Marriage of Old World Charm with Modern Day Taste and Lifestyle

Sonya and David purchased their 1914, hybrid of Prairie, Craftsman and Bungalow style home eight years ago. It took them two years to completely gutted it and move their pre-suburbia/post city lives to Glencoe. They kept the house true to the original facade, while adding more space throughout and gave it much needed love and attention. Sonya remembers walking through the house for the first time afraid of falling through the second floor. It needed a total overhaul, but the couple wanted to sustain its early 1900 charm. The house has the historical certification through the Village of Glencoe. While keeping the old allure present, they perfectly marriage it with modern day taste and lifestyle. Without hesitation, I blurbed out to Sonya upon meeting her for the first time, "this is the kind of house everyone wants to grow up in." It's true and you'll see why.

When you first walk in, Sonya eclectic style strikes you immediately. You are welcome with a desk that has traveled many years with her and sentimental trinkets sent from her mom who lives in Africa, scattered around it. There's a stack of mail in one of the slots and automatically I knew, "there is real living in this house." It's unpretentious - it's exactly the feel you want to greet your guest with.

The common correlation in her home, room to room, are these picture rails. Though the rails are not original to the house itself, Sonya wanted to keep as much history by adding this very common detail from the early 1900's. I'm still scratching my head about this one. Why did we ever fall off the tracks with this practical system? Sonya said the picture rails "allows us to move art work around and actually, we move them around more than we thought we would." You can find picture rail systems at: http://houseofantiquehardware.com/

As I wander around, I noticed all the fascinating artwork on display. Artwork that is, like the feel of her front room, unpretentious. It naturally welcomes you to ask. Sonya likes supporting local, young and emerging artists. These still-life prints are two of her favorites. They are by an artist named Jin Lee. http://www.jinslee.net/ I asked her "why support young artist versus well known ones?" She said, "I like the stories about the art and for me, I like to connect with the artist." Good point, art shouldn't end at the last stroke of a paint brush or the click of a shutter speed, but after the story has been told.

One of Sonya's favorite furniture piece is the dining room table. A new addition to the house; the process in finding a table best suited for the space and had the durability that could withhold natural child's play took awhile. She wanted a table that was airy and light, that wouldn't suffocated the room with added wood. She enlisted on a reliable source for the hunt: Lawrence Converso at The Merchandise Mart who specialize in finding mid-century furniture.  http://www.conversomod.com/search.php

Another favorite artist is Noelle Allen http://noelleallen.com/home.html. What Noelle does is truly spectacular. For this particular piece, Noelle spent a good amount of time at the zoo and went behind the scenes to study the decay of a bird. She sketch the process of what is normally disturbing and interpret into a beautiful and peaceful story.

I noticed and inquired about this colorful piece in her family room. It was created by William O'Brien. Sonya originally found William's art through David Devening, a director and artist himself, who helps local and young artists by exhibiting their work at his gallery. After her purchase, in 2005 William scored an exhibit space at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. He later created the album artwork for Grizzly Bear, a folk rock band's 3rd album. A true testament on discovering talented artists well before their career takes off. http://deveningprojects.com/

In my opinion, some of the best artists are those who work in two. Husband and wife, Nathan and Amanda Grubich "create soda-fired ceramics that bridge the gap between sculpture and function." When she purchased the team's creations, the creating duo was kind enough to come by on their travels and help hang the pieces in Sonya and David's home. Particular about his work, artist Nathan, even created a special addition to add to the installation to perfect it. http://www.ludingtonreddoor.com/about_red_door.html

I'm weak in love with breakfast nooks. Probably because I know it's the area a family uses the most - not just for eating, but for doing homework, working on projects and playing hours of board games. This one earns extra points for how much light it gets. Can you believe it? How could you ever leave this room?

