The Bigger the Scarier? Halloween is Here!

Oh hello!

Well it's that time of year again.  The air is becoming brisk, scarves are being spotted and spooks are appearing!  I've noticed the past few weeks that folk's Halloween decorations are getting bigger and bigger.  I spotted a couple today!

While walking down Erie Street (perfect name for this blog) in Chicago I discovered two really neat decorations (installations).  The first one was a great big spider crawling up a wall!  It was in a court yard full of spooks, skeletons, and Halloween decor.  The second was a larger than life witch flying on here broomstick!

These two Halloween decorations are great!  People were stopping and taking pictures and hopefully feeling a little chill in their bones!

Are you going over the top with your Halloween decorations??  Email me some pics!  dayvidcharles@gmail.com

Okay...this isn't scary, however I love all the mums on the staircase!
Hmmm...not sure exactly how you get in the front door though!

Good Day!
--D Charles

A Water Taxi and Chinatown Chicago

Oh Hello,

While taking a Water Taxi ( http://www.chicagowatertaxi.com )on the Chicago River our last stop was in front of a very inviting Pagoda pavilion! My friend and I got off at the Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown Chicago. ( http://www.chicagochinatown.org )  I was instantly drawn to the style of the pavilion and the surroundings.  There were children playing, a teacher and student practicing Martial Arts and folks relaxing on the greens.  Following the small crowd for a short walk we were suddenly in the midst of dragons, pagodas, and Chinese gifts stores!

This was an amazing place to visit.  You get the "feel" of actually being in China!  Design inspiration is around every corner!  I love the elegant, yet simple and functional design.  I also enjoyed seeing the bright beautiful colors that adorn every building and sign.    

What elements or design concepts could you use in your home?

Good Day!
--D Charles

HGTV Magazine Has Been Delivered

Oh hello!

Well....after much anticipation the first edition of HGTV Magazine has arrived!  Who isn't addicted to HGTV?! Now you can feed that addiction in print form! It's like having your favorite HGTV hosts sit down with you for a cup of tea and discuss design.  I love it! The magazine is colorful, well laid out and inspiring on every page.  It is packed full of designs, ideas, and commentary on home. The magazine is divided into six sections: Help Wanted, Fun Decorating, Real Estate Spy, Mission Makeover, Kitchen Chronicles and Weekending! Wow...I will be "devouring" every page!!

If you haven't already, you need to pick up a copy or subscribe!  I have a feeling this new magazine will do well.
https://subscribe.hearstmags.com/subscribe/splits/hgtvmagazine/hgtv_sub_nav

Good Day
--D Charles

A Dutch Colonial Facelift

Oh Hello!

There is a street in Springfield, Illinois that is reminiscent of a Midwest Americana painting. Strolling down the street I saw beautiful two-story homes, manicured yards and gained a since of history and elegance.  I’m lucky enough to know one of the owners of these fabulous houses!  Val and Bill allowed me to snoop around their beautiful home.  While on my tour, I had three companions Waldo, Eddie and Two-Dots, their dog and two cats.  (The story of how they got them is a blog within itself.) They watched and followed me during the tour to be sure I was trustworthy. 

 My first impression was “wow!”  While walking up to the beautiful front door I noticed that this is a grand home with character and history.  The house is very welcoming and warm.  I especially loved the bell at the front door!

This particular house was built in the 1920’s.  It has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, kitchen, dining room, living room, sun room and office (opposite sun room); it also has a maid quarters as well as detached garage.  My friends have copies of original photos as well as historical documentation. Apparently the two sunrooms (on both sides of the house) used to be open-aired porches.  Besides that the architectural integrity has been sustained.  The broad gambrel roof line with the distinct flaring eaves is “picture perfect” of Dutch Colonial (Revival) of the early 20^th century.

The house was bought at an auction-It was a steal!  They are now in the intense process of remodeling the entire house.  They are only about half way through the remodel.  You may notice on some the photos that there is still glue from the old fashioned wall paper that was there from the previous owners; to my understanding these folks wall-papered nearly every surface in the house!

