Edition: Chicago: Straight Up
Urban Chic: Home Furnishings
Author: By Amber Holst
Whether it be antiques you are looking for, lampshades, beds, carpets or draperies, Chicago has something for everyone. Here's a look at the best home furnishing stores around town.
AU COIN DU FEU
French for "by the fireside", Au Coin du Feu inventories more antique fireplace surrounds—ranging from Gothic to Art Deco—than anyone else in the U.S. Staffers here work with you every step of the way—from your project's inception to installation—helping you navigate their dizzying array of styles. 470 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-850-2655.
SAWBRIDGE STUDIOS
Locally owned and operated, Sawbridge Studios features two showrooms chock-full of hand-crafted furniture and home accessories made by some of the finest artisans in the country. Pieces here trend toward 18th Century English and Arts and Crafts, though there's more contemporary offerings as well. 153 W. Ohio St., 312-828-0055.
THE CHOPPING BLOCK
Culinary cats, get ready: The Chopping Block is a veritable candy store for aspiring chefs. Housed in the famed Merchandise Mart, the retail store here offers high-end cookware and gadgets as well as the basics (mixing bowls, baking pans, measuring cups), but what sets this spot apart from others is the fact that they'll show you how to put it all to good use. Offering daily hands-on and demonstration cooking classes in state-ofthe- art kitchens, your dinner parties will never be the same. 107 Merchandise Mart, 312-644-6360.
NYMPHENBURG USA
Chicago is home to Nymphenburg's first showroom outside of Munich. An over 260-year-old German tradition, and favorite among European royalty, Nymphenburg USA makes what is considered to be among the finest hand-crafted and hand-painted porcelain in the world. In addition to its time-honored historical patterns, the company offers avant-garde designs by celebrated contemporary artists. 470 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312- 421-3500.
MIG AND TIG FURNITURE
Here you'll find a stunning selection of private-label chairs, sofas, dining sets, beds, and chests that will make you feel like royalty. Echo the feel of your favorite vacation spot with upholstery styles like French Scallop and Milan. Choose from a variety of elegant dining sets and beds, and tailor the look with your choice of fabrics and finishes. Mig and Tig crafts plush, distinctive decor that makes every piece a focal point. 540 N. Wells, 312-644-8277.
LUXE HOME
Housed in the historic Merchandise Mart, Luxe Home features an assortment of beautiful tiles, stylish showerheads, and adorably petite powder-room sinks so inspiring you'll want to overhaul every loo in your house. The store also showcases cabinetry, flooring, kitchen systems, and more in its 25 stunning boutiques. The Merchandise Mart, 312-527- 7939.
SILK TRADING COMPANY
The Los Angeles-based Silk Trading Co. has opened its first Chicago outpost in The 900 Shops and offers a grand collection of ready-made draperies, Asian country furniture, lighting, and various other home accessories. Fabrics, though, are the highlight here—the store boasts over 3,000 selections. 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-664-7600.
LIGHTOLOGY
Lighting makes a room and the selection at Lightology can give any home a welcoming glow. It caters to a variety of styles and budgets with fixtures including ornate chandeliers and funky kitchen pendants. 215 W. Chicago Ave, 312-254-0190.
EQUINOX
Why shop at a chain store? At Equinox, lamps, furniture, candles, and other tabletop wares abound. If you can't outfit your abode with accents from your own adventures, this lofty home store is the next best thing. 609 N. State St., 312-335-8006.
Sawbridge Studios
153 W. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60610
This gallery-esque store features handcrafted furniture and home accessories.
Mig and Tig Furniture
540 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610
Upscale furnishings both elegant and decadent.
The 900 Shops
900 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
A Chicago shopping haven for the most fashion-savvy among us, this 900 Michigan Avenue location houses some of the most elite names in designer goods. With names like Bloomingdale’s, Coach, and Gucci, these stores require serious shoppers. Complete with a fitness center, salon and spa, movie theatre, and a variety of dining options, it is worthy of a visit.
Lightology
215 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60610
Track lighting, pendants, chandeliers and more.
Equinox
609 N. State, Chicago, IL 60654
Why shop at a chain store? At Equinox, lamps, furniture, candles, and other tabletop wares abound. If you can't outfit your abode with accents from your own adventures, this lofty home store is the next best thing.
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa
919 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa is a part of a large group of trend-setting salons and indulgent retreats around the country. Right in the heart of the Gold Coast on the Magnificient Mile, the Chicago location has a strong placement on the beauty map.
Channing's Day Spa
54 East Oak Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Located in a luxurious vintage townhouse on Chicago's famed Oak Street, Channing's Day Spa has been in business for over 22 years. Cutting-edge skin and body care therapies, along with customized and seasonal programs make each experience a unique one.
