A single step into RH’s Gallery at the Three Arts Club, on Chicago’s Gold Coast, and one thing is abundantly clear: This is definitely not the Restoration Hardware you used to know.
No, this is a completely different mind-body experience.
With its hip, elegant, innovative vibe, this RH is a totally unique approach to retail. And dining . And shopping. And for design professionals and design enthusiasts alike, offers endless inspiration for drawing the Restoration Hardware aesthetic into your home and lifestyle.
Teaming with attentive staff, stunning architecture and an eclectic mix of visitors, this Chicago flagship combines room after room of signature Restoration Hardware vignettes…. with a big dose of the new and unexpected. By the way, that’s six floors and 70, 000 square feet of vignettes. And new and unexpected.
In addition to their living and dining showrooms, the extensive main level features a variety of unique dining and beverage options including the sunlit garden atrium of the 3 Arts Club Cafe and a cozy, inviting wine vault and tasting room.
And if you choose to sit and just take it all in, there’s also a charming coffee & pastry bar–a personal favorite– where comfy, casual seating offers the ideal spot to take a break and visit with a great cup of espresso.
Every detail, every nook, every corner, is an experience.
And from the performance stage, to the mirror galleried stairwell to the warm, welcoming furniture displays, visitors are encouraged to browse and enjoy…everything. CEO Gary Friedman’s concept of ‘blurring the lines between retail, residential and hospitality’ seems to have translated well in this North Dearborn Parkway location.
This is where you linger with glass of wine or freshly-brewed coffee and settle in and stay awhile.
An elevator–in true Restoration Hardware style–escorts you to the upper retail levels where RH debuts their new brands, RH Modern and RH Teen, in addition to their Baby & Child and Bed & Bath lines.
The second floor design atelier –where decorators and architects can meet with clients and discuss prospective plans—is one of a kind, as are the endless other thoughtfully designed elements and features scattered throughout the gallery.
And don’t even think about leaving without exploring the fifth floor’s Outdoor & Garden…the lush rooftop garden area is spectacular!
As a long time fan of the Restoration Hardware brand (with RH accessories, furniture & finishes in more than a few of our homes)– an afternoon spent browsing floor after floor of this luxurious new direction in home design and decor is pretty much my idea of a good time. Not to mention, great inspiration for beginning the process of styling our next and upcoming phase three home.
And though I must admit I’ll miss the convenience of having Restoration Hardware more accessible–at local shopping areas (especially those to-die-for Restoration Hardware Outlets)–I’d recommend you make a day of it if you have the opportunity.
At least once. Or maybe more…..
Photos: The Phase Three Home
Oh, and thanks Sas for putting this fun afternoon together–let’s do it again, soon!