Where Chicago Interior Designers Shop for Unique Pieces

Moody Living Room, Designed by Sarah Jaquelyn Interiors

Lake Forest Showhouse, Pantry Hallway, Designed by Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Gameroom Bar, Designed by Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

When people ask what makes a home feel truly designed versus simply decorated, the answer often comes down to where designers shop. As a Chicago interior designer, sourcing is one of the most important, and most fun, parts of our process. It’s how we create spaces that feel layered, personal, and completely unique to each client.

If you’ve ever wondered where interior designers in Chicago find those special pieces that make a home stand out, here’s a look inside a few of our favorite local sources, and why we return to them again and again.

Lost Eras – For Vintage Character & Timeless Depth

One of our go-to sources for vintage and antique pieces, Lost Eras brings an unmatched sense of history into the spaces we design. Their collection instantly adds depth and character, something that simply can’t be replicated with new furniture.

We’re constantly drawn to the craftsmanship and patina of their pieces. These elements introduce a warmth and authenticity that help a home feel layered rather than one-dimensional. Incorporating vintage finds allows us to create interiors that feel collected over time, not designed in a single day.

For clients who want a home that feels timeless and one-of-a-kind, this is always one of the first places we look.

Eskell– For Curated Accessories & Finishing Touches

Accessories can make or break a space, and Eskell is one of our favorite destinations for those final, transformative details.

What sets Eskell apart is how curated everything feels. Nothing feels mass-produced; instead, each piece contributes to a layered, intentional aesthetic. From artisanal objects to textiles and small décor pieces, their selection helps us add texture, warmth, and personality to a room.

When we’re styling a space and want it to feel complete, elevated, and thoughtfully finished, this is our go-to.

Odd Alchemy – For Local, Handcrafted Design

Supporting local makers is an important part of how we design, and Odd Alchemy is a perfect example of why.

We’re consistently inspired by their handcrafted pieces, which feel artistic, unexpected, and full of personality. These are the kinds of elements that elevate a space from beautiful to memorable.

Incorporating work from a local artisan allows us to bring truly custom, one-of-a-kind details into our projects. Their pieces also introduce a subtle edge and texture that layers beautifully into our signature timeless interiors.

El Design – For Statement Lighting & Ambiance

Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in any interior, and EL Design is a must-visit for both designers and homeowners alike.

Their expansive, multi-level showroom showcases thousands of fixtures, allowing us to experience firsthand how lighting transforms a space, from soft ambient glow to dramatic statement moments. It’s not just about picking a fixture; it’s about understanding how light shapes the entire environment.

We love their curated mix of contemporary and classic designs, which makes it easy to find pieces that feel both fresh and timeless. Their knowledgeable and collaborative team is also an incredible resource, helping us select lighting that truly elevates each room and complements the overall design vision.

Why “Where Designers Shop” Matters

The difference between a good space and a great one often comes down to sourcing. As a Chicago interior designer, we don’t rely on one single store or style—instead, we blend vintage, artisanal, and contemporary pieces to create homes that feel rich, layered, and deeply personal.

Shopping locally also allows us to:

• Discover one-of-a-kind pieces

• Support Chicago makers and businesses

• Create more meaningful, custom interiors for our clients

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Looking to Design a Home That Feels Collected & Intentional?

Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your current space, knowing where to source is key—but knowing how to bring it all together is where design expertise truly comes in.

If you’re looking to create a home that feels elevated, timeless, and uniquely yours, we’d love to help guide you through the process.

Sarah Jacquelyn Schwuchow

ASID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, RID

Design in Odd Numbers: Mastering the 3-5-7 Rule

At Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors, one of our go-to styling principles is the 3-5-7 rule—a simple yet powerful guideline that helps create visual harmony and interest in any room. If you’ve ever admired a perfectly styled shelf or a balanced coffee table and wondered why it just works, chances are the 3-5-7 rule was at play.

What Is the 3-5-7 Rule in Interior Design?

The 3-5-7 rule is based on the idea that groupings of odd numbers—specifically three, five, or seven items—are more visually appealing and dynamic than even-numbered arrangements. Our eyes naturally seek out balance, but not symmetry. Odd numbers give a sense of movement and asymmetry that feels more organic and less staged.

Why Is It Considered Effective?

Odd-number groupings allow the eye to move more freely around a vignette, pausing at focal points without becoming stagnant. An arrangement of three candleholders or five framed prints creates a rhythm that invites curiosity and engagement. There’s something about it that feels collected, intentional, and just a bit artful.

The Power of Odd Numbers in Visual Balance

Odd numbers create what designers call visual tension—a delicate imbalance that draws attention in a pleasing way. Even numbers can feel too predictable or rigid, while odd numbers give a sense of natural flow. Think of a triangle: three points that feel grounded yet energetic. That’s the magic of the 3-5-7 rule.

Where Is the 3-5-7 Rule Most Useful?

This rule shines in styling surfaces like:

• Bookshelves

• Coffee tables

• Mantels

• Console tables

• Open kitchen shelving

• Entryways

Whether it’s three sculptural vases on a credenza or five throw pillows on a bed, the odd-number arrangement keeps the eye moving while feeling cohesive.

When Might the 3-5-7 Rule Not Work?

There are moments when breaking the rule works better. For instance:

• Minimalist interiors may call for a single strong statement piece.

• Symmetrical spaces—like a dining table with two pendant lights—benefit from even-number balance.

• Very small spaces might feel cluttered with groupings of five or seven.

As with any rule in design, it’s more of a guide than a mandate. Trust your eye and the needs of the space.

How to Keep Odd-Numbered Groupings Cohesive

To make a grouping of three, five, or seven items feel intentional rather than random, consider:

• Color: Use a shared palette or finish to tie pieces together.

• Shape & Size: Vary the height and scale for interest, but keep at least one visual thread connecting them.

• Style: Objects should feel like they’re part of the same design family—even if they contrast, they should complement.

• Spacing: Don’t crowd your arrangement; give each item room to breathe.

A trio of ceramic vases in varying heights but a similar glaze, or a collection of framed art in different sizes but unified by color, are great examples.

Tips for Trying the 3-5-7 Rule at Home

1. Start small. Try it on a coffee table or nightstand before moving to larger displays.

2. Create a focal point. Use the tallest or most colorful item as the anchor.

3. Play with texture. Mixing glass, metal, wood, or fabric adds depth.

4. Edit, then edit again. Too many accessories, even in odd numbers, can feel cluttered.

Design is part instinct and part strategy. At Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors, we love using principles like the 3-5-7 rule to create spaces that are not only beautiful but balanced and livable. Whether you’re styling your shelves or reworking your entire home, remember—sometimes, odd is just right.

Want help bringing your space together? Reach out—we’d love to help you style your story.