Gold Leaf on Michigan Avenue

Spring has finally sprung, though it seems like it has turned into summer, at least for today. Hopefully it cools back down a bit so that we can enjoy mild weather and walk along the Lake. Or maybe Michigan Avenue where Gold Leafer (and recent mom) Jess found our Wire Circle Balls. They were included as part of the work of McFarlane Douglass and Companies. Thanks for making our walks lovely guys.

Did you see us in April?

The April Home Accents Today included our resin agate boxes. These great and colorful boxes come in two sizes and three colors...and all of them are gift boxed. They would look great on a shelf, desk, or wardrobe.

I am Gold Leaf: SarahRose

Sarah Rose in her own words...

Yes, my first name is SarahRose :)  This is only my second winter here in Chicago. I grew up in southern California and earned my BA in History at University of California, Santa Cruz...the most beautiful campus...right in the middle of the forest and looking out to Monterey Bay. I am a Founding Mother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi, Delta Chapter.

After graduating, I returned to SoCal and earned my Certificate in Interior Design from UCLA Extension, and will have my Master of Interior Architecture from Cal Poly this spring. I have been working in the world of custom for four years. My experience is in designing custom window treatments, bedding ensembles,  and re-upholstery.  Fabrics with beautiful patterns and colors, and those final touches of trim are my world!  I’ve also worked as an Interior Design Assistant this last year in Chicago...which was fantastic. I can draw construction drawings, or render your room in 3D.

Working at Gold Leaf, I’m surrounded with all new mesmerizing materials. Don’t quiz me on the plethora of echeveria yet, but I can definitely help design the perfect arrangement for a project!


THE OFFICIAL GOLD LEAF QUIZ...

Name: SarahRose Henkin
Title: Design Project Manager

My typical day starts at: 8:30 am
My typical day involves: Quotes, client consultations, quotes, production meetings, and more quotes

FAVORITES
Favorite season: Fall – I love the changing color of leaves to bright yellow against a bright blue sky
Favorite Singers are: Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco
Favorite quote is: Think outside the box
Favorite design period: French Neoclassical  with soft pastels, Marie Antoinette blue, Louis XVI chairs , gold gilding, not to forget the beautiful fashion
Favorite period in history: Around the American Revolution, the founding of our country is inspiring.   Plus, the stately architecture of the Federal Style.

TRIVIA
My top three hobbies / interests...Interior Design, Music, Crafting
I wish I had more... time in a day!
Place I have to see with my own eyes…The Palace of Versailles and Le Petit Trianon
What inspires me?  Beautiful colors, pattern, and design
Place to visit: Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello

EITHER / OR
Peanut Butter....Crunchy or Smooth​? Smooth
Talker or Listener? Mmm it depends
Pencil or Pen? Pen
Beatles or Elvis? Beatles, I even took a class in college :)
Chocolate or Vanilla?​ Vanilla

Gold Leaf Design in Eagle Pass Texas

JCJ Architecture was called upon to design a new full-service destination hotel for the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino. Inspired by the scenic location along the Rio Grande, the design for the hotel called for the use of vivid colors and textural contrast throughout. Bringing out the most subtle blends and contrasting colors representing the very fabric of Texas nature. Gold Leaf Design group answered this call with “Sun-Kissed” dyed redwood partitions reminiscent of fiery Texas sunsets.

It is a great example of what we mean when we say we are inspired by nature. We take what we see around us and accentuate and play with it. Natural gradation in plants, from growth and the rebirth of spring inspired us to think of other colors and other materials that it might be applied to. What if it is purple? Or the colors of the Texas sunset? How can we make it striking and unique? How can we take the the natural and giving it our own twist?

Sometimes, of course, just bringing the beauty of nature indoors and presenting it just so is exactly what is needed. But the creativity of combining the man-made and the natural is quite exciting to us.

Gold Leaf Design in Washington D.C.

What do you get when you take nearly 100 tree branches and combine them with almost 1000 pounds of glass beads? A series of striking designs. See for yourself!

We have always loved combining the natural with the man made. We don't view it as improving on nature, but rather accentuating its beauty. Gold Leaf Design Group was asked to create one of our signature pieces for planters in the Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda MD, right outside Washington DC. Premier Plantscapes wanted something luxurious and elegant and natural to compliment the upscale redesign of the mall.

We first started beading trees several years ago and it has proved to be very popular, inspiring both interior designers and imitators alike. This particular design called for nearly 100 large Manzanita branches with about 2/3 of them to be covered in glass beads. It required a lot of coordination even from the start as we needed to source from several vendors to keep individual prices down.

We started by bringing in the branches and inspecting them for cracks and suitability. We sort them into branches to be beaded and those to stay natural and then trim and shape them. Each beaded tree had about 2500 glass beads so we needed to make sure the ones selected were free of cracking and would be strong enough to support the weight.

Each bead was hand-placed onto the branches. Nearly 1000 pounds of glass beads total. The job didn't stop there, we also needed to carefully pack and crate each piece for shipment to Washington. Fortunately we've had a lot of experience in making trouble-free shipping and installation.

A lot of thought, planning and work go into our custom pieces like this one, but the result, I think you'll agree, looks gorgeous and looks great in our customer's planters and the environment they've created. Making each piece consistent, but not cookie-cutter...working with both natural and man-made materials...ensuring the long-term beauty of each piece. That is the kind of challenge we thrive on.

I am Gold Leaf: Bill

Bill is a recent transplant from Dallas Texas. He arrived just in time for one of the coldest and snowiest of winters in Chicago, but he toughed it out! Here he is with his "friend"...


Let's learn a bit more about him...

Name: Bill Clark
Title: Design Project Manager

My typical day starts at: Wake at 6:30-Work at 8:30

My typical day involves: During the work week, I talk interior and landscape design clients through their projects. I help identify potential trouble spots, develop and provide estimates. I then work with our production team to communicate the client's vision and make sure the project gets done in a timely manner. On the weekend, I relax!


FAVORITES
Favorite season: Spring
Favorite Band/Singer is: I like a lot of different music
Favorite book is: Gone with the Wind
Favorite TV show: Grimm
Favorite adjective: Awesome!

TRIVIA
My oddest job was: Gas Station Attendant
When no one is looking, I people watch.
My ideal day would include: Sunshine, Family, Friends and Food
How many tattoos do you have? 0
How many scars do you have? 1+

EITHER / OR
Peanut butter...Crunchy or Smooth? Crunchy
Talker or Listener? Listener
Pencil or Pen? Pencil
Elvis or Beatles? Beatles
Chocolate or Vanilla?​ Chocolate

Even in the Courthouse...

You can't escape Gold Leaf Design Group. We continue to pop up in the most unexpected of places. After dodging / delaying my summons a couple of times (I had a catalog to put together), I finally fulfilled my civic obligation and made my way to the Cook County Courthouse in Maywood...on the snowiest day we'd had in a couple of hours. (It has been very snowy...maybe you've noticed?)

I on the far northeast side of Chicago. Google maps said it would take 35 minutes to get in with no traffic. I tripled that time, giving myself over an hour and a half...and still I was late. I was not the latest to arrive. I think everyone was forgiving.

After receiving the waiting room instructions and unpacking my computer to do a bit of work I spied the Victoria magazine. "Oh," I thought "we were to be in that. Hmmm...I don't think I ever saw the actual publication...what are the odds that...."

And there we were.

It makes the 4 hour round trip journey + sitting in a jury room for 7 hours worth it.
Almost.

Sort of.