The Art of Dining: A Tablescape Inspired by the Art of Christina Haglid

Swaying with the ocean’s breath, illuminated orbs dance over translucent waves. Nighttime flowers blossom under moonlight. Peace washes over as glimmering stars brighten the endless midnight sky. Inspired by Christina Haglid’s ethereal artwork, Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors sets the space between light and dark.

 
 
 

Our team had the honor of participating in ASID Illinois inaugural Art of Dining event this year!

12 talented interior designers created beautiful tablescapes that were inspired by the art of: René Romero Schuler, Christina Haglid, Steve Turner, Mark Bowers & Jeff Conroy. The event was hosted at Gallery Victor Armendariz and Zola Lieberman Gallery in River North.

 

Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors was inspired by Christina Haglid’s ethereal artwork.

The fragility of the environment has always played an important role in Christina Haglid's work. As a child growing up on the East Coast, the ever changing seaside landscapes intrigued her. This fragile balance between nature and her subject matter is as delicate as a paper lantern floating on the ocean.

The Ocean, Christina Haglid 2019 - 2020, acrylic on panel, 8h x 10w inches

Christina Haglid’s history with writing poetry has shaped the narrative process in her artwork. She views objects in the painting like words placed on a page. Haglid creates her paintings with watercolor and gouache on paper or acrylic on panel. She composes flowers, manipulated objects, and architecture together in compositions to symbolize the subtle conversations and interactions between them. Her imagery is placed in imaginary landscapes that are inspired by actual places seen throughout her travels.

Each tablescape highlighted a color from Sherwin Williams, one of the event sponsors. Our vignette incorporated the beautiful color: Smokey Blue

Smoky Blue by Sherwin Williams

Petunia in Space, Christina Haglid, 2018, watercolor and gouache on paper, 5.25h x 5w inches

At the heart of my work is the recurring depiction of perseverance, strength of will, and a subtle optimism. Symbolically through the objects, precarious situations depict a moment of possible difficulty, often involving the influence of nature.
— Christina Haglid

Paper Boat, Christina Haglid, 2019 - 2020, acrylic on panel, 8h x 10w inches

Monolith No. 4, Sarah Haglid, 2020, watercolor and gouache on paper, 8h x 9w inches

 

Daybreak, Christina Haglid, 2015-2018, watercolor and gouache on paper, 7.88h x 14.50w inches

 

Swaying with the ocean’s breath, illuminated orbs dance over translucent waves. Nighttime flowers blossom under moonlight. Peace washes over as glimmering stars brighten the endless midnight sky. Inspired by Christina Haglid’s ethereal artwork, Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors sets the space between light and dark.

What inspired us:

  • mysterious and spiritual quality

  • movement vs. calm nature of water

  • layers of ocean moving at night

  • juxtaposition of light and dark

  • floating quality of the orbs, glowing flowers

  • glowing effect of organic objects

  • story of the object and its environment

 
 

We used color and a 3D fabric texture to evoke the feeling of the ocean at night. Generous florals adorn a feminine bust with a mysterious gaze. Droplets of gold accents float over the blue tablecloth, emulating the ocean. Glowing orbs dance over waves of fabric on each end of the table setting.

 
 
 

 

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and a special thank you to all that made this tablescape possible. We couldn’t have done this without you!

The team, Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

 

 

Need help designing the perfect table setting? Schedule a design consultation with our team today!

 
Read More

How to Design Your Living Room

Expert advice on how to design your living room.

1. First things first…paint last! It may seem counterintuitive, but with so many nuanced options, you'll want to get it just right. We used Benjamin Moore’s luscious ‘Galapagos Green’ in an ultra flat finish for the ceiling in our latest living room makeover. Be patient, and be bold!

Botanical Garden Living Room, Photo Credit Dustin Halleck

 

Best Specialty Art and Framing Project: ASID IL Design Excellence 2021, Photo Credit Dustin Halleck

2. Find your focal point. Every room has a natural center point, whether it's the fireplace, TV, or picture window with an expansive view. Plan furniture around this center line. Sometimes a room can have two focal points, like a TV wall and a fireplace. This is trickier, but with the right sectional, anything is possible. Art is one of my favorite focal points. A good frame makes the piece. Artists Frame Service is our favorite local framer. Art helps set the mood in the space, balances the weight of the room, adds color + texture, and creates a conversation starter.

