Chicago... so close and yet... why am I not there more? Seriously. I live 40 minutes away--tops. When I am there, I love it. The hustle and bustle, the walk to whatever you need, and the architecture.... that's my favorite thing about Chicago.



They just don't build 'em like they used to. The stone, the bricks, the wrought iron (I love the wrought iron). The curves... the points... it's majestic, in a way.


The towers... the trim... In the midst of it all, it's fall. These are from the north side, within walking distance of the Apollo Theater.


Talk about decorating historical beauty with the colors of fall. I have to admit... it's a fabulous stage. Keep in mind I live in the suburbs. I realize however, my town is a baby compared to Chicago; and it shows.  Do I want to live in Chicago? It wouldn't suit my life at the moment; I like working close to home, enjoy my garden and yard where the my golden retrievers play rough and tumble tag.



I enjoy visiting, dreaming about what it might be like to live in these fabulous buildings. What flowers would I put on the stairs... what type of decorations would I place in the windows for the holidays?

There is pride in this neighborhood. Flowers, pumpkins and little just-right-sized gardens. All these items are accessories of the well-dressed fall home in the city.

These are actually phone pictures from last fall. One of them made it's way into my header and I couldn't let the rest of them lie undiscovered and unshared. I must go back... Nikon in tow!

Without further delay... let's get the party started! I have a few more pictures to gather for my features from last week. I'll spotlight those in another post. A few requests: Link up... look around at the other links. Grab a button from my sidebar and have fun!


 

My favorite season is fall. I love the crisp air and fabulous colors that only fall can bring. Orange is one of those colors... have you noticed it has become more popular? I am seeing it it the new clothing collections and in home decor as well.

via Pinterest

Isn't this a fun door? The color just pops! This desk below is pretty fun as well. Actually you could probably paint it any color; the lines are fabulous--look at those cute legs.

Interior designer Jill Sorenson

I am not brave enough to go orange on such a grand scale... I'm more likely to begin with small accents like these throw pillows. Easy enough to change out with the seasons!

via Coastal Living This orange wedding dress is certainly a vision for a fall wedding.

These beautiful staircase (via casasugar) in a vintage home really grabs your attention with the orange runner.

casa sugar

I can't decide if I love the wall color or the headboard in this bedroom more. I think it's the headboard... but it is set off so well against that bright orange wall.

via Burnham Design

This gathering space has so many great elements but of course the first thing you notice is the orange chairs. I love this setup of an intimate space for conversation or casual dinner in front of the fireplace. The leopard print pillows look amazing with orange. This is my favorite use of orange--I could really live with those chairs {and the pillows please}!

via livelikeyou

It certainly is a vibrant, energizing color, don't you think? Bring on the orange {and fall weather too}!

From the book, Modern Space by Jane Withers, photos by Christoph Kicherer

It's stark... with the only furniture a chair. I don't even like this chair, but it doesn't matter. The most beautiful thing is the light... the soft light through the sheers and that fabulous, glamorous crystal chandelier.

The fireplace is lovely... but not essential. The containers on either side of it and the orchid are pretty too, but they are not the star. It's the light and the pale beauty of the "uncolor" of the neutrals. The wood flooring is simple and beautiful; it doesn't really matter it's exact shade. Keep the "bones" of the room simple... the walls, the flooring and the window coverings; they are the canvas to build upon. Add one amazing star for the eye to savor... this crystal chandelier. After that, does it really matter what else you add?

The next time I begin with a blank canvas of a room, I will start with pale, neutral walls, wood floors, sheer draperies and most importantly, a fabulous crystal chandelier. If you cover the top portion of the picture with your hand so that the chandelier doesn't show.... the room simply does not have the impact that it does when you include the crystal light fixture. Start here... you can't go wrong!

I hadn't looked at House Beautiful Magazine in years. Of course I knew of it; it just seemed that the decor pictured in it wasn't something I would want to emulate. All that has changed.

Check out these images from the March 2011 issue. I've been picking up House Beautiful Magazine at the library... anxiously awaiting each issue as it becomes available.


 Now that I have exhausted the library's stock of the last 12 months' issues... I am now, a fan. Even better, I am a subscriber! Even though I may not choose to purchase the $2000 chair or $4000 headboard, I know exactly how to get the look... for a fraction of the price.



I wish I could find this March 2011 issue for sale somewhere... I have renewed it from the library three times; that's the limit... and I would still enjoy turning it's pages. The focus is on pink... in accessories and paint, and they give lots of paint suggestions by brand and name.

I became a subscriber for the inspiration... and to enjoy the large and glossy pictures in each issue. I turned to the web for inspiration over a year ago as I wasn't seeing decor that I liked in magazines. That is beginning to change. I still find amazing rooms on the web; perhaps the magazines are just catching up to the trends that have blossomed through blogs! Where do you turn for decorating inspiration... and just where do you think the trends begin these days?

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