April 2009
04/30/09Happy Hour | Antiques Go Young!
Do you like antiques but don’t fancy living in a period piece? Wondering how to mix antiques with modern/transitional items? To the rescue: three talented local designers we tapped to do room vignettes at the International Antiques Fair at the Merchandise Mart. We challenged Gregory Jagmin of Jagmin Interiors, Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors + Design, and Hillery Estes of Estes Interiors to design a foyer, a study, and a dining room on the spot at The Fair. Starting with a base of some modern furniture and accessories culled from The Mart's top showrooms, they shopped the Fair to create a mix that works for modern interiors. To see what they’ve come up with, visit the fair May 1–4 (preview night is tonight). And pick up a copy of our May/June issue, on newsstands now, to see a cool cottagey summer home Julia designed! —JAN PARR Posted at 09:44 AM in Happy Hour | Permalink | Comments (1) |
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04/29/09Spotted | Coverings
Coverings, the huge tile love-in held last week at McCormick Place, is like a big ol’ candy store. I’ve never used a smidge beyond white hex or subway tile in all my decorating life so a few hours of tile peeping at the show turned into a 9 to 5 adventure. Tile has looked like everything but tile for a few years now, but it’s turned from looking like leather and wood flooring into pony, plush fabric (great as hotel headboards!), faux wallpaper, even stone. I fell for the cerused look of random width planked porcelains in grays. In fact I loved grey everything this show. It felt warm, modern, cool, new… especially for the floor. Tau and Inalco presented ink-jet printing on tile that made porcelain look exactly like marble (the photo above shows Tau in a grained Zebrano wood effect). A quick digital scan of a slab of stone is the newest slight of hand in the biz! Sparkle grout also caught my fancy—not sure where you’d use it, but a little glimmer in the grooves is way cool. As super-big as tile has been getting, ultra thin (4mm) options can be laid over old tile and floor, is less costly, and more green to ship. Micro mini tile from Frammenti (soon available at Luminaire looks like custom mosaics. Couldn’t get to Coverings? Check out The Art of Tile, a book by Jen Renzi, which includes more than 2,000 tiles and is a great resource. —Barri Leiner Posted at 09:44 AM in Spotted | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/28/09Spotted | Charlotte Moss
We made our way to Lake Bluff last week to hear New York–based interior designer Charlotte Moss talk about her latest book, A Flair For Living, and a tour the magnificent 2009 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens. The sunny day and gentle lake breeze provided the perfect backdrop for an even more perfect day. “Observe, observe, observe,” said Moss, as she encouraged attendees to see, interpret, and recreate the beauty that surrounds them. Moss provided examples of how she does this all the time: an espaliered vine that inspires a china pattern, the remnant of an 18th-century architectural element that inspires an embroidered drapery, a sea of pansies that inspires the color scheme of a room. “Good design is not about big and it’s not about money,” she said. “It is about caring and it is about vision.” Although Moss has jetted back to New York and you’ve missed your chance to see her, you can still see the Showhouse, which is open until May 6. —Jeannine M. Bergeron Posted at 11:44 AM in Spotted | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/27/09Scoop | Nate Berkus… and Me
This Friday night I will be sharing a rather unattractive sofa with Nate Berkus. How could this possibly be, you ask? Berkus will be a guest on the Interview Show hosted by my husband, Mark Bazer—and the venue, the charmingly bohemian Hideout bar at 1354 W. Wabansia will also be the location for a launch party I’m having for my new children’s book called “Now Hiring: White House Dog." Please join Nate and me as we try to give the Hideout a little makeover. With his magic touch, I predict it will look like the photo above in no time! At the show, you’ll also enjoy an interview with local author Joe Meno, live music, and comedy, all for only $5. Show goes from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with the book release party following. —Gina Bazer Posted at 09:55 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (2) |
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04/24/09Scoop | Ottoman Empire