Pro Tip: I love vacation art. These are special pieces picked up on your travels that bring you back to that time and place. Also, buy art done by family members, local artist’s pieces that speak to you, or try framing your own artwork!

 

Botanical Garden Living Room, Photo Credit Dustin Halleck

3. Select functional furniture. Opt for tight over loose cushions. You'll save yourself the trouble of constantly cleaning between the seats. Multifunctional furniture is great! Pull up ottomans on casters and add instant seating. Bonus if they cant be tucked away under a coffee table or console. Make sure there’s ample surfaces to live and function. Consider a console behind your sofa, end tables for a wine glass, or a coffee table 18-20" from the sofa edge. 









 

4. Think about function & address traffic flow. Do you host super bowl parties and need seating for 8-10? Maybe the kids need it to be cozy, while you need it to be easy to clean. Perhaps it's just you, your partner, and your dog relaxing after a long day of work. Knowing how you will use the space will determine the direction of the design.

To find a flow, think about how you and your guests are entering and exiting this room. Are two points of entry needed? Does that point of entry cross the path of the TV? Can that be avoided?

 

Our Team: Violeta, Bianka, and Sarah (from Left to right)

5. Layer your lighting. Think ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and windows. Balance the light in the space. Make sure your lighting is on dimmers to adjust it has a day turns to night.

 

6. Bring in color.  Start with the rug. Use the colors of the rug to influence the palette for the rest of the room. Your rug should be large enough that the front two feet of the sofa sit on it comfortably.

“Cover” by Knots Rugs, Sold Exclusively at Integral THread

 

7. Choose fabrics for your lifestyle.  Busy living calls for stain treated or bleach cleanable fabrics depending on your needs (and how rowdy your guests get!) Cozy up with the final layer of pillows. Add in pattern, texture, and trim here. Have fun with it! These can be changed out seasonally or as you want to update your decor!

First Place winner of The Gallery Walk 2021, PHoto Credit Michael Kaskel.


 
 

Need help designing the perfect living room? Schedule a design consultation with our team today!

 
Read More
Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

It’s Time to Paint Your Front Door

Your front door is the first thing your guests see when they approach your home. It should prepare them for the beautiful interior that waits inside.

Updating the front of your home doesn’t need to break the bank. Sometimes a little paint, new door hardware, and some new lighting is all you need!

 

Your front door is the first thing your guests see when they approach your home. It should prepare them for the beautiful interior that waits inside.

Updating the front of your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Sometimes a little paint, new door hardware, and some new lighting is all you need!

 

The Design Challenge

 

Our client was looking to spruce up her front door entryway. The hardware finish was degraded, the paint was tired, and the lighting didn’t coordinate with the rest of her beautiful interior. We were challenged to update this front door with some new hardware, paint, and sconce lighting.

 

 

The Design Process

We started by taking influence from the stained glass motif. The square nature of the design influenced us to select square hardware and lighting. We went with a pewter metal finish for the hardware, as it coordinated with the metal in the stained glass. Matte black square lanterns completed the look.


Selecting a Paint Color

When selecting the front door paint color, we thought about the context of the whole home. The palette was rich and vibrant aqua and teal tones that balanced well with the neutrals. We used a lot of angled geometry, which also nicely tied in the rectangular design of the new door hardware and sconce lighting.

 
 
 

 

Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal

We finally landed on Benjamin Moore’s 2021 Color of The Year - Agean Teal as the paint color. It’s a beautiful blend of blue-green and gray. It’s an intriguing midtone that creates natural harmony; a balanced and soothing color that allows you to reflect and reset. It goes great with browns, taupe, chartreuse, and whites.

This welcoming color was perfect for the client’s front door.

 

The Reveal

 
 

 
 

Need help refreshing your front door? Schedule a design consultation today!

