Inspirations From Illinois
Happy Spring!
It is over 50 degrees here in Traverse City and I feel like I can breathe again! I have never been so ready for fresh air and flowers, and that is maybe because it takes so much more time and energy to bundle up and travel around with a baby when it's cold outside. Let's face it, March can be rough here in Michigan...but the end is near!
Last week was great though because baby Myah and I traveled to Grayslake IL to visit my sister and nieces! Grayslake is about half an hour north of Chicago, so we usually find some time to explore my favorite city. I am always inspired by the architecture and design while I am in the area and I snapped some pictures to share with you for today's blog. I also took some shots of my sister's house that they recently moved into. Here are my favorite photos:
The Jensen Home
The photo on the left is the front entryway of my sister's house. It is pretty simple with a round black-framed mirror and a large demijohn from my dad's antique shop. Not pictured is a pretty chandelier above. The demijohn is filled with fake flower stems. I am a huge fan of fresh flowers, but living in a mid-western state I am also a fan of using high quality fake plants during the winter months or in areas that do not receive adequate sunlight. It is important though when shopping for fake flowers that you find good quality stems that look realistic, or else it can look tacky.
The photo on the right was taken in their "pink" room. This space is where their 4 daughters can play and have parties with friends. A space where you can let your imagination run wild! Pink hues have been my favorite lately so this wall definitely spoke to me.
Cacao Sweets and Treats
We took the babies to the sweetest café and bakery downtown Grayslake called Cacao. The atmosphere of this space made me want to try every single cupcake and cookie that they displayed. The tufted couch, shiplap and vintage décor created a whimsical feel, and kind of makes me want to create a bakery of my own someday. I mean who wouldn't be happy working in this space everyday?!
The Allis
Before catching the train back to Michigan we had brunch at the Allis downtown Chicago. I was so inspired and excited that I could have taken a photo of every square inch of the place. The two-story restaurant had a number of different seating arrangements ranging from more formal tables to relaxed clusters of vintage sofas and chairs. The mixture of rustic materials and elegant furniture and chandeliers made this a space where I could spend all day sipping coffee and champagne while studying or meeting with friends and clients. I can't wait to visit the Allis again in the near future.
Restoration Hardware: The Gallery at Three Arts Club, Chicago IL
When Restoration Hardware chose this Chicago location for their store they wanted to blur the line between home and hospitality. They renovated an abandoned building called the Three Arts Club that was built in 1914. It was a place for women to study the arts. RH restored the building and brought the arts back to life by including a contemporary art gallery, and a kitchen for the culinary arts. The center of the building is a courtyard where you can enjoy a beautiful brunch, and each floor displays a different theme of furniture and décor. I am so in love with this concept and how they brought this historic building to life.
Every time I visit Chicago is like the first time, and I always find new spaces filled with new inspiration. I can't wait for the next trip to my favorite city.
-Alyssa
