JTD was formed in 2016 by Jen Talbot. An internationally recognized, multidisciplinary American designer establishing a reputation for innovation and ingenuity, where she actively takes notes from her installation art practice. Jen created conceptual narratives through ephemeral, performance-based installation art, consistently utilizing the human form as a part of the sculpture.

With this rich creative lineage, Talbot sees each space compressed like a work of art and carefully crafts a visual composition into each space. Talbot often uses color or the absence of color, to function as a visual catalyst.

The deep network of artists, artisans and vintage merchants, make up a support network critical to the success of our work. Realized through layering of open + solid shapes, linear + irregular line and elements of the hand made. Our goal is to build an innovative environment relevant to each client, customizing the work to the needs of the people inhabiting the space.

Clients that seek innovation and a fresh design perspective grace her client list and include the heir to Bergdorf Goodman, VP of Kate Spade, the editor of a major magazine, Boeing and Silicon Valley Execs. In 2020, while people around the world sought new footing, Jen broke into the international design scene as an Instagram micro-influencer. Her projects have been published in seven international design magazines, including Arch Digest, ELLE DECORATION Netherlands, Modern Luxury, Marie Claire, and Living, ETC.

Working with luxury residential clients in NY, LA, San Francisco and Chicago in all ranges of project sizes, from new build, gut reno to furniture selection. Jen has 20 years experience in the hospitality industry and 8 years in product design. And in 2021, Jen launched her own product line. Studio Line, a collection of artisan fabrics, wallpaper, select furnishings, and accessories that draw from Jen’s rich past experiences as sculptor, installation artist, and product designer.

One of the most rewarding parts of being an interior designer is scouting for artwork. We usually tackle this near the end of a project, but occasionally we'll work the entire design around a particularly standout piece of work, allowing it to shine in the spotlight. More often these "finishing pieces" serve as jewelry. They can tell a story, tie the larger elements of a space together, and complete the overall look. Our advice is to look for art that resonates with you. Typically we collaborate with local galleries, but this can be limiting because there is a historical lack of diversity represented here. Instagram is an excellent resource to connect with artists directly, particularly for commissioned pieces. Following the “Black Art Matters” and “Support Black Artists” hashtags has lead us to some remarkable artists of color. Whether we’re enjoying their work in a local museum or our own homes, as designers, we recognize our role in introducing clients to a world beyond their own and supporting artist of all backgrounds.

Bisa Butler uses quilting to create vibrant images. Her work portrays story-telling through the experiences of African Americans, often through portraits. Butler’s artist statement explains that the art of quilting is a piece of her heritage, a necessity in that “enslaved people were not given large pieces of fabric and has to make do with the scrapes of cloth that were left after clothing wore out.” Now she can reclaim the technique and use it as artistry that is also educational. Her work “Safety Patrol” was recently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Bisa Butler “Safety Patrol”. Image Source: Art Institute of Chicago

Bisa Bulter “Wangari Maathai.” Image Source: Claire Oliver Gallery

Nick Cave blends together a spectacular array of materials that become wearable sculptures. Covered head-to-toe, the wearer’s body is completely enveloped. The Soundsuits, though visually whimsical, are born from a “dark place”: the need to protect one’s self. They hide all identifiable traits that can be judged, like race and gender. Cave’s artwork comes to life in his performance exhibitions, where movement is choreographed with music and the suites themselves rustle, jingle, and sway. One of his one-of-a-kind pieces can be seen locally at the Chicago St. Jane Hotel. The “Hustle Coat” is a nod to the entrepreneurial street salesmen that sell replica luxury jewelry. The black trench coat in lined with gold and silver chains, faux diamond encrusted watches, and gem embellishments.

Nick Cave “Hustle Coat.” Image Source: St. Jane Hotel

Nick Cave “Soundsuits” Denver Art Museum 2013. Image Source: Public Delivery.org

Nich Cave “Soundsuits” Denver Art Museum 2013. Image Source: Public Delivery.org

The artwork of Kehinde Wiley is a juxtaposition of the hip-hop movement and Old Masters paintings. This blend stems from his childhood growing up in South Central LA during the 1980s.  To escape the neighborhood turmoil, Wiley spent his weekends attending art classes where he learned the techniques of still life and self- portraiture. As his education in art and world events grew, his topics began to address modern issues like politics, sexuality, and race. In 2017, Wiley was commissioned to paint the Presidential Portrait of Barack Obama. The work stands out among its fellow residents in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Wiley uses a botanical background, thick with greenery and punctuated with flowers that symbolize different regions of the world. The subject is seated in the foliage, and the expression captures the thoughtful charisma that Obama is known for. Throughout Wiley's portfolio, there is a noticeable trend for highly stylized wallpaper-like backdrops with highly realistic, yet vibrant, figures that recall the Renaissance era.  

