Brass!

Brass is popping up everywhere and I couldn't be more thrilled. Brass adds a warmth, sophistication, and interest to your space- any space.  Check out my latest obsession. ..

Lamp: Arteriors "Walker". Tray: Arteriors "Charles". Chandelier: Ro Sham Beaux "Gigi".  

Bar Cart: Crate&Barrel "Libations"

Crib: Nurseryworks "Uptown".
Side Table: Oly Studio "George"

CS Interiors

Check out my collaboration with Wright Auction for the Wright Now collection! Wright Now offers the same fab pieces without going to auction- Brilliant.

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Chicago Home & Garden Magazine

Radford was here . . .

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Furniture for All

Nothing can induce a large scale Freak Out quite like shopping for furniture. I have witnessed many ‘o loving couple melt into toddlers during the Witching Hour over the process. Crate & Barrel should have a wet bar. Alas, have no fear- selecting furniture for any size space can be a fun process . . I promise. The secret is in the prep.

Before you hit the stores, play Designer for the day and measure your space. This includes the Width & Length of the room, doors, windows and any fixed elements such as a fireplace. Note the direction in which doors swing open into a space. If you live in a multi-unit building, also measure elevators to ensure your new pieces will actually make it up to your lovely abode.

Grab a pad of ¼” grid paper. Each “square” will equal 1 square foot. Convert your measurements onto the grid. Reward yourself with a cocktail- the hardest part is behind you!

While sipping your libation, create a list of needs for this space. Think of how many people you will want to be able to seat in the space. What are your storage needs? Will kids have free reign or is this an “adult” space?

Now that you have determined the use of the space and have created a floor plan, you are ready to sketch in your furniture pieces. Keep in mind to allow about 36” of space for major traffic patterns & 28” for minor ones. Sketch the items from your list onto your floor plan, starting with the Must Have pieces. Work with the space you have. If the room works best with a sofa and two chairs, don't try to squeeze in an L-shaped sectional. Much like dieting aspirations- the walls of your space will not get larger or shrink no matter how hard you try to will it. 

Measure the furniture you've sketched for the maximum size of each piece. Count the number of grid blocks and estimate partial blocks (overachievers- now is the time to whip out that architectural scale and amaze your lover). Draw a colored pencil line inside the outline of each furniture piece to represent the minimum size that works without compromising the arrangement. Note the acceptable size range (min & max) for each furniture item on your list.



Arm yourself with a tape measure, your floor plan & the knowledge of basic meditative breathing before entering the furniture store. Browse and consider ONLY the furniture items you've listed, making sure the pieces fit within your acceptable size range. 
Looking at items that are not on your list is the best way to ensure that your spouse will never do this again. Stay focused.

Look for pieces where most of the size is taken up by functional space, not design elements. Avoid upholstery with enormous rolled arms in favor more tailored pieces. Skip curved sleigh beds that add depth and kill floorspace.

For small spaces, eliminate single-purpose pieces from consideration when double-duty or storage pieces are available. For example, you can use two small ottomans at the foot of the bed instead of a bench- moving them into the living room for extra seating when you entertain. When in doubt- go with the piece that allows for storage.

Create the illusion of larger rooms by selecting light-reflecting furniture finishes. Adding wall mirrors does the best job. Consider lacquered, mirrored, glass-topped or high-sheen wood pieces. Opt for glass or lucite dining or coffee tables for their transparency as well- clear pieces don't stop the eye like their solid counterparts. 

One of my favorite collections is the Peekaboo from CB2.

Order your largest upholstered pieces in solid colors, which take up less visual space. Save the pattern for chairs and accent pieces such as pillows & art. When in doubt, always opt for a monochromatic scheme. Contrasting color schemes visually break up the space, making it appear smaller.



Large spaces with high ceilings call for larger scale furniture. Using small pieces will give the feeling of Alice in Wonderland- and not in a good way.

Happy shopping & may the Force be with you!

xx,
Nic

A Little Bird Told Me...

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R a d f o r d   T w e e t s

Why Hire a Designer?

Four good reasons 

& 

then some . . . 

#1. Five common problems found in today’s interiors:

• Awkward floor/furniture plan
• Out of date kitchen and/or bathroom

• 
Lack of space or storage
• 
Low light and/or poor light

• Lack of or poor architectural details

#2. What Radford brings to the project :

• Radford helps you resolve design problems & lower cost while rendering a polished result. Our solutions are designed to feel inherent to the space. This is the secret.
• We provide you with a professional assessment of your situation.
• We work with you to develop a solid plan of action.
• Radford will transform your living space. 

#3. Radford offers the following which has no price tag, such as:

• Endless practical suggestions
• 
Years of knowledge leading to informed insightful observations

• The ability to see and envision what you may not
• 
The expertise of knowing where to find the perfect item, accessory, or service
• 
Necessary guidance
• A trained eye that knows when something is not right
• 
A discreet listening ear for you to wish list your desired lifestyle
• If planning on selling or renting your property, we help you create a space that appeals to a potential buyer & add value to your home

#4.  Radford can & will save you money

• This includes the time, aggravation, and worry associated with furniture, art, and accessory purchases. It is hard to put a price tag on not having stress
• Radford will provide you with discounts typically only available to the trade; anywhere between 10% and 40%.
• 
You make sound informed decisions with Radford at the helm. This is diamonds in the long run.

Don't just live in your space- Love Your Space
xx,
Nic
www.radforddesigninc.com

Polished Boudoir for Baby

Few things in life are as special & exciting as a new baby! I adore nothing more than working with expecting parents on their new love's room. Designing for baby can still be chic. Here's the deal with nurseries...

