Tag Archive for: design

Shaking Off Cabin Fever

Are you ready for outdoor living? I am, and I think a lot of us are developing cabin fever given the precautions we are taking to forestall the spread of the corona virus. Spending time in our own backyards has become increasingly important. I thought it would be a nice escape for everyone if I shared some photos of lovely patios we have designed recently so we can turn our thoughts to warmer weather, greener landscapes and rejuvenating time spent outdoors. Although we just had a snow storm, now is a great time to start working together if you want to complete a patio or terrace project by the time warm weather sets in for good. We can get started with “virtual” planning sessions to move the design process forward, and of course, all work would be done outdoors! Please phone our studio at (847) 705-9569 or connect online at IEG Contact.

How Do We Begin the Design?

To start, we take a holistic view of the outdoor areas available. We find out how our clients want to use their property, and then we create separate “rooms” to fit their wish list – outdoor kitchen, dining, relaxing around a fire pit, a cozy spot where they can curl up with some summer reading. We need to know our clients’ entertaining style as well. Do they host cookouts for a lot of people, cater cocktail parties for smaller groups, invite families over for casual meals and games of bocce ball, bean bag toss and badminton?

The three-seasons porch in the photo above is an extension of a lovely residence on a spacious property farm from the bustle of the city and suburbs. Our clients wanted a seating area that is somewhat protected from the elements as well as a fully outdoor dining space that you can glimpse through the windows. For the three-seasons room we chose woven dining chairs that are not only attractive, but with their cushioned seats and high backs, they encourage people to linger over a relaxing meal. The earth tones of all the furnishings allow the gorgeous landscaping to take center stage.

 

Interior and Exterior Design Must Flow

Creating a design that flows smoothly and logically from the interior of the home is always our goal. In recent years, outdoor spaces have come to resemble indoor spaces to a greater extent. Because we chose a very relaxed, organic design for the interior, natural textures and a neutral color palette, we extended that to the outside. This area in the photo above is opposite the dining table in the previous photo, and is designed to evoke an al fresco family room, down to the area rug, accessories and accent pillows. Our clients can use it as an inviting spot for an after-dinner beverage or dessert and coffee, a comfortable place to sit and catch up on email or chat with friends and family.

 

Outdoor Accessories Are a Must-Have

Indoors or out, accessories are the punctuation that completes a room, beautifully. Again, we opted for organic materials, using this wooden trough as our back drop for natural greens. It fills a corner of the three-seasons room with character and authenticity.

 

Choose a Pretty Tray

Gathering a collection of interesting pieces in an eye-catching tray is one of our favorite ways to accessorize a room. We always mix materials, textures and colors, and we love finding just the right tray to display them. An added bonus: the tray is easy to move when you need the space for other uses such as snacks or a big jigsaw puzzle. This outdoor composition reflects the way we accessorized the interior of the residence, creating a conversation between the two.

 

Traffic Flow Indoors and Out is a Priority

This dining table and chairs is the grouping you caught a peek at in the first photo of the three-seasons dining area. We love the view of the old silo, which we also updated with a spa-like space at the top, overlooking the magnificent property. When we design outdoor settings we always keep traffic flow uppermost in our minds, including access to and from the house. Issues such as distance from outdoor grills or game areas and the ability to move around the outdoor and indoor areas in a logical manner are priorities, too.

 

Balconies Are Your Own Private Patio

With its orange cushions and woven frame, this love seat is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the view over this spectacular property. A pair of vintage-looking lanterns are tucked into a corner, referencing the history of this land – who might have lived in this area before the days of electricity and high-tech devices? The side-by-side tables are a must-have for beverages, cell phones and other electronics. But wouldn’t you rather just drink in the scenery? I would!

 

Fire and Water

Human beings have always been drawn to fire and water, which are beautifully combined on this elegant patio. When laying out this space, it was important to ensure that everyone is able to view the elements while enjoying some face-to-face time outside. The color palette references the natural tones of the slate deck and the stone fence and water wall. Of course, we included our signature tray of accessories, a lantern and a rich blue throw whose color is a nod to the water element. And who doesn’t love a throw available when the temperatures drop and you just aren’t ready to leave the tranquility of this outdoor space?

 

Enjoying Some Private Time

Ahhh! That hammock looks so inviting. When you’re ready for some quiet, me time, this is the spot. We positioned the hammock to take advantage of view of the beautiful ponds on this property and the sky overhead. The semi-private nook blends the best of feelings of being somewhat protected by outdoors at the same time. Oversized planters, brimming with life, establish a smooth flow to the yard.

