COUNTRY LOVES: NICOLE KREUZ

NICOLE KREUZ is the founder and owner of Bente Vintage, a new home store in Lake Barrington. Kreuz is a mother of two, a lover of interior design, an avid reader, and a vintage enthusiast. “It’s important to surround yourself with things you love, it changes the energy in a space,” says Kreuz. She sources her rugs from Turkey and Morocco, using a common theme to shape each new collection. Beyond custom rug sourcing for clients, Kreuz finds joy in yoga, meditating, walking with friends, and playing board games with her family. Her new shop also functions as an event space ideal for hosting book clubs, art exhibitions, and exclusive events. bentevintage.com

NICOLE KREUZ LOVES

Gadget: We have an infrared sauna, and it is a game changer. Nothing makes me feel more relaxed than a long sauna. During a sauna, I usually read a book or do a meditation, or if I am tired, I’ll put on a movie. Giving myself time to recharge makes me a better mom and wife and a more creative business owner. Scent: Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt perfume oil. It’s woody and spicy, people stop me on the street and ask what I’m wearing. Now the secret is out. Barrington spot: Apart from Bente Vintage, I love grabbing beautiful pastries from Ambrosia for the shop. I’m looking forward to warmer weather for the rooftop at Shakou. Hostess gift to receive: Wine or chamomile flowers (they are so cute), peonies, ranunculus, or seeded eucalyptus. Gift to give: I love giving gifts (it’s my love language) especially one-of-a-kind items, a little plant in a vintage pot, flowers in a vintage vase, a book I enjoyed. Candles are another favorite, but I’m very particular about the fragrance.

What actress would play you in a movie? Jennifer Lawrence. She doesn’t take herself too seriously but is also seriously talented. She would be fun to hang around on set (you know I would be on set). She is unapologetically herself, and I feel like she totally shops vintage. Who from history would you want to travel with? Amelia Earhart. It would be amazing to spend time with her. We could jet around and visit all the places, and I could get to the bottom of what really happened with her. I’d just need her to pilot a slightly bigger plane so we would have space for all the rugs and antiques we would obviously be sourcing together. Where do you look for inspiration? I love going somewhere new; it brings a sense of adventure. In a new location, I’m more present to notice details (architecture, the tile at breakfast, unusual color combinations, local fashion). If I can’t get away, I love cracking open one of the many design books I keep around. After reading two or three pages, I’m inspired and deeply happy. I have also curated my Instagram feed with crazy talented designers (some of whom I’ve worked with—pinch me!) so when I open Instagram, inspiration follows. Favorite book? Such a hard question, I am a big reader. A recent favorite was Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act. It helped me better understand myself because it’s not always easy being a creative. The book is concise, deep, and blew my mind. I wanted to talk about it with everyone, and I still do. Most beloved cookbook? Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan. My kids and I have made the fresh pasta recipes, and I’ve tried two of her simple sauces (please try the tomato sauce with onion and butter)—they are impossibly good, yet simple. I just keep making them instead of trying other recipes. Best dinner party hack? My husband and I premix a pitcher of cocktails and have all the glasses and garnishes ready so we can spend more time with our guests and less time behind the bar. I don’t want to have party FOMO. We are known for our margaritas; they are delicious and really get a party going. Also, setting the tone with a good playlist is another nonnegotiable. What’s in your bag right now? Burt’s Bees Vanilla Bean Lip Balm. A pen and notecard for to-do lists. Advil. A small Blueberry RXBAR in case of emergencies for my kids. Under eye concealer and eyeshadow compact (I love Urban Decay 24/7), a mini oil roller for perfume and energy touch-ups. Laneige lip mask. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5. An extra set or two of earrings as I am always forgetting them! Hair ties for my daughter and me. Shop keys.