11/02/09

Spotted | Behind the Curtain

Kim Chapman was the manager of Jayson Home & Garden's custom design atelier until Flor moved into that space several months ago. She recently struck out on her own, with Urban Environments, an upscale window treatment, wallcovering, and upholstery shop in Lincoln Park, right next to Ethan Allen. Chapman, who represents HunterDouglas (whose white Roman shades are shown above) along with her own private-label collection, does every type of fabric-requiring job there is, including making custom dog beds. But her real talent lies in “creating modern drapery for urban spaces.”

-GINA BAZER

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10/30/09

InBox | Our Mistake

We were thrilled to feature eight gorgeous staircases in the November-December issue of our magazine on page 46. We regret, however, that, in our Buy Guide, we misidentified the creative talents behind them. Please link to the corrected version of this story here. We are sorry for these errors.

-The Editors

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10/29/09

InBox | Driven to Recycle

Talk about your makeovers: the hood of this 1965 Chevy pickup became the material for this coffee table on custom steel legs in the hands of Joel Hester. Hester’s table, plus this settee by furniture maker and artist Jesse Hooker (from salvaged antique yellow pine slabs and upholstered with the original back seat and interior from a 1969 Ford Mustang fastback) will be on display at 360seegallery November 6 through December 15. An opening reception, which also features the art of Curtis Frillman, is Nov. 6 from 6–9 p.m.

—JAN PARR

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10/28/09

Spotted | All a Flutter

You can get a butterfly chair for $30 or you can get one for $5,295 (and probably for some other prices in between). This beauty by the Italian leather company Henry Cuir is on display on the first floor at Barneys New York in black woven leather with a gray pillow. Another goodie to file under “cool insect-oriented design”: a collection of striking framed specimens called Pheromones by California-based Christopher Marley; recent arrivals at Barneys.

—GINA BAZER

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10/27/09

InBox | Garage Love

I’m completely coveting this green garage for our home in Oak Park. Coincidentally, the architect is also from Oak Park, and he sent me these photos of his recently completed garage. It’s the first of four prototypes developed by Tom Bassett-Dilley to address the challenge of how to make a meaningful back yard with what little space remains between garage and house. The firm just won a Green Award from the Village of Oak Park for this design.
    What makes it green? A living green roof, sustainably harvested framing lumber, locally fabricated metal composed of recycled content, and paving salvaged from the previous slab. The L-shaped garage keeps a car sheltered, provides a secure storage/work room, and creates a garden space. “Instead of enclosing the zoning-required second parking space, an open, permeable gravel patio accommodates occasional guest parking and allows for a larger garden with greater solar access,” the press release says. “The green roof covers the low-slope portion, and the rain screen cedar siding provides easy attachment for vining and climbing plants.” On top of all of this, it’s modern and great looking from alley and yard. Genius! My Mini Cooper would be so happy here.

—JAN PARR

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10/26/09

InBox | Color in the Kitchen

Poggenpohl has introduced new colors to its kitchen fronts, all subtle, modern, and all derived from the mineral colors on which they’re based: Cubanite (a beige tone); Oxide (a light blue); Fluorite (a modest green); and Curite (a fresh coppery orange). That’s Curite on the horizontal cabinets in the photo shown here. It’s a sophisticated take on color.

—JAN PARR

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10/23/09

Spotted | Divine Scents

Renowned fragrance expert Francis Kurkdjian was in town last week at Neiman Marcus to promote the debut of his new line of home fragrances, Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The recently knighted but entirely unassuming Kurkdjian, who has created more than 20 of the world's bestselling scents (for Christian Lacroix, Giorgio Armani, YSL, and others), talked about and passed around samples of his candles, perfumed incense papers, and laundry detergent, as well as perfumed bubbles inspired by his six-year-old niece (the bubbles were floating outside the store as we arrived). Besides Neiman Marcus Chicago, the collection is available only at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, as well as his new boutique, Maison Francis Kurkdjian in Paris. By the end of lunch, I was convinced that my home should smell wonderful, and that Kurkdjian was the man to help me.