Kehinde Wiley “President Barack Obama.” Image Source: National Portrait Gallery

Kehinde Wiley “The Two Sisters.” Image Source: NPR.org

Elan Byrd first studied fashion design and textiles at esteemed universities in New York and London before transitioning her focus to sustainable home decor. The fashion industry has been identified as a leading contributor to consumer waste, with cheaply made garments heading quickly to landfills. Byrd uses her love of textiles to weave renewable fibers by hand. The mediums include vintage grass cloth from the 1980s, linen, and raffia. Her creations are a practice of meditation, a tangible and decorative connection to nature. Byrd describes her work as bringing “a sense of calm and serenity.” We love the range of textures and earthy, neutral tones.

Elan Byrd “Growth.” Image Source: Elan Byrd

Elan Byrd “Sacred Journey.” Image Source: Elan Byrd

Elan Byrd “Steps Under The Sun.” Image Source: Elan Byrd

We found the work of Briana Arrington in the Instagram rabbit-hole. Based in Philadelphia, her focus is illustration and graphic design. Arrington’s art is an exploration of identity, creating a broader representation of people seen in America. According to her bio, she hopes “that her work reaches someone who may look like her, see the world like her or has gone through similar experiences.” Our favorite pieces are from her Photo Remix collection, which layers the photography of DVVINCI with her fanciful digital illustrations.

Briana Arrington and DVVINCI “Enfin, Je M’aime.” Image Source: Briana Arrington

Briana Arrington and DVVINCI “Sandbox Ruler.” Image Source: Briana Arrington

It can take years of travel and scouring local galleries to assemble an exquisite art collection. What if the main architectural feature of your home was designed with this in mind?  A sculptural plaster staircase creates an instantaneous wow factor. Even Botticelli would be inspired by these curvaceous beauties. Focusing on the beauty of a utilitarian part of the home can take the design to the next level. Yes, even stair should be beautiful.

Designed by Delphine Krakoff. Image Source: Architectural Artifacts

Designed by Bernardes Arquitetura. Image Source: Bernardes Arquitetura

Designed for landscape architect Fernando Caruncho. Image Source: Architectural Digest

Unknown Designer. Image Source: Pinterest

Designed by Serena Crawford. Image Source: Serena Crawford

1. Humble materials. Textures pulled from nature and the return to natural materials.

2. Interesting Wall covering.

3. Mix metals. Brass, bronze, keep it mixed.

4. Mixing Pattern. Large, small, organic, blocked. More the mix the better.

5. Neon is not dead. Get creative with neon, more as an art form over the usual text or phase.

Winter in the Midwest can be harsh. Chicago is known for its blustery wind, with sudden gusts that knock you over while trying to shovel the sidewalk- speaking from experience!  But we aren't here to complain about the weather. Let's kick off those snow boots, grab a hot toddy, and discuss foyers. Foyers and entryways are the first impression of your home's inner personality. It should feel welcoming and functional.  

As traffic flows in and out of your home, it's inevitable that debris and weather will creep inside. Installing flooring material that can handle the elements like mud, salt, and rain is key. Tile is a durable solution.  Porcelain tile is a manufactured product that is non-porous, stain resistant, and easy to clean. The surface is screen printed to replicate the movement of natural stone or trendy graphic patterns.  Aesthetically, porcelain can appear flat because it is missing physical texture and ability to patina.  Ceramic tiles have many similar benefits as porcelain while providing a wide variety of colorful glaze finishes and exciting mosaic patterns. 

Porcelain Floor Tile. Image Source: Luxe Interiors and Design

Entryways crave impactful statements and bold wallpaper give a boisterous greeting. Over-scaled botanicals, high contrast patterns, and quirky animals are currently some of our favorite themes.  We collaborate with our vendors to specify commercial grade printing in these locations.  This allows the paper to withstand the conditions and be wiped clean if necessary.  Painting the walls and ceiling in moody colors is a budget friendly way to set the tone of your home.

Bold Patterns by Osbourn and Little. Image Source: House Beautiful

Small details offer subtle cues to your family and guests. An upholstered bench signals "take a seat and please remove shoes here." Make sure there is an easy spot to store coats and gear. Closet space is ideal to keep the area tidy. Add pizazz by continuing the foyer wallcovering and flooring, or purchase brass hangers. Wicker baskets, wall hooks, and coat trees also provide handy storage. 