I love meeting other moms that are DIY's. (do it yourself-ers) Not only to exchange ideas and share creative juices with, but to know I'm not completely insane or too old to still craft and tear out magazine clippings of projects I want to tackle on. When I peeked through Sonya's "space", I wanted to sit and start cutting, sewing and stamping. What I admired most about this room besides her representation of what she's capable of, but that she includes her girls as part of her space. A picture perfect setting is when you see a Victorian chair next to a crate of building blocks. This simply says "whatever is mine, is yours."

Some women speak to each other through their shoes, their purse, political views, sometimes even through their Starbucks order. What speaks to me? When another woman has an inspiration board. I automatically hope we can be friends. There's something special about the breed of women who clips and pins pictures or words that inspires them. It's a humbling act, because like them, I'm still gathering, absorbing, learning and collecting.  

My main reason why this is the perfect house to grow up in? The art and craft room! The lucky girls, Claudia and Vivian who get to grow up here not only share a room packed with potential projects, but it is completely kid-directed. There are two saw tables for each girl to have their own space. It was important to Sonya to "create a space that they can work in and leave the projects without being interuppted." Incredibly thoughtful. 

Not only creative kids, but enviromentally friendly, too. Underneath the table, you'll find a crate full of no longer needed egg cartons, boxes, toilet rolls, etc. She encourages the girls to work with raw materials and be creative with the less obvious choices. And boy do they! They use painter tape (a well-loved item in this house) to showcase their artwork and outline one of the girl's full body in the picture below.

Finished with a pair of shoes her daughter made from scraps paper, tape and string. How talented is that? 

Completely amazed at these little girls' creativity, I asked Sonya "is art your girls' strongest talents?" She said "no, they enjoy it, but it's not what they are strongest at." Really? Just to show how a home environment can fuel a child's creativity and make it a part of her everyday life.

Behind Every Talented, DIY, Treasure Hunter is a list of favorites, Sonya was kind enough to share hers with us:

a marketplace of collected goods.

to find a basket like the one that holds her building A-Z collection: http://www.blackashbaskets.com/

a fun online kid magazine filled with treasure finds and unique ideas

a good source for finding inspiring prints by inspiring artists

The Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair Preview Night

Ten years they been doing this and this is my year one, where have I been? If you never been, where have YOU been?

Since I started this blog all my fellow contributors have talking about this yearly event - The Preview Night. There is not one ounce of inclination on how important it is to go. Every time they spoke these three words, The Preview Night, they gasp with enormous admiration. I could never fully grasp the concept other than "it's beautiful, it's the best, you have to go". 

I went, I saw and I love. 

I'll start by first and foremost, expressing my loved night with the garden itself. Never a dull speck of space, always breath-taking and always a reminder of how fortunate we are to enjoy this in our very own town. Bravo, bravo, to you, The Chicago Botanic Garden for continuously providing us with your beauty season after season.

I didn't know what to expect being a newbie to this annual event anticipated by so many trusted sources. It is truly by far the most attractive, catered to your presence and inspirational filled night of the year. How extraordinary it was to shop an array of treasures, treasures you only dream of; while garden trolleys are gracefully pushed around with decadent hors· d'oeuvres at your finger's reach. This all surrounded by the priceless gift of nature and the night sky. It's one of a kind. Who does this? Nobody. 

The Preview Night allows you to visit the fair on Thursday night before it's open to the public. There are more than 100 carefully selected dealers from the United States and Europe. There are also landscape gardens showcased by local businesses and an array of stunning floral arrangements by Chicago's area leading floral designers. There are four buffet areas, a la carte stations scattered throughout the grounds, hors d'oeuvre at every corner you turn, open bar - stationed exactly where you need it (genius how they figured this one out) while keeping every walking space spotless and free to roam.

To clarify, it's not just a night to shop, but a night to enjoy and appreciate these infinite jewels and the people who work countless hours with blood, sweat and tears to maintain the significant value of these time traveled gems. I commend all the dealers for understanding and appreciating the value of these eternal pieces and finding them well-loved homes. 

