Orange Moon Rising
To celebrate el Año Nuevo, the substantial expansion of her Chicago Lawn vintage furniture store An Orange Moon, and just simply life itself, owner Lynne McDaniel is throwing a party this Friday and it’s destined to be a doozy. From 6–10 p.m. there will be complimentary potent potables and cupcakes, a dance floor driven by music from DJ T-Mac, and (promptly at 9:00) a participatory live-music show with a female impersonating emcee, where Lynne promises to bust out some Erykah Badu covers and encourages audience members to show off a number or two themselves. Factor in all the mid-century modern furniture, artwork, and bric-a-brac, and tomorrow sounds like a mash-up of Antiques Roadshow, America’s Got Talent, and Mr. Warhol’s Factory (except there most likely won’t be anyone dozing off in the corner). There’ll be free same-night delivery for those instant-gratification types, and—as always at Orange Moon—free parking. And as a cherry-topping bonus for Domestica readers, an extra 10 percent off all purchases. The store is located at 2434-36 West 59th Street.
Urban Renewal
Big, bittersweet news came in this week from Urban Source, West Town’s designer studio and retail outlet for luxe wallcoverings, window treatments, and fabrics that are so special they have no business being retail (but boy are we glad they are). Co-owner Rose Tejada-Navarre, who founded the cheeky company with Aussie Jenny Rossignuolo more than five and a half years ago, is leaving Urban Source to pursue some traveling and design strategies that have been on her mind for a while now. Rossignuolo and her sharp, small staff will continue to source the trendiest products from across the globe and provide above-and-beyond customer service from the showroom at 1429 West Chicago Avenue. I like this shot of the friends turning the world on with their smiles (Rose is on the left) at their venture’s second anniversary party. May the road rise to meet you, Rose—best of luck with your adventures. And see you soon, Jenny!
Periodic Sale of the Elements
One of my most highly anticipated haute home-shopping events of the year is coming up this Sunday in River North at Elements. Proprietors Toby Glickman and Jeanine Dal Pra have marked a selection of their intensely curated inventory of accessories (as well as jewelry) down by up to 60 percent, and the sweet savings start at 10 a.m. The fragrant, waxed, Brobdingnagian pinecones I picked up for a steal at this sale a few years ago still scent-up the house every winter, so I can personally attest to the deals to be had. I’m told, for example, that an aristocratic Airedelsur alpaca silver and horn-handled bowl will be priced at $350, from $695. Whatever the weather brings this weekend, you can be certain that Elements’ fancy fan base will be standing in line when the doors open, venti frapps in hand, so get there early. It’s elementary, my dear Watsons.
Market Markdowns
Another store with some good deals currently going on in home design and furniture is World Market, where you can save up to 60 percent on all furniture, through January 17. Settle down—I know this isn’t the place for future family heirlooms (unless you’re not all that crazy about your family), but it’s certainly a valid option at a lower level of price point for picking up some good-looking accent chairs, colorful side tables, or starter-apartment sofas. This little armless chair is down to $120 (from $180); all stores have different offerings, and there are also some sale options online. I’ve noticed a huge selection of dining chairs and barstools at the Evanston location, in case you suffered any losses during raucous holiday parties and need some respectable stand-ins.
‘Tute Sweet
Monday through Friday are free admission days at the Art Institute of Chicago this month, replacing last year’s Free February promotion. Waltz in any weekday you please, including late Thursdays and Fridays until 8 p.m., through February 4. That’s a substantial potential savings, considering the regular price of an adult ticket is $18. (Although I don’t see why any culture vulture out there wouldn’t want a membership, as it pays for itself after a few visits, discounts off shop merch, and meal deals.) The Ferris Bueller–scene stealing Chagall Windows are back on display after a five-year absence and they are glorious, and there are some interesting design shows going on and coming up soon, such as this one on 18th Century Japanese picture calendars. Make a day of it and treat yourself to a nice ladies-who-lunch-style meal in the Modern Wing at Terzo Piano, which is helmed by Spiaggia chef and frequent Top Chef guest judge Tony Mantuano. The sparkling space-age white furniture, fanciful small plates, and great views are just the thing to pick up spirits on a gray Chicago winter afternoon.
It Takes a Village
I’ve dogged on CB2 before for some of their wackadoodle photo styling decisions, sure. But the new First Look 2011 catalog manages to curtail the crazy prop stylings and present an impressive 80 pages of classic CB2 clean-lined furniture mixed up with scene-stealing area rugs, unusual posters and artwork, and (dare I say?) “fun” table accessories like these whimsical little sandstone buildings. This simple design is House; they also offer Condo and Temple, and each is $14.95. They look like they just fell out of an Italian surrealist painting, or are prototypes for a line of Yoko Ono baby toys.