When searching for furniture the natural inclination is to analyze how it appears from the front. Dining chairs, however, are different because they are tucked under the table where it is difficult to appreciate that view. Let's remember that dining chairs are usually approached from the side and back. Adding unexpected details to the backside of a chair makes them more dynamic and interesting.

Product Source: Bartoli Design

Bartoli Design's 1085 uses Italian leather for the back and seat. The natural hide is softened and folded around the frame, then pinned with a nautical tie-rod. The folding plays with the natural properties of leather textures by revealing an under layer of subtle suede material. 

Product Source: Flexform

The Crono by Antonio Citterio blends comfort and elegance. The armrests flare at the perfect point for elbows to relax. The back is hand-woven with cowhide cording, creating a visual pattern of solid and void. The upholstered seat invites the diners to linger long after the final course has been served. 

Product Source: Vonnegut Kraft

A traditional chair has a relatively square shaped seat with four legs in each corner. But what if the seat is round? Vonnegut Kraft's designers play with this concept.  Kana Chair's main structural frame becomes legs, arm rests, and back in a fluid movement. Lucious mohair is upholstered on the cushions. 

Product Source: agrippa

As designers we often dive head first down the rabbit hole, searching for the perfect product. We develop intense crushes along the way. The Sara Bond arm chair sparks that fire. Available in walnut, ash and oak, the wood is lovingly carved into spectacular curves with delicate valleys. The weight is balanced, and the back is sculpted for maximum comfort. Each chair is handcrafted in the Mediterranean city of Valencia, Spain. #swoon

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

We are having a mini crush on cobras at the moment. In all fairness they are having a moment and now that they are on our radar, of course ,we have been seeing them everywhere.

Here are a couple of our favorites:

Etsy- Wood King Cobra

Brass Cobra Door Pulls

Brass Cobra Wall Scone Candle Holder

Vintage Cobra Lamp

We are up for a LUXE Magazine RED award and we would love your support by voting for us! Voting closes Jan. 24th, so please take a minute now. Vote under Chicago, Contemporary Modern Interior, Jen Talbot Design.

Thank you, thank you! We are really appreciate it! xo, Jen

VOTE HERE.

Instagram is the best place to source fresh work. I still love Pinterest as a search engine for visuals, but it has become a bit stale for new current work that is happening in the design world.

There are a couple go to’s of our first place to be inspired.

@talirothdesigns

@oliviastutzdesign

@hellomrssmith

@clairedelmar

Doors are the best first impression and impact for not only the curb appeal but overall look of the home. Doors in the last 5-7 years have become a major design feature and no longer an after thought.

I typically lean a little more modern on doors, because we know they have been thoughtfully planned an executed. It’s about edited the impact of the front of the house and creating a lasting impression, the same can be for interior doors. Interiors doors can become the design showcase for any space.

We are so grateful for all of the incredible people we have been gifted to work with in 2019 and the last TEN years!! A TON has changed in my life in the last 10 years. I have cultivated and nurtured two strong, beautiful daughters that are just starting to come into their own, ended one business to start a new one, have been published multiple times in national publications and have continued to be authentically me and people have finally begun to take notice! I am exorbitantly blessed in my life as a creative person, mother and entrepreneur. Let’s GO 2020, I am READY for you!

End of the year wrap up with the move to neutrals that you will begin to see more in forefront this year. They have been gone since the late nineties and they are about to make a come back in full force. But like all come backs, they will be refreshed and reworked!

1. Pierre Frey- Tarangire 2. Kravet Couture 3. These Walls 4. Kerry Joyce Textile- Sandstone Channels 5. Custom Cabinet Front- Intelligent Spaces

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.

We always love great hardware at JTD. We are continually on the search of good looking selections that also will not break the bank. The hardware budget can get out of hand quickly because there are some many pieces needed, especially in a kitchen.

Here are our TOP 5:

This one may take a long time to come from AUS but worth. Beautifully crafted.

Auburn Wood Turning in AUS

Cass, Black and Brass

Taper Pull

Linn Brass

Half Moon Natural Wood

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

We look at a lot of designers work from all over the world and across all creative fields- fashion, interiors, home goods, furniture, therefore we are able to see new trends emerging. There a different stages of trends. First they may start in another country such as Australia, little bits and hints of the trend starts to surface. Next, designers will start to embrace and begin to include in interiors. Lastly, it will reach the everyday consumer, such as we may start seeing the trend on the shelves of Target.

Here are our Top 5 trends to look out for in 2020.

1. SNAKES. Like them or not they are coming. We are loving this Frida wallpaper from Relativity Textiles.

2. Tigers- Animals never really go out of style, but right now they are everywhere. The Tiger in particular. We love this vintage guy.

3. Curves. Gone are the sharp corners and grid patterns, make way for the curves in furniture, pattern and print. This Horseshoe Side Table is a great example of how the trend has already integrated into “ready to wear” home furnishings.

4. Blush color or what I like to call it Dirty Pink. It’s not too bright and a bit muted. Love this wallpaper from These Walls from a recent install we did for a clients powder room.

5. Textured wall treatments. Is a great way to add interest without adding pattern, especially when you want to incorporate pattern in the furnishings. Love how this custom textured wall treatment turned out from Valhalan. We had them custom color match it to a Benjamin Moore paint and cut in 18 x 18 square sections which we installed every other square rotated to create more visual interest. The paper was originally intended to create almost stripes, but thought it would be more interesting if we broke up the lines.

