CheekyChicago

Forget star-topped trees and cinnamon-studded gingerbread cookies – a true design lover’s holiday anticipation climaxes with the fantastical window displays constructed in the city’s famed boutiques and shops.

Combining innovative, eye-catching aesthetics with timely trends, an artfully designed window can transport, inspire, and influence its viewers. And the joys aren’t just to be appreciated as a prelude to the most wonderful time of the year; you can incorporate the bold colors and inventive techniques in your own interiors as well. We tapped Meghan Lorenz, a fashion blogger and visionary behind some of the city’s recent eclectic displays (from dreamy, childlike installations at Rainbo to Egyptian-themed creations at Kokorokoko), for advice:

“I obviously have always had a thing for fashion, but always really appreciated various art forms. As a child my favorite movie was Mannequin. I rediscovered my obsession and fascination with this movie again later in life. I was then introduced to Simon Doonan’s book Confessions of a Window Dresser,” she says. “I realized after I completed the book that the art of selling/window display and merchandising was a brilliant way to incorporate both art and fashion.”

Here are some of her top tips:

· “I would suggest someone who is new to interior design to pull lots of pictures from magazines, or jot down a specific room from a movie that was nice to look at. Pick a palette, make a mood board and go from there.”

· “Take your time! Take the time to figure out what you really like. We should feel happy, and inspired in our homes. If one feels anxious and stressed upon decorating, chances are, that feeling will linger forever.”

· “Don’t forget thrift stores. I’ve found some amazing things at the Salvation Army, one being a record player stand for $10!”

· “A little paint goes a VERY long way. Painting your walls is great, but furniture can be painted too. Sometimes it makes just as much of a statement.”

· “Buy a few plants! Nature is not only good for your mental state, it’s really fun to look at, and plants are alive! Plants are inexpensive (generally) and can really change the vibe in a room.”

Instantly Spruce Up Your…

- Bed : “Find a headboard and PAINT IT! A room can be totally white and stark. I think a headboard as a statement in a room is brilliant.”

- Fridge: “My friend Brittney has amazing taste. In her last condo, she had taken this really adorable carrot wrapping paper and rolled it down the side of her fridge. She kept it in tact with magnets.”

- Kitchen table: “Fresh flowers. We all deserve them.”

- Walls: “For walls in every room, you don’t have to only hang paintings and photos. If you have a favorite vintage scarf, get it framed! I have two Missoni scarves on my bedroom walls.”