Where Chicago Interior Designers Shop for Unique Pieces
Discover where a Chicago interior designer shops to source unique, high-end pieces that create layered, timeless interiors. From vintage furniture and artisanal décor to statement lighting showrooms, these local favorites help transform homes into curated, personalized spaces. If you’re looking for interior design inspiration in Chicago, these are the go-to destinations designers rely on.
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
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
Start small. Try it on a coffee table or nightstand before moving to larger displays.
Create a focal point. Use the tallest or most colorful item as the anchor.
Play with texture. Mixing glass, metal, wood, or fabric adds depth.
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.
How to Design Your Living Room
Expert advice on how to design your living room.
1. First things first…paint last! It may seem counterintuitive, but with so many nuanced options, you'll want to get it just right. We used Benjamin Moore’s luscious ‘Galapagos Green’ in an ultra flat finish for the ceiling in our latest living room makeover. Be patient, and be bold!
Botanical Garden Living Room, Photo Credit Dustin Halleck
Best Specialty Art and Framing Project: ASID IL Design Excellence 2021, Photo Credit Dustin Halleck
2. Find your focal point. Every room has a natural center point, whether it's the fireplace, TV, or picture window with an expansive view. Plan furniture around this center line. Sometimes a room can have two focal points, like a TV wall and a fireplace. This is trickier, but with the right sectional, anything is possible. Art is one of my favorite focal points. A good frame makes the piece. Artists Frame Service is our favorite local framer. Art helps set the mood in the space, balances the weight of the room, adds color + texture, and creates a conversation starter.
Pro Tip: I love vacation art. These are special pieces picked up on your travels that bring you back to that time and place. Also, buy art done by family members, local artist’s pieces that speak to you, or try framing your own artwork!
Botanical Garden Living Room, Photo Credit Dustin Halleck
3. Select functional furniture. Opt for tight over loose cushions. You'll save yourself the trouble of constantly cleaning between the seats. Multifunctional furniture is great! Pull up ottomans on casters and add instant seating. Bonus if they cant be tucked away under a coffee table or console. Make sure there’s ample surfaces to live and function. Consider a console behind your sofa, end tables for a wine glass, or a coffee table 18-20" from the sofa edge.
4. Think about function & address traffic flow. Do you host super bowl parties and need seating for 8-10? Maybe the kids need it to be cozy, while you need it to be easy to clean. Perhaps it's just you, your partner, and your dog relaxing after a long day of work. Knowing how you will use the space will determine the direction of the design.
To find a flow, think about how you and your guests are entering and exiting this room. Are two points of entry needed? Does that point of entry cross the path of the TV? Can that be avoided?
Our Team: Violeta, Bianka, and Sarah (from Left to right)
5. Layer your lighting. Think ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and windows. Balance the light in the space. Make sure your lighting is on dimmers to adjust it has a day turns to night.
6. Bring in color. Start with the rug. Use the colors of the rug to influence the palette for the rest of the room. Your rug should be large enough that the front two feet of the sofa sit on it comfortably.
“Cover” by Knots Rugs, Sold Exclusively at Integral THread
7. Choose fabrics for your lifestyle. Busy living calls for stain treated or bleach cleanable fabrics depending on your needs (and how rowdy your guests get!) Cozy up with the final layer of pillows. Add in pattern, texture, and trim here. Have fun with it! These can be changed out seasonally or as you want to update your decor!
First Place winner of The Gallery Walk 2021, PHoto Credit Michael Kaskel.
Need help designing the perfect living room? Schedule a design consultation with our team today!
Designer Tips for Styling Your Coffee Table
Want to get creative with your coffee table decor? Play around with these different ideas and styles to make your coffee table pop! Last week, we talked about some of my favorite coffee tables right now. This week, we explore a few rules of thumb for styling your coffee table to perfection!
Want to get creative with your coffee table decor? Play around with these different ideas and styles to make your coffee table pop! Last week, we talked about some of my favorite coffee tables right now. This week, we explore a few rules of thumb for styling your coffee table to perfection!
It’s All About Proportion
Choose items to style with that are proportional to the size of the coffee table and to each other. Make sure you’re are varying the sizes of the pieces you choose. Too many “heavy” items will cause an imbalance and visually weigh down the table too much. Likewise an assortment of too many small accessories can feel busy and make the table feel cluttered. Instead, balance visually with an arrangement of a heavier element like a vase of flowers, with a stack of thin books, and some small accent pieces for conversation. Play around with materials! Acrylic is a great option, because it can occupy space on the table, but because it’s translucent it won’t add additional visual weight to your presentation.
Follow The Rule of Three
The rule of three simply states that things arranged in odd numbers are visually more appealing and memorable to the human eye than even numbered groupings. This rule does not only apply to three, but works nicely as five and seven as well. An even grouping of four or six can look staged, while an odd numbered group looks effortless and intentional.
Choose three items (or groups of items) to create the perfect balance. Good examples are stacks of books, a decorative bowl or small sculpture, and a vase of fresh flowers. When choosing books, the title and content is not all that’s important. Consider the color, size, font, spine, and overall aesthetic of the cover as well. The books become part of your homes decor.
Your choice of flowers can be a fun way to bring in a subtle touch of seasonal decorating. Play with color, texture, height and volume. Knickknacks and metallic accents, such as coasters, are a great way to introduce a variety of textures and layer your look.
I Love Decorative Trays
A tray is a fantastic way to layer smaller accessories in an eye-catching way. To mix up the geometry, try selecting a circular tray for a square table, or vise versa. A painted tray is an opportunity for an accent color, like this Spectrum Tray from Jayson Home. Consider a different element, such as metallic, bamboo, or glass to vary the textures and materials. The possibilities are endless!
Get The Right Height
Select a high, medium, and low pieces. A stack of books is a great way to add height or to boost up smaller items. If you have tall and narrow pieces to showcase, you won’t want to add the height of fresh flowers into the mix. Try a succulent or low potted cactus to add more texture and color. Have fun with your selections!
Things To Avoid
Don’t place items on the corner and leave the middle empty.
Don’t go too bare. Fill the table, but don’t overwhelm it.
Avoid lining up your objects. They should fit together nicely like puzzle pieces.
Don’t use items that are so tall that your guests can not see each other across the room.
Don’t design from one view point. Make sure it looks good from all angles.
Need help finding the perfect style for your space? Schedule a design consultation today!
