CHICAGO

INSPIRATION: The Drinkingbird Chicago

One of my favorite things about traveling is trying out new restaurants and experiencing great design. On the last full day of our trip to Chicago, we went to The Drinkingbird.

From the outside it looks like just a simple Chicago bar...

The exterior of The Drinkingbird image via The Business Insider

We originally wanted to go because we heard it was a haunted bar and we were curious to check it out. Here is a link to the story of the building about about the haunted story (story here) they refer to the building as Flounder's Bar & Grill, that was the previous tenant.

 

Then to my surprise, I was very impressed with the aesthetics of the space! It had such a cool vibe. I felt like I was transported into a 60's lounge. 

The main lounge, image via The Drinkingbird

The main lounge, image via The Drinkingbird

There are so many details that I loved about this space. It was simple but well planned. Everything from the gold tufted barstools, to the modern lighting paired with the graphic wallpaper, and last but not least the beautiful antiqued beveled glass mirrored subway tile on the back of the bar. We all know that I am a fan of that! (I also used it on this beautiful master bathroom renovation: here)

Here are a few shots of the space that I took while we were there...

So next time you are in Chicago you must check out The Drinkingbird! Ambiance was great, service was fabulous and their menu was lovely too! They are located in Lincoln Park at 2201 N Clyborn, right on the corner of Webster. Also, just two doors down is our favorite pizza place Pequod's Pizza, you must go there and try their deep dish pizza! (Thank me later!)

Source: http://drinkingbirdchicago.com/

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

To me, 4th of July is all about the good things in life: family, barbeques, fireworks, summer time fun and all topped off with a healthy dose of American History!

I especially love 4th of July, because it's also my wedding anniversary! We will be closed for the holiday weekend July 4th - July 7th. We hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July!

 

I leave you with a few fun images from our wedding day in the windy city, since I have been reminiscing all week. ;) Enjoy!

All wedding photos by Kristen Lynn Photographie

INSPIRATION: NeoCon 2014 Re-cap

Well, NeoCon 2014 has come and gone... and boy, was it fun! There were so many great products out there to be discovered. It's hard to touch base on all of them. Everything from furniture, wallpaper, lighting to creative wall systems and beyond! So below is a collection of items that caught our eye. (Please keep in mind, these are all photos via Lisa's phone... so the quality isn't that great.) If you have any questions specifically about an item you see, feel free to ask, we would love to incorporate it in your project!

lisagilmoredesignlogo

INSPIRATION: DreamHome 2014 at the Chicago Merchandise Mart

A lot of you know, last week I traveled back to the Windy City (the city that holds my heart) for NeoCon. It was an amazing trip filled with great time with friends and catching up with some of my favorite industry partners. I felt right back at home with all the fabulous design happenings and goodies to newly discover.

During my visit, I was able to pop in to the DreamHome 2014 at the Merchandise Mart.  It's the 10th year that they have put together this beautiful collaboration of designers for one "home" display. Every year it results in jaw dropping luxury, but for some reason, this year I really liked it, just a tad bit more than usual! 

Here is a little tour of the space:

FOYER: I went completely gaga over the Candy Apple Red handcrafted wallpaper from Maya Romanoff. This space had such a classic appeal to it that I was really enjoying. 

STUDY: Okay, so this study is totally right up my personal decor alley. I am obviously partial to the navy blue walls since that is the color I have in my kitchen, but I also love the all over feel. My favorite thing in this room --- that stellar chandelier! 

MASTER BEDROOM: This room is so serene and calming, once again I love the lighting fixture the designer selected, but I really love the fur ottoman from Holly Hunt, super chic!

DINING ROOM: This dining room is so elegant and has a certain glowing quality to it. I could picture myself dining with family and friends for hours! I was so happy to see the designer selected the wall sconces from Bradley Hughes, they have been one of my favorite items for some time now.

LIVING ROOM: Alrighty, so the living room and the study are pretty close in the running for me. There is something about deeply colored walls covered in collections of art that get me every single time! There is so much beautiful texture going on in this room. I really adore the screen with Asian influenced waves adorning it. 

OUTDOOR DINING: Well, with a space like this, I could be outdoors for days... and never want to come inside again. Ever. I loved how urban and upscale this environment was. I was very impressed with the designers use of texture an lighting. 

Bravo to all the talented designers that participated in the DreamHome this year, you did an amazing job! DreamHome continues through December 7,2014. So if you get the opportunity, surely go see it!

So what are your thoughts? Which room calls your name?