Primitive challenges an interior designer to create an environment in its showroom. Tomorrow night at a cocktail reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., see what Madeline Gelis has created. Can’t make the party? Her room will be on display ‘til January 30. 130 N. Jefferson.

—JAN PARR

" /> Primitive challenges an interior designer to create an environment in its showroom. Tomorrow night at a cocktail reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., see what Madeline Gelis has created. Can’t make the party? Her room will be on display ‘til January 30. 130 N. Jefferson.

—JAN PARR

" /> Primitive challenges an interior designer to create an environment in its showroom. Tomorrow night at a cocktail reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., see what Madeline Gelis has created. Can’t make the party? Her room will be on display ‘til January 30. 130 N. Jefferson.

—JAN PARR

" />

Primitive With Madeline Gelis

Four times a year, Primitive challenges an interior designer to create an environment in its showroom. Tomorrow night at a cocktail reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., see what Madeline Gelis has created. Can’t make the party? Her room will be on display ‘til January 30. 130 N. Jefferson.

The Life of Byron

Don’t-miss picks for 11.11.09 through 11.17.09: Cool jazz meets the king of klezmer … House Theatre meets rocker Jon Langford … Bartók meets the movies … Frank Lloyd Wright meets happy hour … and more

Mart Sample Sale, 1154 Lill Studio, Architectural Artifacts

Find the finer things in life for a fraction, and gain access to what are typically members’ only floors of the Merchandise Mart at this weekend’s sample sale of high-end furniture, artwork, accessories, fabrics, and a lot more (maybe even a few kitchen sinks). There will be dozens of showrooms participating on floors six, seven, and 15–18, including Baker, Henredon, Melvin Wolf, Betty M., and Holland & Sherry…

In Stitches

Renegade Handmade is a fun little shop for crafty gifts—and what is craftier than embroidery? If you are a fan of this look, which is popping up everywhere these days, particularly on pillows (check out this recent round-up on Apartment Therapy), stop by the store November 21 for the opening of the “In Stitches Showcase,” featuring the work of 15 artists.

Renting Unsold Condos

At the height of the condo boom, many investors snapped up under-construction condos, planning to turn around and sell them upon or shortly after completion. In the crash years, reselling has proved difficult, leaving some investors bleeding money as their condos sit unsold. Justin Elliott, the founder and CEO of Chicago Apartment Finders (which leases about 6,000 apartments each year), suggests that investors consider renting those condo until the market becomes more stable…

Mom-Tot Boutique in Lincoln Square

Phase-Free Fashion
As a mother of three, Ellen Sternweiler knows how difficult shopping can be at each stage of pregnancy. Like any expecting mother, she searched for items that kept her changing body comfortable from season to season. “I got really tired of having to buy

Design Pop-Up Stores

   

A few weeks ago, I stopped by Morlen Sinoway’s shop and he told me I have to start covering the Chicago indie-design pop-up scene. After he said this, I started hearing about pop-up plans brewing left and right. For those who haven’t gotten the memo on this whole concept, it’s when independent designers and online shopkeepers without permanent gallery or retail spaces “open shop” temporarily in a random space to sell or exhibit their wares. This past summer, a few of these types of shows took place around the same time as NeoCon and Morlen’s Guerilla Truck Show. (Ironically, Target had a pop-up store this summer as well, in the space next to the Tribune Tower—not so indie, but still very fun.) One of the non-corporate under-the-radar shows was put together by Object Design League, which we blogged about on Design Dose this past June. Now, the group is partnering with the Bucktown antique shop Pavilion for a special holiday pop-up store-within-in-a-store on Black Friday (November 27). This is a great opportunity to buy some completely unique design objects for gifts, while also supporting local designers (along with others from across the country). Shown above are two items that will be on display, designed by Chicagoans: Steven Haulenbeek’s Dubbot modular lighting system and Materious’s Piggy (a new take on the popular mini-bank featuring a mommy and baby pig that must be together to stand). Also popping up for a short holiday run is Willow, which closed its brick-and-mortar doors recently and is now open online only. This temporary shop is open now at 850. N. Damen Ave. and will be there through the end of January. We recommend… um, popping by both. And let us know if you hear of others!

Weekend Photos: 6 Corners Sports Bar

Champagne and DJs are out; all sports, all the time is in at 6 Corners Sports Bar (1950 W. North Ave.; 773-235-5700), a revamped spot in the former D’Vine space, just east of the intersection of Milwaukee, North, and Damen Avenues in Wicker Park. We sent our photographer over on Saturday to check out the state of play; she spotted folks with eyes trained on the 13 flatscreens and giant projection TV. Come next week, there will be even more reason to watch, owners say…