March 2010
Ground Breaking

Ooohh, how I adore Daylight Saving Time.  Spring is definitely in the air.  More people are showing up at the gym, making travel plans and wondering if it's too soon to pull out those shorts.  Yes, it most certainly IS too soon!

But, outdoor living is what's on mind...lush landscapes, urban verandas and rooftop terraces.  This season brings forth an abundance of products and services to fit your lifestyle.  From ultra-sexy, furniture collections to on-site, container planting services and garden fresh, cooking classes. Now you just have to decide, are you sleek and architectural, exuberantly ornate or more of a Zen garden type?
 

Whatever your style, make it happen with innovative, green building materials, outdoor A/V systems, lighting and more. For a jolt of inspiration, actually visit The Sources We Love and remember to read The Scoop...it's good for you. Let's get out there and break some ground! 
           



1

Yeah Baby

Shakoor Work Sample 1
   MB2 Sofa

Turns heads with this strikingly modern sofa, that is soft to the touch, yet durable and surprisingly timeless.  With 50" of interior space, it easily seats two.  Manufactured right here in the Land of Lincoln. Way cool. 



 

Shakoor Work Sample 2Super Bad
This is all about that rooftop terrace, sleek & architectural thing I mentioned earlier.  Teak and powder-coated aluminum never looked so good.  Over time, the warm teak will patina to a cool, ash color and appear even more elegant.  Consider cushions in colors that will look good today and after the teak matures ~ try persimmon, pinstriped navy or espresso.

   
   Archetype Club Chair

 


 

Class Act Skakoor Work Sample 2
The Cracked Ice Garden Chair from McGuire is a classic, with a bit of visual surprise.  The scale is perfect for smaller, urban spaces and pairs beautifully with a bistro or a full-size dining table. We love this color!

 

 

 

 


En Vogue

detail 2005 Since there are a gazillion containers and planters out there, I want to showcase Terracotta.  They are always stylish, and as you can see versatile enough to suit any size or style of outdoor space.  Do not hesitate to use them indoors as well.  These terracotta planters, from Seibert & Rice, are frost-proof.  I'm particularly fond of the gray one...I think I'll get a couple for myself!

 


Bronzed Beauty

Shakoor Work Sample The rich bronze finish and riveting give this table an unexpected, industrial feel, but the seamless joinery and geometric feet keep it looking classic and chic. Use at opposite ends of an armless-sofa or put three in a row in front.

 

 

 

 



Understated Elegance

detail 2005
"Rounded Table Object", by Hun-Chung Lee

As soon as I laid eyes on this, I thought what a perfect counterpoint this would be in a garden of soft, sultry exotic flowers.  Yum!  It is truly sublime. This carved concrete table, designed by South Korean, artist Hun-Chung Lee, is suitable for outdoor environments.

 

You're Glowing

detail 2005 Keep the party going long after the Sun goes down.  The Cyl fireplace is high functioning and low maintenance.  Its size makes it convenient to use in all areas of your outdoor space.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Shakoor

Shakoor Interiors is a boutique interior design firm, specializing in historic residences, bachelor pads, small spaces, and new construction.  Erin Shakoor established the firm in 2001 and has been featured in Design with Antiques and Dream Home in Chicago's Merchandise Mart Design Center, Chicago Sun-Times Designer's Eye, Garden Design and Essence magazines.  Working closely with her clients, she creates well-edited spaces that look as if they've developed over time.  A process which ultimately saves them time and avoids costly mistakes.

 

The Scoop
When using similar new-trals in the same room, select surfaces in different finishes. For example, one could be a stained wood, one in fabric or leather, and another in a lacquered finish.  Selecting different finishes helps control how light reflects around the room.  A little bit of shine goes a long way and too much matte goes nowhere.  Stir it up!
 

 

The Sources We Love
Chicago Specialty  Gardens

Grand Street Gardens

Sprout Home

Lake Street Landscape Supply

Jayson Home & Garden

 

The Events We Go To


 
 

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