Marilyn Monroe Larger than Life in Chicago

Oh hello!

There is a new jewel (or shall I say a diamond...since they are a girls best friend) adorning North Michigan Ave in Chicago! An enormous sculpture of Marilyn Monroe in the famous scene from the classic 1955 movie "The Seven Year Itch" draws a crowd.  People flock to the sculpture...camera phones flash, people pose and fingers point at the "larger than life" statue.

Artist Seward Johnson (http://www.sewardjohnson.com)  brought her back...in a big way.  The sculpture weighs in at 34,000 pounds and stands 26 feet tall!  It is a sight too see.  The realism that Johnson creates is incredible.  

If you plan to visit Chicago between now and the Spring of 2012, be sure to see this sculpture!  You'll be in for a real treat!

Good Day,

--D Charles  

Stick it to Your Wall...and I'm not talkin' FB

Oh hello!

I do not like plain, bland walls.  I have a few in my own apartment that need some tending to!  However, painting the walls or applying any type of wall-paper really isn’t feasible for me sense I’m a renter.  I needed something that would be inexpensive, wouldn't damage the walls and be beautiful…That's when I discovered and fell in love with vinyl wall decals! 

I originally bought a small selection (225) of basic 3”x3” colored squares by Mozaikit.  I love them!  I have created many different patterns on the walls since purchasing them.  When I get tired of a certain pattern, I simply realign them and “poof” I have a whole “new” wall!   Guests can not tell that they are vinyl decals, and usually they ask if I stenciled all of those squares---after wiping my forehead I say, “Of course I did!” LOL

Decals come in all different shapes, colors, sizes and prices.  I love their versatility and the ability to peel them off or realign them with ease. I think they are great for people who dwell in apartments or folks who love to change things up.  Vinyl decals can add an organic element to a space or add formality; either way I believe it brings a certain dynamic to a room.  They now have decals for your kitchen/bathroom tiles as well as for windows or glass.  

Here are a few companies that make beautiful decals.  Adventure through them...it will be worth your while!


www.shalgo.com
www.2jane.com
www.dalidecals.com
www.wisedecor.com

Good day!
--D Charles

2Jane

DaliDecals

WiseDecor

At Home with Dr. Maya Angelou...Be Inspired!

Oh hello and happy Friday!

In January Nate Berkus had the honor of visiting the wonderful Dr. Maya Angelou in her brownstone, Harlem home.  What a treat that must have been!  During the course of the interview Nate asked:

“What’s your favorite room?” and Dr. Angelou responded: "The one I’m in I think... at that time.  I mean this is my favorite room because I am in here and you are in here."

Wow, when it comes down to home....you can't say it any better than that!  

Watch the entire interview and be inspired

http://www.thenateshow.com/videos/detail/1285/house-proud-with-dr-maya-angelou/

thenateshow.com

Good Day!

--D Charles

Art-Bringing People Together!

Oh hello!

Hope all is well!  While on one of my neighborhood adventures I came across this beautiful mural in a viaduct tunnel under a train crossing.  What impressed me were the bright colors, artistry and  hand-painted mosaics tiles.  This was a collective effort by the Bowmanville and West Andersonville neighborhoods in North Chicago.

According their website the design concept was urban garden and the four seasons.  I think they did a terrific job!  This was a community project that brought together people, families, young and old.  Check them out at http://bcochicago.org/public-art  They have more pictures!!

Do you have a mural in your home or maybe a mosaic piece you created?? If so send me some pics!!

Hand painted or DIY accessory pieces are a GREAT addition to any home. They obviously bring a very personalized style to you space.  I encourage you to produce some "self expression" pieces in your home today!

Good day
--D Charles

  

A Grand Entrance

Oh hello...

I was walking through Lincoln Park last week and discovered this great entry way; I think it is beautiful.  I love the scale, masonry detail and Doric columns.  The brick walkway, grand arch and light post create a feeling as if you are walking through time. I was expecting to see a women walk through with a parasol at any moment. The wonderful flowers and plants create a very welcoming feeling...I instinctively wanted to walk through it!   

How does this relate to your personal style at home?  What elements do you like/dislike? How would you incorporate the energy of this entry way into YOUR entryway? Talk to me!

Good Day!

--D Charles

This was another entryway around the corner.

OH DEAR! Here we go...

Oh Hello!

Welcome to my first Home Decor Blog!   This is new territory for me and I'm so psyched :)

The purpose of this blog is to include YOU in my journey of learning and discovering Home Decor, including art & design. 

Throughout this blog I will be discussing principles & techniques, conveying ideas and sharing my discoveries--it's gonna be GLORIOUS adventure!! I'm planning to also interview designers and store owners in the home design world.

Your thoughts, comments, or questions are very much welcomed!  

Good Day

--D Charles