This handmade, dream-like ...]]> There’s no question everything from fashion and food to design is getting greener all the time. It’s fair to say green is here to stay. You don’t have to sacrifice being stylish to support the environment! Style and sustainability go hand-in-hand with our collection of eco-chic pillows, throws, artwork and other nature-inspired items.

 
This handmade, dream-like pillow inspired by the great outdoors adds soul to any space. This is the excuse you’ve been looking for to spruce up the pillows in your home.

Wrap yourself in classic comfort with this luxurious mohair throw. The fringe benefit: thousands of yarn samples that would have gone to waste create the colorful fringe.

Design the life you’ve always wanted with inspirational, vintage artwork. Rustic and charming, this reclaimed wooden sign shares a heartfelt message and is a uniquely beautiful keepsake. 

Uniquely fantastic, these “On the Rocks” drink chillers are ideal for both freezing and serving and are a fun bar accessory for enjoying a perfectly chilled, undiluted beverage.

 
A natural beauty, this runner will add texture and interest to your table. It’s made from cross sections of tree branches that would have otherwise been disposed of or burned.

Want the insider guide to everything green and gorgeous? Look for the “leaf” symbol throughout our retail website indicating our commitment to this initiative. Make your friends envious and shop our entire collection of eco-chic products @susanfredmanathome.com.

Susan Fredman Design Group’s outdoor room at the Chicago Botanic Garden & Antique Fair was a hit! The space created in collaboration with Schmechtig Landscapes drew great feedback from attendees. It truly delighted the senses and invited relaxation in the warm, magical lounging and dining environment.

  Beautiful furniture ...]]> By: Susan Fredman Design Group, Interior Designer, Judith Maier

Susan Fredman Design Group’s outdoor room at the Chicago Botanic Garden & Antique Fair was a hit! The space created in collaboration with Schmechtig Landscapes drew great feedback from attendees. It truly delighted the senses and invited relaxation in the warm, magical lounging and dining environment.

 
Beautiful furniture and accessories from the showrooms of Century furniture, Hickory Chair, CAI and Susan Fredman At Home were admired for their crisp white and cream palette accented with turquoise and hot pink. Plantings by Schmechtig enhanced the overall color scheme and included:  gorgeous hydrangeas, azaleas and the whimsically named bowling ball arbor vitae.

The enchanting 4’x4’ chandelier made of five foot willow branches, crystals, lights and globes became a kinetic sculpture every time the wind swayed the tent. The hardscape designed by Schmechtig Landscapes had a bluestone coping chiseled edge border and bluestone chip gravel with a rustic valders stone interior. Two stately 102” white trellis pillars marked two corners of the space, framing the room.

 
The antique vendors brought a fabulous assortment of garden and indoor furniture and accessories. I couldn’t help but sneak away for a bit to peruse their wares. It was a delightful weekend of imaginative displays, unique vintage finds and inspiring design. All in all it was a wonderful experience. If you missed it this year, there is always next year!

Photographs courtesy of Rachel Bisom from Art Z Angel Ink.

Does your artwork speak to you? Ours does… Inspired by nature, antiques, children and folk art, these lovingly crafted pieces remind home owners of loved ones near or far. The works of art serve as a constant reminder to hold dear the important people in your life.

Our homes are our sanctuary, a place ...]]> Art that Delights

Does your artwork speak to you? Ours does… Inspired by nature, antiques, children and folk art, these lovingly crafted pieces remind home owners of loved ones near or far. The works of art serve as a constant reminder to hold dear the important people in your life.

Our homes are our sanctuary, a place to feel at peace and surrounded by beauty.  Beautiful juxtapositions of old and new and sentimental yet modern designs shine through Sugarboo’s handmade art prints. The unique and playful artwork has an antique quality that will be cherished and kept as an heirloom for generations to come.

Don’t wait for a special occasion to tell your loved ones how great they are. Put it all over the walls for all to see- EVERYDAY. Discover art that speaks to you and view the rest of our compelling collection www.susanfredmanathome.com.

The twist of blue and dash of whimsy combine to create an updated offering. Pastels are a big trend this Spring and incorporating ocean ...]]> Foliage and blooming bulbs breathe new life as Spring emerges. With warmer weather comes the joy of outdoor dining and entertainment. Freshen your table with divine inspiration from Jar’s tableware this season.

The twist of blue and dash of whimsy combine to create an updated offering. Pastels are a big trend this Spring and incorporating ocean blue is a fun way to add personality to your place settings.

