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Design Detour: M+M Interior Design
What makes a timeless interior? For M+M Interior Design, it’s a considered and not-too-precious mix: a power move (often in the form of pattern, color or texture), a bit of soul (blue and white porcelain and antique books to warm up any vignette) and a brave client, and thankfully, Chicago has those in abundance. “Mid-Westerners may be perceived as practical and industrious and they certainly are, but there is also a huge amount of creativity and innovation in this city,” says firm principal Leslie Martin. “Our clients shy away from trends but want to be current, which is a great challenge. We gravitate toward living finishes which patina over time—materials that are practical AND beautiful, which perfectly sums up what our clients are looking for.”
Photography: Aimee Mazzenga
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“Space 519 has the best collection of fashion brands, a well curated home and gift department, the tastiest restaurant in the city and to top it off, owners Jim Wetzel and Lance Lawson are the ultimate hosts of a never ending party. Because we’re happiest when we are “talking shop,” we’d love to surround ourselves with fellow interior designers, peers and friends like Wendy Labrum, Kelly Hurliman and Sasha Adler, plus design legend Markham Roberts.”
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“Heritage Trail Mercantile is an antique mall as it should be, stocked full of treasures at great price points. Every booth is an opportunity to find a treasure.”
BRIGHT IDEA
“Lighting is the key to making any room feel inviting, so more is more when it comes to table lamps and art lights. We’ve also never met a room that couldn’t use some sconces, like the Leeds Large Round Sconce by Christopher Spitzmiller. We love to put lamps in places you wouldn’t normally think to place them—a kitchen counter, a laundry room, etc—can really warm up the space.”
HOT TIP
“Julie Lutjen Lawrence is a talented faux painter we’ve worked with to create beautiful painted floors. She has an innate sense of color and scale which makes her a dream to work with. Jack Andrews is the master of lacquer and specialty finishes—his work is perfection. And Chicago born-and-bred artist Maggie Meiners uses multiple mediums to create modern art pieces that are culturally insightful and infused with humor (pictured: Quake).”
TRY THIS
“The small-scale print of Sister Parish Burmese works on anything from seat cushions to lamp shades. It’s perfect for when you don’t want the pattern to be overwhelming. We especially love it on kitchen seating— we have it laminated in a matte finish and it becomes a great durable, wipe-able piece.”
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“The Linden Table Lamp by Kelly Wearstler is by far our most requested—it adds that perfect amount of edge to a room, either traditional or modern.”
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“We’ve used the Gale Library Wall Light by Thomas O'Brien in a few recent projects and love the fact that doesn’t require being hard wired. It adds a slight retro feel to a space while still being elegant.”
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“The Precision Pendant by Kelly Wearstler is always an easy yes for kitchens—clean and impactful and just the right scale.”