Chicago Home / STYLE
Serena & Lily
A LITTLE HISTORY: In 2004, Bay Area-based designers Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter (read more about her on p. 27) founded Serena & Lily to showcase their love of breezy California style and passion for great design. This Lincoln Park outpost marks the brand’s first foray into the Midwest. A LOT TO LOVE: Two full floors of inspiration feature a stunning swatch wall with more than 300 original Serena & Lily textile designs; a rotating gallery with original works from the company’s ever-evolving art collection; and a gorgeous front sunroom highlighting the outdoor goods: sofas, pillows, rugs and décor. And, like a library for the design obsessed, the showroom is home to samples of every bedding, textile, wallpaper, and rug Serena & Lily has ever created. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: This store has a curated collection of furniture, lighting, outdoor furniture, upholstery and décor selected specifically for the Chicago community. 853 W. Armitage Ave., 773-435-6036, serenaandlily.com
Room Service
Thanks to a recent influx of brick-and-mortars that aim to redefine the art of interiors, Chicago’s design scene is as vibrant as ever. Here, three slick new shops worth scouting. AMY BIZZARRI
Space 519
A LITTLE HISTORY: When noted retailers Lance Lawson and
A LOT TO LOVE: The massive, light-filled space is filled
with unique home, apparel, accessories, apothecary, and gift offerings, sourced from around the world, all reflecting the pair’s signature style. You’ll also find a smart selection of ready-to-wear favorites from collections like Protagonist, Sea and Apiece Apart, as well as statement jewelry from designers Annie Costello Brown, Lizzie Fortunato and Gabriela Artigas. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: When you’ve shopped up an appetite, settle into the space’s sit-down restaurant, The Lunchroom, for a Californiainspired menu centered on globally influenced entrées including soups, salads, sandwiches and other lunch and brunch dishes, all focused on freshness, creativity, and locally sourced ingredients.
200 E. Chestnut St., 312-7511519, space519.com
Eskell
A LITTLE HISTORY: Owner
Kelly Whitesell debuted the Chicago-based lifestyle brand Eskell in 2005 with a Wicker Park boutique that quickly gained a cult following for its eclectic selection of home goods, jewelry, and sought-after seasonal womenswear. This spring, she packed up and moved a few train stops away to a brand-new—and way bigger—Bucktown location, this time with a focus on home goods and furniture. A LOT TO LOVE: Built upon the site of a former muffler
shop, the airy space shines a spotlight on local, independent furniture and home goods designers. Fans of its in-housedesigned apparel and jewelry lines won’t be disappointed, as pieces are scattered throughout the boutique. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: Beyond home and fashion, Eskell
is also establishing itself as a premier apothecary offering eco-oriented skincare and fragrance—think D.S. & Durga perfumes and Qualitas candles. 2029 N. Western Ave., 773-486-0830, eskell.com
68 SEP T E M B ER /O C TO B ER 2018 M A K E IT B E T T E R
FROM TOP: DUSTON HALLECK; VICTORIA CHUKAROV; NATHAN KIRKMAN
Jim Wetzel launched their Gold Coast concept store SPACE 519 in 2010, the design duo immediately became go-to sources for all things style. Fast forward eight years, and they’re sitting pretty in a new 5,000-square-foot location just a block from Michigan Avenue.