Evolution of a Project: Part 1
Every project, no matter the scope, begins with an initial consultation.
Every project has its own progression, its own DNA if you will. I would like to share this process with my readers over several blog posts with the goal of giving a deeper understanding of the breadth of services we provide and the level of cooperation we have with everyone involved, from contractors and clients to architects and artisans.
Every project, no matter the scope, begins with an initial consultation. My clients come from a variety of sources, and whether they find me by a referral or a magazine editorial, the beauty of meeting new clients is that I never know what I am going to walk into or where it will lead. It’s always exciting to see the potential in a project and to sense the energy and good vibe between myself and a client. Developing this good synergy is the first step as we look at the project, discuss the client’s wants, and go over the client’s needs. During this initial meeting, we often get so deep into conversation that we lose track of time. A project leads to months of time spent together, so there has to be some connection which I can almost always feel as soon as I meet a prospective client.
Recently, I had a call from a new client and set up a meeting. When I learned of the location, I felt less than enthusiastic. It was farther than I wanted to drive and I was definitely not excited about the distance. The day of the meeting was beautiful, however, and as I drove I truly enjoyed the fall colors and the down time with my thoughts. When I arrived at my client’s home, I knew from her unique interior and great personality that we would work so well together. That kind of good energy makes me thrive! The experience served as a reminder of why I love what I do.
Of course, before a project can get underway, there are negotiations and contracts to go over. This stage can be daunting and difficult, with variables and unknowns on both sides. It takes trust from all parties to commit to a project on paper, which is one reason why it’s so important to establish a good connection during the initial meetings and discussions.
After these first meetings, negotiations, and contracts, exciting things begin to happen!
Chicago’s Langham Hotel and Travelle
When visiting Chicago recently, I knew I really wanted to see Travelle, a restaurant and lounge at the Langham Hotel.
When visiting Chicago recently, I knew I really wanted to see Travelle, a restaurant and lounge at the Langham Hotel. The hotel, which is located in a building designed by the iconic Ludgwig Mies van der Rohe, is situated in downtown Chicago with easy access to shopping and popular attractions. With private event space, a spa, pool, and ballroom, as well as several boardrooms, the Langham is a luxurious place to stay for pleasure or business.
I made a fast dash to Travelle and sat in the lounge for drinks. Its very cool, urban, monochromatic feel was designed by architect David Rockwell. The floor to ceiling windows flood the lounge with light while giving guests a gorgeous view of the river and Chicago’s famous Loop. One striking feature was an interactive digital wall undulating amongst the lounge’s chic furniture. The space is full of lush elements and visual, techno details. As we enjoyed drinks and a woman playing rock songs on the violin, the digital wall of photos constantly changed and altered. Such a cool atmosphere!
The lobby of the Langham is another stunning space. I thought it looked really magical, with all these gorgeous clusters near the center of the ceiling. It has a special, totally different vibe, more elegant and formal. So beautiful!
Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay at the fully-booked Langham, but I did enjoy my brief time there. If you’re ever in Chicago, I highly recommend a visit to the Langham, and Travelle in particular!
Year in Review: 2014
This past year has been an incredible journey for me.
This past year has been an incredible journey for me. I’ve worked with great clients to complete projects that challenged and inspired me, traveled to places I’ll always remember, and been able to enjoy time with my own family. This time of year, I like to look back at my accomplishments and think of about how my firm has grown and where I want to see it go in the future. In 2014, I settled in to my new office space and enjoyed having such ideal surroundings to meet with clients or work on projects with my staff.
One of the ways I measure the visibility and direction of my business is by the attention my work receives from various publications. Over the course of 2014, I was happy to have a presence in several fantastic magazines. Here’s a recap of our press over the past year!
New Year’s Eve Fashion
Whether your New Year’s Eve plans include a romantic night in or an exciting night out, it’s a great excuse to wear something special.
Whether your New Year’s Eve plans include a romantic night in or an exciting night out, it’s a great excuse to wear something special. New Year’s Eve is about looking ahead, celebrating the future, and enjoying a good party. This is one night of the year when extra sparkle is always a good idea! Consider a daring pop of color, accessories that take your dress to another level, or materials you don’t include in your everyday wardrobe.
You can never go wrong with the classic little black dress, while a statement piece of jewelry will make the look extra special for New Year’s Eve. A killer pair of shoes will have the same effect. Or, stand out from the crowd by wearing a pretty pastel shade. A New Year’s Eve party is the perfect time to take a risk and step out of your comfort zone.
Here are some of my favorite fashion ideas for New Year’s Eve. What will you be wearing?
Holiday Wishes
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
image: Homage to Wilson A. Bentley #4 by Yuji Obata
Gift Ideas
Here’s a quick list of gift ideas I love.
During the holiday season, I try to think of what might be a little different to give as a gift. With all of the hustle and bustle, here’s a quick list of gift ideas I love. If you’re like me and wind up doing last minute shopping, meaning you need something in a pinch, one of these options might be perfect. Happy shopping!
What are your favorite gifts to give friends and family?
Drapery Hardware
Drapery hardware is a finishing touch on a space that has a lot of potential to add interest to window treatments.
One of my favorite parts of the design process is getting to the stage where I choose final details for a room. Drapery hardware is a finishing touch on a space that has a lot of potential to add interest to window treatments. The hardware is like jewelry for the window, complementing the room or adding ornamentation.
There are so many styles of rods and rings available, from contemporary elements to more traditional styles and everything in between. You can really customize the look of drapery hardware by thoughtful choice of materials, finishes, and accessories. The hardware can be sleek and minimal or make a bigger visual impact. Using contrasting rings with a bar is one way to achieve a memorable look. You can also mix darks and lights or use varying materials for an unexpected twist on drapery hardware.
In some cases, having simple hardware that is recessed allows the window treatments to be the focus. Hardware that doesn’t dominate the look of the windows is sometimes a better choice for a room.
Which look do you prefer?
Design Dose
Beautiful lighting is jewelry for a room.
Color Obsession: Navy and Plum
Navy and plum make a deep, sultry combo.
Navy and plum make a deep, sultry combo. What I love about them is how they are such a saturated. So many people want blue or navy for their interiors which is so typical to see paired with white or red — things that are basic. I want to be able to counteract with something else, and plum does that. It doesn’t create a high contrast, but the two colors pair well because they are on the same level of saturation. Part of my obsession is my serious desire to get away from what everyone else is doing. Yes, an interior is an investment, and some people are braver than others. I see so much similarity and safeness as a designer, so when I am working on projects with repetitive palettes, it is nice to jump outside the box. With a color like blue that everyone loves, I like the idea of being original and pairing it with something that isn’t the norm. Add a little spice!
1. Purple Ocean, oil on canvas, by Lynn Grayson
2. Fragile, photography by Cathleen Naundorf
3. 1950s Lounge Chair from Michel Contessa
4. Valentino Spring 2015
5. Galata Pumps by Louboutin
6. Tablecloth from My World Bazaar — fabric would make amazing pillows!
7. Hughes Upholstered Velvet Sofa
8. Over Dyed Vintage by Sacco Carpet