 

S’Mores and More

Energetic accent pillows enliven this semi-circular sectional while pulling together the neutral color palette. We have developed connections with several lines of wonderful outdoor fabrics and pillows that we go to whenever we’re working on outdoor spaces. The fabric of course is weather resistant and the pillows come in handy when you want to stretch out and read or take an afternoon siesta in the fresh air. The sectional provides a lot of seating and encourages conversation in front of the fire when friends and family gather. Is anyone else thinking about s’mores? Have you tried them with a fun-size Milky Way or Snicker’s bar?

 

Contrasting Old and New

We felt honored and excited to create several different “rooms” in this vintage silo area for a client with a large property in the country. The conversation area is one “room,” and there is a dining area not pictured. The combination of old and new makes me think of a European café set in the midst of ancient ruins. The contrast is so appealing, and truly unique.

Are you planning to update your home’s exterior spaces? And you can see more of our work here: IEG portfolio.

Custom pillows add so much pizzazz to a bedroom, don’t you think? A magical kind of design chemistry occurs when we mix fabrics and trims, shapes and sizes, colors and patterns to design one-of-a-kind pillow displays for our clients. Does it sound like fun? It is. But it does require a lot of planning, creativity and quality materials from our go-to vendors. Our bespoke pillows are pure luxe, often with multiple trim details fabricated by our custom work room. But we also design via ready-made lines that can complete a room beautifully as well.

 

Where Do We Start?

To begin, we carefully select a grouping of fabrics as options to use within the room. The fabrics for the custom pillows are chosen most often from those and are used to tie together the color palette in the room, as in the bright, cheerful bedroom above. The refreshing blue of the bed and warm gold of the window treatments come together at the head of the bed in a one-of-a-kind display. For this grouping we combined the crisply tailored window frame insets of the Euro pillows with a hint of glam in the beaded trims. We chose an unusual wooden bead trim from www.kravet.com for the accent pillow, with diamond-patterned fabric from www.duralee.com. The blue inset for the Euros is from www.romo.com while the yellow inset and beaded trim are from Kravet. Our vendors can customize trims for us, sometimes with all crystals or beads. They ensure that each piece is triple knotted so they won’t become loose or fall off.

 

Why Are Pillows So Powerful?

Pillows may be one of the smaller elements in a room, but they are powerful sources of color, pattern, texture and personality. They give us an opportunity to introduce just the right punch of color while allowing our clients the option of updating their room easily. You can easily go from tailored and understated to more elaborate and bold without changing any major elements in the room.

 

What Should the Well-Dressed Bed Wear? Custom Layers!

Nothing says elegance like regal burgundy and gleaming silver custom pillows, in rich layers of pattern and texture. Mixing shapes is always important. At front-and-center on the bed above is a large rectangular pillow with gleaming silver fabric from www.margecarson.com and beaded trim from www.samuelandsons.com. Behind that is a generous 70-inch bolster pillow with face fabric from www.sharris.com. The narrow bands of trim are from www.osborneandlittle.com and the large bands of trim are from Samuel and Sons. To anchor the layers we chose a rich, large-scale print fabric for the Euros from www.hollyhunt.com.

 

A Bit of Puzzling History

I must admit, I was surprised to learn that many of the earliest pillows, dating back from 7,000 B.C. to 500 or 600 A.D., were actually made of stone, wood, bamboo, jade, porcelain or bronze. That doesn’t sound very comfortable to me! However, the ancient Greeks and Romans had another idea – they introduced softer pillows stuffed with cotton, reeds or straw. However, only upper-class people typically owned these (somewhat) more cushy pillows.

 

Pillows for a Masculine Mood

For this young man’s room we wanted pillows with energy and a masculine vibe. Say hello to chevron stripes and an accent pillow whose trim resemble metal studs. We limited the number to three because of the smaller, twin bed, and also to simplify the bed-making process for this youthful client. We sourced the chevron fabric from Duralee and the trim for the accent pillow from Samuel & Sons.

 

How Plump Should Pillows Be?

Extra plump! You might have noticed that our custom pillows look irresistibly squeezable. We always choose a filler that is a size larger than the pillow form for that optimum fullness. The inserts are typically a down mix or faux down mix, based on our clients’ preferences and allergies.

 

Ingredients for a Stunning Pillow

We combined six ingredients to create this sophisticated pillow: face fabric, taupe fabric inset, a lace-like inset band, cording and fringe, plus insert. The blend of textures and the warm color – think red velvet cake – yield a delicious result! It is sure to be a treasured accessory for years to come.

 

Going Glam with Pillows

Make no mistake, this is a bedroom with glamorous color, mixed patterns, sparkle, shine and texture. We referenced all of that in the sumptuous display of pillows.

