Chicago Interior Designer, Jordan Guide

From the first light of our existence, we have tried to perfect this essential element of illumination for our survival and convenience. Flint and kindling produced  fire, a lantern  was a welcome improvement over the open flame candle and Thomas Edison brought us forward with the flip of a switch. What a long way we have come to harness light and to apply design, form and function to it. When basic lighting fixtures finally met well designed options, the possibilities became limitless to make our spaces a reflection of our creative imaginations.

A beautiful and dramatic way to improve on the design and drama in a room is to group multiple fixtures in an array of layouts that can provide a flood of light in sculptural, whimsical or functional  patterns.  Using the proper type of lightbulb and adding a rheostat dimmer switch not only creates a variety of moods to these groupings of light but also maintains the “green” approach.

High ceilings and large spaces profit beautifully from these illuminated groupings yet smaller task oriented spaces can be design savvy and well illuminated.

Bar/Restaurant Tiered Lighting Cluster

Textured walls of brick contrast these smooth jellyfish-like orbs that appear to float at varied heights just above a lounge area.  Another grouping of futuristic pendents hang over the bar in a symmetric row, making it easy to define these separate areas  from any vocal point within the bar.

Living Room with Multiple Ceiling Fixtures

Living Room with nine of the same ceiling fixtures wired together into a central junction box location within the ceiling medallion.  This solution would only require a couple hours of an electricians time and some planning in placement of fixture height  and their distance from one another.

Random Placement of Crystal Globe Pendants

Placement of multiple pendant fixtures in a random yet flowing layout will concentrate light over the main seating area.  This subtle S-curve layout over this conference and/or dining table carries the dramatic light throughout this long, narrow rectangular room.

Positioning sconce lighting as art

Most would only consider using a single wall sconces as task lighting over a nightstand or a desk.  By wiring up multiples around an accent wall and positioning them to scatter light in all directions now offers an artistic approach to an otherwise empty wall.

Paper lanterns used in a restaurant walkway

Paper lanterns illuminate the walkway of this Las Vegas restaurant which lead the way through a maze-like dining area.  The addition of  multiple scaled up  light fixtures fill in ceilings such towering heights and will create a more intimate experience.

Two chandeliers to light wider spaces

Spread light more evenly around a room by installing more than one of the same chandelier.  Not only will this help with illuminating a space properly, but it also balances the width or length of a longer area.  Doubling up on the chandelier makes a statement over this large seating area and anchors the room.

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner!”  said Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing as he grabbed  Baby’s hand and rescued her from the depths of sitting in a dark drywall auditorium corner.  Nowadays the average corner is more like an oasis of cool.    What I refer to as the “wall-ternative”  is now comprised of open sided bookcases, string curtains, pierced metal screens, airy fabrics, sliding panels and wood sculpture.  These dynamic room partitions have raised the bar in solving the  form + function dilemma while adding layers of texture and versatility. 

Dramatic String Curtain Partition

String Curtain or Panel Trac by ADO Cordon is a lightweight yet dramatic solution to dividing spaces while still allowing light and conversation to flow through the strands.  Available in a variety of colors and lengths, this is one of the most appealing ways to divide up a room in both large and small spaces.  The string panels are fastened to a ceiling track in either linear or curved shapes depending on the desired effect.  More affordable ‘stock’ String Curtain panels can be found online for the DIY consumer.

Open Sided Bookcase Room Divider

The IVY bookcase is open on both sides to allow openness in a small space while offering separation of the foyer from the living room areas.  Full height bookcases such as this are great for foyers or areas with higher ceilings.  Half height bookcases or low partitions will keep a view open to window vistas or an open sight line to “must see” artwork.  Another perk for the bookcase solution is the added benefit of storage along with a stylish geometric display.  Maximizing the use of furniture by defining one room from another is a dual purpose design slam dunk.

Metal Chain Portable Room Partition

Porada metal chain room partitions are a movable piece of furniture with sculptural appeal.  Historically referred to as “fly screen” to keep insects out while allowing airflow in, these chain screens can be hung within a track or on a metal, wood or resin frame for portability.  For those of you who prefer the sculptural over the functional, this freestanding portal will take you into another…  room.

Sliding Panels on Track

“Panel Track Systems” are a sleek room dividing option. These panels were originally developed as sliding window treatments to the alternative vertical blinds of the past.   Designers and architects began using them as room dividers and most manufacturers caught on and began promoting them as such with new and improved styles.  This system works with narrow panels that can stack to one side or both.  The panels glide on an aluminum track and have weight bars in the lower hem for ease of mobility and vertical alignment.  The panel fabric options include roller shade material, woven wood and grasscloth.

