Wednesday, March 11, 2015

H&M Home

H&M is one of my favorite brands for classic, never-go-out-of-style pieces that I can wear (literally) for years. Take this denim jacket, for example:


I've had it for probably 4 years and I still wear it all the time. I'm so in love- it goes with everything, transitions from Spring to Fall easily.

Well, last month I was doing a search for linen bedding and came across H&M's Home collection. How did I miss this? I have no idea, but I am totally in love with everything right now. The collection is very H&M- lots of style without the high-style prices. This home line is a lot of fun, with simple designs with modern touches that will fit into any lifestyle and budget. They have also created a section of designs in their sustainable collection, mostly made of cotton and linen, which is very cool in my book.

Here are some of my favorite items from the online shop.


 Linen Duvet Cover Set  $99 (from the sustainable collection)

2-Pack Hooks $5.95


Glass Vase $9.95


Tea Towel $4.95 (from the sustainable collection)




Cotton Rug $24.95


If you're in need of a spring update for your apartment, check out H&M's home selections for a few super affordable pieces that can lighten up your space.


 Happy Spring!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Back at it!

It's been a REALLY long time since I posted something awesome on this blog. But never fear, I've been a busy bee and have lots of really fun things to show you guys in the next couple of weeks!

First of all, a life update.

If you didn't know, I started going to school in May at Harrington College of Design and I have been loving every single minute of it (even the feel-like-i'm-going-to-pull-out-my-hair-and-lose-all-my-teeth moments :P). If you're thinking about going into Interior Design and live in Chicago, I'll tell you it's absolutely the best school. All of the teachers are amazing, have real experience in the field and the connections and reputation that HCD has are awesome.

Okay, I made my little plug. Next up-

In January I moved into a new apartment that makes lots of things in life a lot easier (transportation, school, etc.) I haven't done much with the space yet because, well, school has been taking over my life! I did take some time to fix up my bedroom though, so I wanted to show you guys a few photos of that.

My biggest concern with this small room was that it didn't have a lot of light, but my most favorite thing was the tall ceilings. I am also sharing the room with my little girl, which is actually kind of fun (it's a sleepover pajama party EVERY night at our house!).

I wanted to keep things light and neutral so that the room doesn't get too small. I left the warm gray on the walls because I just haven't had time to paint, but the plan for in between semesters this year is to paint those babies white.







Now for the really fun stuff. I'm in the middle of helping a very dear friend fix up his apartment to be more functional. But functional is not fun, and he's still a young guy (IJ) so he needs to live somewhere FUN. He was asking for my help for months and I finally said okay, fine, if you want my help, we're going RIGHT NOW (there was a little more coercion than that but we'll keep the story friendly, haha)

His previous house had a ton of light and lots of plants, and he's lived in really incredible places his entire life (think high rise over looking the ocean in Brazil!). This is definitely the smallest apartment he's been in, but the main living area is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. So the main goal is to make the place more functional (a place to eat dinner, adding to storage & minimizing clutter) but also to create a really cool space for him to feel at home.

The concept was really based on 'talking pieces', things that can stand individually as really intriguing objects, but also work really well together to create a welcoming, bright, fun modern space. I think he's going to be really happy with it!

These are a couple photos of the space as it is now, and a few sketches of our plans. Everything will be done in 2 weeks, so stay tuned for the completed project! I can't wait to show you guys this place when it's done.






Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Shoe Store Concept

 Shoe Store Concept for a class at school. Enjoy, would love to hear any thoughts.

Currently working on the concept for a shoe boutique that sells sustainably-made, high quality and high fashion shoes for women. 

Typically, 'high fashion and sustainability' brings to mind images of models walking down the runway in black plastic garbage bags, cut and stitched to look like evening gowns. This concept store is called TIYE (after the wise mother of the famously beautiful Nefertiti) and replaces that recycled-garbage bag look with stunning, completely unrivaled shoe designs using materials and production methods that are renewable and sustainable.

TIYE's design concept is inspired by ancient Egypt as well as the natural beauty and fertility of the Nile River Valley. Materials that come to mind are sleek ebony, glittering limestone and gold, and translucent, glowing alabaster.

The design of the store will also reflect the beauty in the practice of sustainable production while appealing to the most fashion-conscious clientele. Three-step, continuously flowing fountains using collected and filtered water from rain barrels will elevate displays of each season's styles. There will be an emphasis on reflection and natural light through the use of full height windows and floor-to-ceiling mirrors which will highlight the exotic, unique details of the designs. Surfaces will be polished and glossy to reflect the most natural light around the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. When there is a lack of natural light, spotlights tucked behind two-way mirrors will shine down on displays. Locally sourced materials will be used throughout the sleek, chic space. The windows along the South wall will also provide a 'greenhouse effect' for the indoor garden along the base; three other bio-walls will be planted on the North wall, alternating between the full-height mirrors.

Fashion and Interior Designers can no longer ignore the impact that production and materials have on the environment- it is necessary to use green practices in all steps from sourcing materials to producing or crafting the designs to the way they are presented to the customer. TIYE is the ultimate model, combining sustainabilty with unparalleled beauty and timeless style.