Chicago Home & Garden Magazine

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Kitchen Love

A little Kitchen Inspiration on a rainy Wednesday afternoon . . .

xx
Nic

Office Inspiration

Just a couple of ideas to inspire some serious work!

xx

Nic

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

Art - Getting the Hang of It

 Too High? Too Low? A little more to the left? Crooked? Shit! Don't give up, Art is a beautiful thing! Here are some tips to take the edge off hanging art. . .

As a general rule, hang your artwork so that the center point of the piece or grouping is at approximately eye level- think of groupings as a single unit. For example, you may want to consider hanging art slightly lower in a dining room, since you are sitting down when you are looking at it. The devil really is in the details. I see him often. Impressive moustache.

A great way to try out an arrangement before making Swiss of your wall is to lay everything out on your table or floor.  I prefer the floor. Move pieces around until you have an arrangement that you like. Once you have it figured out, take a photo so you can remember the aforementioned genius.

For Over Achievers- lay out art on a large piece of craft/wrapping paper and trace around each piece making sure to mark the hanging hardware points. Cut along the trace lines, then tape the paper to the wall and hammer in the nails. Remove the paper and place art. You are so gallery chic I can't stand it.

Choose smaller pieces for narrow walls and larger pieces for big walls.

Lots of wall with little art? Try grouping even number pieces to balance out a large space or a high wall. Keep in mind that large spaces can handle slightly wider spacing than small spaces.

Getting Horizontal- hanging art horizontally allows you to achieve some volume without appearing crowded. Remember, an odd number of pieces is more attractive to the eye and is visually more balancing. I typically space pieces 4-6" from each other.

Getting Vertical- when you are grouping 4 or more pieces above one another, think of a vertical line- meaning that the art should be visually balanced on both sides of an imaginary vertical line. Too much visual weight on one side or the other will make the group seem awkward & unbalanced. And that's more of a distraction than a love.

Symmetry ='s Traditional Beauty. Symmetry is great for pieces that are similar in size, shape, and subject matter. Hanging pieces symmetrically allows you to create a grouping that has visual balance and is perfect over large furniture or a fireplace.

Asymmetry ='s Exotic Beauty. Asymmetrical placement is a great solution when you have artwork that isn't necessarily the same but share at least one similar element- Cousins. An organic balance is the goal here.

Grouping larger and smaller pieces helps to create interest & energy. The same is true for vertical and horizontal pieces in the same grouping. The same is true for throwing your kid's masterpiece into a formal mix or adding a touch of humor or perhaps, rebellion to your collection.

Put what you love on your walls. Keep in mind that large white matting can work magic. A level is your best friend & lover. And above all else,
Love Your Space.

xx

Nic

A Little Bird Told Me...

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R a d f o r d   T w e e t s

Decorating for the Holidays

Although my beloved Clark Griswold would vehemently disagree, I believe in subtlety when it comes to Holiday decor. I am all for incorporating the the spirit of the season in the home . . it's just that giant snowmen, multicolored flashing lights, and borderline creepy Santa figurines can be, well, scary. Here are my picks for this season's sophisticated touches. . .

Swap out your everyday throw pillows for punchy new versions that echo the vibe of the season. I adore this chevron love from Deco Yellow.  

Holiday Trellis $80

Holiday Sparkle $50

Graphic Punch $24

Go Greek $18

Sliver Silk $55

Candy Cane Love $24

Fun, Modern Menorahs are unexpected and always a hit!

Winter Branches $99

Jonathan Adler's Utopia $295

Mod Menorah $150

City Folks Skyline $125

Puzzled $159

Puppy Love $120

Rethink your Holiday Stockings. . .displaying these modern takes on Santa's Sock are a whimsical and unpredictable way to bring in the season.

Simple & Sweet $26

Union Jack $36

Rustic Sweet $18

Even Sweeter $21

Chevron! Color! Pattern! Oh my! $18.50 each

Monochromatic Love $33 each

Be Fabulous You and go Bespoke $150 for 4

Or just keep the decorating neutral all together. . .

Porcelain Glow $6-8

Magnolia Leaf Wreath $65

Twig Globe $70

Feather Wreath $19

Winter Forest Candles $20-45

Lacey Snowflake Decals $23 for 6

All that Sparkles $5 each

Dried Lavender $50

Simply Etched $24-29

Last but not least is my favorite pick for this season- a true City Girl's delight . . . No muss no fuss.

Decal Pine $55

Happy Holidays with Big Love to All!

xx,

Nic

Simple High Impact

Updating your space need not induce a trip to your therapist's office.  In fact, simple fixes on the cheap may just be all that you really need for a gloomy weather Pick-Me-Up. Here are my Top 5 picks for High Impact updates.

No. 1 - Install Dimmers.
For around $10 a pop and 10 minutes of your time- viola! Atmosphere! See how easy it is here 

No. 2  - Refinish Your Floors.
Updating your floors with a new finish is approximately 1/8 the cost of new flooring. This is definitely one to leave to the pros- however the cost is minimal at around $1.50-$2.50 per square foot.

No. 3 - Swap out Old Hardware for New. 

Transform your kitchen or update the architectural details of your home in an afternoon.  New doorknobs can do wonders to a tired interior. Ikea has a great selection of smart modern hardware & Anthropologie always has charming options.

No. 4 - Paint! 

Walls are the largest surface area of your home. Make the most of the opportunity to inject some personality or welcome a cool calm. For about $100 per room for paint & supplies you can afford to take a risk....just keep the rest of the room neutral if you go with an overachiever (I'm currently adoring Peacock Blue) If painting isn't your thing, I recommend Thompson Holiday for all of my professional paint jobs- small or large.

No. 5 - Dress your Windows.
Clean lines will give your space a sophisticated & timeless update. The trick is to keep your hardware classic and aim to hang curtain panels about 3-4" from the ceiling to maximize your ceiling height.

Enjoy these updates. And remember. . .  Baby steps. Baby steps
xx,
Nic

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

Apartment Therapy

Radford loves Apartment Therapy something silly.

Check out my House Tour this month!

Big Love & Kisses to Miss Heather Blaha.

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