1. Frida Snake

2. Tiger

3. Curved Horseshoe Side Table- CB2

4. Blush Color- These Walls wallpaper

5. Textured Wallpaper- Valhalan

We are so honored to be selected to participate in the Lake Forest Showhouse 2020. The Lake Forest Showhouse raises funding for the Infant Welfare Society. The showhouse is coveted invite of top designers in Chicago and the event and overall show is attended by influential Chicagoans.

We are planning to continue to be true to ourselves and stay in our lane which is curated modern spaces.

We are cooking up some great plans that incorporate custom wallpaper and show case local artist talents. Thrilled to include a couple of these insanely talented artisans.

Polly Yates

Taylor Kirby

Avoirdupois

Not sure when my love of wallpaper will end. I have spent countless hours sourcing new indie designers with a fresh perspective. Just when I think I have seen it all I come across classics. I love the place of discovery. Current wallpaper crush and a few selections from Peirre Frey and Dedar and a few of my other current favorites.

Dedar

Clarence House

These Walls

Drop it Mod

Pierre Frey

Schumacher

Dedar

Dedar

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.

I know we are not the only ones completely girl crushing on Kelly Wearstler. Let’s breakdown why we love her:

1. The Colors Are Just Right- She has an innate balance and eye for the right color. For example, It always seems like fresh new shade of cream. She is not inviting the wheel, she just demands for excellence in tweaking until it in 100% right.

2. The Proportions Are On Point- She plays with scale, that is with intent and creates interesting visuals. For example, by creating a back of a chair that seems over sized and even disproportionate to the rest of chair is interesting.

3. Draws From History- She pulls inspiration from line, shape and textures from her travels to Morocco, France and Italy, etc. If you know architecture the lines she uses are simple shapes distorted, again by scale, to create something innovative. She also pulls inspiration from vintage pieces from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. These are not decades that have been reworked so much that they seem tired. Unlike our friend mid-century modern, that has been living among us for 20+ years. It is so dead. The 70’s and 80’s feel fresh again. Of course she is also extracting the best parts of your eras and modernizing it.

Echo Bench

Esfera Chair

Chalon Side Table

Phoebe Stacked Table Lamp

Cascada Wallpaper

District Fabric

I will forever have a soft spot for vintage rugs. But at one point in time and perhaps in a near future they will all be collected and sold. They will be gone. It has been harder to and harder to find the special ones that stand out from the usual. Here are a couple we have loved and used over the years. This is my favorite source.

Wilmette Livingroom

Adam St Loft

Wilmette Family Room

Bucktown Modern

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

Accessories are the key to rounding out a space. It is a critical piece to create a “well lived in” feeling and to personalizes a room. Accessories are much like a great pair of heels or chunky cuff bracelet to punch up a look. We are forever on the search for great accessories and have a private Pinterest board devoted to special finds we stumble on in our research in designing a home.

The happy combination of accessories is size, texture and layering. Key to any well styled accessory book shelf or coffee table is:

1. 4-5 small to medium solid shapes.

2. Open and woven shapes, such as small sculptures, baskets, etc.

3. No glass vases. Solid colors create better silhouettes. Mix of the color and shapes, unless you are going for an intentional all white look. It will feel more organic and natural if they are different sizes and shapes.

4. Personal items, such as a clients collection of vintage coins or memories from travels.

5. Coffee table books and varied sizes of decorative storage boxes. These make great opportunities to create height.

Check out a couple of our current obsessions.

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Small Vessel

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Alpaca Wool Throw

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Charolette Taylor Vase

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Polar Byzantine Silk Scarf

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White Wood Chain

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Totem Pilar Candles

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Endless times have clients requested the cloud sofa. While the 100% down feather filled cushion wrapped in your “custom” choice of upholstery sounds lovely on paper, it does function as lovely in real life. Clients are often drawn towards the modern and relaxed look of the cloud. While there is nothing wrong with modernity and a relaxed setting, this sofa creates a lot of stress due to its construction. 

The first, simpler issue is that the oversized frame makes it difficult to install in homes - you need to double check your door widths to ensure it will fit in your home. 

Taller clients, or those that like to cuddle up and watch movies on their sofa, are often attracted to the oversized depth of the sofa. Deep cushions are actually one of the things RH is famous for. While you may think the cloud is  cuddly and wraps you like a hug, your grandmother or great aunt might think different. Comparable to a bean bag chair, this sofa sits very low to the ground and is very hard to get out of.

Its 100% down feather cushion fill does not help with this either. Each time you sit on it, the feathers relax and compress, similar to your down feather bedding. Only issue is that since there are so many feathers needed to fill it, its own weight compresses it down and doesn’t allow it to fluff back up after you sit up. As a result, each sofa cushion should be regularly fulled after every use to ensure it keeps its fluff. If that wasn’t annoying enough, try lifting one of those cushions yourself. If you don’t believe how much these feathers can weigh, stop by an RH near you and try for yourself. You are NOT going to want to lift that daily. 

This blog post isn’t meant to bash Restoration Hardware. I simply believe you have the right to know these things that sales associates won’t share with people willing to spend $14K on a sofa. 

Since I am being honest with you, I should tell you that 100% linen upholstery on this sofa is also a nightmare. Since the sofa does not bounce back once you sit in it, the fabric stays depressed and wrinkles with every touch. Not to mention, linen is also a stain magnet for children. 

To summarize, remember that bigger is not always better. Remember to check your cushion fill to ensure you have the appropriate balance of synthetic materials and down. It should be noted that the exact percentage will be different based off of personal preferences. And always bring home a sample of fabric before you agree to custom terms of agreement. Rub it on your dog to see how much hair it collects, let your two year old play with it for an afternoon and see how hard it is to clean - you will not regret it.