Time for another Design Diaries, my loves! Today I’m featuring Summer Thornton of Summer Thornton Design! Known for her bold and colorful interiors, her designs bring light to any room she touches. While she considers the inspiration for her own home to be an adorable ‘granny chic’, Summer doesn’t have a signature style. Instead she focuses on bringing her client’s homes to life with their passions, quirks, and personality. Each room is a different layer of the owners soul. Needless to say – with Summer’s undeniable talent and enigmatic presence, this #bossbabe is going to do big things!
Check out my interview with Summer for her favorite tips and why sometimes a little wanderlust is the best inspiration! For more Design Diaries features, visit my new Design Diaries page 🙂 XO
Design Diaries: Summer Thornton
1. How did you initially get into the interior design business?
I always had an interest in fashion and homes since I was a little kid. I can still remember looking at wallpaper borders with my mom as a toddler. As I went through high school I had a home economics class – I dont know if they even have those any more – but I got to do a few little projects with both fashion and interior design. The more time I spent with it, I really loved interiors.
So I pursued it further in college where I started working for another designer as an intern, then assistant. After college I worked for several designers and really owe a lot of my knowledge to them, but in 2007 I decided to take the leap and started my own firm.
2. Where do you seek inspiration if you ever feel like you are in a creative rut?
Anytime I can experience something fantastical and experiential it energizes me. Whether I’m taking a vacation to a remote island or touring a palace in France or Russia, I’m always inspired by beauty – natural or a historical man-made beauty. For me, when I can escape the every day, I’m able to recharge and the creative ideas start flowing again. For this very reason, I try to take a trip somewhere interesting or exotic at least 4 times per year so I’ve always got an upcoming event to get me inspired and designing something great again.
In the past couple years I’ve been to India, Thailand, Russia, France, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Palm Springs, Palm Beach, etc etc. Here’s a post about a trip to Palm Beach I took.
3. How would you describe your personal/signature style when it comes to designing homes?
My style is definitely traditional at its core, but infused with bold color and curated pieces that give each space a unique personality. I don’t believe in a ‘signature style’ – some designers have one look, but I just don’t identify with that philosophy. I like to create a broader range of looks by understanding each client’s personality and really bringing that to the forefront in their project’s design. For my own home I’d say I’m an old fashioned maximalist. Layers, pattern, texture, a little granny chic but enough edge to keep it fresh and young too.
4. Do you have a specific home that you have designed that became your favorite project?
I always think the next project will be my favorite. For me the creative process, coming up with new ideas and the spark of creativity, is really what excites me most. Once it’s complete I’m more excited about the next opportunity to design again. But definitely there have been projects that stood out and were particularly fun.
When I worked on my friend Andrea Levoff’s house, we had so much fun. She wasn’t afraid to make a statement – she’s hilarious (she’s a comedian) so we laughed all the time, and she was so trusting even when we had crazy ideas. I think she approved about 98% of our recommendations immediately with no questions asked, just an ‘Yes, I love it, lets do it!”. When you have that level of trust and willingness to go for it, the end result is always fantastic. In this case it was bold, colorful, whimsical, & fearless – it represented her personality so well. Now we’re working on a second home for her which is proving to be just as fun as the 1st. Here’s a tour of her Lincoln Park Home.
We source a ton of vintage and antique pieces for our projects because they add a lot of personality and style.
5. Are there any brands that you consistently use when you are designing homes?
Some people have their ‘go to’ brands, but for me I’m always looking for something really different. Once I’ve used something, I rarely want to use it again. Last year our firm bought from over 300 different sources – that’s why nothing in our portfolio looks like a catalog, but instead looks like it was curated over time. In particular we source a ton of vintage and antique pieces for our projects because they add a lot of personality and style, so while it isn’t a particular ‘brand’, we do have a handful of favorite vintage shops that we regularly source from.
6. Do you have any tips for Chicagoans transitioning their home into spring / for a fresh look?
I do a light refresh on my home each spring. As an example, in my living room I swap out an oriental rug for sisal, I change deep red lampshades for white linen, and I swap a few deeper-toned pillows in velvet for lighter ones in cotton. It gives it a fresh feel to accompany fresh cut tulips, peonies, and spring flowers. Then in the fall I flip it back!
