Balancing Act
In a spacious River North condominium, the whole is even more elegant than its well-considered parts
Ad Categories: Home and Garden
Depth Charge
Whether you’re in the mood to relax, snooze, or just look cool, the latest trend in sofa design has you covered. It’s all about proportion. These low-to-the-ground loungers generally measure at least 40 inches deep, ideal for sprawling and cuddling. So grab your blanky and pillow—you’re about to get real comfortable. 1 Piazza Cotton-linen blend, … Read more
Go Vertical!
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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
Meet Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams
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On Wednesday from 6 to 9PM, these two home furnishings superstars will be signing copies of their new book, The Comfortable Home, at Jayson Home & Garden. The book is filled with tips (like “limit the number of colors in a room to four, with two used as accents”) and photos of homes furnished with Gold and Williams’s furniture.
—GINA BAZER
Shop Buchanan—This Weekend!
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Last May we ran a story about Buchanan, Michigan and if you haven’t had a chance to check out this hamlet yet, this Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. might be a good time to do so. Why? Because the town is having a holiday party. (Small towns can do that.) Sip some wine at Thomas Jolly Home & Garden (107 E. Front St.) while perusing vintage Christopher Radko ornaments (see above). Pick up some fun vintage books—and non-vintage snacks—at Alan Robandt’s antique shop (114 E. Front Street), and check out the contemporary selection (with brand names likes Alessi, Kartell, and Marimekko) at Front Gallery (they’ll also be serving refreshments at 207 E. Front Street). Come on—you know you need a getaway after all that quality family time.
—GINA BAZER
Steal this Couch
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I stopped into Divine Consign in Oak Park Sunday to check out the new annex they’ve opened to accommodate their booming business. I immediately spotted a fantastic couch: a showroom sample from Hughes N’Cho-Allépot Home. This sexy number, which features built-in end tables, is African padauk upholstered in antique silk velvet. It’s priced at an astonishingly low $1,760. Allepot happens to be an Oak Park resident; he’s got some chairs and ottomans in the store too. I’m not in the market for furniture, but I scored a Hable Construction pillow for just $15.
—JAN PARR
Bonjour, Pierre
If you like your French country fresh and light, check out the new Pierre Deux. French country style is not just for the North Shore anymore. Until recently, Pierre Deux, which offers everything from cozily curvy upholstered sofas to colorful table linens and pewter tabletop items, had its only local outpost in Winnetka; now it’s … Read more
Faux, Fabulous Faux
DesignRed, an upscale faux-finishing studio that consistently elevates this craft to high art, has fittingly opened a “fine art gallery of decorating finishes,” says Bill Borman, the firm’s creative director (and co-owner, with Richard Thomas). The 2,500-square-foot West Loop space will display some 100 samples of finishes, from faux bois to murals to hand-painted wallpapers … Read more
Gold Coast Galleries Liquidation
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We’re sad to announce that after more than 30 years of business, Gold Coast Galleries Antique Store is closing its doors—but not before holding a liquidation sale of its enormous inventory this weekend. Victorian and Eastlake furniture, as well as Biedermeier mirrors and chairs and a monumental Chinese floor vase can be found among the 22,000 square feet of vintage radios, vitrines, sculpture, art glass, juke boxes, and much more. All is expected to go for pennies on the dollar. The sale is Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 12 to 3. Numbers will be distributed at 9:30 Saturday. 3250 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-327-7600.
—Lisa Gartner
Luxe Life Auctions
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Ever wanted to sell furniture, art, or accessories on eBay but weren’t sure how to navigate it? Yes, there are drop-off businesses around town that can help, but a new one deals solely with luxury goods. Luxe Life Auctions is the brainchild of former Baker Furniture marketing exec Lisa Zyhylij-Ackerman and her partners. If your item is worth at least $50, you can either drop it off at Luxe Life’s River North office or have it picked up. Ackerman and crew will evaluate it, determine the best price, photograph it, write a description, post it, and take care of payment and shipping. You pay 35% of the first $1,000 sold (28% for more than $1,000). Luxe Life is also a great source for collectors; in addition to the eBay store, the company has a shop on Ruby Lane, an online collective of antiques dealers. Recent deals include a Christian Dior limited-edition Casablanca china set that went for
$1,000 and Baccarat candlesticks (new in box) that sold for $180.
—JAN PARR