Since my visit they actually have almost completed the 2 back bedrooms, including new hardwood floors and windows.  They are now getting ready to have the woodwork stripped and repainted this winter and hopefully be done by spring.  The next major project is the kitchen!  I think I’m going to have to go back and blog about the house again once the entire remodel is done.

I love this home.  It is full of character and charm! I’m inspired by the home and my friend’s dedication to preserving this house. Kudos and keep up the great work!

 

 

 

 

 Good Day

--D Charles

A Dream Home and A Vintage Bazaar...what a weekend

Oh hello!

I am fully aware that tonight is Thursday; however I'm just now having the chance to sit down and blog for a minute.  Last weekend I had two really cool experiences here in Chicago.

My first adventure led me to the DreamHome exhibit at the Merchandise Mart.  First of all...the Merchandise Mart...whoa!  This is a designer's heaven!  They have some of the most exquisite showrooms and decor. http://www.merchandisemart.com   Anyway...they invited nine of Chicago's top designers to dream big and design specific rooms.  I was able to walk through the full exhibit and see some wonderful design up-close and personal.  Few things I noticed.

1. Scale--even though most of the rooms were small, many of designers went with large and bold decor  DRAMA!
2. Neutral palettes with splashes of color were used in almost every room.
3. Almost every wall had texture.

If you are visiting Chicago between now and December 9th, this has to be on your "To-Do" list.  If you are unable to visit Chicago during that time have a gander at the website.  There are great decor ideas and inspiration on every page!

http://www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com/dreamhome/

Buckingham Interiors + Design

Frank Ponterio Interior Design

Michael Abrams Limited

Snaidero Chicago

I also attended a Vintage Bazaar!  What is a Vintage Bazaar?? Well it's a "pop-up flea market" obviously focusing on vintage clothes, furniture, nick-knacks and home decor. It was started by two lovely ladies, Katherine Raz and Libby Alexander. They also have a blog about vintage home decor, discussion and DIY projects.  This event was amazing!

They held the Bazaar in the old Congress Theater here in Chicago.  The theater itself is enough to blog about, with its ornate columns, sculpture and overwhelming ambiance. However, I was there for the vintage finds and the experience itself.  This event was a treasure chest of goodies! I saw everything from vintage dresses to vintage record players.  I love going to things like this because you find unique piece for your home decor...and it's like walking down memory lane for some folks (of course some have a longer "memory lane" to go down).

To read the blog or find out when and where the next Vintage Bazaar will be...visit their website.
http://www.thevintagebazaar.com/

Good Day
--D Charles

Furniture with a Twist

Oh hello!

I have discovered this amazing furniture maker in Valparaiso, Indiana; Vincent Thomas Leman of Dust Furniture.   He has an organic approach to designing his furniture and through his artistry creates curvaceous, yet functional home furniture, accents and clocks.

Vincent's work has been described as 'abstract traditional furniture.'  Each piece is essentially a traditional piece of furniture that is stretched, curved, stacked and stepped to fit his design intentions. 

He and his wife, Jessie Leman, have been creating and following their passion in furniture design since 2005. Creating such pieces is a true art!  Leman says he looks at nature for his inspiration and each piece is made in their Valparaiso workshop.

You must view his website and watch his video "Dust Furniture-The Story". Adventure through the site, discover these amazing designs and maybe even purchase a piece or two.

I find Leman's work inspirational!  How does his design inspire you?...How can you include that inspiration in your own home design??

Check it out!
http://www.dustfurniture.com/ 

Good Day
--D Charles

Design Labyrinth..Pure Inspiration!

Oh hello!

While adventuring through cyberspace I came across this great home decor blog; it is pure inspiration!  They have posted beautiful interiors and categorized the photos by room, colour or trend. This is a great find for both inspiration and direct decor website links : )

Check it out at http://designlabyrinth.blogspot.com/

Good Day!
--D Charles