Top trends of 2008

Above are my favorite design and decorating trends of 2008, photos courtesy of Domino magazine. I had to do the photos in two batches:

1. Preppy stripes

2. Bright baby rooms

3. Eclectic second-hand art

4. Urban cottage kitchens

5. Throw-back kitchens

Top trends continued...

6. Shades of gray

7. Twin-bed symmetry
8. Soft pink washes

9. Sunny modernism

10. Lakeside luminaries

High time for high table

The current Schulte condo pursuit is a tall table and two tall chairs for a 5-by-5 foot nook in our living room.

We think this empty space would be perfect place for a bit of height, to play off our low neighboring sectional. Here are a few I've tagged.

With Christmas money, and with retail sales-gone-wild, it seems like a good time to buy. As always, your feedback is much appreciated!

Z Gallery (pictured above)
http://www.zgallerie.com/pc-3694-76-aldo-bar-table-aldo-bar-stool.aspx

CB2
http://www.cb2.com/popup/zoom.aspx?fi=4204&t=room&p=2

Ikea (the same table is a steal on Craig's list Chicago at $100)http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59831492

Welcome to the 'hood

It's only Tuesday, but already I have something on my weekend to-do list.

Not holiday shopping (although, that is an imperative): It's to visit Patina Antiques, 4907 N. Damen Ave.

I was walking to the Metra today when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw an awning I'd never seen before. Note: I take this same path every day and have no idea how I have missed it so many times.

Patina, as described on its website, is "a new cozy antique and home store in the Ravenswood neighborhood, which specializes in a look of simple, urban cottage."

Gotta love that description. Here's more...

"Here, you’ll find industrial steel carts and primitive harvest tables, mixed with classic Mid-Century chairs."

Can't wait to visit owner Alan Shull and welcome him to the neighborhood! Visit him online at http://www.patinachicago.com/

Adler Adoration

I think I've figured out why, while I've religiously watched the past few seasons of Top Chef and Project Runway, I haven't tuned into Top Design.

I usually get my dose of Bravo, via Tivo, about an hour before bed. If I watched Top Design--which is now on break--in this time slot, I'm pretty sure I'd never fall asleep.

Recently, I visited Jonathan Adler's shop on 676 N. Wabash Ave., and I've been daydreaming of this Top Design star's showroom ever since, losing hours of productivity at home and in the workplace.

Above are a few spaces of his that I adore. While he sometimes creates very bohemian rooms, I prefer when he lets eclectic pieces and unexpected color combinations do the talking.

Visit him online at http://www.jonathanadler.com/.

Design star gives back

Thanks for your input on the calling cards! I've ordered the first (of the four options), and I'm so excited for them to come in!

By the by, I saw some exciting news on Nate Berkus' website today. Exciting for two reasons: 1) I love Nate Berkus, and 2) I work for Chicago Public Schools and am so glad to hear that he's going to be doing something so cool for the district!

NATE: I’ve also been thinking about personal gift ideas, and feel like making donations either to PAWS or The Nettelhorst School. I toured the school and got the story....it's amazing what a group of mothers was able to accomplish in nine months at a Chicago Public School....left in tears and we as a company decided to build the school a new kitchen! We will start right after the holidays, and check back here for the transformation and an update on our activities with the kids. (www.nateberkus.com/thelatest.php)

Calling card quest

Every now and then, when I pop in a design store and strike up a conversation with sales associates or store owners about my plans to feature their products on this site, they ask for my calling card.

I am presently without such a card, but I've seen them and think they're an adorable and refreshingly formal way of sharing 21st-century contact details (e-mail address and cell number). Or, in the case of Beaumotro, URL.

A great site on the web allows you to design your own calling card, choosing from some mighty cute templates: http://www.shopiomoi.com/.

Above are my faves. Which do you like best, for Beaumotro?

Hometown glory

The Windy City stole the show at The Merchandise Mart's annual holiday shopping extravaganza, "One of a Kind," Dec. 4 to 7.

Everytime I entered a booth, drawn in by unique perspective or beautiful design, low and behold, the sign above read: Chicago, IL.

My mother, sister and I wandered the booths and found some great gifts for friends and family, several of which came from these three local artists:

1. Circa Ceramics, 3759 N. Ravenswood = http://www.circaceramics.etsy.com/

Bright bowls, paperweights and tiles, detailed romantically tongue-in-cheek with everyday objects, like sparrows, skulls and old fashioned pencil sharpeners.

2. Dolan Geiman & Ali Walsh, 1137 W. Taylor St. = http://www.dolangeiman.com/

Rustic, whimsical, layered, multi-media concoctions, featuring your favorite animals in implied urban and fantastical landscapes.

3. Girl Metro, Inc., 2334 W. Lawrence = http://www.girlmetro.com/

Pitch-perfect lady-like charm, on beautiful paperstock, with harmonious fonts and quirky graphics.