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