ERIKA WARD ON HUFFINGTON POST, CHICAGO SPACES

H ey Folks, I've got exciting news. If the title of this post didn't give it away, I'm now blogging for the Huffington Post! My first article was published last night, a book review of Chicago Spaces: Inspiring Interiors by Jan Parr and the Editors of Chicago Home and Garden Magazine. I read the book from cover to cover and it's safe to say that I'm enamored with the talent that resides in Chicago and outlying suburbs.

The book however is not as predictable as the title. There is no tribute to architecture greats such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, though mentioned with much reverence; instead the book sets out to strategically dismantle the reputation of Chicagoans being known for safe, conservative design.

The book is divided into two categories, "Room" and "Homes," each chapter chocked with vibrant, colorful spaces that reflect the personality of its respective owners. "Rooms" features five generous home tours each in a different Chicago neighborhood. The interiors, three of which have been designed by industry professionals and two designed by talented homeowners, explore an inspiring mix of styles and periods. Showcased is a 6,500 square foot Wilmette property belonging to Interior Designer Julie Edelman, also a member of a noted blogging conglomerate known as Material Girls. The design's emphasis is based on Edelman's affection for oversized artifacts and her mission to administer her Victorian home to healthy doses of youthful elements. The results yield a home free of decorating boundaries and home that is never short of conversation pieces.

Part Two of the book, entitled "Homes," has to be one of the most prominent examples of awe-inspiring, yet approachable design. Each room of the house is covered in this section including the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, and children's rooms. Parr introduces each section with a clever narrative relating to the use of each room and provides a descriptive preview of what the reader is about to see. Each set of rooms runs the gamut in regard to design sensibilities -- from a modern cottage to a spacious PreWar condo.

There much more to learn about Chicago Spaces, so click here to see more images and read my review in its entirety. 

What are your thoughts on Chicago Interior Design?

images courtesy of Agate Publishing

THE WELL DRESSED HOME (A BOOK REVIEW)

An inside look into Annette Tatum's The Well Dressed Home

As a part of Maria Fé's  Through Her Eyes Series, I (along with others) was asked to share with readers my favorite book.  Annette Tatum's book, The Well Dressed Home has earned a special place in my heart and on my bookcase.

Tatum advises readers to decorate their homes just as they would choose the day's wardrobe items. She believes your clothing and accessories mirror your unique personality and style, and so should the decor of your home. I love the concept of bringing the catwalk into your home.

Annette Tatum's beliefs are parallel to the goals and purpose of this blog - To create personal spaces that reflect your fashion and style sensibilities.

In Part 1Tatum demonstrates how to bring the runway into your home by gathering design inspiration and by choosing the correct colors, patterns and textures . In Part 2, she analyzes 11 different design styles and explains characteristics of each style. Part 3 takes you a step further and challenges you to mix home decor style.

Metallic ballet flats have been translated into the living room pictured below. The shiny, gold slipcovers create a casual yet very elegant look. This post only skims the surface of what's inside. I would hate to completely ruin the experience for you. Add this book to your collection and forever change the way you view your home's decor.

BUY YOUR COPY HERE FOR LESS THAN $25