Our last visit to Chicago was a whirlwind with all of the buzz at the Design Social Pop-Up! In our free time, we snuck in a little shopping and sightseeing around the city. Chicago has a rich history in home furnishings dating back to the golden heydays of Montgomery Ward and Sears Roebuck and Co. From furniture, lighting, art, and decor, take home our special city edit below!
xo Genevieve
Since its founding in 1989 in Chicago’s River North arts district, The Golden Triangle has been a national source for Asian and European luxury furnishings. Owners Douglas Van Tress and Chauwarin Tuntisak travel extensively, searching for pieces with a unique history and the highest quality. The collection is unmatched!
Architectural Anarchy is a 30,000-square-foot showroom in Chicago, IL filled with a remarkable array of unique antiques and mid-century modern finds. Gosia Korsakowski and William Rawski are constantly shopping for intriguing mid-century, Folk Art, industrial and architectural pieces throughout the U.S. and Western Europe.
image by architectural anarchy
image by vern + vera
VERN + VERA houses discerning fine vintage furnishings and accessories primarily from the 60s through the 80s. Owners, Eric Silverstrim and Sean Cowan share a mission to curate a collection of more obscure collectible pieces and resist trendy iconic designs. The inventory focuses on clean-lined modernism as well as sculptural statements, all while maintaining a timeless sophistication.
Asrai Garden was founded by Elizabeth Cronin in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park in 1999. This retail outpost is known for stunning floral arrangements, luxurious fine jewelry, and magical curiosities.
A beautiful place to have a glass of wine, as I did in between meetings, and drool over the stunning Venetian Gothic architecture. The Chicago Athletic Hotel proved to be a magnificent study for my Utah project. The Drawing Room evoked wonder and comfort. It was hard to even get past the grandeur lobby!
If you are looking for a respite outside of the city, head north to Lake Forest – an enclave of lush greenery and the finest-appointed homes. Full of history and grace, The Armour House was completed in 1908. Sitting on a 1200-acre property, Italianate mansion is constructed of huge marble slabs, bronze stair railings, and hand-carved panels. Many of the house’s mantle pieces and the paneling of the library reading room were imported from Paris, Vienna, and London. Today, The Armour House serves as a stunning wedding, social and corporate event venue. And we were lucky enough to be hosted by this glorious place for the Design Social Pop-Up! All of the contemporary textiles on display looked oh so fabulous against all the heavy traditional moldings – the most beautiful combination, in our eyes.
image by conde nast traveler
