Nancy McCabe’s year-old graphic design studio, No Ocean, hooked clients such as Eddie Bauer with bright patterns made for textiles, paper, and interior decor. The 31-year-old Minneapolis native, who has spent her career in the design field, also created a line of silk scarves in tandem with No Ocean’s launch, showcasing her eye-catching prints at boutiques including Vividbraille in Bucktown. Unsurprisingly, McCabe thinks outside the box when it comes to decorating the Roscoe Village low-rise apartment she and her boyfriend, Elliot Green (who is head chef at Reno in Logan Square), share with their cats, Sid and Taco. Here are some of her favorite things.
No Ocean silk scarf
($125, no-ocean.com)
“Soft, lightweight, and perfect for summer.”
Before They Pass Away by Jimmy Nelson
($150, teneues.com)
“Beautiful portraits showcasing tribal cultures.”
Mexican ceramic skulls
“The hand-painted designs really brighten up a space.”
Mexican train dominoes
($22, kmart.com)
“I like all domino games, but this is my favorite.”
Dry skin body brush
($14 for similar style, amazon.com)
“Given to me as a gift at a spa in Asheville, North Carolina. Feels great on the skin.”
Her grandfather’s watch and grandmother’s bracelet
“I love the juxtaposition of the chunky watch with the delicate bracelet.”
Vintage atmosphere chart
“The colors really caught my eye.”
Design Ahoy typographic map
($150, designahoy.com)
“A modern alternative to a traditional world map.”
Rag & Bone leather booties
($525, 25 E. Delaware Pl.)
“Shaped perfectly: not too pointy or too square.”