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For anyone in a Chicago apartment, whether it be a Ravenswood Manor manse, a West Loop loft or a teeny weeny Lincoln Park dollhouse, the one requirement for all of our living spaces is style. And at times shopping for cute, efficient and versatile furniture or accessories can be a challenge. Lucky for us, Chicago is one of the richest cities in the world when it comes to home stores.
Today, for the very first time ever we've mapped out 38 of our favorites, including the high end design showrooms like Haute Living and Branca to niche and specialty shops like Paperish Mess and Neighborly that help take Chicago living to new heights.
Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or drop us a line and we'll give it careful consideration for the next update.
This is one shop that you've got to keep going back to visit often because the inventory is constantly rotating due to the fact that everything is a one-off, custom piece or deadstock. The great news here is that all home furnishings and accessories are brand new and high-end, priced at whole-sale or below.
In the heart of Edgewater there exists a store where no-name modernism and high design meet. Even more, think Scandinavian and Art Deco furniture, vintage furs, jewels and frocks that our hearts desire all in a 20,000 square foot space. The inventory is always rotating, featuring finds from more than 75 vendors who each Memorial Day band together to throw a 50% off sale on select merchandise.
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A a beautiful old Victorian house on one square city block of land Gethsemane is a one-stop-shop for outdoor living and patio accessories. In addition to the insane amount of flora and potting utilities, inside the gift shop are apothecary lines, kitchen utensils, pillows and gift items.
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Owner Larry Vodak was one of the pioneers of resale on Andersonville's Clark Street strip which set off Room Service, Urban Mischief , Brimfield, Found, Ya Ya's Antiques and Wooly Mammoth. Unabashedly claiming to redefine modernism (though questionable) we trust the ever-changing inventory in this cute storefront.
There are twenty Nadeau stores across the noted states, yet this Chicago location is one of the largest on Ravenswood at Montrose. The selection of more than 6,000 unique pieces is that of craftsmanship, mostly in solid wood made by hand by craftsman around the world.
Just last year, the founders of Ork Posters have embarked on a new venture; a modern home goods and artwork shop called Neighborly, in the North Center/Lincoln Square neighborhood. Neighborly's mission is to bring a curation of well-designed (super cute) and affordable goods of the Mid-Century Modern style to a consumer market.
Since 1995 about 30 dealers have been hocking wares in a 7000 square foot storefront on Irving Park. With a focus on Modern furniture, the selection forays into chandeliers and jewelry but also structural elements. Everything is priced to sell so if you see something you want, you better scoop it up right then.
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Under heated controversy the parent organization for The Brown Elephant has gone through many changes. What remains consistent is the amount of second hand furniture, fake plants, appliances, used porn, lighting fixtures and down right cool stuff. Other locations in Andersonville and Oak Park. Starting last year the Lakeview and Andersonville locations started hosting pop-up shops based on inventory levels. So far there has been a luxury sale, adult video sale and small jewelry sale.
Celebrating 10 years, the owners of this design showroom stock trend decor from Areaware, iittalia, and Design House Stockholm and furniture from Gus Modern, Kartell and BluDot. Just for a twist, the store has an on-staff optometrist and sells eyewear from LaFont, Tom Davies and Chicago-based Drift.
On Broadway in Lakeview Chic Antique maintains a street level storefront as well as a garden level storage space one block north of its main store. Owner Crystal Blackshaw, is responsible for sourcing vintage pieces and refurbishing and reupholstering them into modern and functional condition.
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Tabula Tua has a huge bridal registry business but also a fine roster of high-end interiors clients. Shop furniture, clocks, artwork, drinkware and tabletop accouterments including fine china, placemats and linens, barware and patio furniture. It's a bit spendy, but hey-it's Lincoln Park, so if you want a deal keep your eyes peeled for their warehouse sales.
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A well-merchandise home design play house filled with modern and rustic new and vintage finds. Downstairs theres the sale merch, upstairs there's seasonal accessories which can also be viewed and shopped on the store's spectacular website or in the catalogue. In the courtyard there's a variety of plants and pruned shrubbery as well as outdoor furniture. Can't swing paying $1600 for belize-flax linen and black walnut ottoman? Not to worry, there are less pricey options but the real deals are at their annual flea markets and warehouse sales.
