Tag: Chicago interior designers

The Season of Self-Expression is Here!

The Season of Self-Expression is Here!
Unlike many seasons past, individualism is working.  So many colors from pastels to strong hues like reds and oranges and aqua are in photographs of today’s interiors.  Psychologically, this can’t be better for me and my clients–or anyone else.  It says that so much is “now”.  It means, from my point of view, that I... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
February 18, 2018 at 3:00 pm • 

"Ultra-Violet" Pantone's 2018 Color of the Year

"Ultra-Violet" Pantone's 2018 Color of the Year
Oooh!  “Ultra-Violet” is Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year! Interesting… it’s a color that will certainly stand out and can be used in many creative ways. It will work in the Interior Design world as a funky accent color that won’t become “dated” unless it’s overused! Of course, in fashion is kind of a no-brainer... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
December 9, 2017 at 11:59 am • 

OK Designer, What's Hip?

OK Designer, What's Hip?
  Many of my design clients do ask (though certainly not all of them):  “What’s ‘In’?” Today I would tell them that I have seen new versions of almost all kinds of styles and so many colors.  Although I would probably not specify a kitchen of complicated dark-stained wood cabinets with brown granite countertops today... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
October 22, 2017 at 9:16 am • 
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Play and Shop Like Summer's Here!

Play and Shop Like Summer's Here!
What better on a gorgeous, sunny day than to write a blog post about “favorite summer things”?  Since I want to get OUTSIDE, here we go: At this time of the year, many of my clients and I want to get quick fixes and easy (er) solutions, or zippy ideas that can brighten their summer. First:  If you want high-end... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
May 25, 2017 at 6:41 pm • 

Choosing Design/Construction Project Professionals

Choosing Design/Construction Project Professionals
This entry is at the behest of my co-workers, those professionals and contractors that I work with day.  It’s always in my mind and, yes, this is not the first time  in my blogging life that I have chosen this specific topic. When you decide to embark on a design/construction project, you have the ability to... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
March 29, 2017 at 1:34 pm • 

So..What's "IN" These Days?

So..What's "IN" These Days?
What’s ‘In”?  Nearly everything.  It’s pretty hard to look at a magazine (that I trust) or look through showrooms at the Mart or take some time to peruse photos in the many unsolicited manufacturer and furniture e-mails and come up with a reponse to that query.  It really seems that for one of the only... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
February 16, 2017 at 9:42 pm • 
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Design and "Design Sense" Renew for 2017

Design and "Design Sense" Renew for 2017
I am starting this year with basic questions for myself, what’s happening?  This:  a “better set up” office (which was OK before, too) plus a plan to learn additional new professional skills to present my ideas and visions (that’s the techy stuff). And,  I’m reintroducing some basics on “Design Sense”, too: The Most Basic Question:... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
January 31, 2017 at 9:40 am • 

Growing Up & Becoming Capable

Growing Up & Becoming Capable
A long time ago, I realized that I was going to have to, in certain ways, take care of myself.  That didn’t mean that no one cared about me or that I had to get a salaried job as a kid, but sometime in the years from 6th grade to high school, it was quite... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
January 25, 2017 at 10:45 pm • 

Color of the Year #2 : Shadow

Color of the Year #2 : Shadow
Benjamin Moore (yes, the paint company) has named “Shadow’ as their “Color of the Year”. Yay! This color is interesting and unusual and works beautifully in so many ways. My first impression was totally positive, and I have actually enjoyed pondering the possibilities of working with “Shadow”. So many of the declared trendsetting shades over... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
January 10, 2017 at 2:15 pm • 
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"Greenery" Pantone's Color for 2017!

"Greenery" Pantone's Color for 2017!
“Greenery” is Pantone’s color for 2017!  Each year Pantone chooses a (random?) color for Interiors, Fashion, and Graphic Design and this bright green shade is “IT” for next year.  I think it was selected to move away from the gray tones that have been rather dominant for interiors for a while, partly because no one’s... Read more »
By Claire Golan,
December 13, 2016 at 5:37 pm •