Chicago’s design scene is remarkably varied, with a large number of excellent sources you can tap into for antiques, collaborative and/or contemporary furniture and lighting design, accessories, and more. These places are spread out around the city, both in the historic neighborhoods and downtown, and not always a ground level. Here are three of the top design shops in Chicago you absolutely have to visit.
Design Shops in Chicago
Jayson Home
1885 N. Clybourn Avenue, L Stop – Brown Line to Armitage
This place offers an incredible mix of vintage and modern pieces—you’ll want to buy literally everything they have. It’s located in a 20,000-square-foot warehouse near Lincoln Park and has been around since 1997. Whether you are seeking sleek furniture, comfy hand-loomed throws, vintage lighting, or a Beni Ourain rug, this is the place. (They even carry plants and fresh flowers!) Their signature tote bag, made from in India from recycled nylon yarns salvaged from old rice and potato sacks, is downright perfect.
South Loop Loft
685 N. Milwaukee Avenue, L Stop – Blue Line to Chicago Avenue
Owner Beth Berke developed her eye for home furnishings after spending years selecting items for her own home, traveling the globe in the process. She works with contemporary craftspeople both here and abroad in addition to bringing in a curated selection of 20th Century furniture, lighting, art, and accessories—sourced primarily in Europe. Her vintage ceramics are particularly worthy of coveting. Don’t see exactly what you want? They have a 8,000 square foot warehouse 15 minutes from the showroom (the latter by appointment only.)
Architectural Anarchy
2229 S. Halsted Street, L Stop – Orange to Halsted
William Rawski and Gosia Korsakowski’s 7,000 square foot showroom houses an eclectic treasure trove of antiques and midcentury designs. Rawski originally worked on the to-the-trade side as an interior designer and prop house owner, and Korsakowski ran a gallery and worked in the fashion industry. Now the pair offers their one-of-a-kind finds to the public, by appointment arranged through their Instagram page. The space has a vibe that lands somewhere between shop and gallery, with artful arrangements sure to please their adventurous clientele.
Story by Stephen Treffinger
