Ad Categories: Home and Garden

Aldo Castillo Contemporary in the River East Arts Center is having a large, eclectic group exhibition starting Friday, September 5 with nothing priced over $500. We’re not talking posters and sketches here—these are original paintings, prints, and sculptures, from 40-plus established international artists. Chicago image-makers include Lorna Marsh, Scott Ashley, and Luis Fernando Uribe. There’ll be about 180 pieces on view, and the show stays up through October 11. Seems like a great way to start up or beef up your home art gallery. Me gusto mucho the pieces shown above by Carlos Zamora (left) and Amparo Climent (right). There’s an opening reception from 5:30 to 8:30, and I’m guessing small cubes of cheese and plastic tumblers of chardonnay will be involved. If you’re still hungry, grab some ceviche and drink in the scene next door at over-the-top resto Delacosta.

—BRADLEY LINCOLN

The emerald ash borer infestation in our area is so sad. We’re likely to lose thousands of trees. A slight silver lining: giving the lumber from the trees a second life in the form of furniture. See what several local designers, including Barry Newstat (whose tables are shown here), Michael Dreeben, and Sean Scott, have designed using ash in a group traveling show. The stops: Morton Arboretum, August 22 to September 7; Hafele America, October 6-7; Design Within Reach, November 7-21, and 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., December 4-February 28.

—JAN PARR

Photography by Peter Rossi

Danish Modern furniture dealer Andrew Hollingsworth’s new book, called, simply, Danish Modern (Gibbs Smith), just arrived at our office. It’s hitting bookstores in October, but here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find inside. 1. Lots of historical information and a good definition of what exactly this movement is, along with profiles on its key players (Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, et al). 2. Pictures of important pieces. 3. Interior shots of homes showing Danish Modern in all its clean-lined glory, with Chicago residences designed by local designers figuring prominently. The book is both well organized and easy to read. Kudos to you, Mr. Hollingsworth-first for bringing us your amazing shop (and, yes, we even forgive you for moving and going to appointment-only!) and, now, this wonderful compendium of your knowledge and passion.

-GINA BAZER

Thos. Moser at Tree Studios on State Street is exhibiting the botanical photography of interior designer Laurel Feldman through October. Framed against white mats and hung in a group, the Georgia O’Keefe–esque photos seem to pop off the walls. Makes sense that a designer would find just the right shots.

—GINA BAZER

I stopped by the Antiquarians Building on Kinzie yesterday to check out the newly expanded V. Amsterdam, which now consumes the entire lower level of the building, and fell in love with the shop’s mid-century collection.
    Owner Marilyn Vogel offers an overwhelming assortment of 20th century American pieces, with an emphasis on Art Deco-period items and Asian influences. The result is a rich and sophisticated look that left me drooling.
    Vogel, a former lawyer who flips houses on the Gold Coast when she’s not busy collecting, opened V. Amsterdam five years ago. I spent much of my time there petting a striking 1940s American, curved-back side chair with tufted gold upholstery, pictured here. One of a pair and a perfect addition to my living room, but, unfortunately, not part of my currently non-existent home-décor budget. Other items I oogled longingly: a funky pair of Danish walnut-twisted leg stools, circa 1880, with a patterned leather upholstery and beaded trim ($1,550, also shown here); a 1950s Chinoiserie mirror with antiqued glass ($500); and a charming pair of late 19th century walnut bedside tables with mesh inset doors ($1,500).
    Lighting is obviously a passion of Vogel’s: lamps of all shapes and styles rest on every tabletop and stand in every corner. Among them was a pair of regal-looking black-shaded 1950s bronze table lamps ($1,400), and a beautiful set of Borghese library lamps ($1,250). I found a great pair of neoclassical-style milk glass table lamps for just $200.

—Jessica Linn 

I’m not usually a fan of patchwork patterns (in home design, not clothes—I live in madras all summer), as the look often comes across as too calico-country-kitchen, but these sassy Casama slipper chairs at Arhaus made me smile when they showed up on the cover of the latest catalog, hanging from trees. Like snowflakes and Meryl Streep roles, they’re one-of-a-kind, and are made of multipatterned color-saturated fabrics in a little village in India. You can choose a bright or a muted combination—I’m thinking one, maybe two brights for a sunroom or porch. The introductory price is $399, until the end of August when they go to $569.

—BRADLEY LINCOLN
 

How many times in our pages have we written about details making all the difference in a décor? A leather trim here, a grosgrain border there? Well, the mother of all tapes, tassels, fringes, braids, and more, Samuel & Sons Passementerie, has opened on the sixth floor of the Mart. It’s to-the-trade-only, but it’s an institution, so if you have a designer and you love to sweat the small stuff, this a place to see.

—GINA BAZER