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One of the greatest things about Crate & Barrel being based in Chicago is that we get a great Crate & Barrel outlet smack dab in the middle of South Lincoln Park. Out of season, prototypes, slightly used, damaged furniture and kitchen stuff--basically anything not 100% sellable will end up here.
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Now the only location in Chicago for Crate & Barrel's younger more edgy/urban concept CB2 Lincoln Park specializes in smaller furniture, taking inspiration from the city and utilizing Chicago-based artists to create an energetic interior atmosphere at a more affordable level. The first test CB2 location opened on Lincoln Avenue in the early thousands, which has since closed, propelling the brand to open in seven states, two canadian provinces and Singapore.
One only a South Side resource to shoppers in the know, An Orange Moon opened a shop on North Avenue in Humboldt Park last year. The shop is a go-to for great mid-century pieces at extremely fair prices.
Since 1981 Alessandra Branca the woman behind the brand Branca has worked strategically and tirelessly with her knowledge of classical art and architecture to become one of the standout interior designers. While still maintaining a West Loop warehouse and an online presence, Branca closed one location on Pearson last year to camp out in a North State Street atelier until the launch of her own furniture and interior accessories line. Think formal beauty mixed with relaxed livability.
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Leaving American Mattress in the dust Pratesi is not only many hollywood starlets source for bedding linens, but Italian royalty since 1906. Still a Tuscan-based company this shop on Oak Street sells the city's highest quality robes, duvets, sheets and pillow cases made of Egyptian cotton and embroidered in patterns.
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First timers in this store will be amazed. Upon walking into the lofty three-storey shop you'll see one of the largest arrays of wall sconces, chandeliers, energy efficient and concept light fixtures you have ever seen. The two must-see components of the store are the color-changing amorphic room and the lighting museum in the stairway that leads to the education room on the fourth floor.
Once this lifestyle shop moved off Oak Street and onto Wells it began a process of redefigning it's self and now sells an even more varied lifestyle selection - everything from rock candy and espresso to Hermes dinnerware, Phillips Frankel Diamonds, Italian glassware and boat coolers covered in alligator skin.
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In the heart of River North across the street from Luminaire the WPA showroom (Wilson Patenaude Associates) is where you'll find Arclinea, Poltrona Frou, Cappellini, Alessi and more. Founded in 1993 the family-owned business has been a leader of bringing Chicago shoppers sought after, hard to get Italian brands and a competitive force in the River North design district.
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After years of pioneering high and conceptual design with a slightly architectural skew, Luminare has just recently launched LuminaireX, a concept space featuring more affordable revolving inventory.
Only opened last year, this accessories and handmade wares shop in West Town serves as a creative community space for over 75 artists and artisans. Heads up for the next installation featuring sculptor Colleen Toledano.
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Maintaining two locations in Winnetka and in River North across the street from Ikram, Material Possessions is a perfect mix of the affluence you'd expect to see in a Gold Coast accessories shop while balancing a River North showroom edge. The shop does a killer business in bridal and anniversary gifts due to the large wall of well-edited flatware and dinnerware. A must touch in the shop are the customizable fluffy pouffs.
tucked away underneath the bustling Brown Line tracks Orange Skin boasts two floors of contemporary furniture; Moltini on the first and a range of international designers on the garden level. Shop couches, outdoor, tables, seating and more.
Homegoods, the vast furniture and housewares chain by TJ Maxx and Marshalls is the leading purveyor of luxe goods at hugely discounted prices. This is the second location within city limits although the selection at this location is geared toward the high rise dweller who doesn't have the space for bulky furniture but still wants high quality.
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Another one of those iconic Chicago buildings, the Medinah Temple is now the shell for Bloomingdale's Home Store. Top floor is bedding, second floor is china and crystal, ground floor is kitchen and accessories and the basement is linens. When you're here make sure to check out the stained glass, murals and tile work.
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P.O.S.H. is one of the longest-standing tenants in the Tree Studios building shelling out vintage French dinnerware bought from hotels and entertaining accessories for years. In the summer the staff opens the back doors to the courtyard which provides a peaceful respite to weary shoppers. Shout-out to the window dressers for always creating the most impactful displays in River North.
