Ludwig’s Julia chair  

THE OWNER: Kenneth Ludwig, who has operated a showroom at the Merchandise Mart since 2000. THE SPACE: Studio KL, 444 N. Orleans St., 4th floor, 312-467-0530. THE STORY: After years of repping others, Ludwig recently launched Portfolio Kenneth Ludwig, a furniture line of 20 pieces, and decided he needed a place besides his Mart showroom so that these beauties would be more accessible to the public. BIG NAME ROOMATES: Along with his own collection, Ludwig carries (exclusively in Chicago) Lilly Pulitzer. Calvin Klein is on the horizon. TRANSITIONAL STYLE: The Lilly Pulitzer pieces are a tad Palm Beach but still Chicago appropriate. As for the Portfolio line, it’s all about the Midwest—Ludwig designed it to fit his hometown. ADVICE TO SHOPPERS: “Retail customers tend to bring fabric swatches, describe their room by waving their hands, and ask for an opinion on how to decorate their house. I suggest bringing floor plans and pictures of your space and having a description of your aesthetic ready. Respect that not every store designer will know your style right off the bat.”