This Week’s Top Story
57St. Design (629 W. Cermak Rd., 57stdesign.com) has just opened its first showroom, which is located within the workshop of its parent company, 57th Street Bookcase (57thstreetbookcase.com). A contemporary furniture label, 57St. Design was founded earlier this year by Sam Devenport and Pia Narula and incubated at the Polsky Exchange, a startup program at the University of Chicago.
“We design under the intention of being strong and durable and long-lasting,” says Devenport, a Hyde Park native. “We want everything we design to be first and foremost functional, and there’s a big emphasis on visual simplicity.”
Each piece is designed and manufactured in Pilsen using ethically sourced American hardwoods. Among Devenport’s favorite products is the Linnea shelving system. “It’s a very clever design,” he says of the unit, which assembles via interlocking joinery (no screws required). “It’s at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing technology.” The unit has also been picked up by open-source furniture platform Opendesk (opendesk.cc).
And while Devenport and Narula hope to offer 57St. Design as a platform for other designers, they ultimately aspire to set the brand apart as a manufacturer. “What we really want is to deliver heirloom-quality contemporary furniture to the consumer,” says Devenport, “and we do that through supply-chain efficiency—we design, we retail, and we manufacture in-house—so it allows a price point that is fair, given that it’s crafted in America.”
Interior Intel
Room & Board (55 E. Ohio St., roomandboard.com) is now carrying signed, limited-edition prints by Ayomi Yoshida (ayomi-yoshida.com). Inspired by Japan’s recent challenges, the artist carved four different designs (think cherry blossoms and seascapes) onto wood blocks, then using water-based ink to hand-print the images. Take a look at the collection.
Sale
Through November 23, take advantage of immediate delivery and up to 70 percent savings storewide (plus six months no interest) courtesy of the Get it Now Clearance happening at Walter E. Smithe (smithe.com). Shop the sale.
Events
Hosting Thanksgiving? Unison (1911 W. Division St., unisonhome.com) is holding a table styling event this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Stop by the open house, where stylist Janelle Gonyea (janellegonyea.com) will be sharing her tips for creating a visual feast. The store will also offer a 25 percent discount all day long.
Design Within Reach (755 W. North Ave., dwr.com) will screen the Peabody Award–winning documentary Eames: The Architect and the Painter on November 22. Reserve your spot by emailing chicagosupport@dwr.com. Moviegoers can also enjoy 15 percent savings on Eames designs as part of the Herman Miller sale, November 21 to December 12. Preview the sale.