-JAN PARR

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10/22/09

Spotted | Pet Smart

It’s no secret that a whole lot of people who love home design also love their pets. Interior designers Todd Haley, Susan Fredman, and the owners of Hudson Home are all gaga about their dogs; I just came across this interview with Nate Berkus about living with furry friends in Tails magazine. Seems like the pros don’t worry too much about dog hair on their furniture or paw marks on their floors. (Cats are a different story… if you’ve got clawing kitties, we’ve got tips here. If you truly love your pet, then perhaps you need a plaque made in its honor. Made by local artist Kristen Romaniszak (out of gouache and ink on paper, glued to wood) these quirky portraits are available through Asrai Garden ($60 for 4-by-4 inch size; $140 for 5-by-7). All you need do is provide a photo of your beloved; delivery time is about two weeks.

—GINA BAZER

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10/21/09

InBox | An Artist at Work

Hailing all the way from Valencia, Spain, sculptor Ernest Massuet, who creates pieces for Lladro (such as Sunset at the Pier, shown above), will be demonstrating how a Lladro creation is made at Pierce Interiors at 6177 N. Lincoln on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

—GINA BAZER

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10/20/09

InBox | Roche Bobois Holidays

A few things that caught our eye from the new accessories collection from Roche Bobois: enameled ceramic leaf plates by Edith Terrier and the Trench pillow. See more at 222 W. Hubbard St.

—JAN PARR

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10/19/09

Happy Hour | Deep Sleep

I knew I never should have brought home the Dux Bed brochure. My husband started flipping through it, becoming more and more engrossed, and disparaging about our “inferior” bed. Thank God I hadn’t taken him to the opening party of Duxiana at Tree Studios! It’s truly hard not to get hooked on what they’re selling (Champagne helps, too): The secret is 4,980 springs in a Dux bed compared to about 1,000 in most mattresses, organic, all-natural materials, headboards that tilt down for reading (and which come with zip-off cover so you can change colors on a whim), zip-off mattress covers (since the bed will likely outlast its cover), and easily customizable support for each side of the bed. Not convinced? You’re welcome to take an up to four-hour nap in the lower-level “sleep room” (shown here). It’s basically a little hotel room outfitted with the silkiest Dux mattress and bed linens. It’s one of the company’s three sleep rooms in the U.S.—in New York, says area manager Mark Wilson, 70 percent of shoppers who take a nap on the bed emerge with credit card ready. (Actually, at between $5,000 and $12,000, it’s not much of a hit for a luxury bed that will likely be the last one you buy.) May my husband never learn of the sleep room.

—JAN PARR

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10/16/09

Scoop | A Star is Born

Furniture designer Bladon Conner, who has been featured on this blog and in our magazine several times (his groovy designs are carried at Scout and Post 27), is going to be on TV this weekend, talking about his “edgy sustainable furniture,” which is the topic of the NBC show “Open House” Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Connor will also be hosting an open house of his own at his new studio space at 1845 W. 35th St. in McKinley Park (near Bridgeport), Saturday, November 14, from 3 to 8 p.m. Check out the designs that will be on the show, and plenty of his other fantastic work. Snacks will be served. Check his Web site for more details as the event approaches.

—GINA BAZER

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10/16/09

Scoop | Go West for Vintage

Vintage junkie Katie Ernst, who has a great eye and has amassed loads of furniture and accessories from estate sales and flea markets over the years, has just opened Revision Home in West Town. It’s by-appointment-only, but every few months, for back-to-back weekends, it will be open with regular business hours. The first sale of this kind will start today (Friday, Oct. 16) and go through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day; next Friday through Sunday, there will be a repeat performance, same hours. After that, the next sale will not be until February, but you can order select pieces online or call Katie at 312-226-2221 for a private viewing. The showroom is clean, pristine and put together, thanks to the stylings of interior designer Susan Swanson, who has purchased a lot of Ernst’s inventory in the past for clients. Prices are good, as is the quality: lamps hover around $200, smaller accessories are less than $100 (the Deco stool shown above was $95; it sold). At a press preview, we also saw a cool factory-cart coffee table for $800 and a set of four white-lacquered Hollywood Regency-style chairs for $1,600. I bought the bronze bird above ($35) and it’s already perched on my mantel.

—GINA BAZER

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10/15/09

Spotted | Clocking In

I love the idea of a modern-day grandfather clock. The one on the left, from Anthropologie, $128, is a fun riff on the classic; the hands are actually mounted on wallpaper. The one on the right, available at Stitch, $230, is more of a glammed-up glass mantel clock, available with a bronze- , silver-, or blue-tinted mirror back. Both styles run on a battery.

