Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pattern

We are seeing a huge trend of geometric wallpaper. 
But let's face it, wallpaper is a huge commitment! 

We recently found Cutting Edge Stencils  and are loving their designs. 







These stencils look identical to a lot of wallpaper we are seeing at the Mart. 

Cutting Edge Stencils offer a huge range of patterns. And for those who are willing to try this without any professional help, there is a section of 'how-to-stencil' videos. 

Whether it is an accent wall or a powder room, these patterns can transform a room.

Happy stenciling! 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Michael Smith's new book on Kitchens and Baths

Michael Smith, interior designer with notable clients such as the Obamas and Steven Spielberg, recently released his latest book on kitchens and baths. We have enjoyed his plumbing and tile collection for some time now, so it was about time that he wrote a book sharing his projects. 

Michael stopped by the Merchandise Mart last week for a book signing, and we were lucky enough to attend. It's a great book with lots of beautiful photos and fantastic descriptions of each of the projects that are detailed within the book. We definitely recommend adding it to your library! 




Here are some photos of his kitchen and bath work. Enjoy! 







Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Online Design Magazines

Design magazines may be disappearing off the newsstands...but they are quickly popping up online!


These are just a few of the online magazines that are out there. They read just like any other magazine...except you flip through them online!

What is so great about these magazines is that they cover a wide range of styles. But what we love even more is that they are compleltely interactive! When flipping through, do you find yourself needing that sofa? Well- just click on the picture and they tell you where to purchase it! It can't get much easier than that!

Another plus is that all of these magazines have extensive photo galleries of projects they have featured.








Definitely check out these magazines not only for the beautiful rooms but for designer inspiration as well!

Enjoy! 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Design Harvest

With the wealth of street festivals around the city, it may seem like sometimes days of the week starting with S and weather above 40 degrees are the only qualifications to cordoning off the streets and raising the tents.


But with fall at our doorstep (or, rather, already standing in the Foyer...) this is no time to look the gift horse in the mouth! Take advantage of your good fortune to live in a great city with a vibrant design scene, and check out one of the last free art fairs of the season, Design Harvest


What: Chicago's best independent furniture and design vendors, along with live entertainment programmed by Chicago’s famed venue, The Hideout, as well as a kid-friendly art party where you can silk screen your own designs! And of course, delicious food. 

Where:  Grand Avenue, between Damen and Wood

When: October 1 & 2, 2011









Celebrate fall and support Chicago’s local design industry and come out to Design Harvest!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Randolph Street Market Festival



Heads Up!

Your home is already sleek and unique. But some of the greatest design inspiration comes from a surprise find at an antique market. So you’re in luck—the Randolph Street Market Festival, with antique, vintage, and designer items is back for September 24-25 2011!
 When: Saturday, September 24 10am-5pm and Sunday, September 25 10am-4pm
Where:  1350 block of West Randolph Street and inside the beautiful Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall at 1340 West Washington. Market will be held come rain or shine!
How: Tickets can be bought at the entrance gate for $10 or online for $8. Early 9 am entrance tickets for Saturday are also available for purchase at the gate or here. Portions of the proceeds go to Chicago House Charity. 


Check it out, and have a great weekend!


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Fall Favorites: Kitchen Trends

It may be hard to admit it, but fall is fast approaching. While we mourn its passing, we decided to celebrate and create a series on ways to ease the transition with our favorite trends that we've been seeing this fall.

First up: Kitchens!

House Beautiful recently showcased their annual 'Kitchen of the Year' at Rockerfeller Center in NYC. 
Their theme was 'Old World Made Modern.' 


This happens to be a theme that Environs has been seeing a lot of recently in our kitchen designs.
We have been inspired by updating the classic kitchen with modern influences.


Here is a kitchen we recently completed. 

One of the traditional elements that we used was the paneled wood hood. By complementing it with a stainless wall hood, we updated the look with this modern touch. 

We love waterfall kitchen islands! This is when we take the counter and wrap the sides of the island so it appears as if the surface is 'falling' over. We love doing this in contemporary kitchens so why not do this in a more traditional kitchen if used properly and with the right type of material!

You might not be planning on remodeling your entire kitchen, but adding a few modern accessories can completely update the look! In this kitchen, we added modern barstools. You can do the same! 



We found these barstools by Holland at a few local retailers. 


Or this one from West Elm



Changing out light fixtures is also a really easy way to update ! We love placing large pendants over our kitchen island.

Bellacor is a great place to search for lighting.



We love that this fixture from Circa Lighting is elegantly traditional with a modern flair!


Finally, you can always make a quick fix by changing out your faucet. There are so many options available that will help you update your traditional kitchen but won't look out of place.


Hansgrohe is a great option for both name and style.

If you want to splurge, check out this option from Kallista.
Rohl has always been known for their very traditional plumbing. Recently, they began introducing more transitional and contemporary options, such as this one.
There are so many ways to update your kitchen. From the examples we gave above to simply changing the wall color, we hope this helps you when updating your kitchen!

Stay tuned for other ways to update your home this fall!


Friday, September 9, 2011

Renegade Craft Fair is Coming to Chicago!

Looking for the perfect accessory or art piece to give a unique flair to your space? Love supporting independent artists? Check out the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend! Free to attend, the Renegade Craft Fair will take place on Division Street in Wicker Park on September 10th and 11th from 11am to 7 pm. 



Featuring over 300 local and international artists, this event promises something for everyone—and not only furniture, jewelry, and clothing, but also delicious food and drink!




For more information, check out http://www.renegadecraft/chicago