Welcome Bench with Art. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Entry tables anchor the room, but they should not be a dumping ground for catalogues and bills. Keeping this space clutter-free is the first step to creating a calm, uplifting environment. A few simple accessories are all that's needed to complete the space, such as a vase of fresh greenery, a tray for keys, and something visually intriguing like a sculpture or a stack of books. Finally, a well placed mirror has two jobs: it reflects light allowing the area to feel brighter and makes sure you leave home looking your very best! 

Foyer Table with Accessories. Image Source: Jen Talbot Design

Modern kitchen fabulous. Black window frames to open up the room to extra sunlight and mix in an interesting cabinet door profile with stain wood and you will have a winning combination. Loving the new trend of a stone sweep of counter top materials on to back splash. It look and easy to clean.

At the turn of the 20th Century, the Neoclassical Revival was in full swing. Chicago deeply embraced the movement. It represented stability and rebirth after a devastating fire ripped through the city. A style that was once reserved for public buildings trickled into residential homes.

From Hyde Park to the North Shore, our team has several projects on the books to revive these 100+ year old beauties. Rather than replicating a bygone era, we are pumping in fresh ideas. Say goodbye to stuffy wingbacks in dark corners, and hello to soaring ceilings with epic crown moulding! Take a look at our inspiration:

Salvage the intricate moulding and add quirky artwork.

Layer with modern furnishings and accessories. Source link.

You don’t have to live in the Sistine Chapel to enjoy a mural in your home. Overscaled wallpaper can offer the same flair. Check out Ashley Woodson Bailey’s collection of dramatic florals. Source link.

Parquet flooring in bad shape? Consider playing with a more modern pattern, like chevron. Source link.

In my early career, I starting by doing solely kids spaces, so when I get an opportunity to create one for a client it’s a natural place to slip into creatively.

My biggest goal is always a room the child can grow into. Mixing fun, educational, interactive elements that can be swamped out for a teen make over when the time comes.

We just wrapped up an install for a client in Hinsdale and love the results of this playroom. First image is where the ideas started and image two is a quick Iphone shot. Scroll down for source list.

1. Black and White Polka Dot Basket 2. Teal Boho Vintage Rug 3. Vintage Phone 4. Paper Roll Wall mount 5. Wood House Playhouse 6. Wallpaper

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Something designers across the board talk a lot about is color depth. Whether that is in space, graphics, photography, fashion, etc. it is all very similar. In interiors, people often confuse color depth with having lots of colors. The more is not always merrier people! These monochromatic palettes have me falling in LOVE. Despite each room essentially being painted shades of the exact same color, it creates a sense of visual and architectural depth to a space in a way that just painting it all one color wont do. Take a look at these Inso images to see for your self!

I absolutely love the way these different paint colors highlight the architectural significance of this wall. Traditionally, people would choose a floral wallpaper to pop in these panels. I have never been a fan for the obvious choices though - be bold, be different.

This picture needs no introduction. What a great way to highlight the unique arch of the ceiling without drawing the attention up and away from the bathroom features.

After 5 years in NYC transplanted to LA and then migrated to Chicago, this client was craving the sunny, relaxed vibe of Southern California they left behind. The inspiration was to feel as though the outside came in for tea. The space is a central hub of activity of kids and mom play dates., were the family continually gathers. We included a bright palm wallpaper, pop of black and white pattern and boho rug to tie the room together.

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Early in our lives have we all overpaid for a sofa that barely lasted 5 years. We all felt the cushions start to cave in after a year in our favorite spot… its heart breaking to waste the money. As designers, we have been trained in this knowledge to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck in both aesthetics and quality. To help ensure your sofa will withstand the test of life, I have curated a list of 5 Tricks to Make Your Sofa Last Longer.

1. Quality Framing

Be sure to look at the materials and reviews. If you are working with a designer like us, you can be sure we are considering these things when we source for you. That cannot be said for all decorators though so be sure to as blatantly. 

2. Cushion Fill 

Not all sofa cushion fills are made equally. If you read one of my recent posts, you will see my review of RH’s Cloud Sofa. Though harsh, it was true. Some cushion fills require much more maintenance while others synthetic blend of fibers are self sufficient. Not to say that poly blend it better though - once you find a compression in the cushion, it is not repairable. You will continue to develop a sink hole till you replace the cushion. This is why it is important to find a balance of the two. I prefer a down feather wrapped poly core with more feathers than synthetic fibers. For everyone the ratio of soft to firm will vary with preference though. 

