Chicago - April 28, 2006

Happy Homemakers

Design Shoppe Opens

The June Cleaver gene must have passed you by. After all, nothing makes you happier than outsourcing kitchens, floors, and bathrooms.

But you can’t get enough of home decorating. You’ve never met a pillow or candlestick you didn’t like.

Unfortunately, it shows.

Spruce up (and tone down) your habit with a trip to Design Shoppe, the new Lincoln Park home store that’s set up like a well-appointed (not, ahem, over-appointed) home. Be forewarned: This place is packed with all the touches you love, like vintage mirrors, Agnes & Hoss pillows, hand-embroidered linens, and big wood bowls carved from the root burls of fir trees.

But a la carte design services like color layout and space planning are what really set Design Shoppe apart. (Perfect the next time the home makeover bug hits.) It’s also an excellent source for finding hostess gifts. (You’re not the only one who gets the bug.)

In case that Emily Post gene skipped you as well.

Design Shoppe, 2009 North Fremont Street, at Armitage Avenue (773-883-6004 or designshoppechicago.com).