Strange Closets

West side antique dealer Arthur Swirgon knows a lot about a lot:  European antiques expert, jewelry dealer and self-taught mid-century modern expert (he can run circles around most), Arthur knows the history and importance of many of his store’s pieces. So it kills me that he’s doing so well on his Ebay store and developing [...]

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to interview furniture designer Bladon Conner in his Ukrainian Village apartment.  Bladon’s a rising star in Chicago’s design scene having appeared in Chicago Home + Garden and Time Out (among others). Bladon imbues every piece with an unexpected touch that elevates it; the first time I felt [...]

ALAN ROBANDT I love this vintage mannequin at Buchanan’s new showroom Alan Robandt, because it perfectly illustrates the cycle of chic. Classical forms reinterpreted for utilitarian purposes become junk then objets d’art then antiques, in and out of fashion over and over and on and on and on (again).

The life of an artist can be a solitary one, and fate made no exemption for Bruce, a St. Joseph painter and craftsman whose decision to pursue his art over all else has resulted in more than a few broken hearts.  But the artist’s life didn’t prevent Bruce for owning the house of his dreams [...]

When the kind Dan Devening, a busy artist / professor / gallery owner agreed to a Strange Closets Home Tour, my vestigial tail started wagging (or trying to), because I knew the space would be cool.

When you were in grade school (a looooooong time ago), you probably learned about Marco Polo, a Venetian trader and explorer who was also a known raconteur, famed for telling stories about his travels through the Far East. So it’s appropriate that the Harbert, Michigan shop of the same name offers countless tales of world [...]

Assemblage offers a collection of mid-century modern furniture, art and accessories so interesting and unique it prompted 1st Dibs (how I love thee) to reach out and contact them shortly after opening (a first for the online collective of antique dealers known for its long waiting list for new listing members).