Super Models
It’s July, and that means it’s time for Jayson Home’s Floor Model & More Sale. (It also means that it’s so hot I’ve deemed it acceptable to eat ice cream for dinner, but I digress.) From now through July 30th, you can buy floor models and brand new back stock pieces for up to 50 percent off. This includes a wide selection of furniture (including the Penelope chair, shown here, which was $1,650 and is now $999), home accessories, lighting, and vintage finds. While it doesn’t take much to get me to visit Jayson Home, this event is a pretty good reason to do just that. —Alice Oglethorpe
A New Look at Old Town
If you think the Chicago Architecture Foundation tours are only for when people are visiting (I, send every houseguest on their architecture river cruise), think again. They offer a ton of unique tours, and going on one is a neat way to learn more about your city. An upcoming one that sounds especially interesting to me is the Old Town Triangle walking tour on July 15th. You’ll spend two hours learning about the landmark district’s history and buildings, including Adler & Sullivan rowhouses, townhomes designed by Harry Weese and Walter Netsch, and St. Michael’s Church, shown here, which survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It’s only $15 (or free if you’re a member)—a small price to pay for being able to impress your friends with facts about the hood the next time you’re there. —AO
Best Fests
Walls looking a bit bare? Tabletops and shelves missing a little something? Find some new artwork and pottery at two arts festivals happening this weekend. The Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival runs tomorrow through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will have 100 juried artists who will sell photographs, paintings, ceramics, and more. To tie it into its location, all of the work will either be made from plant materials or have a botanic theme. If you’re looking for something a little bigger, the Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival is going on at the same time and will feature more than 300 artists from around the country. After this weekend, you’ll have no excuse for owning lackluster artwork. —AO
A Bright Spark
A new furniture company out of Holland, Michigan, has been getting some attention lately. Sparkeology launched in 2010 with a line of furniture designed for public spaces (think libraries, lobbies, and restaurants). But due to high demand, it’s offering it’s line to everyone. The company’s philosophy is to make design a priority and to build furniture out of materials that are easy on the environment. One of the cutest products is the Cupcake stool, shown here, which comes in three heights and starts at $450. Sparkeology is updating its website so you can order directly from it, but in the meantime, see the offerings on the website and order by emailing info@sparkeology.com or calling 877-318-7661. —AO
New Rug in Town
Mia Gargiulo, a former showroom director for The Rug Company and showroom manager for Odegard, just launched Çinar US. By partnering with the Çinar Family (one of the oldest Turkish rug manufacturers who have never offered their goods in the states before), Mia is guaranteeing that the hand-knotted, Brazilian silk rugs will be unique and high quality. She’s currently showing the line to interior designers (they will be available to the trade only), but will be opening a small showroom space within the next few months. And if Turkish style isn’t your thing, she’s also newly representing two other rug lines never before available in Chicago: Carini Lang and Fort Street Studio (this shot is one of their gorgeous rugs). —AO
Gina Bazer is off this week.
Photograph: (Chicago Botanic Garden) Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden