January 2010

This Sunday, January 31, at 2 p.m., Scout will be showing eight watercolors by the late Chicago architect and artist Robert Tague, courtesy of Corbett vs. Dempsey gallery. At the same time, a sampling of wine will be served, courtesy of Andersonville Wine and Spirits. Soothing watercolors and wine in a cozy shop. What a pleasant way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon.

—GINA BAZER

After 152 years in business, Porter’s of Racine, a fine furniture store, is closing. North Shore-ites are among the customers who have made the trek over the border for furniture by Stickley, Henredon, Baker, Century, and other big names. Now everything must go, and price reductions are huge. It’s a big blow for downtown Racine, but an opportunity for anyone in the market for new furniture.

—JAN PARR

Yesterday we checked out the new collections at Room & Board and let’s just say we were not disappointed. Every year the company introduces a new signature chair, and this year’s Louis is an elegant, well-priced one ($899) that’s stocked in a navy blue and houndstooth fabric (also available in leather for $1,699)—at once modern and classic. Another cool chair: the Tiffany, a lovely polycarbonate—it’s that Lucite look we love¬—number that’s durable enough for outdoor use and fabulous enough for your dining room ($199 for side chair, $249 for arm chair; available in solid colors as well). Moving on from the seating options, I really like felt rugs and I also like square-shaped rugs (so often area rugs only come in rectangular configurations—though you can get custom sizes through R&B), so I fell in love with the Fuller felted rug ($1,715 for 7 by 7 feet), shown above. I was also so impressed by the workmanship of the Munich storage/media cabinet. Available in solid walnut or cherry, the sliding veneered tambour door panels look completely smooth when closed (see photo above). With a stainless steel base and handles, it’s a true beauty ($2,799). I’m off to save my pennies.

—GINA BAZER