—GINA BAZER

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10/14/09

Spotted | Mart Sample Room

I was over at the Mart last week to moderate a panel on wallcoverings hosted by Schumacher and stumbled on to a new permanent sample sale room on the 15th floor. About a dozen showrooms, including Henredon, Hickory Chair, DeAurora, Kenneth Ludwig, Ebel, Atelier Lapchi, Peterson Picture, and Pearson, have rugs, art, lamps, furniture, and accessories here at deep discounts (I spied a large framed photo for $100). Bring a designer with you; this sample sale room, like the showrooms on the upper levels of the Mart, are not open to the public.

—JAN PARR

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10/13/09

InBox | Home Goodies

These new items from HomeGoods just landed in my InBox. Not too bad for adding some cheap and chic touches to your home?  The pillows range from $14.99 to $19.99. The lamp is $19.99. The glass decanters from India are $9.99 to $19.99.

-Gina Bazer

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10/13/09

InBox | So Long, Andrew Hollingsworth

Recently, Tate Gunnerson reported on his blog Strange Closets that Danish modern furnishings dealer Andrew Hollingsworth is closing, and we were so sad to read this. As Tate reported and a note from Hollingsworth recently confirmed, he will still be selling off his inventory while re-establishing himself in San Francisco; clearance items are noted on his Web site. Hollingsworth’s book about Danish design is available on Amazon.

—GINA BAZER

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10/12/09

Happy Hour | Drink Up Chicago

We at Home + Garden love all things architecture, but we also have our limits. So when I say that the Willis Tower tastes like passionfruit, trust me that I did not just lick it. Rather, Cityscape Bar on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza is rolling out its Architectural Martini Tour today—a selection of eight new drinks inspired by buildings visible from its perch. I sat down with Anthony Langan, the brains behind the libations, to taste the skyline. Let’s just say that I have a new appreciation for 333 W. Wacker.

Merchandise Mart: “The Classic Mart-ini”
Puns aside, this no-frills, crisp gin martini drips with fashion and all things high-end. Langan’s mind was on the Mart’s furniture, luxury bath, and kitchen showrooms when he crafted the strongest drink of the batch.

Boeing International Headquarters: “Mile High Martini”
With one of the most innovative structures in the country, and its connection to aviation, the Boeing HQ demanded a sexy, playful drink. Its clean, tart berry flavor and the candied lime on the rim deliver delicious fun.

Carbide & Carbon Building: “The Elemental Bellini”
Legend has it that the sons of Daniel Burnham designed C&C to look like a champagne bottle with a gold foil top. Cityscape added a dab of peach puree to make a Bellini that’s still bubbly-focused.

Civic Opera House: “Insull’s Throne”
The opera house was allegedly built like a chair to be the “throne” of the architect’s daughter, so she can turn her back on the New York ballet that spurned her—and nothing says “spurned” like whiskey. This drink surprises, though, with Peach Schnapps and mixers that make it really juicy and refreshing.

333 W. Wacker Drive: “The River Below”
Built to mirror its surroundings, 333 W. Wacker reflects the river, and so does this concoction. Peppermint Schnapps and mint create a cool taste that makes this coffee drink surprisingly light, while Kahlua and Bailey’s add to the muddiness.

Willis Tower: “Skyy Deck”
Get it? Perhaps more exotic than the view itself, this blend of passionfruit vodka, Peach Schnapps, and orange and lemon juices evolves fantastically.

John Hancock Center: “Streeterville Dirty Martini”
This shining example of the structural expressionist style stands on a landfill, so Langan went for a “reclaimed from the lake” vibe. Ipso facto, your classic dirty martini, chockfull of olive-y goodness.

R.R. Donnelley Building: “Energy Beam”
After dark, it’s the home of 540 high-intensity lights; you’ll feel the same from this caffeine and taurine-infused vodka base. It’s a grenadine treat that’s more akin to a cherry lollipop than an actual cherry.

If your favorite building is not on the menu, Langan says Cityscape would be happy to invent a drink for any structure you request. 

—Lisa Gartner

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10/12/09

Happy Hour | Tiffany Garden

It seems like a world away now, but just a few short weeks ago I was basking in the sun at a luncheon for the opening of the Tiffany & Co. Celebration Garden in Grant Park. With a $1.25 million gift from Tiffany, the local nonprofit Parkways Foundation hired Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects to renovate Grant Park’s south rose garden. With stunning views of Buckingham Fountain and the skyline, this two-thirds of an acre site is available for private events.

