When I was a young designer I was filled with many lofty ideas, of course I thought I knew everything. How sobering to grow older realizing how much much wiser you are compared to being 22! Perhaps you can relate. As I have evolved into the man I am, I crave more knowledge, I love learning something I never knew before. If you’re nodding your head, you’re part of my tribe. I read a lot of articles, blogs, magazines and books, it’s a great pastime. Unfortunately most articles online are merely clickbait, there’s a catchy headline so you click on it, then you realize it’s like eating crackers fo ..read more

The late Mario Buatta once quipped, “I’m nuts about mutts“. I always thought this was quite amusing. As a guy raised by a single mother I was taught to fear animals, dogs in particular. I know my mother didn’t mean any harm, she was afraid of a lot of things. I began to hum a different tune once Noreen came into the picture, she taught me that dogs are man’s best friend. Don’t get me wrong, I like cats too, but I’m allergic, I can’t touch them without repercussions. I especially love big cats–lions, tigers, leopards and the like. To those who are animal lovers, I say you are my people, we get ..read more

I’ve been very introspective lately, perhaps more than usual. I suppose this is natural, I’m getting older and wondering more about the world than I ever have. I have a natural curiosity, and love learning. I’m hoping for the best—for all of us. None of us have a crystal ball, we don’t know what’s going to happen later today, let alone tomorrow, but it’s not all gloom and doom my dears. I’m actually excited, I’m wondering what adventures are yet to unfold. Do you remember being a kid, when you were excited about your upcoming birthday? You couldn’t wait! Are you excited about your next birthda ..read more

Do you feel stifled? We all do from time to time. I don’t care who you are, it happens—it may be a relationship or the same old routines you wish to break. Perhaps it’s a space you’re sick and tired of. I think this time of year can be tricky. Many of us feel blocked now, the holidays are over and we feel meh. This time of year in Chicago can be tough, especially on the gray days. I’m happy to say I feel optimistic. How about you? I want your heart beating beneath your skin, like you’re alive again. Interior architecture and design are a fine art, very much like creating a painting or novel, i ..read more

As an interior designer I’m an artist, interiors and architecture are my medium. I have to wear many hats each day, business manager, problem solver, delivery service, you name it. Creating customized interiors that represent my client’s vision is an art we have proudly executed for many years. Sometimes I can’t believe how long I’ve been practicing interior design, I still feel 35! I’m excited to go to the office every morning. My heart hungers for beauty, that may sound shallow, but give me a minute to explain. I hunger to create handsome solutions for every client’s lifestyle and budget, ev ..read more

When I began laying out my next post I had no idea our world would be facing the existing crisis. I refuse to panic. I’m choosing to live in the now, I take each day hour by hour, working from home and feeling inspired. I’m grateful for my family, my dog Halle and my close friends. The simplest things I’ve always enjoyed are sweeter now more than ever. Do you know what I mean? I think this is a reset, a time to look at ourselves, our relationships, our environment and make them the very best they can be. That said, I’m purging old files, recycling more than ever despite the fact I’m a recyclin ..read more

Summertime and the living is easy. Are the summer days flying by, or is it just me? I keep telling myself to be present and enjoy the glorious weather. I’m doing my best, I certainly hope you are too! Here we are, two and a half years into a pandemic that seems never ending. Initially I had a few ideas about filling my wanderlust since I haven’t traveled for a while. Since summer is one of our best seasons in Chicago I’ve decided to stay close to home. That said, I’m making the most of it and definitely enjoying my Chicago summer.     If you’re a regular reader of this blog you’re a ..read more

Starting a new year can be exhilarating if you’re in good spirits, but it can be daunting if you’re going through a rough patch. We all go through tough times, it can be due to many factors as you know. I started down that rabbit hole at the beginning of December, I was wondering what the future would bring. Who am I, a fortune teller? I got a little too into my head so to speak. Luckily this didn’t last long, by the time the holidays were here I felt hopeful again. I get excited when a new year begins, I typically think of my goals and what I personally want to achieve as the months unfold. W ..read more

Do you ever feel distracted? I’m not talking about being in one of those lazy moods when you say to yourself it’s raining so I’m going to relax today and read a book. I’m talking about the feeling when you’re pulled in too many different directions. This can come from your work, a significant other (or lack thereof), kids, family etc. I personally feel this pandemic, which some call a reset is also fatiguing. Many of us are distracted and on edge. I think this is the time to remain focused on the here and now. That said, what have you done for yourself today? Are you being good to you? Sometim ..read more

So many words are overused today: eco-friendly, curated, sustainable, mindful, and designer. There are more of course, but these initially came to mind. As you well know, many of the things we read online are not true, a skillful writer utilizes adjectives and buzzwords to capture your interest and trust. I’m trying to be the best version I can be of myself. I believe in representing my business in the truest sense. Every time I turn around I hear about so and so being a designer. Are they really, or self proclaimed? I’m not judging, but I can’t go around saying I’m a corporate attorney or a c ..read more