On the Fringe. » Chicago

Chicago’s New Metal Crafts

toddrichesin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:27:45 +0000

A beautiful antique French iron lantern

Lighting is an integral part of what I do as designer. It has the power to be one of the most important elements of a design because it can control the mood of a room. Bright light promotes activity, while dim light promotes relaxation and conversation. Lighting also is important because it is a great way to continue the look of a space.

Finding lighting fixtures that are appropriate to a space can be difficult. A lighting source like New Metal Crafts takes a lot of the work out of the process. New Metal Crafts is a Chicago resource I have used for years. On our recent Chicago visit, I was finally able to go to their showroom and was blown away by the depth of their collection. They have executed many custom pieces for me in the past, and any time I have an antique fixture that needs repair or rewiring, they are the only place I will send it. Their work is always first rate, and their knowledge second to none. Lighting is often overlooked as a design element, but after a trip to New Metal Crafts, you will realize how important it can be. Following are some photos of the showroom and warehouse.

New Metal Crafts

A fabulous pair of Italian lanterns waiting on the perfect home

An endless array of smoke bell lanterns

Detail of one of many "walls of sconces"

More crystal than Versailles

Antique railroad lanterns awaiting conversion

Walls of bronze sconces

Beautiful mica shades on iron sconces

The third floor attic, a treasure trove of antique parts

More treasures in the attic

Theaters in Chicago

toddrichesin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:30:17 +0000

Lobby of the Oriental Theatre

A trip to the big city isn’t complete without a visit to one of it’s great movie palaces. 1920’s movie palace architecture is an amazing part of the fabric of design. It is hard to think of another type of architecture where fantasty and a theme can be carried out so successfully and so appropriately. The 1920’s were the boom time for this type of building, and two of Chicago’s best are featured here.

The Oriental Theatre was built in 1926 using every possible motif the architects could find from buildings in India. It was restored to its present splendor in the late 1990’s. Marble covers the walls in the lobby, ceilings are plastered with grotesque designs in deep detail, and fantastic Indianesque chandeliers sparkle. No photos were allowed inside the theatre, but it was even more spectacular.

Oriental Theatre Lobby

Cadillac Palace Stairs

The Cadillac Palace was built in 1926. Its inspiration came directly from the palaces of Fontainbleau and Versailles. Breche violet and white marbles cover the walls. Ceilings are intricately painted, and crystal is dripping from every chandelier. The lobby features a complex series of arches. Detailed brass ornamentation is everywhere. Most theatres were stripped of their brass work during World War II when the government confiscated it to be melted down for ammunition. The management at the Cadillac painted all the brasswork white, which camouflaged it as being iron, and it was spared. This was forgotten until the theatre was restored in 1999. It is a beautiful movie palace.

Cadillac Palace Lobby

Ralph Lauren Chicago

toddrichesin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:47:54 +0000

Stairs to the third floor

Our early winter get-away this year was to Chicago. It was our first time being there. We have always chosen New York over Chicago, and after this trip, I am not sure why. Chicago is a fantastic city. The “Magnificent Mile” is nothing short of its name. On these trips, we are constantly searching for design inspiration. One of the easiest places to find it is at a Ralph Lauren flagship store. The Chicago outpost does not disappoint.

The first floor is dripping with Ralph Lauren signature style. Antique Persian rugs underfoot, luxurious fabrics everywhere you look, and more mahogany than a rain forest. Add in an impeccably dressed staff, beautiful merchandise, and end-of-season sales, and it is a shoppers paradise.

Third floor stairs

I could not resist the temptation to be a tourist in this interior design wonderland. The attention to detail in this store is beyond expectation. Every where you look is another original detail. The artwork is amazing. It is well curated, grouped to make sense, and hung in the most creative fashion. The stair ways are a perfect example of how creative the design is. These are areas that often times go forgotten. Ralph Lauren has not missed an opportunity to make sure you know where you are every minute you are in the store. Antique paintings floor to ceiling in the stairs is a great way to let your clients know where they are. In the above photo, equine images are grouped around a fantastic antique English clock. Sisal underfoot conjurs manor houses of the United Kingdom

Hallway to the Purple Label salon

The above photo shows one of my favorite signature Ralph Lauren holiday looks. The wide plaid fabric draped to the lantern is a creative, understated touch for Christmas. Note the herringbone floors, another of the endless details.

Main Staircase

The main stairs take you to a grand castle in Scotland. How could this be Chicago? Beautifully polished mahogany paneling, scores of serious art, blue and white porcelain to brighten it up, and stairs wide enough for semi trucks to pass; it just doesn’t get any better. Even the ceiling is period appropriate. The same art hanging technique is equally effective on mahogany as it is on the sisal of the upper floor stairs, but definitely more dressed up.

The necktie salon

One of my favorite spots in the store is the necktie salon. This is a great place for ideas, and the source of the majority of my bow tie collection. See how warm the red silk shades make the space feel. A simple traditional brass chandelier suddenly becomes fashionable with this bright detail. Mahogany, old rugs, and more fabulous art top it off.

A beautiful room display in the Home Gallery

The Home Gallery on the fourth floor is also inspiring. In this vignette, fabrics from Ralph Lauren’s “Indian Cove Lodge” collection make you want to sit down and have a brandy. The furniture is also fabulous, and is now available through Todd Richesin Interiors, as are all the Ralph Lauren wallpapers and fabrics. My favorite, the spool chair in “Sagamore Check.” So sophisticated, understated, and chic.

The I can't believe its in a retail store bathroom

After spending so much time in the store, there is one place I had to visit before leaving. What a treat. A public restroom with total privacy, fantastic style, and meticulously maintained. The art was whimsical, and the marble floors and counters say quality. The unusual sconce application is totally inventive and a signature Ralph Lauren look.

Chicago’s Creative Street Decorations

toddrichesin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:31:14 +0000

Window Boxes

One of the joys of walking Chicago’s streets in December were the decorations that lined Michigan Avenue. All of the stores and buildings along the Magnificent Mile took great pride in decorating not only their windows, but the beds of landscaping that lie between the sidewalk and the street. Everywhere you looked was a different combination of pine boughs, boxwood, red twig dogwoods, Christmas trees, and other decorations. It was simple and festive. Everything was fresh which made it seem natural in the space. Each store had coordinated their “park like” area with their window boxes for a charming effect. At night, it was even more enchanting with the addition of twinkling lights.

A planter bed beside the street

Red twig dogwood and pine boughs

Turf and simple containers with pine and twigs