A couple days ago, we flew into Chicago’s Midway Airport then took the “L” to an industrial area on Chicago’s South Side. At 57 St. Design. We walked through a dusty woodworking shop where workers were building furniture from American hardwoods using traditional methods.
We discussed a few pieces we will order, including our first decent dresser: the drawers will glide effortlessly, joints will be mitered, all within a minimal form.
We’re in Chicago primarily so my partner, Dwight, can attend a conference. When he’s not at the conference, we’ve been looking for furniture.
Why we need furniture
A year ago we sold our house and moved into a temporary rental while our condo was being built. When we moved out of our house we realized it was better to get rid of furniture rather than pay for storage. Some was just not worth the cost; other pieces, chosen for a 1903 house, would not work for us as we age in place in a 2018 condo.
Why Chicago?
Chicago is a good place to go shopping. Competing manufacturers’ showrooms are often clustered, and the range on view is usually extensive. In Minneapolis, we would have had to buy sight unseen. In Chicago we can get up close and personal with the furniture.
Tomorrow I’ll walk into a Chicago furniture store where I’ll plant myself in a specific armchair and put my feet up on an ottoman. I’ll review the comfort, read a chapter of a novel, then review the comfort again. Next, I’ll walk to another store, and do the same thing there. When he has some free time, Dwight will repeat this ritual.
Our final furniture
The furniture will outlast us, or at least that’s the idea.
However, when the time comes, I rather like the work of artist, Joe Scanlin, who builds sculptures out of IKEA furniture kits. My favorite is KLÄPS, a coffin you build out of IKEA bookshelves. “It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers that their funeral be modest but stylish.”
(There’s a whole art scene based on hacked IKEA kits.)