We pulled the lighter shade of plum from the color-block window treatments, as well as the taupe and soft white, and we added hints of grey and gold. To keep it interesting, we mixed three different patterns – a contemporary floral toward the front from www.kravet.com, color block behind that from www.romo.com and squared-off chains anchoring the back from www.thibaultdesign.com The soft white pillow not only adds shiny texture, but we customized it with a www.swarovski.com/en-us crystal brooch instead of a button. Yes, we love the details!

 

Going Casual

With their more casual patterns and understated colors, these pillows from www.easternaccents.com supply the laid-back comfort we were aiming for in this guest bedroom. We chose a similar colorway for all of the pillows but mixed contemporary patterns for bit of zest.

 

These ruby red pillows radiate warmth and elegance paired with a sophisticated grey backdrop and a dramatic headboard. The red accent fabric for the bolsters is from www.robertallendesign.com and the inset is from www.kravet.com. The sparkly trim running across the king shams is from www.pyarandco.com. We couldn’t resist adding a red shade on the crystal, tableside lamp to carry the color scheme one step farther.

 

How Many Pillows for a Bed?

There are no hard-and-fast rules for how many pillows to use on a bed. We have done everything from one to four layers of pillows, depending on the size of the bed and our clients’ preferences. Some people enjoy having a lot of pillows because they create a deep-layered look and an opportunity to incorporate added color, pattern, texture and exquisite trims to their bedroom design. Others prefer one or two layers. Either way works, but we always include a designated spot to store the pillows at night, such as a long bench at the foot of the bed.

Want to add some pillow pizzazz to your bedrooms? Contact us at our new Barrington studio – 847-705-9569.

Did you know that sitting by a blazing fire on a cold winter’s evening lowers your blood pressure? I discovered that healthy tidbit in this Huffington Post article by Carolyn Gregoire: EvolutionaryReasonWeLoveFireplaces.  Carolyn says the answer may lie in our evolution, dating back to  prehistoric times, when people gathered around a fire to stay warm, cook food and socialize. Hundreds of thousands of years later, people still love to relax in front of a fireplace for similar reasons, though most of us don’t cook food in our fireplaces! For me, fireplaces always bring to mind cozy, lazy evenings chatting with loved ones, enjoying a glass of wine or hot chocolate in front of the dancing flames.

Fireplaces Boost Home Values

Because fireplaces are so popular, they increase a home’s value as well. A 2016 Angie’s List survey Popular-home-updates-that-are-worth-the-money of real estate agents in the U.S. – revealed that more than 83 percent of agents believe a fireplace can add up to $5,000 to a home’s value.

Six Fireplaces, Six Designs

My team and I had the opportunity to design six fireplaces for suburban Chicago clients who were not only updating their home but constructing two large additions. These fireplaces truly symbolize their desire for a home that would have the warm, peaceful environment of a retreat for themselves, their two junior high-age children and their extended family and friends. Because they are very generous people, they love to entertain and create a welcoming environment with flickering fires. Our challenge was to give each fireplace a unique look that fits the purpose and tone of its surroundings.

A Rugged Look for the Husband’s Library

To differentiate the husband’s home office fireplace, above left, we selected a stunning, solid-surface stone slab to place between the ashlar stone columns. The slab, which we discovered at LurveyLandscape  in Volo, has the characteristic grain and well-aged appeal of petrified wood. To unify the look, we used the same stone for the floating hearth. As we did throughout the house, we layered in casually refined elements such as the tufted  leather arm chairs and the taupe and cream, hair-on-hide rug in a geometric pattern from www.loloirugs.com.

 

A Refined Look for the Wife’s Sitting Room

A case in point is the wife’s master bedroom sitting room, above right, which she calls her “spiritual retreat.” To achieve the feminine, calming atmosphere she desired, we chose ledger stone for the fireplace, which is clean-lined and has a less rugged texture. The soft taupe and grey-blues of the stone “bricks” enhance the delicate feeling while the colors complement the custom grey cabinetry by AbruzzoKitchenandBath.

Taking inspiration from the clients’ beautiful wooded property, we chose a large-scale, leaf-and-branch rug from www.davisanddavisrugs.com that contributes pattern, extra warmth and comfort to the room.  To encourage many hours of contemplation and meditation, we chose comfortably cushioned furniture and fabrics from www.kravet.com. One of our client’s favorite pieces is the oval ottoman with its gently curving shape and multi-purpose function as a foot rest, table or extra seating.

