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!

 
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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!

 
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Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Rug Size

Area rugs are a great way to tie a room together. They create a warm and welcoming environment. However, choosing a rug that is too big or too small for your space can interrupt the whole vibe of the room. The right sized area rug is essential to the cohesive feel of your space. Here are some guidelines when choosing the right size for your rugs.


Area rugs are a great way to tie a room together. They create a warm and welcoming environment. However, choosing a rug that is too big or too small for your space can interrupt the whole vibe of the room. The right sized area rug is essential to the cohesive feel of your space. 

Most standard size rugs are:

3’ x 5’ 8’ x 10’

4’ x 6’ 9’ x 12’

5’ x 8’ 10’ x 14’

6’ x 9’ 12’ x 15’

Consult with your Interior Designer if you think your space needs a customized size and shape. Here are a few tips when choosing the right size for your next rug.


Living Rooms

The first rule of thumb is cover the floor space that you have. Big room? Big rug! Long room? Long rug! You’ll also want to take into consideration where your furniture will be placed. For larger rooms with a lot of furniture, it’s best to be able to comfortably fit all your furniture on the rug. The standard sizes for larger area rugs is 9’ x 12’ or 10’ x 14’. For smaller living rooms that require the furniture to be against a wall, it’s best to choose a size around 6’ x 9’ or 8’ x 10’. You’ll want to place the front two legs of your furniture pieces on the rug.


Dining Room

For those who choose to use an area rug in their dining room, you need it to be big enough to fit the table and chairs. For safety reasons, the rug should extend at least 24” past all edges of the table to avoid chairs getting caught on the edge of the rug.

Standard sizes for dining room rugs are 8’ x 10’ or 9’ x 12’, but you can always measure your dining room table and add 2 feet to all sides for a good starting place.


Bedrooms

There are a few options for rug choices and sizes when it comes to your bedroom. If you’d like a larger rug under the bed, you’ll want to make sure that it extends on either side of the bed. The rug should also extend past the foot of the bed. A standard size rug for a queen bed is 8’ x 10’ and a king bed requires at least 9’ x 12’. 

If you’re looking for a more minimalist option, two runners on either side of the bed (or even just the foot!) can bring a higher level of comfort to your bedroom, even in an already carpeted space. You’ll want to shop for rugs sizes of 2’ 6” x 8’ or 3’ x 5’.


Kitchens

Whether it’s a smaller rug in front of the sink or a runner between an island and your cabinets, a rug can bring texture and color to your kitchen, complimenting your wall and cabinet colors.  For a kitchen with limited space, like a galley kitchen, a runner that runs the length of the space is an excellent way to add a little warmth and comfort underfoot. Bonus: vintage runners in the kitchen are an awesome design trend right now!

Some standard sizes for a kitchen runner are 2’ 6” x 8’ or 3 ‘ 5’. 

For open concept or country kitchens, a smaller rug in front of sink where there is generally a lot of foot traffic is a practical way of showcasing a rug. The most standard size is 2’ x 3’. Want to mix it up? Look for a half-round rug instead of the usual rectangle. 


Now that you’ve found your perfect rug, don’t forget to get a rug pad!
Check out our recent post: 5 Reasons You Need a Rug Pad.


 
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Need help finding the perfect area rug for your space?Schedule a design consultation today!

 
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5 Reasons You Need a Rug Pad

Many people don’t know that a rug pad is a necessity for the longevity of your rug, the protection of the floors beneath, and the safety of those who use the space. Here are 5 reasons why you need a rug pad.

One of the best moments as an interior designer is finding the perfect rug that ties the whole space together! But we’re not quiet finished; after a rug has been selected, we need to make sure we’ve got a rug pad to go with it. Far too often I see rugs without pads that are sliding all over the room, damaging the floor and thinning way too quickly. Many people don’t know that a rug pad is a necessity for the longevity of your rug, the protection of the floors beneath, and the safety of those who use the space. Whether its an inexpensive rug from Ikea or a hand-knotted rug from India, here are 5 reasons why you need a rug pad:

1. A RUG PAD KEEPS YOUR RUG IN PLACE

How annoying is it when you realize your rug is continually not staying in line with your furniture? A pad will also prevent thinner rugs from bunching or slipping, which could create a safety hazard.

2. A RUG PAD WILL EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR RUG

A little extra cushion between your beautiful rug and hard floors could add years to its life, as the pad acts a buffer between the rug and flooring. It also prevents the delicate fibers from being crushed, which creates an old and wilted looking rug.

3. A RUG PAD PROTECTS YOUR FLOORS

The backside of many rugs can be rough. If it isn’t comfortable rubbing your skin on it, then it’s a guarantee that it will end up scratching your hardwood floors. A rug pad provides protection between the floor and rug. It also saves your flooring from any crocking or bleeding. Crocking color transfer can happen when a rug is dry, just as your new blue jeans can stain other materials. Bleeding color transfer occurs when a carpet gets wet, either from a spill or flooding. This is more common with darker colors, especially blues and reds.

4. A RUG PAD ADDS COMFORT

Who doesn’t need a little more comfort underfoot? Especially for those with small children, sitting on the carpet playing can be uncomfortable without any additional cushioning. Not only will your rug give your space a cozy look, it will have a cozy feel.

5. A RUG PAD REDUCES NOISE

The acoustics of a room with hardwood flooring can be quite loud, with little fabric for the noise to be absorbed by. A rug can help, but a rug pad adds additional absorption of sound, reducing echo, and making your space more peaceful


 
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Need help finding the perfect rug and rug pad for your space? Schedule a design consultation today! I love working with my clients to create beautiful and functional interiors!

 
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