I stopped by Vesta Chicago's Fuego grill launch party last week and it was sizzling. What makes the Fuego grill so cool is that it doesn't really look like one. Architects, designers, and friends of Vesta (a dealer of modern kitchen cabinetry and wardrobes) gathered around what looked like several industrial-style kitchen islands to collect their delicious burgers and fish tacos. The Fuego has no visible lid (it's fully retractable), so there's no physical barrier between the grill master and his/her friends. Teak and slate countertops surrounding the cooking surface allow you to set down your plates and drinks as if it were a bar. The grill also has tons of hidden storage (including a place to hide the gas tank), and for purists, a drawer containing an optional charcoal-grilling system.

Next, it was on to a soirée at the remodeled home and studio of the husband-wife architect team, Lisa and Ron Elkins, owners of the eco-friendly firm 2 Point Perspective. We checked out their cool new kitchen with its bamboo cabinets, recycled glass countertops, and energy-saving LED lighting (we will post photos as soon as we have them), and we marveled at the huge, gorgeous planks of rough reclaimed wood, freshly purchased from Horigan Urban Forest Products , that they had leaning against their living room wall next to a sign proclaiming: “Future dining table.” The nice people of Greenmaker, an eco-friendly remodeling supply store, were on hand raffling off gift certificates.

-Gina Bazer

Claudia Skylar of Mastro & Skylar Architects, Colette Rodon-Hornof of Vesta Chicago, and Ann Clark of Nicholas Clark Architects

A Fuego grill in all its glory
 

We were sad to hear that Mary Jeanne Reese is closing her fantastic Au Coin du Feu showroom so that she can concentrate on her Nymphenburg USA business. It’s a real loss for Chicago, but there’s a silver lining: if you’re in the market for fireplace surrounds, fireplace accessories, reclaimed fire brick and tile, hearthstone, flooring, or antique home and garden accessories, they’re discounted at 50 to 75 percent off retail to clear. You’ve got til July 31; call 312-850-2655 or email mj@acdf-fireplace.com for an appointment. Look for Reese to open her Nymphenburg showroom this fall; we’ll keep you posted.

—JAN PARR

 An iron fireback typical of Au coin du Feu’s inventory

I’ve already bought five sheets of these fab stamps (gave one sheet as a hostess gift, along with wine, last weekend). At first, I was stingy about using them on actual envelopes, then thought, hey, why shouldn’t the person who processes my car insurance bill get a little treat? Buy them at the Postal Store here.

—JAN PARR


 

My trusted Home Depot warhorse of a ceiling fan died last fall, after years of devoted sunroom service. The downlight still worked, so replacing it wasn't on the top of my to-do list, but with a Chicago summer heating up, it was time for action and an upgrade. I blew over to Lightology  and met up with my pal Jeffery Morris, lighting specialist, who showed me this sexy Minka Aire number from Artemis. I got it in maple, but it also comes in clear, mahogany, and nickel finishes, and later this summer the company is adding red, black, and copper versions. I’m a big fan.

—BRADLEY LINCOLN
 

Photo courtesy of Lightology

–JAN PARR

-BARRI LEINER

—JAN PARR

I haven’t blogged about my new old house in a little while, largely because there is so much to do to whip this place into shape that the time to blog about the process is scarce. Also, I’ve realized that the world just doesn’t need another person chronicling the updating of their ancient home… well maybe I’ll change my mind about this once we finally get to the fun stuff, (i.e., decorating). So far, we’re mired by boring stuff like electrical work and new windows (which, by the way, are no longer going to be vinyl—we’re springing for wood and doing fewer windows at once; that’s just one example of how much energy goes into making the smallest of decisions… it took us a month to determine this game plan—now how long will the installation take?!). Here’s what has happened so far. Trusty friends Larry Vodak (owner of Scout) and interior designer Laura Soskin came over to take a gander at the new crib before remodeling commenced. They gave me the following tips:

Go as dark as possible on the floors. (We went dark, but probably not as dark as they were talking about; anyway, it looks so much better than the original scuffed-up golden oak!)

Laura suggested an amazing color for the walls, something that goes great with those dark floors: Martin-Senour Paints’ Soapstone. She is absolutely right. So far, only one room has been painted in this subtle grayish-taupe-ish shade, with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove in a satin finish for the trim. Love it!

They also gave me good advice about how to approach the challenging shape of my living room. They advised using one big rug to unite the space (I had planned on doing separate seating areas). And, here’s their secret budget tip: Cost Plus World Market in Evanston has an outdoor sisal rug that can be ordered for cheap by the foot; you can cover your whole living room for $150. Of course, it won’t be the plushest of surfaces, but you can unite your space and save the rest of your funds for furniture!

Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: rain showers aren’t all they’re cracked up to be! I was so excited that we were buying a house that already had one. Then I stood under this thing and, yes, I got wet. But that’s about it. The pressure is like zero, as is the invigoration quotient. I felt like I was falling asleep in there. The shampoo was impossible to wash out of my hair. It was the most stressful shower of my life. Mercifully, there is a handheld component to this system that has more pressure. That was my saving grace. As for the much ballyhooed rain shower? You’re outa here.

—Gina Bazer

-BARRI LEINER

—BRADLEY LINCOLN