 
 
Read More
Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

Our 5 Favorite Freestanding Bar Cabinets

If you’re not ready to take the plunge and commit to a built-in bar but are done storing your liquor and libations in the kitchen cabinets, then it’s time you meet the middle ground: a freestanding bar cabinet. Not only are bar cabinets completely practical, but they come in so many styles and designs to compliment your space and can add sophistication and intrigue.

 

If you’re not ready to take the plunge and commit to a built-in bar but are done storing your liquor and libations in the kitchen cabinets, then it’s time you meet the middle ground: a freestanding bar cabinet. Not only are bar cabinets completely practical, but they come in so many styles and designs to compliment your space and can add sophistication and intrigue.

Here are some of the freestanding bar cabinets we are loving right now!

 

 

Jonathan Adler: Torino Bar

Why we love it: This rich and moody cabinet elevates a space with a pop of color and polished brass details. We love the painted glass panels! It’s perfect for entertaining guest and a great conversation piece; what’s inside is just as exciting as what’s outside!

 

 

Restoration Hardware: Porthole Bar

Why we love it: Imagine how fun it would be to host a cocktail hour with this nautical-themed porthole bar! We love the 1920s inspired vibes. The mirrored interior keeps this iron sphere from feeling too heavy while still making a dramatic statement. This bar would go perfectly in a moody lounge.

 

 

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams: Celine Bar Cabinet

Why we love it: This bar cabinet is so sleek and beautiful, showcasing an incredible richly textured faux leather. The black glass top and refined design details add another layer of sophistication. We love the mid-century modern influence!

 

 

Crate&Barrel: West Charcoal Cane Bar Cabinet
by Leanne Ford

Why we love it: Not only does this cabinet allow for tons of bar storage, but the dramatic size and interesting shape makes for a great statement piece! The woven cane and oak adds a natural element and so much texture. This cabinet is sure to add a lot of personality to any space.

 

 

Ballard Designs: Harper Campaign Bar

Why we love it: This cabinet is small, but mighty; it has so much storage and even comes with a pullout tray! We are in love with this rich blue color with the gold accents. It is just the right amount of modern design with traditional accents, making it the perfect transitional piece to suit any style.

 

 
 

Need help selecting the perfect freestanding bar cabinet for your home? Schedule a design consultation today!

 
 
Read More
Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

Our Favorite Decorative Hardware Right Now

Decorative hardware is the jewelry of the space! Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just giving one of your rooms a refresh, use decorative hardware to add a little beauty and personality.

 

Decorative hardware is the jewelry of the space! Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just giving one of your rooms a refresh, use decorative hardware to add a little beauty and personality.

Here are some of the pieces we are loving right now!

 

 

Modern Matter: Harrison Knob

Why we love it: It’s got texture, color, and character! We love adding metal accents to a make a design statement. Plus, it’s completely customizable; choose from eight gemstones and three different finishes. These vibrant colors are everything!

 

 

Modern Matter: Dogwood Custom Knob - Patina

Why we love it: This delicate looking flower adds a feminine and timeless touch to any furniture piece. While we absolutely love the patina, this knob is also available in three finishes and your choice of seven different semi-precious stones.

 

 

Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull - Polished Brass

Why we love it: These pulls are sure to add luxurious vibes to any room. We love mixing metals into our designs and we are totally here for this polished brass.

 
 
Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull

Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull

 

 

AUZ Design Studio: Small Pyramid Square Knob

Why we love it: These modern square copper knobs add personality to any furniture piece. The finish is so unique and the textured lines on top are subtle and delicate.

 

 

Rocky Mountain Hardware: Emerald Cabinet Knob

Why we love it: This crafted hardware has exquisite detail with a handmade look. Perfect for kitchen cabinets in a traditional or transitional design.

 

 

Rejuvenation: Kennaston Drawer Pull

Why we love it: The sleek design of these pulls adds chic interest. We love the mix of leather and brass! These would be the perfect addition to a sophisticated kitchen.

 

 
 

Need help selecting the perfect decorative hardware for your home? Schedule a design consultation today!

 
 
Read More