Patio Perk-up
It’s almost Labor Day, which I’m guessing means you’re probably wrapping up your outdoor entertaining season (or, like me, panicking about all the warm-weather activities you haven’t done yet!). It may seem counterintuitive, but now, when you’re planning your final BBQ of the season, is the perfect time to toss your worn, faded patio furniture for something a little fresher. That’s because Skyline Design is having a sample sale through September 10. They’ve marked bar sets, tables, and sectionals at up to 30 percent off wholesale. These are serious savings: The Topaz sectional, shown here, retails for $5,450 and is on sale for $1,950. Find the furniture at their Merchandise Mart location on the 15th floor, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Garden Party
Don’t stop with freshening up your furniture—your landscaping might need a boost, too. Head to Jayson Home to stock up on trees, shrubs, and flowers. They’ve taken 30 percent off everything in their garden area, including plants but also pots, planters, and containers. And it’s a pretty good selection: You’ll find boxwoods, hydrangeas, and perennials, helping you get next year’s garden going, and lightweight, frost-resistant planters perfect for our typically brisk fall (although with the wacky weather we’ve had this year, who knows what we have in store?). They also have evergreens on sale, which will give your home a festive look during the holidays. The sale is going on now and runs through September 2. One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t find the bargains online, only in store. But that’s a good thing! While visiting there, you can check out the debut of the latest collection of vintage Flea arrivals from Europe.
The Giving Tree
If you missed seeing the Idea Tree exhibit in June, you have a second chance. The showcase of 40-plus accessories and furnishings, all crafted from a single tree that fell during a storm last year, is going on exhibit at the Chicago Center for Green Technology (445 N. Sacramento Blvd) from September 6 to October 12. All of the objects on display were designed by architecture students at Illinois Institute of Technology, with input from craftsmen and furniture makers from Sawbridge Studios. The end results are innovative and unique. They include an Arts and Crafts inspired console (shown here), a modern wood and steel coffee table, a tripod lamp, and see-through planters. And here I thought fallen trees were just good for sitting on.
Tag, You’re It!
I’ve written about Coyle & Herr before—the showroom opens for only 10 days every month to sell unique home furnishings. But this month they’re doing something special: They’re having a summer tag sale where you can find a big selection of furniture and accessories, including custom upholstery and designer pieces, at 50 percent off. An upholstered Ralph Lauren club chair is $300, a marble dining table is $350, two Marge Carson velvet sofas are $350 each, and a glass and metal console table is $600. But don’t wait: The tag sale is only this weekend, August 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. After you’re done browsing the bargains, stay to check out the rest of the showroom—you can see some of the latest arrivals, like a beautiful Murano glass chandelier.
Peachy Keen
In Oak Park, there’s an adorable shop called the CarefulPeach that sells home accessories and gift items. Twice a year, they have a huge sale, and the summer one is going on now through Sunday. This isn’t one of those sales where you walk into the store and the marked-down items are on a tiny table in the corner. For this event, almost everything in stock is marked down 30 to 50 percent. You name it, it’s on sale: European apothecary items, jewelry, eco-friendly candles, gourmet cooking products, French table linens, baby gifts, and more. After you score some goodies, post what you got on the store’s Facebook page—you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate.