This stretch of Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park has a fashion-forward reputation for its clothing boutiques, but dotted among the modish duds are shops stocked with home accessories that are destinations in their own right. The following places, in particular, have all the goods for a well-appointed interior and also are a one-stop shop for unique hostess gifts.
–Rebecca Little, home&garden@tribune.com
1. Design Shoppe
2009 N. Fremont Ave., 773-883-6004, www.designshoppechicago.com
Open for less than a year, this shop has quickly become a mainstay for shoppers looking for classy-yet-unexpected home accents, linens and a small selection of vintage furniture. Owners Nikki March and Meg Caswell choose their collection of urbane items with a careful eye toward refinement. Caswell, an interior designer, also designs window treatments, custom furniture, and will help with paint selection, and floor and space planning.
2. Tabula Tua
1015 W. Armitage Ave., 773-525-3500, www.tabulatua.com
That friend who always has a perfectly set table, ready for any occasion? Odds are this place is on her radar. The narrow shop is packed with table settings, platters and bowls that range from earthenware to Italian stoneware to sushi sets (and retains a sense of humor with kitschy bowls adorned with Kellogg’s advertising). In short, if it dresses up a table, they have it here.
3. Faded Rose
1017 W. Armitage Ave., 773-281-8161, www.shopfadedrose.com
This is a shabby-chic paradise. Feminine daybeds, cushy linens, plush robes and picture frames made from old pieces of tin ceiling line this cozy shop, which is filled with light pinks, blues and greens. They also have a selection of snuggly baby clothing, gifts and toys.
4. Art Effect
934 W. Armitage Ave., 773-929-3600, www.arteffectchicago.com
This ambidextrous boutique is equally adept at clothing and housewares. Home accents are geared toward entertaining, like Michael Aram’s silver serveware, Vietri tableware and a vast selection of gift items such as picture frames, candles, and bath and body products. Toward the back of the shop, items are more casual and tongue-in-cheek, like a squirrel nutcracker.
5. Multiple Choices
840 W. Armitage Ave., 773-477-4520
The second location (the original is at 841 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-441-5240) for this hostess gift emporium, stocks serveware, tableware, baby gifts and bridal gifts. It also offers monogramming. We found a great array of seasonal entertaining items and university-themed dishware and accessories as well.
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Rebecca Little, home&garden@tribune.com