Soft colors and organic shape mix easily when combining table settings. This crisp color palette of ocean blue, off-set with pearl white and accented with silver creates a timeless look. Welcome Spring by enjoying lively new tableware and delightful dining. Check back for expert designer tips on airing out your cottage or vacation home.

Whatever your style, our growing selection has something to inspire you; modern, whimsical, clean and simple. Or go with a more classic and timeless look.

Clocks are a functional piece for any room ...]]> Longer days and more sunshine make way for daylight savings time. So what better time to spruce up your walls with a unique clock?

Whatever your style, our growing selection has something to inspire you; modern, whimsical, clean and simple. Or go with a more classic and timeless look.

Clocks are a functional piece for any room in your home or office. Style your space with our designer’s favorite, the Circular, Chrome Clock.

A decorative timepiece is an important design element for any well-finished room. Shop our entire “e-clock-tic” collection @susanfredmanathome.com.

SFDG designer Jamie Myers recently ...]]> As one of the most important elements in a space, lighting plays a key role in how a room looks, feels and functions. Planning for it at the onset of a project helps you maximize your ability to use your space for a variety of tasks (and of course, your budget).

SFDG designer Jamie Myers recently provided tips for an article in Make It Better called “Tricks of the Trade: Lighting”, written by Kristina Tober.

Here are some key items to consider when approaching any lighting plan:

1. Make a Plan

Begin by establishing a budget and scope for the project. What specific rooms or spaces should be included? What is the space being used for? Are you willing to have an electrician break into walls and ceilings if necessary?

2. Map Out the Work

Next, map out where electrical work needs to take place. Be sure to include existing outlets and fixtures.

3. Determine the Type of Lighting Needed

Here are three main types of lighting that can be incorporated into any room:

• Overhead Lighting This is necessary for task-oriented activities and entertaining. If you can cut into your ceiling, Jamie recommends recessed or can lighting three to four inches in diameter with trim that matches the ceiling. If that’s not an option, track lighting or surface-mounted fixtures can be installed. Be sure to look for smaller-scaled track systems for a more subtle look. Both of these can be combined with fixtures for added visual interest.

• Accent and Secondary Lighting Accent lighting can help you define key elements in a room and/or provide much-needed light for specific tasks. For example, puck LED lights can be added to built-ins with glass shelves or open doors for an ambient glow, spotlights can showcase artwork and/or cove lighting can enhance the architecture of the space. In the kitchen, under-cabinet lighting can help highlight the backsplash and light the work surface better. And, don’t forget about table lamps and floor lamps, which can also provide much-needed illumination for specific activities.

• Natural Light Of course, natural light should always be maximized in any room.

Layering many different types of lighting allows you to use your space most effectively and helps it to look its best.

Here are two examples of layered lighting plans:

The key to a good lighting plan is lots of flexibility and dimmers so that you can adjust the atmosphere.

Enlisting a professional will help guarantee you are taking advantage of every opportunity on the front end so you don’t have to go back and add things later on, which can end up costing more than doing so at the beginning of the project.

Before:

After:

Guest blogger and Susan Fredman’s daughter, Amanda Zitlin, carries on the tradition of giving back to the Warming House Youth Center through Designs for Dignity. Currently as an interior designer at Susan Fredman Design Group in Chicago and having attended the Warming House herself growing up, this particular project ...]]>  

Before:

After:

Guest blogger and Susan Fredman’s daughter, Amanda Zitlin, carries on the tradition of giving back to the Warming House Youth Center through Designs for Dignity. Currently as an interior designer at Susan Fredman Design Group in Chicago and having attended the Warming House herself growing up, this particular project hit close to home.

As a teen, my friends and I would go to the Warming House to hang out together almost every day after school. It was a safe haven for us to just be ourselves. We attended many fun concert and bowling functions for the Warming House over the years. The Warming House impacted my development tremendously; educating me on self-esteem, relationships, and communication. For this I will be forever grateful. Now it is my turn to return the favor.

Human beings are entitled to, and nurtured by, living and working within creative environments. That is why I love transforming spaces. The redesign process occurs differently on each project. In this particular case, we had a focus group entitled Extreme Makeover: Warming House Edition. By sitting down with staff and some teens who attend the Warming House, we received valuable input on what they were looking for. This creative session was a collaborative effort that involved teens sketching ideas and freely sharing concepts and thoughts regarding the redesign of the Warming House.

The Warming House means so much to me; it feels great to be back. For me, to be able to give back to this wonderful cause is truly inspiring. I feel so privileged to be able to have been a part of this amazing project and want teens to feel the same way I do about the Warming House.