3. Check the Upholstery

Faux leathers will age the fastest and the worst in my opinion. Once you form cracks or minor holes from regular use, there is no going back. The second worst is linen. I love linen to death - I love the way the fabric softens with age, the relaxed and welcoming texture it provides… But I do not have kids yet. One drop of mustard, coffee, tea, or red wine and it is game over. There are several fabric lines, like Perennials, who are creating linen look-alikes that feel and appear to have the same texture, but are far more durable. You will find these synthetic blends are farm more stain resistant, resistant to fading, and easier to clean. 

4. Rotate Your Cushions

Some cushions are made reversible so that you can flip them over should there be an issue with the upholstery on one side. This is also helpful to do for maintaining the rate of age. If you are able to rotate the cushions, you will be able to stop the one cushion that gets sat on the most from getting trashed before the rest of them. 

5. Ask the Manufacturer

Many furniture manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their products. Even if there is something outside of your warranty, like your dog urinates on your sofa, many offer replacement parts at a fraction of the cost. It is always worth checking with them first before trashing your perfectly good sofa and purchasing new. 

Author: Sydney Piwowar

We all fell involve with Hillary Duff’s Boho approved stair runner when Better Home and Gardens published her remodel. The witty take on a traditional element of design makes the space feel lively and brings a sense of much needed character. Her runner consists of 3 rugs, cut down and tailored into one. This concept is so simple you could do it with any rug! Whether its your grandma’s Persian rug you cant bare to get rid of your most recent Etsy find, you can easily have this bright, eclectic look. I have pulled a few of my favorite runners out there there right now to help you envision this in your space!

While Duff’s Pink aesthetic might be for everyone, we think this approach could be done in a variety of colors to bring the life back into space. See these unique colors below.

Author: Sydney Piwowar

As society modernizes, I believe the perception of alcohol in the home does as well. Where once the home parlor was filled with cocktails and conversation, it turned to a plastic covered furniture living room. Now I believe we are in a full swing back to the original cocktail room we all knew and loved. Not every once looking to implement these in-home bars has the ability to add plumbing for a wet bar… This is where the Dry Bar steps in. It is the perfect space to call home for your best drink ware, wines and spirits. To elevate yours to the next level, I have curated 3 tips to make your Dry Bar the topic of the night!

Build It In

I know it isn’t a wet bar, so there is no need for built in components, but is important that it feels integrated into the home. If you are trying to add one into an existing structure, the easiest way to do this is to replace a built-in or unnecessary closet.

Make It Feel Special

The most unsuccessful dry bars are the ones that feel left over kitchen cabinets you just put in the living room. They key to a good dry bar is to make it feel special. Consider special finishes on the cabinets, an upgraded stone counter top, a backsplash (could be tile, wallpaper, paint, etc.), and even lighting.

Add Lots of Storage

At first it will seem overwhelming because you have not began to curate your collection, but over time you will need it. Whether you need shelves for your Whiskey collection, or racks for your wine bottles, be sure to maximize on storage. Consider how your collection might change over time as well. For example, purchasing more glasses, changing from a red wine to white wine collection, will you need refrigeration?

For more bar ideas, check out my painters page HERE!

Author: Sydney Piwowar

It is officially Winter and in the Mid-West, we get to know something called the January Blues. Yep... thats the time right after the holidays, when there is nothing else to get you through the grey skies. This year, I refuse to let them get to me though. My trick to keeping positive is to surround myself with Green. It proven that people who expose themselves to more plants and trees are happier.

1. Snake Plant

Snake plants thrive on neglect and are considered “unkillable”. They don’t mind low light and they only need to be watered once every couple of weeks.

2. Spider Plant

Spider plants actually prefer you keep them away from direct sunlight. They are also pet friendly and sprout with babies you can re-plant.

3. ZZ Plant

Even if you’re a serial plant killer, you’ll do just fine with a ZZ plant. It hails from Eastern Africa and it is conditioned to survive months of low light and drought.

4. Monstera Deliciosa

You’ve probably seen these all over trendy instagram pages. Monstera Deliciosa loves basking in gentle sunlight - keeping it 5-10 feet away from a bright window is key.

5. Peace Lilly

If you’d prefer a plant with flowers, peace lillies are for you! They thrive in shade, indirect light, and even windowless rooms. You’ll know if your peace lilly is getting too much light because they’ll show brown streaks.

