April 2009

A couple weeks ago, we mentioned Primitive’s warehouse sale on our Web site, but I had never actually been to the flagship store in the West Loop store until last week. This place is amazing, with four floors filled with furniture, artifacts, and textiles from around the world, as well as a line of contemporary furnishings by Primitive’s in-house designers. There are many different appealing vignettes throughout the space (including a wonderful library, which several clients have asked to have simulated in their homes), but what blew me away was a Buddha-filled room that feels like a real monastery (not that I’ve ever been to one) with intricate woodwork and murals on the walls. Owner Glen Joffe told me that one evening a woman rushed into Primitive just as he was about to close and breathlessly asked, “Is the Buddha Room still open?” Apparently, she needed to meditate—and did just that. In a store. Commerce has never been quite this spiritual an experience. It’s clear, though, that Joffe puts his own heart and soul into the business.

—Gina Bazer

If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up.

—Gina Bazer

I checked out the Chicago Modernism Show & Sale this weekend and was pleased to see several local dealers: Converso Mod, Scout, Modern Times, Broadway Antique Market, Room Service, and Uber Modern. (If you missed it, make a note not to next year.) At the latter’s booth, Brandon McCleskey told me he had started a modern antique mall close to his Uber showroom. Called MCM Grand, (MCM stands for mid-century modernism), the new mall is at 2219 W. Grand Ave., and features items from Brandon as well as quality goods from other dealers Brandon knows who were looking for a showcase. He’s still signing on dealers. The storefront is 2,000 square feet but he plans to epxand upstairs if there’s enough interest. “It’s not like a traditional mall,” McClesky says. “It’s more of a showroom.” McClesky and his partner will group furniture and accessories into attractive vignettes instead of being divided by dealer. Sounds grand!

–Jan Parr

The new creative director of Donghia, Chuck Chewning, has made his mark on the venerable brand’s showrooms across the country. We went to a party to celebrate the unveiling of the new Donghia in the Merchandise Mart (shown above). It’s a stunner. Each room is arranged in vignettes you’d see in a fashionable home. Chewning’s really brought the wow back.

—JAN PARR