Blank Studio Architecture made it their mission to convert a double lot at the end of two dead-end streets into a weathered architectural haven. The plot, set in a late 1950s neglected Phoenix neighborhood, lends itself perfectly to this antiqued steel-clad structure.

The building itself consists of a two-story lower level design studio, which breaks earth and exists underground; in addition to a single residence upstairs, which can only be accessed through a single grand staircase. The fully glazed north facade delivers epic views of the mountain side and houses the central gallery, then branching into the cantilevered master suite.

A use of raw materials such as weathered steel, exposed exterior meshing and recycled glass, contrasts well with the minimal furnishings and diffused color palette. Exposed interior concrete, industrial steel staircases and high ceilings mimic the landscape with its ‘bare bones’ approach to design.

When I walked into the pale yellow front room of this beautiful home outside Naperville, I immediately envisioned the end result. They were looking for ‘a trendy, ‘River North Lounge’ type bar with a little glitz and glamour.’ Checkmate.

Having the main priority focus on the custom dual-height wet bar, everything came into place there after. The antique, grey-washed, barnwood bar lent itself perfectly to the contrasting glitz. Using a granite/mica faced, pinstripe wallpaper added an incredible amount of luminescence and width to the room while keeping it clean and classy. Custom metallic upholstery was chosen for the bar stools as well as the leather barrel chairs, bringing the look from ‘trendy reclaimed’ to ‘ultra chic.’ Selecting unique pieces such as the Christopher Guy knockoff mirrors, hand-scraped reclaimed shelves and wine racks, and a few key Artemide lighting fixtures finished off the job.

All in all, I believe it turned out to be a complete success. I was happy, they were happy, and now all their friends will be happy when they throw lavish parties in their new fabulous ‘ultra chic lounge.’

Our Chicago agenda quickly escalated from ‘busy’ to ‘my IV of coffee is about to run out and I need more before I pass out on the spot.’ Some highlights were as follows:

1) Chris blew our minds with his new, stellar, high-end rug concepts from Organic Looms. I had to babysit Liz to make sure she wasn’t sneaking a 9×12, 100-knot, all silk rug under her jacket when we left.

2) Artemide released their Tolomeo Mega (a personal favorite) in BLACK. If you know anything about me, you know that this is pretty much the icing on the cake for my Italian lighting obsession.

3) Stopping in to the River North Baltus showroom was somewhat equivalent to two design nerd kids in a candy store. We spent over an hour, drooling over their automotive finishes on their toned-oak, dual-finish coffee tables/sofas/desks, etc.

4) Not to be mentioned last: the Gary Lee event for the CS Interior magazine release was everything it was hyped up too be. With over 600 rsvps, his brand new showroom was jam packed full of the who’s who in Chicago’s Interior Design world. From the furniture to the lighting to my brand new kicks (and Gary Lee’s), the night went off without a hitch.

My next post, which you’ll get to enjoy next week, features the gorgeous, chic bar/lounge that we installed in the suburbs. I’ve included a teaser pic to get you excited.

That’s all for now. I think it’s about time for a nap, what do you think?

Leaving tomorrow morning for a brilliant install in Naperville and off to the release party at Gary Lee’s new space in the Merchandise Mart!

Pictures to come.

Today, this was not the case. We received a full bound, 250 page, 9×12″ photo book from BALTUS. I was honestly blown away. I have been familiar with their beautiful furniture for a while now, but today I had my breath taken away by how stunning their entire package was. The photography alone is enough to make me want to fill the studio with their product.

With touches of Holly Hunt-esque frame work, blended with Bolier type styling, their look is tailored and timeless. Using a wide range of impeccable finishes, the whole line flows from piece to piece without feeling monotonous.

So consider this a little taste of what we could be walking out our door to see every morning. Phew.

However, that being said, perfect pieces of architecture really do come to life when dusted with a beautiful blanket of white.

However, for the moment, I am FAR more concerned about my New Year’s Eve plans. As it stands right now, I am planning on rocking the Iowa City party scene and relishing in the fact that most of the college students have gone home for break.

No matter where you are, New Years plans have always been a time to outshine every other “normal” night of the year. Everyone makes it a priority to ring in the next 365 days with the people who mean the most to them and have as much fun as they possibly can. After spending most of my New Year’s past in Chicago, I am all too familiar with the $75 cover/appetizer/complimentary champagne toast, etc… But there is something to be said for getting gussied up with my girls and sipping a $20 martini in one of the most stylish clubs in the city.

What are your plans? If anything, you should stop in to Interior Perfections tomorrow and check out all of our AMAZING sales for the last business day of the year! Holiday decor, floor model furniture sales and 40% all candles in the store!

::Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens:

::Brown paper packages tied up with string::

These are a few of my favorite things:

It’s raining. In the middle of December. And not even that gross kind of sleet, ice mixture, mid-December rain. The ‘April showers bring May flowers’ kind of rain. It’s 50 degrees and I’m pretty sure that’s not normal. Whatever the reason for this, I’m not all that upset by it. I admittedly turn into the crankiest, most sour side of myself in the dead of winter. I’m not proud of it, but there really isn’t much I can do about the fact that I DESPISE the cold.

In honor of the fact that I am still able to ride my motorcycle 2 weeks before the Holidays, I am posting a blog dedicated to all of my favorite things. Which really, after looking at this assortment turns out to be just as I expected.

To make it on my “I love you forever list” you must have one or all of the following: Rich, yummy, dark, grey/black/neutral tones with awesome contemporary/rustic/reclaimed accents and super cool lighting. The end.

So if you’re wondering what to get me for these impending Holidays, think about a deed to any of these homes. I’ll take any of them. No worries about disappointing me, just stick to the list. Please, and thank you.

However, if you’re not interested in purchasing a home, stop into the studio!!!

::Save 50% ON ALL HOLIDAY DECOR through the end of the month::

Click to view slideshow.

Alright, now, what about showing yourself some love? You know you have your eye set on that one perfect thing that you just WISH someone would get for you. Why not go out and spoil yourself?

Interior Perfection Design Group is filled to the brim with amazing things you’ve been dying to get. Not only are we not displaying our holiday decor at 40% off retail prices but we also have a plethora of amazing one-of-a-kind finds, PERFECT for treating yourself on your day out. 

So stop into the studio in the next two weeks and spoil yourself!! Or, if your feeling generous, come with that special someone in mind, I’m sure they’re thinking of you too!

While we are not completely and totally falling into the peer pressure of shop-hungry capitalism, we are here to say that we’ll be open for SPECIAL SUPER AWESOME HOURS on Saturday 11/26/11. The Interior Perfection staff will be taking a much-needed holiday on Thursday & Friday, but will be back in full swing on Saturday.

Come shop the studio for our extended hours: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Support your local, small business and shop our AMAZING ONE DAY SAVINGS of 25-60% off everything in the store. All Holiday stock is first come first serve so make sure to get here early as our unique pieces go fast!!

All furniture, accessories, gifts, and Holiday decor will be on display in our 8,000 sq ft studio @ 1450 Boyson Rd. Building A, Hiawatha!!

Oh, and of course, Happy Thanksgiving to all. We at Interior Perfection’s are thankful for all of your loyal business over the years! Looking forward to seeing you. Make sure to bring refreshments if you’re planning on camping out all night, it’s gonna be a chilly one.