Design Spotlight

Of the 12 units in Gold Coast’s landmark Fisher Studio Houses, only one has a private entrance on State Street—the rest open onto the interior courtyard. Interior designer Brianne Bishop sprang on the chance to work on it. “I have been obsessed with the Fisher Studios since I moved to Chicago,” Bishop says of the Andrew Rebori-designed Gold Coast building. “I responded immediately and said, ‘Sign me up.’ I don’t even care what scope it is.”

Bishop, who launched her firm Brianne Bishop Design (1424 W. Chicago Ave., briannebishopdesign.com) in 2009, spent nearly four months refreshing this residence at 1209 North State Street, while staying committed to the integrity of its Art Moderne style. “It was all about preserving as much as possible of the original architecture,” she says of the property, which was built in 1936 and includes Edgar Miller paintings on the windows.

For the kitchen, Bishop erred on lighter, contemporary touches complete with white glass subway tiles and a quartz countertop; for the dining area’s banquette, she drew inspiration from the curves of the neighboring staircase. Her favorite element of the space? “Definitely the fireplace,” says Bishop, who restored it to its original, prewar masonry, then glazed the exposed brick.

The overall project was not without its obstacles, though, as evidenced in the downstairs restroom. “This was hands-down the tiniest powder room I worked [on] in my life,” Bishop says. She wrapped the three-foot-wide space in metallic wallpaper for an unexpected touch.

Interior Intel

Designer Matthew Williamson has put his Technicolor touch on a capsule collection of furniture and accessories for Chicago-based CB2 (800 W. North Ave., cb2.com). Acclaimed for his bold mix of prints, Williamson has drawn inspiration from his womenswear line for seating, pillows, linens, teapots, and even a coloring book. Shop the collection.

Now celebrating its 80th anniversary, Abt Electronics (1200 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, abt.com) has added a 10,000-square-foot space to its 100,000-square-foot showroom. Called the Inspiration Studio, this new expansion—designed by Mick De Giulio—highlights the latest innovations in kitchen appliances from premier labels including Jenn-Air, LG, Miele, and Viking.

Events

Join John Derian (johnderian.com) at Jayson Home (1885 N. Clybourn Ave., jaysonhome.com) this Saturday as the designer signs copies of his new coffee table book. More info here.

Through October 24, Cassona (5241 N. Clark St., cassona.com) in Andersonville is commemorating its 20th anniversary with a 20 percent discount on chairs, chaises, ottomans, sofas, and sectionals.