Whether you’re in the mood to relax, snooze, or just look cool, the latest trend in sofa design has you covered. It’s all about proportion. These low-to-the-ground loungers generally measure at least 40 inches deep, ideal for sprawling and cuddling. Read more
French country style is not just for the North Shore anymore. Until recently, Pierre Deux, which offers everything from cozily curvy upholstered sofas to colorful table linens and pewter tabletop items, had its only local outpost in Winnetka; now it’s opening in River North in late November. Read more
DesignRed, an upscale faux-finishing studio that consistently elevates this craft to high art, has fittingly opened a “fine art gallery of decorating finishes,” says Bill Borman, the firm’s creative director (and co-owner, with Richard Thomas). Read more
The German company Vitra is best known for outfitting workplaces, but the furniture and accessories it manufactures—designed by some of the biggest names in the industry, from Charles and Ray Eames to Arik Levy—are too good to leave at the office. That’s why Manifesto (755 N. Wells St., 312-664-0733) has decided to pick up Vitra’s newest offerings and give the brand the biggest retail visibility it has ever had in Chicago. Read more
The Moroccan trend that heated up a few years ago is still alive and kicking, with designers such as Kara Mann and Nate Berkus keeping it fresh. And now a dealer who was mainly selling at trade shows and by appointment has opened his showroom for regular retail hours. Read more
We’ve always loved Flor carpet tiles, but a drawback of this Elmhurst-based catalog and Internet business was that you couldn’t easily see and touch its eco-friendly products. Read more
After years of carrying around a sketchbook filled with drawings of pieces he wished he could find, but couldn’t, interior designer Frank Ponterio decided to bring his sketches to life with help from local craftspeople; now the finished products are available for sale. Read more
Wright auction house (wright20.com) is hosting an exhibition of pieces created specially for this show by product designers Constantin and Laurene Boym (Alessi, Flos, Vitra) Nov. 3-14. Read more
