Chicago - November 10, 2008

Design Within Reach

Summer Thornton’s Decorating Tips

You haven’t redecorated since big hair was … big.

Bad news first: The economy blows; decorating is pricey.

Now for good news: Interior design maven Summer Thornton gave us some great ideas for decorating on the cheap. Her clients may be high-end, but she’s totally down-home.

Vintage vs. Antique
The difference between vintage (less than 100 years old) and antique (more than 100 years old)? Vintage is more financially accessible. Lower-priced pieces like side tables and lamps give any room an edge. Thornton’s picks: Broadway Antique Market or Assemblage.

Accents and Basics
Buy basics from retail stores (Room & Board, Crate & Barrel); splurge on flourishes (wallpaper, chandelier, designer fabrics) to elevate the entire look. Thornton’s picks: Fishman’s for basic fabrics; Merchandise Mart for designer pieces.

Don’t Be Bratty
Never be a source snob. Great design can be found everywhere, from garage and yard sales to flea markets and hardware stores. Check your lampposts for weekend pickins.

Don’t Refuse to Reuse
Repurposing furniture is good for the environment and for creating killer style. Use pieces you already own or gank from Mom and Nana. Painting and reupholstering can create a whole new look. Thornton’s pick: Eli Wyn Upholstery (2006 West Carroll Avenue, at Hoyne Avenue; 312-421-4441).

Turn, Turn, Turn
Change your home with the seasons by switching pillows and accessories. Thornton makes seasonal pillow covers for her clients and swaps linen draperies for velvet in fall. Thornton’s picks: Jayson Home & Garden for throws and accessories; bedspreads (essentially big swatches of fabric) from Urban Outfitters for pillows and inexpensive draperies.

Now that’s what we call Summer lovin’.

Summer Thornton Design (312-203-0105 or summerthorntondesign.com).