 

Channeling a Men’s Club

This handsome stone fireplace is a striking contrast against the beautiful fit and finish of full-wall, cherry cabinets in the husband’s library. We gave this space the look and feel of a men’s club with the masculine details our client visualized for his personal get-away. Among them, leather and striped fabric chairs with nail head detailing from www.taylorking.com, a nail-head studded leather ottoman from www.leathercraft-furniture.com  and a hair-on-hide rug layered over a wool boucle rug, both from www.davisanddavisrugs.com.  The animal hide not only contributes cattle-country ambience but a casual, irregular shape that is pleasing against the precise lines and angles of the cabinetry and coffered ceiling.

 

For the Lower Level Game Room – a Lodge-like Fireplace

The lower level fireplace looks like it might have been transported from a ski lodge in Aspen or Vail. We chose a steel surround and added columns of naturally aged, reclaimed wood in various lengths and shades of caramel, grey and tan. The river rocks lining the firebox floor are a subtle reference to the rushing streams our clients love when they vacation out West. The black and white pillows flanking the fireplace are actually pods by CRLaine that are designed to sit or lay on in front of the dancing flames.

 

Ashlar Stone Fireplace References Exterior Stone Finish

For the great room above, we chose the same ashlar stone from the exterior of the house for the fireplace surround and columns to establish a smooth progression from outside to inside. Ashlar is a natural stone finely honed into squared pieces for a more tailored, finished look. I will never forget driving up to Wisconsin with the builder, VandeLogtConstruction, to hand-pick the stone slab for the  hearth and a reclaimed beam for the mantle.  Because these clients love to entertain, we provided extensive seating: a pair of leather and fabric sofas and four chevron ottomans from www.kravet.com, plus two wing-back lounge chairs from www.taylorking.com.

 

 

Updating an Existing Fireplace

We think you’ll agree that we achieved a fabulous transformation of this fireplace in collaboration with www.doomisbuilders.com.  The  asymmetrical fireplace wall was refaced with white birch ledgerstone from www.tilegallerychicago.com. To update the hearth, we replaced the existing rough, chiseled edge limestone with a smooth eased edge. The result is more subtle and refined, in keeping with the scheme throughout the home, and our clients are delighted.

Ready to update or add a fireplace to your home? Please contact me at 847-705-9569.

The family that plays games together, stays together.  At least, that’s what this family of four believes, and I think it’s awesome.  As part of their whole-house design, they asked us to provide a number of game tables throughout the house to encourage interactions with family and friends. If the games are in sight, they told me, people would play more often. I admit, I wondered if those tables would be used, but when I visited their home recently, the family had games going on every table!

 

Scrabble Anyone?

This cozy corner is a quiet spot for playing one of America’s most iconic board games. We selected a banded steel edge wood table to reference the rustic texture of the stone accent walls, and added four upholstered chairs that are comfortable enough for extended rounds of this challenging word game. The glass pendant lights were chosen specifically because they not only direct light downward but outward.  Now I just need to find out if “erg” is really a word.

 

Checkmate!

Across from the Scrabble table, we positioned a customized chess table with recessed holders for game pieces, drink holders and a drawer on either side. The quiet grain of the alder wood and the industrial-esque,  decorative nails (called  clavos) at the corners contribute to the Great Room’s homey, rustic vibe.

 

Jigsaw Jumble

You may remember me writing about my annual treks to the Round Top Market  in Texas, here https://interiorenhancementgroup.com/discovering-new-artisans/.   Well, here is another one of my fabulous finds: a girder-like iron table base made of reclaimed metal from a vintage machine. I knew it would look great in someone’s home as soon as I spotted it! My team and I turned the piece into a table by adding a galvanized, sanded steel top, banded with nail heads, to complete the industrial look of this lower-level  game table. Of course, great lighting and comfortable seating are essential for assembling a complicated jigsaw puzzle.  We chose a trio of customized, blown-glass lights from Hubbardton Forge that have a vintage feeling and can be adjusted to direct light wherever needed.  To finish the vignette, we upholstered the chairs in durable  washable fabric. They are super comfortable for extended hours of puzzling.

 

Monopolizing the Table

This custom banquette and pine-topped dining table serves as a game table, too, just off the lower-level kitchenette. You can’t see it, but the table base is an old wine barrel, another great find from the Round Top fair. These vintage pieces add so much character, authenticity and a sense of history to a home – I always feel like I have discovered treasure!

 

Connect Four Fun

The iron-based bistro table and stools in the lower level family room are the right size for some exciting rounds of Connect Four, and they evoke the same vintage, rugged charm evident throughout the space.

 

Come Play With Us!

I couldn’t resist sharing this adorable photo of our clients’ very well-behaved dog. He looks like he’s waiting for friends to drop by and play. I’m game!