We’re in Chicago this weekend for a little Clouz Houz work retreat—equal parts business and fun. It has been such a good excuse to spend time with the team, get re-inspired, and soak up the city! We packed the weekend with showroom visits, design-y boutiques, vintage stops, and—of course—some really great meals in between.
There’s something about seeing a city through the lens of design that makes it hit differently. You start noticing details in the architecture, the way spaces are styled, even how a restaurant is lit or how the textures layer in a room. This trip has already given us many ideas, and I wanted to share some of our favorite spots while they’re fresh.
If you’re planning a trip (or just love peeking into what others are doing on theirs), here’s our Chicago guide through the eyes of a design lover.
The Business of Design
We started Monday morning at The Merchandise Mart—one of the biggest design hubs in the country. To be honest, I was slightly underwhelmed. It’s always a little sad to see how many showrooms have scaled back over the years. That said, the building itself is still such a moment—4 million square feet of history and inspiration. You can’t help but feel a little in awe.
Going into this trip, I had a few specific client projects in mind that we needed to source for—and we definitely delivered in that category. We spent the morning pulling fabric samples, browsing wallpaper books, testing out hardware, and getting a feel for rugs and materials that simply don’t translate the same online. Even with the shift toward digital, I’ll always believe the best design decisions happen when you can touch, feel, and see things in person. It just clicks.
For lunch, The Mart actually has a ton of vendors for food — think food court style. But, we ate at Marshall’s Landing and got a spot right by the windows to watch everyone walking along the Riverwalk.
A few of our other favorite design stops:
Dial M For Modern – This shop is a dream for anyone who loves a moody, mid-century moment. Clean lines, rich tones, sculptural shapes … everything felt intentional and a little bit edgy in the best way.
Patina Collection – I had visited this charming European-inspired boutique about a year ago when we first moved Emma in, and it’s just as good now. It’s the kind of place that blends timeless pieces with modern living—think antique ceramics next to streamlined lighting. So many things that I’m eyeing here that I hope we can use in our #SoSusieHeadquarters project!
South Loop Loft – One word: obsessed. If you love the hunt, this spot is a goldmine. Vintage furniture, one-of-a-kind finds, and even a curated collection of designer jewelry, bags, and sunglasses (yes, you read that right). I could’ve spent hours here, and it’s officially on my list for sourcing those extra special project pieces.
Warehouse 55 – A bit off the beaten path but worth the trip. It’s one of those places where you might dig through a pile and find the piece. Always a fun stop for vintage furniture and eclectic decor.
Primitive Home – This one totally blew us away. We walked in with no expectations and ended up exploring five full floors of carefully restored vintage furniture, handmade objects, and collected pieces from around the world. It felt more like a gallery than a shop, and each level was its own experience. We even had the chance to chat with the owner, who shared so many stories behind the pieces. You could tell—this was more than just retail, it was a philosophy.
The Chicago Architecture Tour
Okay, so full transparency—we didn’t have time to squeeze this in on this trip. But I’ve done it before with our family and I can’t recommend it enough.
This isn’t your average sightseeing tour. Even if you think you’re not “into” architecture (or you’re worried the kids will be bored), it’s actually super engaging. I still remember some of the facts they shared about the city’s history and buildings—things I genuinely think about to this day when I’m walking through downtown.
Plus, it’s just a great way to get out on the water and see Chicago from a whole new perspective. You cover a lot of ground (well, river), and it’s equal parts relaxing and inspiring. Bonus: there’s a bar onboard if you want to sip something while you soak it all in. Make it a moment!
Shoppable Moments
The shopping was half research, half treat. Here were a few favorites:
- The Real Real: Designer resale goldmine. We found some fun vintage accessories and almost pulled the trigger on a vintage Gucci tray. Still thinking about it actually. 😒
- Alice + Olivia: For that mix of wearable fashion + beautiful retail interiors.