I met Denise Odell of Bleeker Street Antiques at Booth #201. (pictured above) If you haven't read this week's Daily Candy, you're behind on the craze of her shop and her findings. Pure joy and makes you want to re-do your entire house. Find the article here.

Pictured above is Balsamo Antiques (booth #614) of Pine Plains, New York. Extremely well crafted chairs, pottery and outdoor planters. Exquisite at its finest.

A very kind and sweet man, John Anderson of Unearthed (booth #307) from Madison, Wisconsin brought incredible pieces like the steel metal cabinet above and very raw and industrial curios like old oil cans and glass bottles. This is the kind of dealer you meet who loves his finds and want you to love it, too.

My date of the night, Sharon and I ran into our friend, Kathy of Glencoe's Vintage Swank. Kathy sells vintage goods in her home. You can read her feature on our blog here.

Clearly, if these two wrote a blog, it would feed my style soul, Kathy and Ann.

One of my favorite booths was Thistle. Booth #306 (picture above) A local shop with unforgettable finds. My friend kept eyeing a chain link they hung about 9 feet long vertically. We came back to admire it furthermore and it was gone, Sold. Not surprised, someone caught on.

A very near and dear shop, The Find (booth #814) in Highwood and a rented space in The Heritage Mall located in Wilmette. They showcased their must-haves decorative pieces. What's nice about these items is that, you can rotate them out in your home from one room to another. How completely spectacular would your coffee table be with a pair of dice an a set of jacks?

I thought these were beautifully-crafted. This is a set of four framed hand-braided mens ties weaving in a circle. You can find these at The Find. Under $300 each, definitely artwork your hubby would not mind. A close up below:

Six beautiful ladies of Glencoe. Dashing, as always!

Kathy Deveny, co-chair of this year's Housewalk with Preview Night co-chair, Betsy Karp. Both working very hard  on the must-have tickets of the year. Thank you, thank you!

A noticed and repeated item throughout the fair were these framed thin shadow boxes of vintage sporting wear. These were a a part of Vintage Sports Equipment, A Division of J. Harris Antiques at Booth #206 from Kansas City, Missouri.

Another re-accuring appearance were these doll face molds. It takes a special presentation to pull these off without being off the wall. The amount of relief in rescuing something that near and dear to all of us could do it for me. I know, it's not for everyone.

When I read that there would be dealers from Europe, I thought maybe it meant the dealer had another space in Europe. How could it be, someone would travel to Chicago to bring us goods from a faraway land? How admirable, how lovely if it was true. Then I saw the sign "Paris, France", this is Grislain Antiques' (booth #209) second year at the fair. He had endless "sold" tags. He promised to replenish his supply tomorrow. I want to go back to see what else he's hiding in his crate.  

Bloch Antiques (booth #100) also a distant traveler from London was kind of enough to grace us with their presence. This might be a good reason to hit the fair Sunday night as I'm sure these guys will not like to pack and ship any leftover items back.

Always a favorite space in the garden, The Krehbiel Gallery was delicately decorated as an outdoor picnic. Just look at the grass-lined seating and paper kites. Anyone getting married who needs a fun and unique space?

Emily, my very first introduction to The Preview Night and her purchase. It is always exciting to dissect and raid what someone is bringing home.

A walking piece of art herself, Simone. Love her dress? If you could see the shoes. Of course, she has a boutique. Find the collection at her store in Winnetka. http://simonesboutique.com/

Valerie, someone you should consult with on every decorating notion in your house, here with her friends.

Last, but not least the lovely Dana. (sorry if you are sick of seeing my face as she would not take a photo on her own, I probably wouldn't either) She has not read the blog, a reminder that if you are reading it and want to share it with your friends from Glencoe, please forward it on. We are in our final stages and will be topping it off with a bang close to the Housewalk.

