Monday, April 30, 2007

Historical Landmark HighRise
















This project was in one of downtown Chicago's best-known landmark districts. The buildings comprising the East Lake Shore Drive historic district were built between 1912 and 1929 and designated a Chicago landmark on April 18, 1985. The architects (Marshall & Fox and Fugard & Knapp) based their designs on established European styles, these plush apartment buildings nonetheless represented a break with tradition. The population influx at the turn of the century had placed downtown Chicago real estate at a premium, and it was these buildings (among others) that made apartment living a viable alternative for the very wealthy. The East Lake Shore Drive historic district is comprised of a total of eight buildings: the Drake Hotel and seven apartment highrises. This property was the former, Mayfair Regent hotel which overlooks the city's prettiest stretch of Lake Shore Drive. Many Chicagoans' dined at its famous restaurant, Ciel Bleu ("blue sky") which was considered one of Chicago's most romantic restaurants with its intimate European ambiance and a superlative view and was located on the 19th penthouse floor. In 1996, the Mayfair Regent was converted to a glittering Gold-Coast apartment by LR Developers. Noir Blanc Interiors LLC, President Barbara Segal spent two jovial years working with the Chicago widowed owner on this historical rehab. It was this project that came to her as epiphany of what her life’s work was to be.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Yacht Interiors Preparation For The 2007 Miami Boat Show


Gearing Up For The Miami Boat Show

Noir Blanc Interiors has devoted much of the last 7 years working in the Yacht Industry. Our design firm has enjoyed working with many clients who live beautiful lives at Sea and we have worked with some of the worlds best Yacht builders like Sunseeker, Christensen Shipyards, and Feadship. February is a busy time of year in the Yachting Industry, it is post Miami International Boat Show. The world largest and finest Yachts are put to Sea, to sail and dock in the Harbors of Miami. This is the boat show of all boat shows and it takes place in Miami Feb. 15-19, 2007. The Worlds finest Yacht builders display their hottest newest designs and mix it up with, A List parties to sell multi million dollar Yachts. All this in anticipation of attracting and selling new owners a yacht. This is big business, after all the wealthy like the "mine is bigger then yours toys." In an article published in the Wall Street Journal, The Wealth Report, written by Robert Frank, Russian oil tycoon Roman Abrahmovich, has ordered a craft that will measure 525 feet, which will be The World's Biggest Yacht. Oracle founder Larry Elliston, built RIsing Sun in 2004 which measures 455 feet which ranks number 5 in The World Biggest Yacht.
Noir Blanc has designed the Interiors and completed dozens of fine vessels. Our latest is a 157-foot trideck, which is anything but just another pretty yacht and we bill displayed at the upcoming Miami Boat Show. "A considerable part of Noir Blanc Interiors success is also due to the contributions of the Yacht owners, combined with our design teams exceptional and exquisite taste in directing the interior design," states Barbara Segal President of Noir Blanc Interiors. So start dreaming about those cabanas on the beach, frosty mojitos, pack your flip-flops and head south—to where the boats are.





Monday, January 29, 2007

Empty Spaces Can Create the Feeling of More Space


Society is more aware of good design because it has become more accessible and affordable. At Noir Blanc Interiors LLC, we beleive that one of the worst things that can happen is when the client interferes in every aspect of the design and doesn't allow the project to develop. "Individuals tend to feel that every corner of a room needs a piece of furniture. But empty spaces can create the feeling of more space. "Interior design is a discipline, and the design process is a collabortive exploratory and appropriate to the specific needs of the client," states Barbara Sheehan Segal. With the explosion of home decorating programs and resources on television, on the Internet and in the design stores, we find the design is increasingly afforable and available. Still, a designer is hired for their taste, talent and professionlism.