June 2009

This Saturday, June 20, the Oakbrook West Elm is hosting an event prior to opening (9am–11am) at which the in-store designers will offer decorating tips. Attendants will receive 10 percent off all purchases made that day just for attending class.

—Gina Bazer

Primitive, the West Loop dealer of Asian antiques and art, as well as contemporary furniture, has launched a new program called With Primitive, wherein local designers are invited to decorate a small room within the store using items from the store.  Shown above is a “before” and “after” of the first installation, done by Brian Snow of Semel-Snow Interior Design. If these snapshots are not enough, I can attest that the transformation was profound; I happened to be there the day Snow was plotting his first moves. The mother of pearl wall treatment by R&B Faux Studios is particularly impressive. I also like the double etageres—a formula that just never fails for lending drama and balance to a space. Snow’s scheme will be there until late summer, when another designer will take on the challenge.

—Gina Bazer

For one day only, June 17 from 10AM to 4PM, up-and-coming local interior designer Alison Gramenos (above) of Alison Victoria Interior Design will be showing pieces from her new furniture collection at Artistic Tile at LuxeHome. Gramenos has not yet formally signed the pieces with any vendors, so this is a good opportunity to get a sneak peek.

—Gina Bazer