If you can spare an hour or two, you MUST visit The Antique and Garden Fair at The Chicago Botanic Garden this weekend. The event is open Friday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. One day passes are $15 each. It is well worth every dollar to feel truly inspired and support these masters of their work. The garden is absolutely stunning right now and it's a healthy reminder of timeless beauty and artful composition.

You can find more information on The Chicago Botanic Garden Antique and Garden Fair here.

Vintage Swank

What I treasure most when I meet another mother is how her face lights up when she talks about her kids. I want to immerse in it like a pool of magic potion. I don't know what is better, to be a mother who is completely in awe with her children or to be a child completely loved by my mother. Both have no speck of blemish and I was touched by this pure and natural love story, it created commotion in my heart right then and there. I settled with a sigh of contentment and reminded myself to be both, always the best mother I can be and be the best daughter possible. What caused this frenzy inside of me was a visit to my new and soon to be life long friend (if she'll let me) and the best kept secret in Glencoe, Kathy and her "Vintage Swank". 

When I asked Kathy about her children, her answers steadily flow with happiness and triumph. I was so consume with their talents and passions, that I could of just blogged about their lives. From the stories she shared, these kids who grew up on the same playground as the one my kids are playing on now have become dynamic young adults. I want her smile to be the one I aspire to. Her youngest and only son Joe, is finishing up barber school in the city. I mean, how cool is that? There is a picture of him on the wall in his room, a young Jimmy Dean? A man born in the early 90s, but transported from a different era - the picture vibrates "old soul". It's gets you - you paused to think "is he famous, did he write an amazing screen play, record a hit song from his backyard". Her love for her children easily layers into her love for vintage items. 

As an inspiration from her son, she's collected men's vintage grooming products and displays them in the clear open living space. Now, a empty nester and long-time single mom, this house still represents the children who grew up here. The harmony of both, what use to be and what is now, yelps "we are many people, but we are one".

Kathy has been collecting, buying and selling for 10 years now. She searches high and low for what she loves. She saids there has to be an "integrity piece" in purchasing these items. Clearly, that's the common denominator when it comes to collecting. If you love it, it will work - it's how these talented women bound these found objects from different eras, scopes of life and purpose, together. The taste is consistent and these treasures share the same elements - eclectic, some call it. Brilliantly compose, I say. 

To ask this, almost always guarantee a pause in a conversation, "what is your favorite piece?" It may be a novice question to ask, but I want to know. Kathy pointed out this Greyhound laying low in her living room. She found this at the nearby Winnetka Antique show. It is originally from a Greyhound bus from the 1950s. What a treasured and best friend to have around.

Kathy's style has evolve over time. When she was married, she lived in a very traditional home with traditional things and when she got divorced, she shed her layers. The first thing she did with her style evolution was slap leopard printed carpet on her stairs. It's the first thing you see when you walk in and I even asked her, "Do you ever throw parties here?" A perfect venue for a girl's night out not far away from home.

One of Kathy's advice when starting to collect items for your home is "to bring a new item in and arrange it with what you have". Another good pointer is that "you never find what you are looking for", so "don't be afraid to mix it up". Know that it "takes time".

"It doesn't have to work for you to work with it" she adds. This part of her home is a true testament to this philosophy. Take a look at the disco ball hanging from the ceiling matched with the white organic-like puff accenting the heavy renaissance wood. Now look at the rest of the elements: chipped white paint of the framed mirror, texture and color of the pillows, leopard print rug - it works, but you would of never imagine it would.

Here's the perfect reflection of a woman being true to herself. She bought home this polished sculpture of a dog that she loves. Here he sits guarding her fireplace - she adds warmth by adding a roughed up plaque and delicacy of an angel wing and glistened it with a jar of marbles. Done and done.

A collection typically starts with discovering one piece and an urge to add more streams along. Kathy's main obsession is anything "Hollywood Glam" like these portraits of women throughout her home. People might feel uncanny to display portraits of someone they don't know. I find the concept quite alluring - it gives me a reason to make up a story. Don't feel incline to just showcase who you know. The not knowing is captivating.

