Six years ago Lynda O’Connor introduced Chicago to the world of Austro-Hungarian Empire textiles, through her one-of-a-kind line of pillows and throws called Textures. Now she’s expanded her business by introducing the city to country classical furniture from this unique melting pot of styles where the Ottoman East met the Hapsburg West.
Her first shipment of furniture is a sampler of styles, reflecting two centuries of creative evolution that emerged along with the increasing wealth of Hungary’s landed gentry beginning in the early 1800s.
This collection ranges from painted chests of drawers with nuanced details echoing centuries of Turkish occupation to classical Jugendstil (late 19th and early 20th Century German and Austrian Art Nouveau movement) occasional tables, Hoffman-style bentwood chairs and a Hungarian high Art Nouveau cabinet. Chairs start at $300, chests from $1,800 and tables from $1,750.
O’Connor’s new line of furniture, as well as her pillows and throws, can be seen by appointment only at her River North studio. Call 312-879-0199.
— Kathy Kaplan
SUGAR AND SPICE
For those who love adventure even in design, these Tibetan sugar bowls, covered with small metal embellishments, should bring the flavor of the exotic into your environment. The bowls date from early to mid-20th Century and range in price from $175 to $225. They can be found at Fenway Gallery, which opened at 2570 Lincoln Ave., last spring. Call: 773-281-7930.
— Mary Daniels
