Best Housewares, Furnishings and Art

In addition to the picks below, see the architecturally significant Restoration Hardware and Bloomingdale's Medinah Home.

Andersonville Galleria: It’s like a year-round craft fair, with all wheat, no chaff. More than 100 vendors sell hats, jewelry, clothing, soaps, and more at this North Side favorite. 5247 N. Clark St. tel. 773/878-8570. www.andersonvillegalleria.com. El: Red Line to Berwyn.

Jonathan Adler: Known for his groovy needlepoint throw pillows; you can find all of those “homemade” touches you need to make a house a happening home. 676 N. Wabash St. tel. 312/274-9920. www.jonathanadler.com. El: Red Line to Grand. 

Primitive Art Works: Winding your way through this 31,000-square-foot store, you’ll feel as if you’re on shopping with Indiana Jones. Packed with furniture, artifacts, rugs, and jewels from various cultures, on one day this store might yield a giant Buddha head acquired from a Korean temple that was being destroyed; on another, you might discover an exquisite embroidered rug from Turkmenistan. 130 N. Jefferson St. tel. 312/575-9600. www.beprimitive.com. El: Red Line to Chicago. 

Woolly Mammoth: This bizarro store is a mix between a curiosity shop, an art gallery, and a weird acid trip. You might find a stuffed two-headed cow, various and sundry skulls, taxidermy tools, and more. Heaven for freakshow fans. 1513 W. Foster Ave. tel. 773/989-3294. www.woollymammothchicago.com. El: Red Line to Berwyn.