This has got to be the coolest Design Within Reach ever. It's a maze of convoluted stairways and nooks from a time when the Tree Studios actually housed artists. The selection here is nearly identical to that of other DWR showrooms on Kingsbury and in Evanston though this one is peppered with historical facts, designer bio plaques and has great bones for showcasing modern furniture.
Since 1991, Martha Torno and Tom Clark have been operating one of the best shopping destinations for designers and collectors. Located in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Modern Times has a sister business specializing in vintage handbags.
The Painted Lady boasts a fast turnover in furniture pieces and accessories, keeping the shop always fresh. Owner, Beth Harlow keeps abreast to consumer trends by carefully listening to customer's needs and buying accordingly. Shop farmhouse finds, provencal pieces and vintage gems.
The Find/City and its sister location in Highwood, IL stock a range of curiosities, furniture, garden stuff, lighting and even wall art. Prices are reasonable and the style is modern with a tinge of classic.
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New vintage culinary store Martyn George was created by British-born, Chicago-based food and prop stylist Johanna Lowe. Before venturing out to the West Grand Design District, prepare yourself to encounter specialized vintage and one-of-a-kind culinary objects ranging from European 19th century ironstone to Mid Century American barware, as well as textiles, artwork, baskets and kitchen furniture.
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Haute Living, situated directly across the street from the Merchandise Mart is a contemporary furniture showroom featuring a thoughtfully curated collection of furniture and objects to represent the very best in Modern and Contemporary design. Most designers you've never heard of, only because they're so niche and on the cusp of creating the future of design--but don't let that deter you--there's oodles of great design to explore here.
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Shoo! This building is so big it has its own zip code. So obviously it'd be near impossible to cue you in on all the design showrooms here which are both consumer and trade but we can tell you that this is absolutely the most comprehensive selection of furniture, fixtures, decor and accessories in the Midwest, if not the United States.
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Morlen Sinoway is a longstanding purveyor of high design in artisanal home accessories, limited edition jewelry, custom furniture and other vintage and hard-to-find goods from across the globe. Owner, Morlen Sinoway has been broadening his reach by appearing at trend-driven markets and growing the Guerilla Truck Show which he started in 2005 as a true guerilla showing of art, objects and furniture.
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Very well known across the United States for having one of Chicago's longstanding indoor and outdoor flea markets with specialized seasonal markets.
It's exactly how we describe it: a "modern cooperative" that features an assortment of curated, fine vintage furniture including tables, credenzas, shelving, seating and lighting and furniture with smattering of pieces by local artists. And viola! Modern Cooperative.
Architect Mary Beth Herr and Chicago's office of tourism director, Dorothy Coyle have opened a shop in The Bridgeport Arts Center on 35th. The 12,000-square-foot space named Coyle & Herr offers consignment items and a mish mash of Leslie Hindman-esque leftovers that is open in 10-day runs once per month or by appointment.
This is one shop that you've got to keep going back to visit often because the inventory is constantly rotating due to the fact that everything is a one-off, custom piece or deadstock. The great news here is that all home furnishings and accessories are brand new and high-end, priced at whole-sale or below.
In the heart of Edgewater there exists a store where no-name modernism and high design meet. Even more, think Scandinavian and Art Deco furniture, vintage furs, jewels and frocks that our hearts desire all in a 20,000 square foot space. The inventory is always rotating, featuring finds from more than 75 vendors who each Memorial Day band together to throw a 50% off sale on select merchandise.
[Photo]
A a beautiful old Victorian house on one square city block of land Gethsemane is a one-stop-shop for outdoor living and patio accessories. In addition to the insane amount of flora and potting utilities, inside the gift shop are apothecary lines, kitchen utensils, pillows and gift items.
[Photo]
Owner Larry Vodak was one of the pioneers of resale on Andersonville's Clark Street strip which set off Room Service, Urban Mischief , Brimfield, Found, Ya Ya's Antiques and Wooly Mammoth. Unabashedly claiming to redefine modernism (though questionable) we trust the ever-changing inventory in this cute storefront.
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