If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up.
—Gina Bazer
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If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up.
—Gina Bazer
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If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up.
If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up.
I checked out the Chicago Modernism Show & Sale this weekend and was pleased to see several local dealers: Converso Mod, Scout, Modern Times, Broadway Antique Market, Room Service, and Uber Modern. (If you missed it, make a note not to next year.) At the latter’s booth, Brandon McCleskey told me he had started a modern antique mall close to his Uber showroom. Called MCM Grand, (MCM stands for mid-century modernism), the new mall is at 2219 W. Grand Ave., and features items from Brandon as well as quality goods from other dealers Brandon knows who were looking for a showcase. He’s still signing on dealers. The storefront is 2,000 square feet but he plans to epxand upstairs if there’s enough interest. “It’s not like a traditional mall,” McClesky says. “It’s more of a showroom.” McClesky and his partner will group furniture and accessories into attractive vignettes instead of being divided by dealer. Sounds grand!
The new creative director of Donghia, Chuck Chewning, has made his mark on the venerable brand’s showrooms across the country. We went to a party to celebrate the unveiling of the new Donghia in the Merchandise Mart (shown above). It’s a stunner. Each room is arranged in vignettes you’d see in a fashionable home. Chewning’s really brought the wow back.
Antonio Lupi, a gran maestro of high-style, innovative Italian bathroom design is coming to River North this week, with a gran opening on April 2. This is the primero Antonio Lupi showroom in the U.S., brought here con amore by Luca Lanzetta and Maurizio Fiori. Lanzetta, owner of the Merchandise Mart’s sexy Italian kitchen company
We noticed an empty showroom on the West end of the Mart’s LuxeHome: American International Tile has closed. The Mart’s reps say that they’ll be filling the space soon; meanwhile, they report that Porcelanosa, tile, kitchen, and bath showroom, is scheduled to open May 1 in the old Design Center space in LuxeHome.
Haus in Andersonville is closing its doors at the end of April and having a big sale (70 percent off everything) starting Wednesday, April 1, until all merchandise and shop fixtures are sold. To make sure we don’t get too sad, they are going out with a bash: come by the shop for drinks and discounts, Friday, April 3 from 7 to 10 p.m.
We always look forward to receiving photos of Gosia Korsakowski’s latest funky vintage finds in our inbox. Until lately, she has sold her well-chosen goods only through Etsy under the shop name Blue Bell Bazaar. Now Gosia has a space in the Heritage Trail Antique Mall in Wilmette and at Andersonville Galleria. Nice to check out the goods in person.
Two tips for lovebirds have been brought to our attention lately. The first is a bridal event on Sunday, March 29 from noon to 6 at Asrai Garden, a flower shop in Wicker Park that we’ve featured in our pages before (great for those who love unpredictable arrangements). Meet various vendors who might be of use to you in the planning of your big day.
Then, once you’re ready to start thinking about your real future together—as in what kind of kitchen you imagine yourselves cooking in for years to come—consider registering at Christopher Peacock. Why bother registering for knives and food processors? Go for cabinets! The company has created a bridal registry for its kitchens, mudrooms, closets, bathrooms, or whatever form of storage you may need for all those gifts.
