December 2008

The Raul Carrasco showroom on Hubbard is closed. A few days before Thanksgiving, a spokesperson who was packing up told us that there had been some sort of dispute with the landlord, and that the company was securing a new location. We’ve tried to follow up, but have not had calls returned and the voicemail for the Chicago showroom (the firm started in Miami) gives no information.

—JAN PARR

After several years at his Lakeview location, home enhancer George Lowell has joined the Andersonville pilgrimage and opened up shop at 5123 N. Clark Street. This stretch of Clark south of Foster (I can't bring myself to call it SoFo, I just can't) is developing into quite the lively design district, with shops like Baan Home, Marguerite Gardens, Foursided, and now Lowell's emporium of sharp and eclectic furniture and accessories. Things are going swimmingly, reports George, who has tripled the size of his store and packed it with creamy ceramic urns, Adler-esque pillows, oversized Romanesque statuary, and lots more me-approved merchandise. Mostly new, with the occasional antique in the mix. He's also an experienced interior decorator who brings a fun formality to his work, playing with scale and using unexpected artwork to liven up spaces.

-BRADLEY LINCOLN

Casamonte, a great off-the-beaten-path showroom that offers a mix of high-end products from Australia—including EcoSmart flueless fireplaces and Omvivo wash “planes” and other unique bath accessories, such as the Le Cob tub (both shown above)—is gearing up to close its doors. Discounts of up to 50 percent are available until the merchandise is all sold. Owner Paul Fiermonte will still represent these vendors in the U.S.

—Gina Bazer