November 2009

Renegade Handmade is a fun little shop for crafty gifts—and what is craftier than embroidery? If you are a fan of this look, which is popping up everywhere these days, particularly on pillows (check out this recent round-up on Apartment Therapy), stop by the store November 21 for the opening of the “In Stitches Showcase,” featuring the work of 15 artists.

—GINA BAZER

A few weeks ago, I stopped by Morlen Sinoway’s shop and he told me I have to start covering the Chicago indie-design pop-up scene. After he said this, I started hearing about pop-up plans brewing left and right. For those who haven’t gotten the memo on this whole concept, it’s when independent designers and online shopkeepers without permanent gallery or retail spaces “open shop” temporarily in a random space to sell or exhibit their wares. This past summer, a few of these types of shows took place around the same time as NeoCon and Morlen’s Guerilla Truck Show. (Ironically, Target had a pop-up store this summer as well, in the space next to the Tribune Tower—not so indie, but still very fun.) One of the non-corporate under-the-radar shows was put together by Object Design League, which we blogged about on Design Dose this past June. Now, the group is partnering with the Bucktown antique shop Pavilion for a special holiday pop-up store-within-in-a-store on Black Friday (November 27). This is a great opportunity to buy some completely unique design objects for gifts, while also supporting local designers (along with others from across the country). Shown above are two items that will be on display, designed by Chicagoans: Steven Haulenbeek’s Dubbot modular lighting system and Materious’s Piggy (a new take on the popular mini-bank featuring a mommy and baby pig that must be together to stand). Also popping up for a short holiday run is Willow, which closed its brick-and-mortar doors recently and is now open online only. This temporary shop is open now at 850. N. Damen Ave. and will be there through the end of January. We recommend… um, popping by both. And let us know if you hear of others!

—GINA BAZER

We’re sad to hear about the decision to fold Metropolitan Home. The December issue will be the magazine’s last. We were alerted to the shuttering of Met Home here. The publishing firm Hachette, which also owns Elle Décor, has decided to consolidate all of its efforts into that magazine. Among our staff, Met Home was highly regarded and one of our favorites—its spaces were thoroughly modern and very personal. We’ll really miss it.

—JAN PARR

Just when we thought we knew of every design source in the area, we discovered Den Antiques (1810 Central St., Evanston, 847-424-0048). North Shore designers love under-the-radar Den, run by Darren Puffer, a midcentury modern aficionado who is an expert at restoring old lighting. He’s got lots of great chandeliers packed into his small, red-walled space, and now he’s moving and having a sale. Because he intends to focus on midcentury in his new, as-yet-undetermined digs in the city, he’s having a sale on more traditional items ‘til November 30, when he closes shop. Stay tuned to our blog to find out where Den lands. And watch for a story on Puffer’s own treasure-filled home, scheduled to run in the March/April issue of Chicago Home + Garden.

–JAN PARR