Post 27 is celebrating its one-year anniversary this Saturday, April 25 from 5–9 p.m. with a kick-off party for Ottomania!, a special showing of one-of-a-kind ottomans made by 12 local artists and designers. The stools will be on view and available for purchase until May 24. Post 27 owners Angela and Barkley are also announcing expanded hours—their west side store will now be open on Mondays, so you can shop for mid-century-modern trappings, artwork, and eco-aware home goods seven days a week. Shown above: chrysanthemum design by textile artist Noel Ashby; round-top ottoman made of vintage belts by Aaron Pahmier of Greensawn Furniture. Aaron is featured in the May/June issue of Chicago Home + Garden—on sale May 1. —BRADLEY LINCOLN Posted at 10:25 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/23/09InBox | Bad, Bad Plates
I’m not big on tattoos. Maybe I’m kinda lame, but I just think to myself, “Ouch—now was that really worth it?” when I see them. When I see a lot of them on one person, I swear I feel a bit of physical pain myself. But tableware with tattoo designs—that I can get behind! Steven Burgert from ID e-mailed recently that California-based Ink Dish Design has paired with Hollywood tattoo artist Paul Timman to make some bad-ass plates, and Burgert is carrying them at ID. On this note, I must refer you to a fun post about the tattoos of the glitterati written by one of our contributors, Lizzie Garrett, on her blog, Design Watcher. All I can say is: Et tu, Caroline Kennedy? —Gina Bazer Posted at 09:46 AM in InBox | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/22/09Spotted | Tile Rehab
My patient husband decided to be green and frugal and instead of replacing tile in our bath, he dug out the old grout and regrouted. I can't believe how new it looks—shiny and white. If you don't have that sort of determination, call Sir Grout, a local tile care and cleaning service. This DIY project actually inspired a bathroom remodeling story for our July/August special kitchen and bath issue, so stay tuned. I'll also be blogging more about it. —Jan Parr Posted at 10:02 AM in Spotted | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/21/09Spotted | Leather, Restored!
I couldn't be more pleased with the job a local leather restorer did on this 1940s Vatne Mobler chair and ottoman my husband found years ago at a sale. It was stained (see particularly the back of chair in the before shot), worn, and a few cushions were missing. The folks at Leather Solution made new cushions that match perfectly, and beautifully restored the old leather. See more before/after examples on their web site. The whole bit cost about $800-well worth it, we thought. Thanks to Romann Custom Upholstery for recommending this place! -JAN PARR Posted at 09:51 AM in Spotted | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/20/09InBox | Married… With Style
You’re French country, he’s leather and chrome. What’s an engaged couple to do? Call in a mediator. A style mediator. Susan Fredman’s At Home in the City is launching a bridal home collection and registry, and they’re offering professional design solutions for these and other dilemmas. The store has been expanded to accommodate an additional 500 square feet dedicated to bridal registry and 60 new place settings. Pictured here: place settings from Reed Barton and Michael Wainwright, and Kim Sebert table linens. To kick things off, the store will hold a bridal event on April 21 from 5–8 p.m., featuring a presentation by Fredman’s firm’s designers about how to merge styles. RSVP for the event at 312-587-8150 or jmaremont@susanfredman.com. —JAN PARR Posted at 09:46 AM in InBox | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/17/09Scoop | Spring Fever at Architectural Artifacts
A lively line-up of artists and crafters will be exhibiting at Architectural Artifacts' curated Spring Show this Sunday, April 19, from 10–5. Sixty-plus, as a matter of fact, and with all that jewelry, handmade paper, ceramics, textiles, and glassware on display it should be a cinch to find a standout Mother's Day gift. I'm intrigued by these Olive Kraus hand-carved doorknobs set in sterling silver, and there's nothing crunchy about the kiln-formed fused glass pieces of Sandra Schwarzbeck. (Or you could always splurge on some Fer Forgé ironwork from Stuart's inventory-it's all good.) Vella Café will be onsite with sammys and snacks, there's no admission charge, and you'll find ample free parking along Ravenswood. -BRADLEY LINCOLN Posted at 12:44 PM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/17/09Scoop | Susanin Selections
I previewed the auction at Susanin’s that’s going on the block this Saturday morning, April 18, at 10:00, and found a lot of great stuff among the 883 lots. Love the gothic vibe of these Michael Aram aluminum and steel skeleton chairs, lot 1097 (although I wouldn’t want to curl up and watch a mini-series on one), estimated to sell for $600–$800; this hefty Indian carved wooden panel, lot 3013 (at six feet tall, it would be impressive mounted as a door, huh?), $1,000–$1,500 estimate; and, for any remodelers out there, this carved white marble fireplace surround, lot 1008, $1,000–$1,500. —BRADLEY LINCOLN Posted at 09:51 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/16/09Scoop | A Peek Inside: DreamHome