Another reason to love this woman. Carrie Bradshaw would be so proud! In Kathy's room, she jelled up a lovely dressing area and displays her shoe collection. A splendid representation of how to re-configure those blank spaces and re-invent the obvious choices with the eccentric reasons.

Another advice she gives is to "not plan for so much", when you are collecting. Mix high end finds with more moderately price pieces. If you don't care about imperfections, the heart aches will be less and less and you'll learn to appreciate these pieces even more.

Here's a picture of one of her daughters' room, Rachel. Rachel lives in New York City and is an assistant to a Fashion stylist (can we say dream job?). She writes her own blog: http://thingsilikerightnow.blogspot.com/ . I checked it out and the apple does not fall far from the tree. She's a genius, you don't just teach yourself a good eye - you're born with it. Must be a trait she inherited from her own mother.

In Rachel's room, you'll find these lovely pink flamingos - so out touch, but so perfect. So sweet and darling, yet sassy. Who would of thought?

Her younger daughter, Becca is at the University of Arizona studying Phlebotomy. Her room has been transformed into Kathy's business "Vintage Swank". In her own home, Kathy sells vintage pieces she's collected over the years. She's done all the hard work for you and right here in Glencoe, you have your very own vintage shop. If you are an avid collector, you know the biggest downfall is the time it takes to find something unique and the process of getting it home. She eliminates both those for you. If you're new to this, her home is the place to start. It's inviting and she'll guide you through the art of collecting. You'll find something that speaks to you (trust me, there's are many) and you can start your adventure from here on out. The plus side, (my own plug) you can buy a whole vignette because her work and talent has compose all these finds to be completely intended.

Not only does she sell items, you can consign her to find pieces for you. My personal advice with my own noted journey, when you know someone who has the "ins" with the dealers, chances are you and me being an "out" will have better luck with Kathy, our gal for the task. Typically, a trusted friend in the "community" will get first dibs and negotiate better deals - only in return will help you and me on our endless and exhausting mission.  

Vintage Swank is the after-life post to her former spaces. If you been or missed Kathy's past estate sale, visiting her shop will be well worth the 10 steps away from your own home. If you'll like to shop her collection right here in Glencoe, you can contact Kathy at: kgw7@aol.com. Tell all your friends, I bet they had no idea Vintage Swank even existed. 

Alice's Birthday Surprise

I fondly remember my silhouette hanging on my parents' wall growing up. It was a class project. My teacher had us lined up against a white background with a light shining from a distant as she carefully traced our profiles. It later landed a prominent spot on our family's treasured wall. I was the only one with a silhouette and always imagined how much better it would of been if there was one of my sister and brother to hang beside mine. If you don't already have silhouettes of each of your children hanging somewhere in your home, I'm sure there's been a time you wanted to. They are a classic remembrance of our childhood and showcase an unforgettable elegance.

When my good friend, Alice's birthday was coming up, I thought I would take the opportunity to create silhouettes of her children as a surprise gift. I wasn't sure if it was her kind of thing and already prepared myself for rejection since it was semi-handmade. But, I went with it anyway. Her kids were spending the night at my house and I took a picture of each one's profile. I told them to act natural - always harder when they actually hear those words. Nowadays, it's such a simpler task to make silhouettes. With their pictures, I printed each on a card stock. I cut it carefully and finished it with a coat of black paint. I adhere it to another a heavy card stock and framed them in a basic black frame. When she opened them, she said the exact thing I would of "I always wanted to do this with my kids, but it was always so expensive". Not any more, it's an effortless and easy night project and by the morning, you create a souvenir of your children's childhood to be cherished forever. 

If you have any questions on how to create your own or need my help to create ones of your children, jot me an email at: maleesaxiong@gmail.com. I would love to do this for every child I know and if your birthday is coming up, be ready for your own.