When I was in Los Angeles earlier this week for the Design Bloggers Conference, I stopped in OK, a charming design store on 3^rd Avenue. The owner and I got to chatting, and he asked for recommendations for shops to see while he was in Chicago at the International Housewares Show (starts Sunday). If you’ll be here from out of town, too (or if you simply live in the suburbs and don’t get into town enough), here are my recommendations:

 

For Larry Schaffer, the OK owner, who is into modern:

Morlen Sinoway, Orange Skin, and Sprout Home. For a more contemporary-luxe sensibility, check out Elements and Haute Living. If you’re in the business, make an appointment to stop by Aesthetic Movement’s wholesale showroom (it’s near Sinoway’s place).

 

Into vintage, industrial, and mid-century modern?

Grand Avenue, just west of downtown, is the new hub. P.O.S.H., in the famed Tree Studios building just a couple blocks off Michigan Avenue (in the general direction of Grand), offers funky vintage dishes and accessories. Andersonville, on the city’s far north side, is another great destination, with a bunch of well-edited antique shops, including Scout, Patina, Brimfield, and White Attic, shown above.

 

Looking for elegant and unique? Don’t miss the designer-owned shops Branca, and Michael del Piero Good Design, as well as Crosell & Co.(in the 900 North mall, on Michigan Avenue, where you can also pop into the “refined general store” Space519). Jayson Home & Garden is another favorite (not downtown, but worth the cab fare).

 

Golden Triangle is the place for Asian and European furniture and accessories—the space itself will blow you away. Next door, is the fourth U.S. location of the Rug Company.

 

Don’t you just love Chicago? And if you’re traveling to the suburbs…. Let me know! I’ve got a must-see list for those, too!