I believe that homes should be timeless and treated differently than fashion… So when I started to see trends, I usually try to steer my designs away from it.
7. Are there any decor trends that you are seeing and loving for 2017?
I’m anti-trend …sometimes I say “today’s trendy is tomorrow’s tacky.” I believe that homes should be timeless and treated differently than fashion. Sure I’ll do a few quick little fun trendy accessories or pillows here and there but I know they have to go after a year or two. So when I start to see trends, I usually try to steer my designs away from it.
The big trends that I’m seeing right now are heavy pushes for industrial looks – exposed brick, industrial plumbing fixtures, lots of brown and black, etc. I might mix in a piece or two that’s more industrial but overall I think that singular look has been overdone and will look dated in a few years. When every restaurant in Chicago has the same look, you know its been overdone. The ‘all white kitchen’ is another thing that I’m over and I hope will go away. I’m not opposed to some white cabinets, but white cabinet, with white countertop with white sink is boring and unoriginal and in 10 years will be dated to the 2010-2020 era.
8. Do you have any quick tips for homeowners wanting to reorganize their spaces but in a stylish way?
There’s nothing more beautiful than built-ins. They can make any hot mess look organized and stylish when done right. Your weird collection of trinkets and pile of books you haven’t read in 20 years can look fabulous in a well designed built-in.
9. What would your dream home look like?
I’d probably have 5 or 6 if we’re really dreaming here, and each would be different. I’d have a beach house in Mexico that’s all white stucco with tons of fun brightly colored Mexican embroidery and religious icons. I’d have a city house here in Chicago – victorian era with original plaster moldings and updated in a fresh but traditional manner. I’d have an old Parisian pied-a-terre with chevron floors, ornate dental moldings, and tons of antiques from the St Ouen Marche aux Puces flea market. The list goes on but those would be at the top of the list…
10. Are there any decor tips that everyone should know?
- A colorful home makes for a colorful life.
- If your neighbors are doing it, you probably shouldnt.
- Collections and curiosities give a home soul
- If you’re seeing it everywhere (particularly in catalogs) its overdone and already out of style
- Tradition never goes out of style
- Antique and vintage pieces are more kid-friendly than new – they’ve already got a few chips and scratches – its called character!
- Beige is for boring people.
- No great design was ever created without a little bit of risk
- Your home is a reflection of your personality – dont be afraid to stand out
- Always say no to faux – natural materials will patina and age adding character to the design
Summer Thornton Design is a boutique luxury interior design firm located in Chicago.
Follow Summer + the Summer Thornton team on Instagram to stay up to date with her current projects!
Two weeks ago I introduced Design Diaries – the newest installment to the blog – and have already gotten so much positive feedback! Chicago is so rich with culture, art, and design, so being able to chat with some of the city’s most influential Interior Designers is a dream.
This week I am sharing my interview with absolute #bossbabe and power house, Donna Mondi of Donna Mondi Interior Design! If you are ever lucky enough to encounter this fabulous woman, you’ll understand why her designs are so captivating. Her presence alone exudes fierceness and a confidence you feel immediately inspired by. Not to mention her style is on point! Donna’s organic approach to design is so beautifully unique and unapologetically bold – she can transform literally any generic room into a space that speaks. With a signature style that juxtaposes sophistication with spontaneity, each of Donna’s projects radiate the true essence of design.
Check out our interview for some of Donna’s interior design tricks, her favorite designers, and an exciting new project she’s working on!
Design Diaries: Donna Mondi
1. How did you initially get into the interior design business?
Boredom. I had just had two babies and I felt like I was losing my mind. I decided to go back to school and see where that led. Ultimately, I ended up being drawn towards a degree in Interior Design. I wasn’t surprised though. When I was a little girl my favorite thing to do was to redecorate my dollhouse. Over and over…
2. Where do you seek inspiration if you ever feel like you are in a creative rut?
There’s nothing like real experiences to spark your creativity. I travel quite a bit and am always searching out interesting architecture, well-designed restaurants, fun antique shops, and design events across the globe. There’s no doubt that my travels abroad have had a strong influence on how my design style has evolved. On a simple scale, I would say Instagram! It’s my design porn.
“If Coco Chanel and Rick Owens had a love child and that child became an Interior Designer… that would be me.”
3. How would you describe your personal/signature style when it comes to designing homes?
If Coco Chanel and Rick Owens had a love child and that child became an Interior Designer… that would be me. I love blending sophisticated classicism with edgy trends that lean towards the dark side. I’m so intrigued with things that are a little bit scary or considered slightly inappropriate.
4. Do you have a specific home that you have designed that became your favorite project?
Mine! There was nobody to stop me from pushing the envelope. My black lacquered dining room would have scared off most people, but I find it seductively dramatic!
5. Are there any brands that you consistently use when you are designing homes?
There is a whole world of options beyond retail that cater to the design trade. Why pick from the same pool that everyone else has when we can create just about anything we want! Current obsessions are a few furniture designers in London, Portugal, and France. Personally, I’m currently working on a capsule collection of my own designs that is set to debut in the fall of this year. Hopefully, that will be my favorite brand soon :).
“Just about anything can be beautiful if you bring order and intention to it.”
6. Do you have any tips for Chicagoans transitioning their home into spring / for a fresh look?
The best way to lighten up for spring is with accessories. Change out pillows and throws to lighter weight fabrics, brighter colors, and fun patterns. Add in fresh fuchsia or hello flowers in an interesting sculptural vase. Even your coffee table books can bring in unexpected color pops. Looking for something more neutral? Add in natural textures like sisal, burlap, or smooth cool leather. Even just adding in some gold accessories can brighten up a room!
7. Are there any decor trends that you are seeing and loving for 2017?
Decadence! There’s so much color and drama happening in design these days. The “griege” era is finally gone and we can have so much more fun. Tufting, curves, and patterns are bringing the sexiness back into furniture but in a new way. There’s an old-meets-new fusion that’s coming from the fashion influences. Just look at Gucci’s 2017 Cruise Collection and you’ll see what I mean!
8. Do you have any quick tips for homeowners wanting to reorganize their spaces but in a stylish way?
Bring order to chaos is my go-to rule for organization. If you have an art collection, group them together on wall to make an interesting gallery. Lost of books? Style a bookshelf by adding in interesting objects to break up the monotony. If the spines don’t all look good, take the covers off and it’ll change everything. Not enough storage space? Add a bar cart and display your favorite cocktail items. Just about anything can be beautiful if you bring order and intention to it.
9. What would you dream home look like?
Is it horrible to say that I’m living in my dream home? I wake up every morning to a view of Lake Michigan which couldn’t be more beautiful. My home is a 1920’s Edwardian style historically preserved co-op. It’s the perfect blending of Chicago architectural history and urban modern conveniences. It doesn’t hurt that I’m a block away from Chanel and Tom Ford. All that and it has a black dining room :).
10. Are there any decor tips that everyone should know?
I can think of a million… ok, top three:
- To add in an unexpected color to a space, repeat the color three times and it’ll magically make sense.
- Shop vintage. I have found the most interesting things at antique markets, online auctions, and vintage stores. And there’s no chance your friends will all have the same thing!
- Go big or don’t bother. If you want to make a statement, don’t just dip a toe… dive right in. I’ve never regretted it.
Donna Mondi Interior Design is a high-end luxury interior design firm located in Chicago.
Follow Donna + the DMID team on Instagram to stay up to date with her current projects! @donnamondiinteriordesign
My loves, I have been working on a top secret series for the blog and I am so excited I just can’t contain it anymore. As you know, I’ve been on a huge home decor and design kick lately. I’m pretty sure I’ve been spending more time on Pinterest than actually working! But I promise it’s for good reason!
Introducing: Design Diaries! I have had the chance to sit down and chat with some of Chicago’s most influential (and absolutely FABULOUS) interior designers. They are the definition of #BossBabes and I am so honored to feature them on the blog. Over the next few weeks, I will be featuring a series of designers from extremely different backgrounds and specialties. Their spaces speak volumes.
My first feature is with Anita Lisek of Noah Properties and Lisek Interiors. A truly beautiful person inside and out, Anita has the talent to bring any room to life. It was such a pleasure to get to know her – I can’t wait for you all to see her work!! Enjoy my interview with her 🙂 xo
Anita Lisek
1. How did you initially get into the interior design business?
My husband has always been passionate about the construction and development industry. So when we started our company, Noah Properties, we oversaw everything from start to finish. I soon began realizing that in fact what makes a house a home, isn’t the physical foundation, but those finishing touches. Every paint color, floor stain, light fixture, and carpet choice made a difference.
