After a recent dinner at Trencherman in Wicker Park, I couldn’t stop thinking about how beautiful the design was. So I tracked down the designer, Kevin Heisner (also the creative force behind Nightwood, Bar DeVille, and Bangers & Lace), and asked him how I could get a similar look at home.  I was thrilled to learn that a lot of the accessories that caught my eye are easily buy-able. The hanging rope lights in the dining room are from Pavilion Antiques on Damen Avenue, the green wine jugs in the bar (you can see them on the hanging shelves in this shot) are from Architectural Artifacts, and the speakers that look like they’re part of an old phonograph are made by Specimen Audio and are sold at Decibel on Milwaukee. Time to go shopping!

The temperatures may be getting cooler but the colors for home are heating up. These bold and whimsical pieces are sure to warm up your abode.

1. Smeg Refrigerator from West Elm 2. Kaleido Trays from Design Within Reach 3. Alyson Fox Triangle Pillow Cover from West Elm 4. Fuchsia Wool Throw from Jayson Home 5. Jonathon Adler Sybil Lines from The Rug Company

Since moving into a new apartment, I have been on the hunt for pretty, practical, and affordable housewares. Finding items that fit the bill was a struggle, until I discovered the Purnukka Jars at Unison (2000 W. Fulton St., 881-492-7960). These glazed, ceramic containers are a stylish storage solution for any room in the house. Not only are they efficient, but also they add a splash of color to your space. Use it as a canister, small serving dish, or decorative catchall for your everyday clutter. Seriously, the possibilities are endless. The jars come in two sizes and an assortment of colors, making it easy to mix and match. Plus they are freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. It doesn’t get much better than that.

It is that time of year again. Mark your calendars for Chicago Home + Garden magazine’s third annual Chairs for Charity event. It will take place on Wednesday, November 7 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cosentino Center-Chicago (1060 W, Division St.). Chicago’s top designers have given vintage seats the ultimate makeover. One-of-a-kind chairs by Francince Turk, Soucie Horner, Erik Kolacz, Lance Lawson, Michele Fitzpatrick and more will be up for auction. Enjoy appetizers, wine, and beer while bidding on your favorite designs. Tickets cost $35. Proceeds from the auction and a portion of ticket sales will support The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). Join us in recognizing good design for a good cause.

Days are getting shorter and light switches are being flipped on earlier— increasing the pressure on interior lighting to lift one’s mood. From sconces to task lamps, these unique pieces are full of character and well up to the challenge.

From left to right:
1.Chareau Style Sconce from Urban Archaeology 2.Gray Capiz Pendant from West Elm
3. Vintage Beetle Sconce from Jayson Home 4. Hennepin Made Globe Pendant from Room & Board 5. Lucia Table Lamp from Mecox Gardens 6. Summit Table Lamp from Holly Hunt

Our good friends at Urban Source (1429 W. Chicago Ave., 312-455-0505) just gave us the inside scoop on the latest wallpapers for winter. Cole & Son has updated some of the most popular patterns in its Contemporary Collection. The iconic Woods print now has shimmering golden pears hanging from its lovely branches with backgrounds available in twilight grey, cloudy white, and midnight black. Another favorite in the collection, the Hicks Hexagon pattern, also had its bright shades traded in for more muted, mature hues—it is now offered in jazzy, metallic combos of red, sapphire blue, turquoise, ebony, and copper.

Another offering we’re loving at Urban Source is the Knot Wood pattern by Flavor Paper. An independent studio based in New York, this company does both digital and hand-silkscreen printing. This trompe l’oeil print comes in four colors.

This is a week for the books. Literally. Last night we enjoyed Nate Berkus’ The Things That Matter book signing at Jayson Home. Tonight Nathan Turner is celebrating the launch of his first book, Nathan Turner’s American Style: Classic Design & Effortless Entertaining at Pottery Barn (1000 W. North Ave. at Sheffield Ave.) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Highlighting Turner’s style and easy-living philosophy, the book illustrates how to create an inviting space that allows for easy entertaining. From tabletop design to party themes to menus with original recipes, Turner shows how simple it is to be the “host with the most”. Inviting readers into his Malibu retreat and the homes of Hollywood celebs, you learn how to re-create his eclectic, fuss-free, style. Grab your copy and join him for an evening of conversation and cocktails. RSVP to chicagorsvp@potterybarn.com with your full name and number of attendees.

From the catwalk to the tabletop, the color blocking trend is taking over. Diane von Furstenberg Colorblock Flatware is the latest example of how fashion and home design go hand in hand. Every-day silverware sets can be such a bore, but these add just the right amount of color to dress up your table.  Who says functional pieces can’t be fancy? Use it daily or save it for a special dinner party. The five-piece set ensures that you will have the right utensils whatever the occasion. Offered in canary yellow and lilac red, these two hues are paired with gray, beige, and black in a geometric pattern. Each piece is hand-painted enamel on steel and dishwasher safe, which means less clean up for you. The DVF Colorblock Flatware can be purchased at Bloomingdale’s (600 N. Wabash Ave., 312-324-7500).

Fall 2012 is all about Nate Berkus. Between the release of his book, The Things That Matter, and his recent collaboration with Target, the man is everywhere this season. And we love it—bring on the Berkus!

Since the Target team-up was announced earlier this year, we have been anxiously awaiting the debut of Berkus’s self-titled line of home goods. And it is worth the hype. With more than 150 products priced from $5 to $150, a home makeover has never been so affordable or so stylish. Known for designing interiors that capture the personalities of the owners, Berkus created this collection with the philosophy that “homes should evoke a feeling, not a theme.” The collection includes chevron-patterned duvets, ikat towels, herringbone window treatments, trays, rugs, lacquered tortoise shells, ceramic urns, decorative pillows, and more.  Gather ideas for your Nate Berkus-inspired interiors here and here. 

1. Chain 2. Box 3. Duvet 4. Lamp Shade + Base 5. Vase 6. Towel 7. Shell 8. Bathroom Set

But don’t think that he has forgotten his Chicago roots. Tonight, Berkus is having a book signing at Jayson Home (1885 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-248-8180) from 5-8 p.m. The Things That Matter isn’t your run-of-the-mill coffee table book. In it, Berkus discusses personal experiences that have influenced his style. Tour his home as well as twelve others, including CH+G stylist Barri Leiner Grant’s Lake Shore apartment. Grab your copy and stop by for conversation, bubbly, and bites.

Election day is going to be here in no time (uh, in case you didn’t notice). So when I saw these cool letterpress coasters from Ruff House Art, I thought it would be fun to invite friends over to watch the results come in. They cost $10 for a set of 10—choose Republican or Democratic (or play it fair and get one set of each). While you’re at it, toss some bipartisan throw pillows into your patriotic decor. Not feeling especially political? Ruff House has great letterpress coasters for holiday parties, baby showers, or just because. (I love the ones with tandem bikes and mason jars on them.)