{raw + rare} beauty

It has been a while since a space has really made me stop and gawk...until now. I absolutely love the natural yet luxurious and modern feeling this home exudes. I am particularly crazy about the kitchen cabinets, which are made from reclaimed shutters...

(via house and garden)

great divides

There are many unique ways to divide spaces, but these brilliant installations from Jessica Helgerson Interior Design are the most amazing I have seen. The rope "walls" in Corazon restaurant would add quite the dash of drama if applied to a resedential environment...

 And these glass sculptures from Portland based glass artist Andy Palko would be an impacting and elegant way to divide an elegant loft. 

Flying High in Jackson Hole

I am constantly in awe of the talented artists that are drawn to Jackson Hole.  When I was there a few weeks ago I was actually lucky enough to experience a performance of the New York City Ballet - not an outing one would typically expect when on vacation in a mountain town.  I only wish I could be there again this week for the show of an incredibly talented artist, Paul Villinkski, at the Tayloe Piggot Gallery. This is just a sampling of his magical work which utilizes unique materials including found aluminum cans and the wood from police barriers... 

current cravings {fresh for fall}

Oversize issues of September magazines, end of summer sales and fallen leaves on the sidewalks -all signs that we are on the cusp of the seasonal switch.  In order to make the transition to autumn more bearable it is helpful to add a few fun pieces to freshen up your home and wardrobe -- from simply switching out the finial on a lamp, spicing up a room with a graphic x-bench, to investing in a luxurious throw to help welcome the cooler evenings.

(via pendelton throw, jonathon adler zebra x-bench, jason wu clutch and chic shop finial)

glam on glam

Can there be too much of a good thing? I think not, as proven by the enchanting glam on glam look of this restaurant. Pure magic..

(via Lorenzo Castillo)

shutterbug {pt.2}

For a second week, I have been making more of an effort to take snaps with my iPhone. Just a few of my favorite shots from the week. Starting with some lovely bright blue + bold graphic fabric finds from a recent trip to the mart..

Unique wall texture solution at Golden Triangle...

 A framed sea fan at Lee Jofa...

One of my ensembles -- spots on spots...

Hope you enjoyed a little glimpse in to my daily life! 

evening eye candy {artful drama}

When it comes to my personal life, I am not one for drama. When it comes to interiors -- bring it on! This is exactly why I am head over heels about this extravagant home. Just the visual jolt that I needed to get over the mid week hump. Yes, it is TOTALLY over the top but I cannot help but find inspirational elements in each and every room that would I use in a project or my own home.

(vía nuevo estilo)

opposites attract {rough + luxe}

It is said that opposites attract. I have to agree that not only do they attract but can also result in magical moments, as proven by the mix of rough with luxurious in these pieces and materials...

(teak and amber mirrored stool, metallic cork wallcovering from stark (love love love!) and miu miu jeweled flats)

details {antlers + intaglios}

Antlers + intaglios -- a random pairing, perhaps, but two of the only interior details that have been able to get me to stop and take notice today...

(via heather garrett interior design and mary macdonald)

shutterbug

When I was in Wyoming last week I found myself playing tourist with my constant picture taking--something I never do in Chicago. So I thought I would try it out here! Just a little glimpse of my week through the shutter of my iPhone. Starting with the new Kravet showroom in the Mart...

A few lovely baubles and jewels at Neopolitan...

One insanely gorgeous bone inlay tray at Susan Kroger.

Some lust worthy Valentino studs...

A fun little afternoon trip to the Art Institute, where I was very pleasantly surprised by the Roy Lichenstein exhibit...

The amazing floor in the Holly Hunt showroom...

And my new favorite dinner -- arugula with feta, roast golden beets, pomegranates and champagne vinaigrette.

Bright and whimsical ikat pillows..

And last but not least, the pups -- always ready to play...

Have a wonderful weekend!

Recent Projects + A Giveaway

I cannot believe it has already been two months since the launch of Blair Friedeman Design. To thank you for all your support and incredibly encouraging words during this exciting time I would like to give away one $200 gift certificate towards any of our design services-- whether you need a color consult, product/fabric selection assistance, a new floor plan, inspiration for an upcoming event or a new design scheme for a a entire room! All you have to do is like Blair Friedeman Design on Facebook and leave your email address in the comments section of this post. I will draw a winner on Friday at 8 p.m. CST. In the meantime, I wanted to share a few projects we have been working on, to show the wide array of affordable design services we offer across the country. The first is a board for a New York City based b*style client with a mid century modern sensibility. They needed help picking out furniture and accessories to compliment their existing den/office pieces and make the space more functional.

This is one of three mood/color boards we did for another b*style client, a California couple looking for an inspirational starting point and concrete creative direction for their upcoming wedding. They wanted the event to be whimsical, simple and organic with a west coast vibe. 

If you have any questions about the services we offer or would like to see more of our recent work please visit our website or send me an email at blair@blairfriedeman.com. Thank you again, for all of your support!!! 

all in the mix {modern on the range}

I am back on the grid after an amazing week in Jackson Hole, which only caused my love of the mountains to grow -- the adventure to be had there and the breathtaking surroundings are incomparable. However, Chicago is an amazing city in it is own rite and I am glad to be back. It makes me wish that there was a place that was the marriage of the two.  And if there such a place was I imagine that this is the interior style that would grace the foyers of the homes...

(chandelier designed by Alison Berger, jamie young munghal bone mirror, phillip jeffries zebra grass wall covering, hudson furniture console, cotton dhurrie from Stark carpet) 

Call of the Wild

I am currently at O'Hare Airport en route to my old hometown, Jackson Hole. It is my second trip back this summer and I cannot wait to get back to the fresh mountain air! Posting may be spotty the next week, as I try to enjoy a little vacation time--full of new adventures and time with friends. I thought this lovely contemporary yet rustic home was the perfect home to post as I embark on my trip! 

And yes I stole the post title from the name of the article --- just couldn't come up with one that topped it!
(via style at home)

triple {kitchen} threat

There are many elements (beyond the infamous "work triangle")  that create a beautiful and functional kitchen. These two kitchens demonstrate my favorite combination of these  three elements -- a beautiful island, unexpected lighting + open shelves. Ahh, pure bliss. 

(via Southern Accents)