There is NO rule that says that "Adult" elements are forbidden. In fact, what really makes a nursery polished is to forgo the undeniable saccharine "baby" furniture all together. Sophisticated elements can be playful & precious. The key is to keep color palettes lighthearted & incorporate furniture that is both practical and fresh. Lighting, area rugs, window treatments & accessories are all great opportunities to mingle "Grown Up" with Baby.

Congratulations on your New Love!
xx
Nic

A great Area Rug makes a Big & FUN statement

A fresh Wall Stencil creates modern Whimsy 

Precious Touches flawlessly mix with
Grown Up drapery & lighting

Wallpapering an accent wall adds color & character 

Flea Market finds are Fabulous for Baby! 

PAINT ='s  Cost Effective & High Impact

Freaking Out at Target

Any Designer of Any Genre will Tell  you . . . Good Design is simply Good Design. Ingenuous and Candid.  It's the truth. This is Precisely what Lures me to Target time and again . Frankly, I can't help myself.  A few weeks ago I went for Dog treats & frozen Edamame. I don't have to tell you what followed. . .

I freaked out at Target. 

Again.

Here's what - 

Fun yet Sophisticated outdoor (yes, plastic) dining. Plates $1.99-2.49. Platters $12.99. Bowls $2.49-6.99. 

Chic Wood trays. Think outside of the Kitchen. They are great in ANY room. Perfect for dropping Keys on in the Entry or giving your TV/stereo Remotes a Home. $18.59 for rectangular - $19.29 for square . 

Lighting . . .

There were 2 great Glass Lamps- endlessly classic. $49.99 each.

And never a Shortage of Basic (paramount to any great lamp update) Drum Shades. 

Loved the selection of Acrylic Bases. . . picked up a few. $29.99-39.99

I was all over the Bedding. They had a variety of Fresh accessories- perfect for a quick update. Pillows $24.99 each.

Great Buy for a Chic Geometric Duvet & Shams. $99.99 Queen.

Accessories . . .

Who doesn't love a 'Lil Morocco? Make that Metallic Morocco. Ottoman/Footstool $59.99 Ya Habibi

Understated Graphic candles. Perfect alone or in a Group.

I spotted a couple of sublimely Loud photo frames. Tribal. Love. Butterflies in my Belly.

Elegant yet Unpretentious storage. Natural to boot. $12.99-29.99

A series of This little Statement of a mirror would be killer on an accent wall. $19.99

When my Brother sees this post he will undoubtedly mock me for laying out an area rug on the floor of Target and photographing it. Yes, I am That Girl. Because I adore you- and you must have this woven piece of joy. $39.99

I was just about to become distracted by the shrieking billowing from Aisle 15 (Toys & Electronics) when I came upon a couple of great little tables. . .

Modern mirrored Deco $99.99 

Updated Traditional $69.99 

A sweet little Parson's Cube $39.99

Modern & Masculine. Black tray table. $39.99

I'm still smiling about this little Geometric love. $79.99. Adore.

And then the crying over Dora The Explorer tennis shoes (they glow after all) proved to be too much and I High Tailed it outta there. Until next time, I love you Target. Happy Bargain Shopping!

xx,

Nic

Freaking Out at Homegoods

Every Time I go to Homegoods I have massive Buffet Anxiety. I Want a little Bit of Everything & the Selection seems Endless . Makes a Gal want to Pop a Xanax upon Arrival . Anywho. . . Much like the finest Menus- Homegoods offers the very Best of what 's in Season. Today the Selection of Planters & Patio Furniture was Top Notch. Summer is ALMOST here. . . I promise.

Keeping in the Spirit- I'll start with My Outdoor Finds..

Love this Traditional Basket Weave arm Chair- the White keeps it Modern & Fresh..Sure to be Sleek in any Setting. $49.99

These Planters are Elegantly Neutral with
 clean Lines to Boot. Prices as Marked

At $16.99 you can't Find a better Punch of Color

A gorgeous Statement . . .Bold & Beautiful,
This extra large Love is $69.99

The Buffet

I hit Lighting Next. In general the Bases are good. The Shades are Another story Entirely. They are Kinda like wearing a Lanvin dress with Rubber Flip-Flops . To my Delight , I found Drum Shades which are Sold separately !

Silk & Neutral. At $16.99 a Pop you don't have to Worry about replacing an existing Awkward Shade

Sexy Form at $29.99

Classically Handsome & gently priced at $49.99

Stylish yet Mellow. $34.99

Like Antique Eastern Art for your End table. This would be undeniably Sexy in the Bedroom. $39.99

Just as we Were Chattin' up a storm about Area Rugs I came across 2  Absolute Steals. Both of these selections are 8' x 10' and are Only $299. Three Hundred Bucks for Fabulousness .
COLOSSAL Fabulousness .

Finally , I cruised Through the Furniture Section . It was Rather sparse as Most of the Love is in Patio Furniture this time of year. . . HOWEVER - I Nearly passed out When I found this Seductive Leather number.

$149.99. The Stitching & Leather are exquisite. 
Where's that Xanax?

Ralph Lauren would Blush upon Seeing this Foot Stool. Simply Classic American style.

Attractively priced at $39.99

Relaxed Animal Print on a Handsome Iron Base & a Genuine space saver? About Died when I saw these Printed Grasscloth C Tables.

Small $24.99. Large $29.99. 

This shall Conclude my Diary of Homegoods for Today. Can't wait to See what arrives Next week. . .

xx

Nic

PS . . .

*Find of The Day*

PRATESI Sheets .

 I already shut the Front Door .