Lacquered wood dining set (1982) by Richard Meier for Knoll, $55,000, at Converso
Openings
610 Home The latest shop to add hip design cred to west suburban Geneva, 610 Home was started by three self-taught decorators and lovers of objects; their cozy space has a warm mix of industrial and classic, mid-century and rustic-style furniture and accessories. Prices range from $14 for a paperweight to $650 for a vintage Regency-style bench reupholstered in fuzzy faux lamb’s wool. The three owners have posted house rules on the walls—among them: “Truly great homes always mix classic and modern.” We couldn’t agree more.
610 S. First St., Geneva, 630-262-3770, 610homegeneva.com
Converso Lawrence Converso is not one to follow the pack. For years, he sold pedigreed mid-century modern finds out of a warehouse on the South Side, at fairs around the country, and on 1stDibs.com. Now, with the mid-century biz booming at street level, he has moved to the 17th floor of the Merchandise Mart—partly to appeal to decorators and partly because he just likes going against the grain. “I’ve always been intrigued by the Mart; many of the pieces I sell originally came from there, and now I’m bringing them full circle. It’s exciting,” he says.
Merchandise Mart, 312-923-1945, conversomod.com
Space519 Billed as a “refined general store” by its owners, Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel (former partners in the clothing boutique Jake), Space519, a new store in the 900 N. Michigan mall, carries everything from coffee-table books to watches to small electronics. The selection rotates regularly, with vintage furniture and home accessories making frequent appearances.
900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-751-1519, space519.com
Photograph: Brian Franczyk
Ceramic nesting bowls and plate by Marge Margulies, at the American Craft Expo
Events
Dearborn Garden Walk This year’s tour surveys 20 idyllic Gold Coast gardens, with styles ranging from Asian to Old World. Nine of the gardens will be outfitted with Hollywood-inspired vignettes, complete with outdoor furnishings and accessories chosen by local design shops and firms. Designers from I.D. and Bloom 3 will team up to channel the vibe of 2001: A Space Odyssey, using mod floral arrangements and decor accents from Design House Stockholm and Blu Dot.
July 18, corner of Goethe and Dearborn Streets, noon to 5 p.m., $30 inin advance; $35 day of event. dearborngardenwalk.com
American Craft Expo Some 150 artisans from around the country display their handiwork at this juried show. Find ceramic tableware, wood furnishings, baskets, and brightly colored glass vases. Part of the proceeds benefit cancer research at North Shore University Health System.
August 27 to 29, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, 2311 Campus Dr., Evanston. $13 in advance, $15 at the door for a three-day pass. americancraftexpo.org