Ad Categories: Home and Garden

With Chanukah fast approaching (it starts December 11), there’s precious little time left to up your menorah factor. If I didn’t have to buy a boatload of superhero and Transformer-related toys for my four-year-old, maybe I would have some cash left over for aesthetically pleasing Judaica. Probably not this dreamy ebony and hand-forged steel beauty by Caste, which is $3,870 (top left); then again, Hannukah is all about miracles. The more likely option would be Jonathan Adler’s stoneware Utopia Man/Woman modular design ($295). Bonus: “Each piece is reversible with a hipster on one side and a ye olde character on the other,” per the website. The nice thing about a statement menorah is that you can display it year-round. The drawback is that it would be a shame to actually use it.

—GINA BAZER

Where’s Chicago’s  next Nate Berkus? HGTV is looking for designers to be on its Design Star on-air competition show. See the website for info on applying. Producers say they’re looking for passion, personality, and expertise. Oh, and of course, it wouldn’t hurt if you look great on camera. The deadline is January 19, 2010.
Camera-shy but still love a good contest, especially one that can win you a trip to Spain? Accredited architects and designers are invited to enter Tile of Spain’s contest. This trade group will take three designers and/or architects to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace and then on to Valencia, the center of Spain’s ceramic tile industry. The trip is from Feb. 5–13; applications must be received by Dec. 23. Get the entry form here.

—JAN PARR

I love my sofa, but I don’t stare at it for eight hours a day. Instead, I’m looking at a little computer screen. Hello there. Anyway, that’s why I and the rest of the world’s designophiles are converting to GoogleChrome, the sleek and speedy Web browser that’s outfitted with 100 background patterns from designers like Jonathan Adler, Marcel Wanders, Vivienne Westwood, Michael Graves, and many more. Google launched these “Artist Themes” in early October after enlisting designs from leading artists, architects, musicians, illustrators, filmmakers, and fashion and interior designers from around the world. “We recognized that users spend a lot of time in their browser—more time than in their car,” Google spokesman Eitan Bencuya says. In fact, the average adult spends 142 minutes in front of a computer screen each day. “We wanted to give users an opportunity to have something speak to them, that reflects their tastes and livens up the browsing experience." The result? Whether it be with Jonathan Adler’s groovy shades of blue; Vivienne Westwood’s iconic futuristic orb; or British homeware design sensation Cath Kidston’s hot-pink roses, my online universe is now as stylish as my living room—and much more cost-efficient to swap out.

—Lisa Gartner

Whether you’re a diehard tree-hugger or you feel pretty darn good simply recycling your newspaper, you can appreciate the efforts of those who do their jobs with the environment in mind. Know someone in the design industry (or any industry, really) who deserves to be recognized with one of Chicago mag’s annual Green Awards? Nominate your favorite conservationist at 2010 Green Awards Nominations. And resolve to be more green in 2010 (the eco-friendly calendar shown above, $22 at Grasshopper 510, comprised of sustainable wood and recycled paper, is a start).

—GINA BAZER

Workroom, known for outfitting Hollywood movies shot in town with fabulous draperies, upholstered goods and the like (they also sew up a storm for Chicago-area homes), holds two events December 5: an open house starting at 9 a.m., and “wine and design” from 3 to 9 p.m. At the latter, participate in a raffle benefiting Arts of Life, an artistic community that helps adults with developmental disabilities. While you’re there, check out custom-finish rods from Finial Company (50% off), and trims for drapery and upholstery (20% off). I’ve been to a Workroom party; they’re fun!

–JAN PARR

The Chicago Artemide showroom at 223 W. Erie is having a big sale this weekend (December 4-6), offering 50 to 70 percent off floor samples and discontinued and overstock lamps. This is your chance to get that Tolomeo you’ve been dreaming of! A portion of all sales will go to Designs for Dignity, which provides pro bon design services and products to underserved communities. Personally, I love the little Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti shown above (also available in orange). Regularly $235; on sale for $150. It can be used as a standing bedside lamp or mounted on the wall. Also very cool: the long and lean Cadmo floor lamp (shown above). Regularly $1,490, it’s on sale for $595.

—GINA BAZER

We’re totally in love with this new planter by Kikku from Chicago-based Unison. Four porcelain pots rest on a step-up walnut ladder; it’s $298. It’s meant for indoors but would look terrific on a deck or porch, too.

—JAN PARR