6. Moss Terrarium

Terrariums hit the trends a few years ago and you can easily DIY one at home. With a little moss and rocks, they will survive on little to no sunlight. It does need moisture though and some indirect light to live at its brightest green. Place it near a window where it can receive a bit of reflected light.

7. Dracaena Reflexa

There are lots of types of dracaena, but reflexa is the most common. It is also the best choice for a dark room. They can survive in low to medium light, but are their boldest, yellow in indirect sun. However, too much will make them brown so don’t let them sunbathe all day.

8. Nerve Plant

Yes it is PINK! Be careful though and keep them out of direct exposure or their leaves will start to brown. They do need constant moisture, so don’t skimp on the watering. Another plus about this one is that they are non-toxic for pets!

9. Cast Iron Plant

Cast iron plants are native to the forest floors of japan and Taiwan so they are used to very little light. As a matter of fact, direct sunlight will burn their leaves so keep them close to north facing windows or away from windows in general. Best of all, it is another pet friendly plant.

10. Lucky Bamboo

Dracaena Sanderiana, aka “lucky bamboo”, is not only cool for its shape, but also because it survives in low to moderate light conditions. Just don’t put them in direct sunlight, which will burn their leaves.

11. Birds Nest Fern

Filtered or indirect sunlight will do them well. East or north facing windows are ideal. Avoid exposing to direct light to prevent burn marks.

12. Chinese Evergreen

The pattern on these leaves are amazing. This one needs a bit more light than the rest, desiring low to bright indirect sunlight. they’re part of a family with 20 different species, but the general rule with all of them is that the darker their leaves and stalks are, the lower light they can handle.

13. Pothos

Pothos won’t complain if you only have moderate indoor light. It can also tolerate fluorescent lighting which makes it great for your office.

14. Prayer Plant

The name of this plant stems from the fact that prayer plants leaves lay flat during the day and then fold upward at night. Another cool point about them is that they are safe for pets and dimmer rooms.

15. Philodendron

This one is super easy for beginner plant parents as it does well in low to medium light and wont freak out if you forget to water it from time to time. The cascading leaves look beautiful on a high shelf or a hanging basket.

See our pinterest board for more house plant ideas HERE!

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Art is crucial in making a house feel like a home, and good art is not cheap! Nothing ruins your perfectly good piece of art quite like bad nail placement. We have curated the top 3 mistakes that people make when hanging art and are going to share simple solutions.

Hanging Too High 

You have most likely hung your art too high, leaving it to float away from the furniture underneath. To tie the pieces together (and make your room more visually harmonious), shoot for roughly five inches of space between the bottom of your art and the top of your furniture.

Small Art in Large Spaces

Scale is the key to maintaining a harmonious relationship between the walls and furniture. Using a frame that is too small tricks the eye into thinking that is is smaller than it actually is. An easy trick to make it feel proportional is to reset it in a larger frame or to get a larger piece for the space all together. The general guide you should have when approaching art is to chose pieces that are about two-thirds of the length of the furniture.

Grouping Too Far Apart

Separating your art is like separating fighting kids to their time-out corners… Its awkward for all of us. Whether you’re hanging twin paintings or simply grouping pieces, everything should act as one. Make sure that they are close, separating frames no more than 3 inches apart.

Author: Sydney Piwowar

I have been secretly waiting for this trend to gain popularity for years! Because seriously, who actually likes bullnose? It’s not exactly an inspiring way to end tile. To prove how amazing exposed edge tile can be, I have curated a few of my favorite applications below. See more inspiration here, on my pinterest board.

Author: Sydney Piwowar

We all love our families (mostly) and its hard to tastefully show them off. Oversized canvas oil paintings hung over the fireplace aren’t style anymore... At the same time though, I do not think it is fair to cut all evidence of family in a home… it is after all what makes a house, a home. We were asked in a recent install how to do this successfully. Well, I am here to share with you all my secret: framed prints with oversized mattes. Yes, simple and understated. What makes this method unique is the color quality of the image and the placement of it. Here are the 5 steps to ensure your framed prints turn out perfect:

Curate Your Photos

Go through the old hard drive because you want to plan out your photos ahead of time. The photos don’t all have to contain the same colors or people - feel free to change it up. This is where you get to show off your family’s unique characteristics.

Print With HIGH Quality

The most common mistake that people make is framing pixelated photos. Make sure that you are printing high quality images and don’t be afraid to send them somewhere nice to print - don’t cheap out on this because you will get what you pay for. Something else to consider is if you want to print in color or black and white. For someone who wants to print in color, going to a good printer with high quality color is important.

