Collect Yourself

What do you get when a group of local furniture makers and independent designers want to show off their latest designs? A party! This weekend, Dock 6 Collective is hosting its Design & Art Series #4. The Dock 6-ers (who are: Lagomorph Design, whose work is shown here, Navillus Woodworks, SAP Design, -ism Furniture, Carson Maddox Studios, Thomeworks, and zakrose) are throwing open the doors to their nearly 30,000-square-foot studio at 4200 W. Diversey to show off new pieces. They are also going to display some pretty amazing artwork and will be having an all-around festive time (helped by beer from Half Acre, food from Brimstone BBQ, and dessert by Jo Snow snowcones). It happens Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open Season

One open house is enough to get me excited—this weekend I don’t know what’s going to happen. The Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting Open House Chicago, which is basically an open house that takes over the entire city. All weekend you can get free, behind-the-scenes looks at more than 150 of the greatest buildings in Chicago that are normally restricted or open “by invitation only.” This is your chance to learn the history and secrets behind the Aragon Ballroom, Pui Tak Center in Chinatown, Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Garfield Park, and so much more. No reservations are required and sites will accept visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis. That said, it’s a good idea to sign up at www.openhousechicago.org. There you can pick the spots you want to go to and hoods you want to explore to create a personal itinerary.

Chicago Softies

Add personality and city pride to your décor with these Chicagoland-themed throw pillows. From your local neighborhood to your lake house and everything in between, these babies give a whole new meaning to pillow talk. Read more…

Chicago Toughies

And, now for a little good-natured civic ribbing… Do these slightly insulting Chicago-themed posters have decorating potential? We think so. Read more…

We Heart French Style

Want your kitchen to feel more French? Whether it’s a Provencal country home or a Parisian flat you’re striving for, these fine taps have just that je ne sais quoi. Read more…

Photograph: (Open Season) Mark Ballogg