A few of us here at Home + Garden attended a media preview of this year’s DreamHome at the Mart (open to the public April 17 to December 18). This year’s entries were just as polished as ever, with a bit more of a traditional bent than in past years (at least I thought so). As usual, many inspiring ideas where shared by the designers. I liked the nature-meets-sparkle ambiance in Laurel Feldman’s foyer and Mick de Giulio had the most wonderful antique tapestry-like painted wood panel framing the chandelier above the chunky table in his kitchen. Larry Boeder loves a nice desk in a living room, which I found interesting. And the lush, deep-rosy color of the wallpaper in Missie Bender’s European-inspired bedroom had us all hailing the return of mauve! Here are some other favorites from our gang. —Gina Bazer Posted at 10:09 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/15/09InBox | Orange Skin Contest
If you know your contemporary design, you might just be able to win a free piece of amazing furniture by entering Orange Skin’s upcoming design contest. Sign up for their newsletter on their Web site and you will receive a photo and some clues about a special piece—identify what it is, and, who knows? (The coat racks above are by Paola Navone—they’re not necessarily in this mysterious contest.) —Gina Bazer Posted at 10:14 AM in InBox | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/14/09InBox | Ankasa at Crosell & Co.
Crosell & Co. is now the exclusive Chicago-area dealer of Ankasa’s couture-inspired furniture. Crosell is also carrying Ankasa’s luxe line of pillows. Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, the husband-and-wife team behind Ankasa, designed fabrics for Oscar de la Renta, Escada, and Vera Wang before launching their own home brand. —JAN PARR Posted at 09:14 AM in InBox | Permalink | Comments (1) |
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04/13/09Scoop | Work It
If your home office is starting to feel a little too much like your cubicle at work, perhaps it’s time to ditch the Office Max catalog and start treating the space like you would a real room in the house. A place that reflects your style—not Corporate America’s. Graphic designer Julia Archer was decorating her own workspace when she realized that it was way too difficult to find accoutrements that both looked good and functioned the way she needed them to. She thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice if you could get all these things in one place?” So she opened @WorkDesign, dedicated to “design-driven, yet affordable product solutions from desks, seating and other furnishings to lighting, shelving, paper goods, and work bags.” 7500 W. Madison St., Forest Park, 708-488-9297. —Gina Bazer Posted at 11:06 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (1) |
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04/10/09Spotted | April Flowers
Alessi, the Italian tabletop store in the old Tree Studios building, has ushered in spring with a delightful display of blooms from Suzanne Cummings Flowers. Catch them until early next week. —JAN PARR Posted at 10:31 AM in Spotted | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/09/09InBox | It’s a Match
Schumacher and Christopher Peacock Paint have begun a collaboration to help decorators match wallpaper and paint. Schumacher’s Greenhouse Collection, consisting of lush, garden-inspired wallcoverings, are paired with sunwashed colors from Peacock’s paint Collection No. 1. See the perfect pairings at the Peacock cabinetry showroom in LuxeHome in the Mart. —JAN PARR Posted at 09:44 AM in InBox | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/08/09InBox | Student Design
The Savannah College of Art and Design has a product development division called Working Class Studio that cultivates the talents of teachers and students, resulting in a whole line of home accessories that are sold at boutiques around the country. The items, ranging from stationery to plastic plates, are not expensive (the lampshades shown above are around $45) and look great. The line is available locally at Sprout Home, among other retailers, which are listed on the organization’s Web site. —Gina Bazer Posted at 12:05 PM in InBox | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/07/09InBox | Designers Sell Their Stashes
The sales just keep getting better and better. Interior designers Tom Stringer, Shea Soucie, Martin Horner, Marshall Erb, and Frank Ponterio are all participating in a sale of their private collections of furnishings, fixtures, and home accessories. An invitation-only preview event will take place on April 29, then the sale continues from April 30 to May 3 (Thursday, 10AM to 6PM; Friday and Saturday, 10AM to 5PM; Sunday, noon to 5PM) at 372 W. Ontario St., ground Floor. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Infant Welfare Society. —Gina Bazer Posted at 09:33 AM in InBox | Permalink | Comments (1) |
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04/06/09Scoop | Psycho Landlord?
