The Art Formerly Known as Prints
Fans of the cheerfully edgy paper goods produced by Binth have always thought that the work of this local screen-printing company could, and should, be hung up as art-and now, finally, the folks at Binth have concurred. Check out their very affordable matted, titled, one-of-a-kind signed prints at binth.com ($45). The print size is 5½ inches square; with a mat, it’s 12¼ inches square. Available at Paper Source and other stores (see the Web site for a list).		 affordable prints from Binth in Chicago

 

mezzo chair, Koost table and Dumas place mat by Hughes N'Cho-Allpot

Mezzo chair, Koost table, and Dumas place mat, all by Hughes N’Cho-Allpot

 Go West, Young Man!
Every so often, successful furniture designers move their businesses from Chicago to New York, but not usually the other way around. An exception is Hughes N’Cho-Allpot, a darling of the Brooklyn furniture design scene (his handiwork is found in restaurants and high-end homes all over Gotham), who recently moved his family to Oak Park. In fall 2007, he’ll open a kids’ furniture and clothing store there; soon after, he plans to launch a full-service design showroom in downtown Chicago. His designs, which range from beds to full kitchens, incorporate exotic woods and play with unexpected proportions. Examples include chairs with really short-or rebelliously high-backs, and low, deep couches with wood frames so chunky that end tables are not necessary. Until he opens his Chicago-area locations, his lines can be purchased through hughesnchoallepothome.com or by calling 708-660-9066.

 

Luke Wong's Dublin sideboard

Luke Wong’s Dublin sideboard

Hey, Jude
First she occupied a showroom in the Merchandise Mart for ten years; then she operated five freestanding stores across the country. Now Judy Niedermaier-who launched her career in 1965 as a visual merchandiser for Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and other department stores-is opening a to-the-trade showroom right back where she started: at the Mart. Just in time for her April opening, some designers Niedermaier features at her New York showroom (including Vincent Wolf, Denis Collura, and Thomas Shoner) will debut new lines. Niedermaier will also carry pieces by local talent such as Luke Wong, Powell/Kleinschmidt, and photographer Victor Skrebneski, who recently created his own line of Art Deco–inspired furniture. Watch for details at niedermaier.com.

 

Photograph: (image 2) Steven Capputo
Styling: Kerry Reardons