2. Where do you seek inspiration from if you ever feel like you are in a creative rut?
Some days, it really feels like I’ve hit a creative concrete wall. I can sit in my office for hours just staring at the material in front of me and nothing will pop in my head. But for whatever reason when I find a cool light fixture or beautiful tile, the wheels start turning and something in my head just clicks. From those two pieces, I can create the look of an entire home within just a few hours. Getting ridiculously excited about light fixtures and tiles might sound silly, but I swear they’re like drugs.
3. How would you describe your personal/signature style when it comes to designing homes?
I would say I really go for a Transitional Style for my designs. I think there is so much more room to grow and experiment by combining traditional and contemporary. Every home should have it’s own personality, it’s own character.
I love mixing styles together and I am definitely not afraid of using different materials or interesting light fixtures. They may look odd individually, but when it is all put together it creates that ‘WOW’ effect from our clients (or Noah Followers as I like to call them). As an interior designer, knowing that your client is as thrilled with the result as you are is the best feeling and honor in the world.
4. Do you have a specific home that you have designed that became your favorite project?
All of them! It’s crazy because I have done so many spec homes in Chicago over the last ten years. Sometimes it actually blows my mind! But I treat every single project as if it was for my own home. No matter what the budget is, I just do my thing. At the end stage, I can walk in there and not look at it as a ‘finished product’ but as home. If I can walk in and say ‘Yes, this definitely feels like home,’ I know I’ve done my job.
5. Are there any brands that you consistently use the you are designing homes?
Yes, Jonathan Adler is my Kryptonite. I love him I love his work. I love his style. His work just radiates positive energy and happiness. Every piece makes me feel that love and joy – and that’s what I’m all about.So yes, in just about any of my projects you’ll find at least 2 of his pieces!
6. Do you have any tips for Chicagoans transitioning their home into spring or trying to freshen up their look?
Don’t be afraid to use color. Golds, brass, teals, mix everything together. If a color makes you happy, USE IT!! One of my favorite combos right now is Chrome or polished nickel mixed with brass and gold tones. It creates the most beautiful result. If you can’t tell, I get really excited over this stuff!!
7. Are there any decor trends that you are seeing and loving for 2017?
Brass hardware with black trims in bathrooms… I’m obsessed. I started using them in some of my projects and I think I developed a minor addiction!!
The black bathroom trims with gold hardware on one of the projects we are almost finished with, are SICK!! I walk into it and want to move in strictly for the bathroom. Whenever I get home, all I want to do is change all my faucets to matte black and trim!
8. Do you have any quick tips for homeowners wanting to reorganize their spaces, but in a stylish way?
I always say to switch things up in your home every 4-6 months. Even if it’s the littlest thing, making small changes makes room for inspiration and growth. Get new coffee table books, new picture frames, or new wall art or floor lamp. Sometimes just a new end table will transform a room!
Do not just furnish your home and think you’re done – no, it doesn’t work that way! It’s like a person – we change our styles and looks to reflect different stages in our life. Your home needs the same thing!
9. What would your dream home look like?
OMG! I see a LOT of windows!! Windows everywhere with unbelievable window treatments and drapes. A massive kitchen with a huge marble island for the family to gather. Art and family pictures would be covering the walls. Definitely a lot of brass gold tones mixed with warm beige and grays. That way I can add pops of color in tiles, furniture, throw pillows, etc.
I just realized that I’m basically describing the home I live in now! Except my dream home would have a basketball court with a gorgeous pool and a cool gym to work out at home. Oh and a much MUCH bigger closet (obviously)!! My hubby took most of mine, of course! If I had it my way, our dream home would have two unbelievable master closets so I could have my own!
10. Are there any decor tips that everyone should know?
If you are looking for great decorative pieces, go look at TJ Maxx Home Goods!! You can find some absolutely amazing pieces at such an affordable price. There are some things you can’t save money on, don’t break your back over the little knick knacks! Some of my favorite decor pieces that are normally $75 or higher, I bought for $15 at Home Goods. Go to Home Goods!!
Photography: Simply by Suzy