Vince Vaughn had The Break-Up with the River North townhome he bought Four Christmases ago, and now he’s trying to rent the four-bedroom crib for five hundy short of ten grand—that’s right, swing $9,500 a month and you’re money, baby. Rubloff is handling the deal, and a real estate agent said that it’s available furnished, “if you want the Vince Vaughn effect.” Looking at the slide show makes me wonder what that would be, other than mismatched, oddly proportioned furniture placed randomly around, flat-screens everywhere you look, and a cramped viewing room painted tomato-soup red floor-to-ceiling. Is that the Vince Vaughn effect? I do like those Western campground paintings he has over the bed, though, and that is a sweet view from the roof top terrace. —BRADLEY LINCOLN Posted at 09:58 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (1) |
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04/03/09Spotted | Inside Primitive
A couple weeks ago, we mentioned Primitive’s warehouse sale on our Web site, but I had never actually been to the flagship store in the West Loop store until last week. This place is amazing, with four floors filled with furniture, artifacts, and textiles from around the world, as well as a line of contemporary furnishings by Primitive’s in-house designers. There are many different appealing vignettes throughout the space (including a wonderful library, which several clients have asked to have simulated in their homes), but what blew me away was a Buddha-filled room that feels like a real monastery (not that I’ve ever been to one) with intricate woodwork and murals on the walls. Owner Glen Joffe told me that one evening a woman rushed into Primitive just as he was about to close and breathlessly asked, “Is the Buddha Room still open?” Apparently, she needed to meditate—and did just that. In a store. Commerce has never been quite this spiritual an experience. It’s clear, though, that Joffe puts his own heart and soul into the business. —Gina Bazer Posted at 11:50 AM in Spotted | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/03/09Spotted | Smart Home
If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up. —Gina Bazer Posted at 06:52 AM in Spotted | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/02/09Scoop | New! MCM Grand
I checked out the Chicago Modernism Show & Sale this weekend and was pleased to see several local dealers: Converso Mod, Scout, Modern Times, Broadway Antique Market, Room Service, and Uber Modern. (If you missed it, make a note not to next year.) At the latter’s booth, Brandon McCleskey told me he had started a modern antique mall close to his Uber showroom. Called MCM Grand, (MCM stands for mid-century modernism), the new mall is at 2219 W. Grand Ave., and features items from Brandon as well as quality goods from other dealers Brandon knows who were looking for a showcase. He’s still signing on dealers. The storefront is 2,000 square feet but he plans to epxand upstairs if there’s enough interest. “It’s not like a traditional mall,” McClesky says. “It’s more of a showroom.” McClesky and his partner will group furniture and accessories into attractive vignettes instead of being divided by dealer. Sounds grand! –Jan Parr Posted at 09:45 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/01/09Happy Hour | Donghia’s New Look
The new creative director of Donghia, Chuck Chewning, has made his mark on the venerable brand’s showrooms across the country. We went to a party to celebrate the unveiling of the new Donghia in the Merchandise Mart (shown above). It’s a stunner. Each room is arranged in vignettes you’d see in a fashionable home. Chewning’s really brought the wow back. —JAN PARR Posted at 03:18 PM in Happy Hour | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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04/01/09Scoop | Comings and Goings
We noticed an empty showroom on the West end of the Mart’s LuxeHome: American International Tile has closed. The Mart’s reps say that they’ll be filling the space soon; meanwhile, they report that Porcelanosa, tile, kitchen, and bath showroom, is scheduled to open May 1 in the old Design Center space in LuxeHome. —JAN PARR Posted at 09:51 AM in Scoop | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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