Barri Leiner Grant

Its name used to be synonymous with a trek to Oak Brook. But now West Elm, the budget-and-trend-conscious sibling of Williams-Sonoma, has brought its... Read more

he contemporary European furniture dealer Home Element has moved to a new location in River North and will now focus primarily on the Italian line Jesse, which specializes in entertainment units, closets, and shelving, but also manufactures sofas, beds, and dining furniture—all of a slick, minimalist persuasion. Read more

Past Basket has a gorgeous display of kitchen vignettes at its showroom in west suburban Geneva, but the sample room there has always been the real hub of activity for designers and clients. So when the owners decided to open a 650-square-foot appointment-only River North outpost (due to open this spring), instead of kitchen vignettes they made displays of cabinet finishes, doors, hardware, and other à la carte kitchen-design elements the stars of the show. 400 N. Wells St. (above the Kinzie Chophouse), 312-832-1011, pastbasket.com Read more

Charting the growth of Junior no longer means marking up a door frame, thanks to Studio 1a.m.’s MeasureMe Stick, $159. The modern, wall-mounted, oversized bamboo ruler is handmade in Chicago and comes in gray, red, or yellow. No kids? You can still enjoy the ruler as clever graphic art. At @Work Design, 7500 W. Madison St., Forest Park, 708-488-9297, atworkdesign.com Read more

The Merchandise Mart blooms with activity at this time of year. First off, DreamHome opens for an eight-month run under the theme “Cool Elegance” with a preview party April 15, followed by general viewing April 16 through December 11; $5 admission. Read more