Autumn-Inspired Design

 With autumn upon us and our floral studio colored with rose hips, ilex berries and chrysanthemums, today we celebrate flowers, plants, and decor that capture the fleeting beauty of fall.

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October air in Chicago adopts a chill all too indicative of what’s to come, making it all the more important to transform spaces into havens of warmth that allow us to embrace this brief and beautiful season. Let’s look at some examples of decor–expertly designed and arranged by the HMR team– that help us to revel in the season.

Let’s begin at the Radisson Blu Aqua, where Creative Director Bill Heffernan has opted for tasteful simplicity, pairing illuminated vases spouting beautifully full cotoneaster atop tables dressed in burnt orange to create a soft, autumnal glow.

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Lyric Opera Ball, October 2012
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cotoneaster
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amber accents and illumination

Here, Heffernan has transformed the Chicago Hilton into a gilded palace fit for royalty. Towers of gold camelia rise treelike above white dove and vendela roses with gold leaf accents. Tables dressed in beautiful, sheer gold damask overlays bring the room together with warmth and continuity.

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Camelia rising to the occasion.
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The Midas touch…everything has turned to gold at the October 2013 Lyric Opera Ball

Next, Senior Event Designer Jim Dillbeck gracefully combined subdued autumn beauty with the modern sophistication of the Radisson Blu Aqua. Soft oranges and ivories are paired with curly willow and birch branches to create a rustic mood perfect for early fall.

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Oranges, ivories, and Italian ruscus.

 To add contrast, James Storie orchids and dusty purple succulents punctuate the arrangements and table tops.

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Fall might foreshadow colder days ahead, but deep, vivid color combinations and the simple elegance of autumnal flowers and plants can certainly help us to welcome this time of transition with open arms. Such diversity helps us appreciate the unique and temporary nature of each season.

 

A special thanks to Fandl Photography for all of the images.