Drapery Room Divider

Fabric is most commonly used material to offer visual privacy.  We are most accustomed to seeing fabrics as window treatments, dressing room curtains, and theatrical drapery.  By bringing the drapery to the interior space is yet another use for partitioning off rooms in either translucent or opaque materials.  Fixed drapery would remain stationary, or it could be partially tied back as illustrated above, but by adding draw strings or a motorized track one could easily reopen or close a room by pulling a cord or pushing a button.  Considering the infinite options of fabric from sheers to plush velvets there is the perfect solution for every room requiring separation.

Portable Clusters of Room Dividing Sticks

These wall alternative sticks by Globalhaus bring a natural element to a space and are flexible in both material and in portability.  Although total privacy is not maintained with these solutions, they still lend a buffer between two spaces.  These sticks can be purchased in small or large clusters and can be space apart if additional walkways are required.

Hanging Pierced Room Divider

Howkins Sscreens and Lights  room dividers are laser cut panels fastened together to create a separation of space without compromising style.  These panels can be custom sized and designed in a variety of materials depending on indoor or outdoor uses, such as powder coated aluminum, polypropylene, PVC foam or painted MDF.  These panels can be used in place of doors, walls, staircase enclosures, sliding screens, upper transoms or side lights.  Their pierced designs offer partial privacy while allowing natural light to cast its way through the screen resulting in beautiful patterned shadows.

Jordan Guide Luxury Interior Designer

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago blog contributor, Jordan Guide, ASID, NCIDQ No. 021998 of Jordan Guide Design is a high-end luxury interior designer based in Chicago.

Whether you are a parent, sibling or family friend, you have probably received artwork from a child or have seen them on a refrigerator or tacked up in a cubicle.  There are endless amounts of these little masterpieces that collect over the years, leaving parents with the challenge of how and where to display them.  Displaying art doesn’t have to be complicated, but rather just as creative and lighthearted as the artwork itself.  I have put together 10 stylish display ideas can solve the artwork overload, while showing your child that their works of art are equally as worthy as the rest.

Sleek Cable System for Kids Artwork

Choose an empty wall in your home or child’s bedroom to install this versatile clip and cable system by Ikea.   This allows kids to hang their own artwork and interchange new and old projects as they please.   Image Source: Ikea Cable System

Symmetrical Display of Framed Childrens Artwork

Allow your child to view their artwork in a predominant location in the home while adding color and warmth to your decor.  Image Source: It’s Great to Be Home via Flickr

Creating WALLTAT Wall Decals from Children's Artwork

Parents can scan their child’s artwork and email it to info@walltat.com to be transformed into a WALLTAT Wall Decals.  They can have them sized as needed and installation is a DIY snap.  Decals are removable and do not cause any damage to the paint surface when peeled off. WALLTAT can also print artwork onto an eco-friendly canvas for parents to stretch over a wooden frame.  Image Source: www.WALLTAT.com

Digital Organization of Kids Artwork

Collect your child’s favorite 112 pieces and start scanning!  You can manipulate and consistently re-size the images to about the size of a business card to create this 60 x 40 pop art piece.  A project that will leave you both proud of your child, and yourself.  Image Source: Jan Eleni

Asymmetrical Kids Artwork Display

Use fun and eclectic frames in a collage format to highlight each unique creation.  Image Source: Wondertime.go.com

Recreate Kids Artwork Into Ceiling Mobiles

First propose the idea to your child to use older artwork in order to create a homemade mobile.  It can be as easy as cutting shapes from the artwork, or as complicated as crafting origami objects.  This is another great way to teach your kids to recycle their art into new and interesting art pieces.  Image Source: Etsy

Blend Family Photos with Children's Artwork

Blend snap shots of your family into a collage with their greatest works of art.  Image Source: It’s Great to Be Home via Flickr

Frames with Hinges and Storage

This functional cabinet displays one, but stores up to fifty masterpieces! Available at Dynamic Frames, the swing open door allows the ease of swapping out old for new.  Choose from many frame sizes, wood finishes and mat options.

Harmless Wall Graffiti on Craft Paper

Last but not least, this method of displaying art is probably not for everyone, but it’s certain to make the neighborhood kids jealous. Purchase a roll of 36″ or 48″ wide craft paper available at Discount School Supply and designate one or more walls as a giant canvas.  Once it is filled up with drawings, you can simply cover over with a fresh layer of paper, offered in a variety of colors.  Paper rolls are sold in 50ft – 100ft lengths from $15-$20.  Not a bad price for being the coolest parents on earth.  Image Source: Jan Eleni

Jordan Guide Luxury Interior Designer

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago blog contributor, Jordan Guide, ASID, NCIDQ No. 021998 of Jordan Guide Design is a high-end luxury interior designer based in Chicago.