hello all
i'm going to be visiting chicago this weekend. i'd like to visit some stores with a nice selection of modern furniture and decor. i'd prefer to check out local, independent stores. any suggestions?
thanks in advance.

I just joined the LiveModern site today and I'm sorry this information is coming too late for your trip to our lovely city, but I wanted to share some information for anyone else who might visit this post.

There are numerous modern furniture stores in Chicago, here's a few that I recommend:

Luminaire, 301 W. Superior (312) 664-9582 www.luminaire.com
One of my favorites, though it is very expensive. Three stories of brands such as BB Italia, Zanotta, Porro and many more. There is an annual sample sale that is usually held near the end of may which should not be missed. Though you'll want to come early, there's a line around the block by the time the doors open.

Orange Skin, 1429 N. Milwaukee Ave (773) 394-4500 also a location in the River North area of the city (couple of blocks from Luminaire) call to find exact location. www.orangeskin.com
Great people, fun modern design. Minotti, Kartell, Quinze Milan are some of the brands to be found here.

Luxe Home, 222 Merchandise Mart PLZ (312) 527-7939
The Merchandise Mart is home to numerous furniture, decor, kitchen and bath store. Most of the floors are only open to the trade, though recently the first floor was rebranded as Luxe Home and opened to the public. There are dozens of great shops in this collection of stores including, Varenna by Poliform.

Modern Times, 1538 N Milwaukee Ave (773) 772-8871 www.moderntimeschicago.com
Great selection of used mid-century modern furniture.

In general the two areas of Chicago that I would check out for modern furniture are Bucktown and River North.

In Bucktown:
Take a walk down Milwaukee Ave. between Division and North Ave. Once you get to North Ave. take a walk up Damen Ave. This neighborhood is the trendy area of the city. A lot of great little places, fashion, furniture, music, food. This is where you'll find Orange Skin and Modern Times. On Damen, be sure to stop in Stitch. This is a great home decor store.

In River North:
Walk around all the streets surrounding Luminaire (about a five block area). This is the gallery area of chicago. The prices here are in the stratosphere but a lot of wonderful modern furniture and lighting. Stop by Luminaire, Artemide and Lightology.

There's a lot more in the city, but for anyone here for a weekend would be hard pressed to make it through all these areas. Hope this helps. Have Fun.

I am also responding a little late for your trip, but at one time I had a good list of modern furniture stores. I might be able to track it down in the archives and get it.

Here is the link to the old forum topic:


[url href=http://www.livemodern.com/forums/archivedforums/archivedgeographicforums/chicagoland/444989740308?b_start:int=0#947260703726]http://www.livemodern.com/forums/archivedforums/archivedgeographicforums/chicagoland/444989740308?b_start:int=0#947260703726[/url]