandeliers. You and I must sit down and talk. Most people have a hard time sizing a fixture to fit a room perfectly. Makes complete sense!

Here are some general guidelines that should make the process of adding new and beautiful lighting to your space!

General Guidelines:

• Approximate Room Size: 10'x10' : use a 17"-20"W Chandelier

• Approximate Room Size: 12'x12' : use a 22"-27"W Chandelier

• Approximate Room Size: 14'x14': use a 24"-32"W Chandelier

There are so many great options to choose from, the task can be daunting. Well, listen here.  Follow these guidelines (not rules) and you will be "A" okay! when it comes to purchasing your new precious Dining Room chandelier. Oh, and make sure to select a fixture that is between 1/2 to 2/3 width of your table, it is always safer to go larger than smaller.

Ciao!

Michelle

September is a month of new beginnings. As fall begins to approach, there is a crispness in the air. Summer is wrapping up and it is a natural time for transition. Time to slow down and restore the body, mind and soul.  The Fall season brings with it the promise of cooler temperatures. Its rhythm reminds us that's its time to turn inside, ruminate and nourish ourselves. One way to accomplish this is to get some good old fashioned rest. Sleep is an essential component of good health and peace of mind. The quiet state gives us a chance to renew, refresh and restore ourselves.

As an Interior Designer, I love to make the bedroom a peaceful oasis for sleep and relaxation. The paint color should be soothing and envelop you. Window treatments should add softness and block light from the outside world. My favorite way to cover a window is with the Roman Shade. In a Master Bedroom, I always include a black out lining for extra coverage.

You can begin with a flat roman shade with its clean lines and modern look. Or, a relaxed roman shade offers softness to a rigid square window. The gentle curve on the bottom creates a casual, yet classy look.

If you are looking for a bit more pizazz, a hobbled roman shade is great. It has soft, horizontal folds of fabric that stay in place when your shade is in the down position, unlike the Flat Roman shade which present a flat surface when in the down position.

Get yourself back into the "Fresh Start" state of mind this Fall. Check out the types of Roman Shade window treatment coverings and add softness to your bedroom.

Ciao, everybody!

Michelle