—JAN PARR

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10/09/09

InBox | Floors, Fabulous Floors

If you’ve ever had your hardwood floors refinished you know that choosing the right stain is incredibly stressful. You are, after all, coating the biggest surface in your home with something that doesn’t easily come off, and you want it to be right. Enter Hudson Home. This design-build firm, whose projects have been featured numerous times in our magazine, is now offering a program called Hardwood by Hudson Home, with services including refurbishment and/or re-staining of existing floors and new floor installation. As with wall color, furniture placement, and everything, really, it’s nice to have an experienced designer tell you what will look good—and then do it for you. Contact Arash Ansari at 773-907-5500 ext. 246 or arash@hudsonhomeinc.com for a free consultation.

—GINA BAZER

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10/08/09

InBox | Upholstery Sale

Sawbridge Studios is offering 20 percent off all Pearson upholstered dining chairs, sofas, lounge chairs, and ottomans, through October 15.

–JAN PARR

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10/07/09

Spotted | Virtu for You

Virtu is a cute little Bucktown shop that’s been around for a while, and every time I go in I’m reminded of why I like it so much. Owner Julie Hororwitz Jackson carries practical and fun items such as these FDA-grade silicone placemats ($18 each; shown above) by Modern-Twist, along with doilies ($25 per pair) and coasters ($23 for box of 4). Cute easy-to-clean placemats are a very good investment in my book.

—GINA BAZER

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10/06/09

InBox | Made in Italy

I confess that European Furniture Importers on Grand is one of those showrooms I tend to forget about, even though I bought some stools there a few years ago. So I was happy to get a note from them about two new pieces, both from Cattelan Italia. The Goblin table by Modus Studio has a thick glass top on a solid walnut or oakwood stained wenge base. It comes in several sizes and shapes. The Kayak sideboard by Andrea Lucatello comes in polished white or black lacquered wood and has a three-dimensional jewel design on the doors.

—JAN PARR

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10/05/09

InBox | Maxalto Sale

Maxalto is holding a floor sample sale to clear space for new arrivals. Tables, chairs, sofas, and beds by Italian designer Antonio Citterio are marked down by 35 to 75 percent until they are gone. Gorgeous stuff that’s rarely on sale! 309 W. Superior St., 312-664-6190.

—GINA BAZER

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10/02/09

InBox | Planters A Plenty

Sprout Home and Post 27 are having a fun joint event this weekend called Vintage Processing Plant, taking place at both stores. “We have amassed an amazing amount of vintage planters, and we’re planting up each one,” says the press release. All plants will be for sale.

—GINA BAZER

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10/02/09

InBox | Happenings at Vintage Pine

Going on today through the rest of the weekend, Vintage Pine’s Fall Festival, featuring new shipments of antiques from France, England, and the Netherlands, and the opening of a new shop, Salvage Sisters, a collaboration between 11 local interior designers (including real estate stager Bethany Souza, a regular on HGTV’s “Designed to Sell,” and custom linen designer Maida Lin) who have come together to sell their vintage wares. Check Vintage Pine’s website for details.

—GINA BAZER

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10/02/09

Spotted | Animal Farm and Rugs

Morlen Sinoway just got these fun cardboard animals, designed by an architect who decided to get creative with some leftover materials at the office. They come in two sizes: $35 for an approximately five-inch-high beast, $120 for eighteen inches high. Sold flatpacked in an envelope, they come with directions for easy assembly. Fun gift for a kid, especially one with designphiles for parents. Morlen also carries these awesome felt rugs. What’s great about them—in addition to the fact that felt is so darn cozy, durable, and unexpected on the floor—is that you can order them for about $20 a square foot in custom colors, designs, and sizes (not so great is that it takes 10 weeks for delivery—though good things come to those who wait!). I love how the stripes are sort of fuzzy, rather than hard; it’s a soft-yet-modern look, and you can go wide or thin for the stripes. The display samples in the store are currently 10 percent off, including the runner shown above ($504).

—GINA BAZER

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10/01/09

InBox | Lovely Linens

I like this new organic cotton bedding by Amy Butler for Welspun. I have to agree with what the press release says: ”This bedding is perfect for teens heading off to college, young professionals furnishing their first homes, or any eco and style-conscious person in between.” Prices range from $30 for a decorative pillow to $250 for a King Duvet set at Bed Bath and Beyond. It’s rarely a good idea to buy an entire set—they often feel too match-matchy. But elements of these would make a great foundation for a fun bed-scape.

—GINA BAZER

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