Find Frames

Frames can be sourced from anywhere. Whether they are custom or ordered online from Ikea, you will notice a large gap in cost. The most influential decision you make will be upon the frame’s finish. This color and texture will be framing the image, literally and figuratively, in a way it is possible to influence your perception. For example, if your image has LOTS of texture and color, choosing a frame that does as well may only distract form the richness of the image. It would be better to chose a simple frame that allows all attention to be focused on the specialness of your image. The second factor to consider is if you want a more unified or eclectic gallery. For a more unified approach, I would consider finding a store that sells the same profile in several sizes as you may need for your collection. For those that want a more mix-and-matched approach, I suggest shopping resale shops, garage sales, and local boutiques for an interesting combination.

Find Matte

There are several colors and finishes to matte. I prefer a stark white matte as it gives a certain freshness. Be careful though as they come in several shades of off-white, ivory, and cream — especially if you are trying to match to previously framed images.

Hang Art

It is hard to generalize for every one when it depends on the size of the frame and the space… My best tip is to map out the wall with painters tape first though to ensure you are happy with your placement — you don’t want to see a dozen holes in the wall from where you moved hung them previously. Some key areas I think it is more peaceful to hang family photos include: hallways, stairways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and basements. Try to stay away from the large print over the living room fireplace — its tacky.

For more tips on how to frame family portraits, see my pinterest board HERE!

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Every parent does the battle once their children are old enough to want to put their own ornaments on the tree. My mom could not bare to let me ruin her perfect, glowing tree. She solved the issue by buying me my own mini tree to keep in my room, away from the holiday party guests. That worked through elementary school when I was still making ornaments out of popsicle sticks, but when hit pre-teen years, I wanted to help with the REAL tree. Being an aspiring designer, I had my own opinion on the color scheme of the tree every year and could not settle for silver, gold, and crystal ornaments. One year it was teal and silver, the next pink and gold, then the colors all combined in year three… the list goes on… As I have grown, I have learned that I was not wrong at age 12. There is no rule book that says Christmas trees must only contain the pre-approved colors: green, red, gold, silver, and glass. This year I am spreading the word — COLOR IS GOOD! Color is exciting and festive! To prove it to you, I have curated images of my favorite colorful Christmas Decorations sure to be approved by both parents and kids.

Author: Sydney Piwowar

1. Pick a Theme

This year, I am keeping a simple Scandinavian winter theme with a neutral palette. Natural textures, greenery and soft candlelight create a relaxed setting where the focus can be on the great food and conversation around the table.

2. Simple Textures

Layering up textures is very important. Here, starting with a layer of white linen sets a soft tone. A rough grey linen runner lines the table adding needed balance against the perfect white. Notice that the grey and white tones call back to the dive grey dishes set on the table.

3. Natural Accents

They say that scent is the strongest memory trigger. The smell of pine at this time of year reminds me of all the great holidays of my past and to come. Using the left over tree trimming is an easy way to add a more festive feel to any holiday table.

4. Add Height

I don't like focus of a table setting to be down. I like to give the eye eye freedom to travel around the room. One easy trick is to add height which is easily done with the addition of a few tall candlesticks. In the winter months, candlelight is essential to any gathering. Burning candles creates the ultimate cozy ambiance. Another trick to fill up a larger table is to add a combination of tall candlesticks and low tea lights scattered along the table foliage so there's light at different levels. 

5. Simple Accessories

Black and brass candle sticks are a simple, yet gutsy way to go. This trend pays homage to traditional candles, but adds a fun and celebratory feel. This is also an opportunity to showcase special occasion cutlery that is more exciting than the everyday stainless steel set. Textured or patterned napkins serve as a pop against the white setting here.. Tying the edgy black stainless steel in with the rest of the clean, elegant, table setting.

To see more amazing table setting inspiration images, check out my Pinterest board HERE!

Anyone who has ever worked in an office, designed an office, or sat in an office before knows this struggle. Pretty and practical do not meet in Office chairs. We have all seen the Knoll, Steelcase, an Herman Miller office chair solutions. They are some of the best office chairs on the market. Only issue is that they are not terribly attractive. We searched the market and curated a few chairs we guarantee meet all your needs. 

Baxter

CB2

Gubi

West Elm

Steelcase

Arper 

Sean Dix

Suite NY

For more inspiration, take a look at our Pinterest board: Attractive and Ergonomic Chairs