River North

Inspired by coastal trends, but tempered by Midwest practicality, Chicago artfully blends innovation and tradition. "Styles that take hold in the Midwest are tested and proven until they become classics," says Ned Cramer, curator of architecture for the Chicago Architecture Foundation. "That's unlike New York or Los Angeles, whereeverything is of the minute." Designer Doug Nickless adds, "The Midwest refines design trends,making them both beautiful and functional for our climate and lifestyle." Some of the designers andinstitutions that make Chicago's style distinctive can be found in the city's hottest neighborhoods.Whatever your tastes, you'll discover furnishings and accessories that make you feel at home.

An Around-the-World Tour

In Chicago's trendy River North neighborhood, upscale stores cluster around the Merchandise Mart, an Art Deco landmark that's the world's largest wholesale home-furnishings design center. Get your creative juices flowing at the mart's new firstfloor LuxeHome, which features 28 kitchen, bath and flooring boutiques open to the public. Shoppers can talk with professional design consultants and buy products, from the latest in tile, carpet and bath towels to entire kitchens.

Visitors learn about the latest trends on guided tours of the upper floors. Internationally renowned manufacturers' showrooms such as Donghia, Scalamandre, Stark Carpets and F. Schumacher & Company fill these hallowed halls of home style, open only to designers.

"You'll view a world of possibilities on these tours, so you can create your own style," says Monica DeBartolo, Merchandise Mart's director of programming.

Monica explains that interior design trends usually reflect what's hot in the fashion industry. "Fabrics, patterns and colors on the runway usually end up in our homes as upholstery, window treatments and accessories," she points out.

The handsome Sawbridge Studios store along West Ohio Street features handiwork of more than 40 independent urnituremakers. Merchandise includes traditional and contemporary designs, as well as Shaker and Arts and Crafts styles. Original sculptures, pottery pieces, rugs and glass creations of 80-plus artisans complement the furnishings.

North Wells Street also should be on your must-visit list. Fine Line and Ann Sacks display tile palettes that transform kitchen backsplashes, foyers and bathroom walls into art. Sensuous beds at Arrelle Fine Linens overflow with luxury sheets, tasseled pillows and plump goosedown comforters. Snuggly bathrobes, elegant tissue boxes, and toothbrush holders of handcrafted pewter, stone and enamel turn grooming into a style statement.

Along West Grand Avenue, No Place Like, a funky, whimsical shop, stocks unusual furniture, tabletop accessories and bedding. The second floor of the nearby Clark & Barlow hardware store displays an extensive selection of decorative door handles and drawer pulls -- little details that can define a room.

Jay Roberts, owner of Jay Robert's Antique Warehouse along West Kinzie Street, says: "Really, you need just one spectacular piece, then build around it." Intricately carved dining tables, breakfronts, armoires and bed headboards serve the purpose. The warehouse also holds an impressive selection of ornate fireplace screens.

At Material Culture along North LaSalle Street, exotic kilim carpets qualify as art. Chinese rice-paper lanterns cast a tangerine glow on antique Tibetan chests. Around the corner, Jolly Antiques carries pedestal urns for gardens.

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