Two different homes with the desire to make their basements a family friendly extension of their first floors, yet two very different style preferences. Both families were looking for a place their kids could retreat with friends, a destination for entertaining all ages and a place where play is welcome.
Read moreAn Exciting New Theater Project: Athenaeum Theater and a Personal Full-Circle Moment
In a fun full-circle moment for me - Two Hands Interiors has been engaged to help with the historic renovation of the Athenaeum Theater in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood!
Read moreBuilding a New Home - The Pros and Cons of a Ground Up Build
This year has us completing two brand new homes from the ground up. While they are very different projects - a custom lake home and a semi-custom row home - both properties offer a glimpse into the pros and cons of new construction.
Read moreRebuilding A Family Legacy Lake House
This dream project began with a long-standing relationship between our clients and introducing them to one of our favorite construction teams - and then convincing everyone we could make this new home nestled into the dunes of Lake Michigan a reality!
Read moreDesigning A Corporate Headquarters in Downtown Wheaton: From Bryn’s Desk
People often ask what kind of clients we help at Two Hands Interiors. Residential? Commercial? We actually help both. The Two Hands team loves the mix of having both residential and commercial clients because each have their unique traits and design goals.
Read moreWhat’s the Best Advice You’ve Heard Recently?
Every once in while, a piece of advice (whether solicited or not) comes across your path and it hits home. Reading the blog, Cup of Jo, the advice to “‘Don’t bite the hook,’” was such a great reminder to pause and realize that not everything warrants a reaction.
Read moreIf you had a YouTube Channel - what would it be?
A little while ago, Bryn was explaining the details for a fabric decision to an intern and he suggested that she start a YouTube channel. We had a good chuckle in the moment and ever since, we've tossed around YouTube channel ideas for all the passions our team has extending through and beyond design.
Read moreBlending What Brings you Joy with the Practical Needs of Home
How do we define logical and intuitive in regards to the home? Intuition guides us to know what feels good and right, and logic is hopefully there to remind us of the pros and cons of any intuitive approach.
Read moreMixing New and Existing Design Elements in a Traditionally Layered Townhome
Our client had a good foundation of quality furniture and hoped to finish up some rooms, introduce a few completely new pieces and showcase some fabulous new art. Learn how we mixed new and exisiting design.
Read moreHow do Color Choices Impact a Room?
The color choices impact every surface and every feature - the walls, ceiling, trim, doors, furnishings and accessories. Take a look at what we consider when creating our designs.
Read moreA Family Room Refresh in a Classic, yet Contemporary Home
After working with us previously to renovate their kitchen and keeping room, our clients were ready to tackle their adjacent family room. Read more about the process.
Read moreHow We Are Surviving Winter: A Round Up of Sanity Saving Ideas
This winter has been tough, but we are surviving. This month we are sharing a few ways the Two Hands team coped with the longest month of the year.
Read moreA Reflection of 2023 from Rachel’s Desk
I asked everyone to share a highlight from 2023, as well as something to leave behind, and we closed with what we are looking forward to in 2024.
Read more12 Days of Holiday Traditions - A Peek Inside Our Team’s Favorite Memories
When we started to think of 12 traditions we could share as a team, everyone pulled out their phones and flipped through pictures. We’re hoping that by sharing some of our team’s family traditions you may find something in common, a new idea or just a little mood boost.
Read moreElegant Parisian Row Home Renovation
Our clients have a dreamy in-town row house perfect for empty nesters who still have kids bouncing home frequently for visits. Fresh off a trip to Europe, they were inspired by the allure and appeal of so many details from the Parisian apartment they had called home on their travels.
Read moreThe Moody and Eclectic Lounge at the Preppy Vintage Charmer
Third time's a charm for this fabulous client! We loved being invited back to the “Preppy Vintage Charmer” - this go round was to finally address a never-used office that had become a dumping ground for all the stuff of life. The design brief: No television needed and comfy, moody and eclectic were top priorities.
Read moreEntertaining in the Fall - How to Prepare for Flowing between Indoors and Outdoors
Fall in the Midwest is one of my favorite seasons - crisp, clear days and nights that can be enjoyed outside for a few sweet weeks. Entertaining during this weather likely means a mix of indoor and outdoor areas for guests - here are a few quick tips from around our table of seasoned hosts.
Designing the New Blackberry Market in Oak Brook - A Peek at the Restaurant Design Process
Local folks in Glen Ellyn and LaGrange know the magic of Blackberry Market - fast and healthy fare, yummy indulgences and great coffee. "Local" will soon include Oak Brook with a new location opening December 2023. Here are some take-aways from our process with a few sneak peeks.
Read moreA Back-to-School Update from Rachel’s Desk
The approach of fall brings transition - back to school, resetting routines and rhythms and sometimes facing new challenges. I’m aware in new ways of how much home means to us - safety, comfort, memory and the familiar. Many of our clients are renovating, building or decorating with that sentiment as the guide as well.
Read moreA Treasure Hunting Guide: 4 Types of Shops for Vintage Finds
Second-hand shopping is in my DNA I suppose, and it’s carried over into my interior design work. From the Goodwill to high-end on-line vintage vendors, there are places to shop that hit everyone’s preferred budget. Here is a brief run-down different types of vintage shops.
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