Looking to spice up your humble abode?
Venture to the city to check out the latest and greatest home stores. Here are our favorites and why we love them.
Susan Fredman at Home
One of the coolest spots for a modern collection of tabletop items, glassware, home décor, furnishings, and gifts curated with the eye of an interior designer. We especially love the kitschy pillows and gold studded stacking bowls. The bridal registry is unique in that it allows couples to register for time with an interior designer, in addition to gifts from the store. The boutique has a sister store in Michigan’s Harbor Country.
Green Home Chicago Design Center
GHC Design Center follows the “green” trend as the spot for beautiful eco-friendly interior design products with affordable options. Products include 100% recycled fiber pillows, soy and clay based paints, and furniture constructed of recycled metals and sustainable-engineered wood panels. Whether you’re looking to update your home or developing a commercial building site, GHC offers every ecological option.
Classic Remix
In March, Mary Garvey James opened her home boutique featuring a mix of old and new pieces from different 
eras. Garvey James says, “For hostess gifts I’m crazy about Cake Kitchen Papers which put a new twist on paper doilies, disposable placemats, and coasters. We also have a beautiful selection of reproduction serving domes, which look great hung on a wall or placed as an architectural piece in the middle of your dining room table.”
Morlen Sinoway
Morlen Sinoway carries local and international pieces from furniture to unique jewelry. Look for a 1960s Oculus Lounge Chair by Carl Hansen of Denmark, which has just been reproduced. Shop designer Lori Oelhafen calls this retro-style chair the most comfortable piece they’ve ever carried. You’ll also find extraordinary new lighting by local designer, Steven Haulenbeek, available in custom sizes.
Space 519
Former Jake boutique owners opened Space 519 in the 900 North Michigan shops as a refined general store, specializing in hard to find items from home items to apparel and accessories. Here you’ll see standout vintage mid-century furniture and artwork, as well as lovely gifts like coffee table books, jewelry, and candles.
Other stores worth scoping out …
For jewelry, leather-goods, and house wares
Stitch, 1723 N. Damen Ave.
Elements, 714 N. Wells St.
For vintage house and clothing wares
Post 27, 1819 W. Grand Ave.
For contemporary furniture and lighting
Luminaire, 310 W. Superior St.
Florense, 300 W. Ontario St.
Did we forget one of your favorites? Add it to our comments below!
Lead photo: Susan Fredman at Home
