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If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up.
—Gina Bazer
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I love this new bulb-shaped light at Willow. Sort of loosely reminds me of the more upscale Lucy Slivinski fixtures I just blogged about the other day. From Willow’s Web site: “Designed by Barend Hemmes, it's made out of laser-cut wood, which leaves a crisp burned edge and creates a satisfying, waffle-like glow.” It can be hung from the ceiling or rested on its side. Size: 16 inches high with a 9-inch diameter, $170.
—Gina Bazer
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Turns out Bladon Conner, one of our favorite local designers (see our story about him here and his awesome Graffiti cabinet featured here) has some pretty cool neighbors in the Rockwell Industrial Corner, where his studio space is located. The folks behind Green Sawn sustainable furniture (see photo, right) and Kindling , a cool wood accessories line (see photo, above left), create their own masterpieces smack across the hall from Conner (read more about all of them in our upcoming May/June issue). I stopped by the Green Sawn space last week and was utterly taken with owner Aaron Pahmier’s furniture designs, some of which are collaborations with Conner; Aaron’s sister, Megan, designs the Kindling line, which her bro produces. On February 7 at 3 p.m., at 2612 W. Nelson St., 773-516-8686, the three are gathering their wares for an open house. This is a budding group to watch—and here’s a chance to buy their one-of-a-kind pieces straight from the sources.
—Gina Bazer
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In 2008, according to Appraisal Research Counselors, developers called off 13 downtown condo projects, pulling a total of 2,078 housing units out of an already log-jammed condo market. (Only one of those buildings—Burnham Pointe, at 720 South Clark Street—was already under construction; it was sold to an apartment developer.) While the cancellations aren’t necessarily happy news...
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If you haven’t already checked out our November/December story “Great Gifts Under $50,” click here for some great ideas. And for a few more, may I also suggest hitting up the MCA’s gift shop? The quirky selection is perfect for small gifts that pack a punch and don’t deplete the pocketbook. Here are two fun ones: These cutely packaged acetaminophen tablets ($7.50) crack me up and would probably put a smile on my face even if I had a headache. I also love notebooks of any kind, and the MCA store has plenty! This fun 160-page journal is only $12. See more clever options here. Does anyone else have favorite places to shop for cheap and chic gifts?
—Gina Bazer
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