Architectural Digest
The best decor shops in Chicago are as varied as the neighborhoods the architecturally significant city is known for. Sure, you can scour for all things home online, but nothing beats the immediate satisfaction of walking into a retail outlet and walking out with something tangible for your client’s coffee table or foyer. Here, the city’s designers reveal to AD PRO some of their not-so-secret sources, ranging from high-end showrooms to vintage emporiums.
“I love Anecdote in La Grange for its selection of vintage accessories and rotating collection of art. You never walk away empty-handed.” —Pam Maher
8 W. Burlington Avenue, La Grange
Anna’s Warehouse & Marketplace
“I love Anna’s Warehouse & Marketplace in Highwood for antiques. They have antique lights, lots of Wedgwood, and really unique accessories.” —Jasmin Reese
531 Bank Lane, Highwood
“I love this place because it has the perfect amount of vintage. [Owner Lynne McDaniel] scouts an estate sale like no other. Everything she picks out is perfection.” —Tiffany Brooks
2418 W. North Avenue
“Unique antiques and midcentury design. Quality is the ultimate luxury, and they have an eye for great pieces. Easy to work with through Instagram, too.” —Lauren Ashley Allen
3636 S. Iron Street
“One of my favorite gems in the city: Their florals are so beautiful, like sculptural works of art, and their curated selection of home accessories will have you walking out the door with a handful of bags saying, ‘Wait, this isn’t what I came in for…!’” —Kara Mann
1935 W. North Avenue; 309 N. Morgan Street
“It’s an experience. You think you are going in there to buy just a simple house plant. These ladies [owners Ashley and Lindsay] have it set up so special, it really becomes a part of your family.” —Tiffany Brooks
492 Crescent Boulevard, Glen Ellyn
“A go-to staple for well-priced furnishings, ever-changing accessories, and a creative and accommodating floral department.” —Steve Kadlec
1885 N. Clybourn Avenue
“I love to go to Lincoln Antique Mall on Irving Park, where I recently picked up an oversize malachite egg with a gold stand from Maitland Smith. I always go there to pick up items for our shoots.” —Jasmin Reese
3115 W. Irving Park Road
“I frequent North Shore Exchange, which supports women’s charities through the sale of donated or consigned goods. You can always find treasures at a bargain. It’s also a great resource for designers to sell or donate clients’ unneeded furnishings and decor.” —Pam Maher
900 North Michigan, 4th Floor
“The best customer service in the business and experts in all things for the floor, whether antique, reproduction, or contemporary rugs and carpeting.” —Steve Kadlec
120 W. Kinzie Street
“I never tire of going to see what Betsy Nathan has next. Every time, there are new gems that inspire.” —Mick de Giulio
1740 W. Webster Avenue
“It’s a Chicago institution. So many beautiful vintage designs from some of my favorite designers, including Angelo Mangiarotti and Pierre Jeanneret. I find something for every client (and myself) whenever I visit.” —Kara Mann
2055 N. Damen Avenue
“A true arbiter of all things divinely inspirational, they have art that feels collected over time, as well as accessories. They always have something for you to fall in love with, even crystals, for an extra good-vibe feel that everyone can use more of. It never disappoints.” —Lauren Ashely Allen
1819 W. Grand Avenue
“Beth Berke at South Loop Loft knows how to spot the diamonds in the rough. She travels the world to find unique and funky furnishings and, once that container arrives [back home], she puts her magic touch in refinishing and reupholstering them for today’s modern interiors.” —Donna Mondi
685 N. Milwaukee Avenue
“If I could move into a showroom, it would be this one. Refined minimalism, clean modernism, and sculptural furnishings come to mind as I think of their unique design perspective.” —Donna Mondi
5856 N. Broadway Street