Ad Categories: Home and Garden

I love this new bulb-shaped light at Willow. Sort of loosely reminds me of the more upscale Lucy Slivinski fixtures I just blogged about the other day. From Willow’s Web site: “Designed by Barend Hemmes, it’s made out of laser-cut wood, which leaves a crisp burned edge and creates a satisfying, waffle-like glow.” It can be hung from the ceiling or rested on its side. Size: 16 inches high with a 9-inch diameter, $170.

—Gina Bazer

Local designer Candice Sone sent us word that she won HGTV’s latest Designer’s Challenge (it aired February 9; find out more here. Sone created an eco-friendly interior for a family in La Grange. She chose wood from sustainable forests for the custom wall unit, sofa, and chairs; the drapes are cotton and the shades are raffia.

—JAN PARR

A few days ago I met Joel Robare at his new home office in a highrise in River East. Joel, who grew up the youngest of 14 children in a small town near Rockford, has had a thriving design business in San Francisco and is expanding here. His company, JR Studio, has come up with a nifty “lite” design service plan for those who just want to dip their toes into the interior design world, or who, for budget reasons, are scaling back. He calls it “Elite Interior Styling” and it involves buying either a half or full-day consultation with Joel, plus you get his to-the-trade-only discount at participating showrooms—Frette Linens, Bang & Olufsen, Roche Bobois, Baker Furniture, Waterworks, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and more. (The list changes; contact JR Studio for specifics.) The discounts will likely make the consultation fee pay for itself. Of course, Joel also offers comprehensive design services.
    Oh, and that home office? Stunning, as you can see.
(The dining room set he bought in Palm Springs, then proceeded to bleach several times before staining it to give it a wonderful dull, light look and really bring out the grain.) I also totally love the way he had the chairs upholstered.

–JAN PARR

Michael Del Piero of Good Design in Bucktown emailed to remind us that Lucy Slivinski, an amazing sculptor she represents in her shop (see the woven oak light fixture above), has an installation opening tonight at the Flatfile Gallery, featuring yet more of her unique sculptural lighting (see wire lamp above). The show runs through March 27.

—Gina Bazer

Love these handpainted earthenware bowls and platters by Gale Garcia at Post 27. They have just enough chunk to them that they’re not too precious, and just enough artfulness that they’re not too blah-functional. Large serving bowl, $160; small, $40; platter, $160.

—Gina  Bazer

Mary Jeanne Kneen, who ran the Au Coin du Feu antique fireplace surround showroom here for years, has a new blog about—antique fireplaces. The posts show readers how to use these gorgeous pieces to bring warmth and history to a room. She also shows fresh ways to use them. One entry shows an antique fireplace of gray and white marble looking totally fab it its setting—a 1960s-inspired bedroom with lavender walls and white bedding. Mary Jeanne still sells surrounds and fireplace accessories (she has an inventory of more than 3,000 one-of-a-kind French and Continental European mantels and accessories) through her Web site, and she is available for personal consultations at her River North office, which also serves as Chicago’s exclusive Nymphenburg porcelain showroom.

—JAN PARR

Through the month of February fabulous antiques straight from the French countryside (along with some vintage American pieces), including armoires, farm tables, primitive benches, cabinets, and collectibles, will be marked down by 25 to 75 percent at Porte Rouge. Dinnerware and home accessories, too, will be marked down.  This is your chance to finally achieve that je ne sais quoi in your house!

-Gina Bazer

Here’s a little taste of what Jayson Home & Garden is cooking up for the big warehouse sale this weekend (Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m at 1740 W. Webster Ave.). This Clinton chair started out at $1,495, it can be yours for $750 and that angular bluestone-capped side table is reduced to $399 from $1,195. There are about 1,998 more bargains to be had in the 2,000-square-foot warehouse, and they’re throwing in free delivery.

—BRADLEY LINCOLN