Go for the Gold
The Golden Triangle’s annual Sidewalk Sale kicks off tomorrow—and it’s their largest one yet. Head toward the tent in their parking lot and you’ll find more than 200 new, vintage, and antique tables, cabinets, chairs, lamps, wood carvings, mirrors and more, all with knocked-down prices. Treasures include a Chinese medicine chest that was $4,500 and is now $2,250 and, for those with a smaller budget, a papier-mâché rice box that was $280 and is now $120. The items are mostly from far-flung places, and each comes with a description of its origin. (“Oh this? It’s just a guardian stone lion that traditionally stood in front of Chinese palaces, temples, and emperors’ tombs.”) The sale runs through next Saturday, August 18, at 330 N. Clark St. —Alice Oglethorpe
Modern Markdowns
Few phrases in this world get me as excited as “warehouse sale”—hence my happiness that the annual one from Chiasso happens this Saturday and Sunday. If you’re a fan of clean, modern design, don’t miss this chance to score overstocks, returns, samples, and slightly damaged items marked down by 20 to 70 percent. The inventory will include everything from sofas, tables, chairs, beds, and desks to mirrors, rugs (like the one shown here), lighting, artwork, and accessories. The warehouse will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 473 Woodcreek Drive in Bolingbrook. Go early if you want the best selection—I’ve been told there are usually lines on the first day, and stuff sells out. —AO
Down But Not Out
Roy’s Furniture lost its main Lincoln Park showroom in a huge fire in May, but that’s not the end of the story. The affordable furniture shop has turned half of its large warehouse at 2315 W. 27th St. into a temporary showroom. There’s a full selection of tables, beds, and accessories, as well as everything you need to special-order sofas, chairs, and other pieces. Even more exciting is a large clearance area for heavily discounted pieces. But don’t get too used to the new location—Roy’s is rebuilding its old showroom and hopes to open it around the end of November. —AO
Back to School
It’s the time of year to get ready to learn something new—and I’m not talking about math, history, or science. Stores around Chicago are offering fun classes this fall to help you with home improvement and decorating projects. Here are three that I give an A-plus:
• Vogue Fabrics has all kinds of sewing classes that focus on interior design at its Evanston location. Depending on your skill level, you can learn how to make throw pillows, cushions, slipcovers, and roman shades. Most classes are in October, but sign up now to make sure you get a spot.
• Humboldt Park’s One Strange Bird hosts classes where you can learn how to craft one-of-a-kind pieces for your home—screen-print art for your walls, decorative ceramic bowls, and even “moss graffiti,” shown here. You just plant your message on your garden wall—I love the idea of doing “Happy Birthday” for a late-summer garden birthday party.
• And don’t forget that Home Depot stores have regular seminars to show you how to tackle DIY projects. This month’s free workshops focus on installing tile and window treatments (the schedule can be found at homedepot.com). —AO
Flea the City
Do your best haggling at night? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the Wheaton All-Night Flea Market next Saturday, August 18. It’s everything you love in a flea market—piles of antique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds—but it runs from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. the next morning. There are vendors inside and out, so make sure to bring a high-beam flashlight if you plan to be there post-sundown. And may I suggest a pre-flea nap? It’s one of the most popular flea markets in the country, so you don’t want to run out of steam before you finish exploring the goods. Admission is $7 and it happens at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester, in Wheaton. —AO