So Grand

My favorite decorating period/style is Art Deco. I have visited various places in Chicago that reflect that style. And there are so many places to visit - Chicago Board of Trade, One La Salle Bldg, Carbide Carbon bldg (one of my favs; it is the Hard RockHotel now), Merchandise Mart, Adler Planetarium, Civic Opera House, Palmolive bldg, Hotel Allegro, Drake Hotel, the list just goes on & on. One of the reasons for this could be that since the city burned down in 1871, there were buildings to be built, and the art deco period spanned from the 20's thru the 40's.I like the style because it is graceful, clean and uninhibited. There is an air of sophistication and elegance, something that, as far as I am concerned, we don't see much of anymore.

While in Chicago recently, I stopped for lunch at the Grand Lux Café. Oh my! If you have never been there, I urge you to visit. Everywhere you look is a feast for the eyes. Plush seating, tiles on the walls, frames on the ceiling - oh yes! Frames on the ceiling. I spent much more time looking at the ceiling than my food. I know what you are thinking, "It's beautiful, but not for my house". I know that because that is the first thing I thought. When I returned home, I found my eyes going to the ceiling, thinking "Where could I incorporate that idea in my home?" The dining room to separate the 'zone' from the living room? The bathroom because it is small, and if you are going to make one room in your home spectacular, that is the one? Once my head stopped swirling, I thought about just 'framing' the parameters. Just a thought… Oh, and the food at the Grand Lux is great also.

~Pat~