- Nordstrom: This is one of the biggest locations in the country, and we absolutely could have spent hours there perusing all the pretty designer pieces. Now I’m obsessing over some Tom Ford sunglasses that I didn’t know I needed.
- On: I needed a better pair of walking shoes and we popped into this store, which is their flagship location. I fell in love with these and am so glad I bought them. The bright colors are perfect for spring… and maybe they will actually inspire me to workout more!
We also stopped at the Green City Farmers Market on Saturday morning for a different kind of inspiration—baked goods, florals, local produce, and tons of great food vendors! Such a fun activity. We turned it into a lake walk and it was the perfect way to start the day. We cut through the Farm-in-the-Zoo (a little petting zoo right across from Lincoln Park), which had the best skyline views ever!
Where We Ate (And Why You Should Too)
Obviously, we had to kick off our work retreat at a designer’s favorite spot—3 Arts Club Cafe (Restoration Hardware). The atmosphere is next level, and the views at night? Stunning. It’s one of those places that makes you want to redecorate everything when you get home.
Le Colonial is a place I personally request every time I’m back in the city. The ambiance is immaculate—it genuinely feels like you’ve been transported somewhere else. 10/10 recommend for dinner, lunch, or even just a drink and dessert. Pro tip: if there’s a long wait or your reservation is later in the evening, head to Gibsons a couple blocks away and grab a dirty martini at the bar. Great energy and even better people watching.
For Mother’s Day brunch, the girls were so sweet to celebrate me on Sunday. We went to La Grande Boucherie—I’d been before for dinner, but the brunch might take the cake. French-inspired with amazing flavor combos. Highly recommend. I got the crab spaghetti with caviar and it was so indulgent- perfect special treat.
Another spot that I love for brunch is The Bellevue. They have great outdoor seating that’s perfect for a sunny day. Order “The Bellevue,” its the perfect light and refreshing martini!
If you’re looking for a more casual spot that still delivers on food, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is one of my go-tos. Tapas-style, super fun atmosphere, and the sangria lineup is so good. The vibe is family style, so they recommend 2-3 dishes per person but I will say the paella could serve a village and was so flavorful!
Cindy’s Rooftop, located in the Chicago Athletic Association building, is a cute spot to get some drinks while taking in the views of the bean and the lake! Sushi San is another good spot if you are looking to sit at their bar and a get a couple of drinks!
Other little lunch/snack stops included Goddess and the Grocer, Joe & the Juice, and Small Cheval, The Smith for a pick-me-up mid-shopping. One night we Door Dashed Portillo’s so Kaylei could experience her first Chicago dog — and it didn’t disappoint.
A Walk Through the City
Saturday was a full walking day. We did the Mag Mile, strolled the lakefront, and popped into Starbucks Reserve and Ralph Lauren Coffee Bar along the way. There’s something about seeing a city on foot that helps you absorb its energy.
We didn’t make it to the Art Institute this time, but it’s definitely bookmarked for next visit.
Until Next Time, Chicago
This little retreat was just what we needed. A fresh perspective, a handful of new sources, and plenty of ideas we can’t wait to bring home to our clients. The best kind of work trip—equal parts discovery, design, and letting the city inspire you in ways you didn’t expect.
Need a little more direction?
Are you struggling to define your style or figure out how to pull your space together? That’s exactly why we created our Clouz Houz Design Guides—to help you design a space that feels cohesive, elevated, and personal … without hiring a designer.
Click here to explore the five curated styles, complete with inspiration boards, designer tips, and product links that make sourcing simple.
Not sure which one’s for you? Take our free quiz to discover which aesthetic best suits your space.
We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, and create a home that truly feels like yours.
P.S. If you’re new to Clouz Houz and want to be in the know on all things home and lifestyle, subscribe now so you don’t miss a post. As a bonus, you’ll receive our exclusive 42-page ‘Paint Guide,’ which will help you select the perfect shades for your home. And, you’ll also receive as our weekly newsletter including special finds that are not on the blog — they’re only for subscribers. 🤍
Life is short. Make it beautiful!
