Winter Warmth Inspiration

Red is everywhere in this living room from H&G.

Since the weather has turned cold (especially if you're in Chicago right now as I am), I've been very much inspired by warm cozy fall colored interiors. Plaids, reds, oranges, and mustard yellows have been making me feel very warm though I am shivering at the thought of going outside. Snuggle in and enjoy!

Nothing says warmth like animal prints (and fur). I love the feeling of enclosure in this room--time to settle in with my favorite design books and shelter mags...

The fire is lit and those two chairs look ready for some action. I love the rusty red of that rug with the woods in the room. By Eldon Wong.

I always equate Amanda Nisbet with bright and poppy colors and while this is still bright and poppy it feels warm and cozy. Her attention to little details like the backing of that slipper chair are genius.

I KNOW this is no NOT me, because let's be honest, it's all neutrals. Fur is practically my middle name though and I have a weakness for modern art like the painting over the long sofa. By Pamplemousse Design.

Summer Thornton, a Chicago Designer, adds a stunning blue and green tartan plaid to the dining arm chairs at either end of the table. All you need is the turkey and stuffing (and cranberries, mashed potatoes, more stuffing, and yams!).

You must take a look at Oscar de La Renta's fall fur runway collection. It's so gorgeous. I loved the purple paired with the salmony orange and the delicious fur.

Alessandra Branca is another Chicago designer (what an odd coincidence that I keep picking them while I'm here)! Gorgeous table setting and warm rusty red walls with a pop of geometric Greek Key pattern on the drapery. I might visit her store today!

I hope these have gotten you inspired too! As much as I would love to stay inside my sister's warm apartment today, I must attend to some Christmas shopping (Branca). Other small changes to make your home feel more cozy are tartan throw blankets on your sofas, fall/winter inspired table cloths, warm candles around a room, or changing the lampshade to a soft brown instead of a crisp white color. Have you done anything else to channel winter warmth?

Alicia B.

Modern Kitchen Discoveries

I know I've been lagging on my posts of late and this acknowledgment doesn't mean that's going to change because I'm still just as busy. Don't worry though, I'm still here, still loving the blog and still loving design. I've been working tres hard (7 hours at school yesterday drafting) on this town house project and guess what...it's MODERN. I started out with a traditional style because that's what I naturally drift towards, and the professor told me that I needed to challenge myself more. I decided on a somewhat industrial glam look and I'm actually warming to it! The room that I've had the most trouble with is the kitchen though. It's hard to design an industrial kitchen with some Alicia B. personality in it because of all the appliances and stainless steel.

If I could have any kitchen in the world, this would be it. Designed by Joan Schindler, this kitchen has so much character and amazing details: mini tile flooring, glass door fridge, and the most beautiful pendants I've ever seen.

Here are some modern kitchens that I actually like! They have some personality in them and they're sleek as can be (in my eyes).

The different greys and blacks (and whites) add lots of interest to this kitchen though I'm not sure how that table works so close to the counter space, right? I do enjoy the appropriate seasonal accents of orange though! From Marie Claire Maison.

I kind of super like this industrial look for this loft kitchen. I love how the counter juts out of the wall with the mysterious opaque glass on the wall and rough wooden column to contrast the sleek finishes. From Marie Claire Maison.

I like the natural wood paired with the hard steel surfaces and art in the kitchen always gets me! Elle Decor.

Another kitchen with black glossy cabinetry! This one designed by Eldon Wong has open shelving under the island with pretty glass dishes which as a bit of sparkle.

If you imagine this open kitchen in a different finish than the wood as it currently is, it would be super streamlined. In the wood though, it gives off a softer more textured look. Can anybody explain the super thin sink in the island?? Designed by Ann Wolf.

I will admit, if pushed to it, some of these modern style kitchens do have their own personalities. Its hard to balance a contemporary look without it looking too much like a restaurant kitchen. I have certainly learned a lot designing one for my class and I guess I've come around! Cement counter tops, opaque glass cabinetry, and who doesn't love a brand new ultra sleek Wolf range?? I definitely do.


Alicia B.