We’re sure you were inspired when you spied your future living room on page 22 of a catalog. But now that they’re in your home, the oat velvet couch and its perfectly matched accessories look just a little, well, generic.

Add a personal touch with items from the Arthur M. Feldman Gallery. The gallery takes its inspiration from a turn-of-the-century salon, not a mass-produced lifestyle. The walls and floors are stacked several paintings thick, and the shelves are crowded with jewelry, silver pieces, small-scale sculptures, and fine art photography.

Feldman is an antiques dealer who, before opening up shop, spent time as a curator at the Smithsonian, and at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. But there are no exorbitant price tags attached to his brilliant eye and extensive knowledge. Feldman consideres it his business to know the history of each piece he sells, whether it’s a Pietra Dura table or an Annie Lebowitz photo.

Which is more than you can say for Jim McWhatever at Pottery Barn.

Arthur M. Feldman Gallery, 619 North State Street, between Ohio and Ontario Streets (312-274-9987).