Although it's a little off the beaten path, the Senses Gift Gallery north of Chicago is worth the trip for all your senses. Located on Chicagoland's North Shore, the gallery occupies space in a vintage building that was formerly a turn-of-the-century pharmacy and soda fountain. Designers Image by Design (Niles, Ill.) took advantage of the store's irregular shape to create pockets and alcoves for each sensory category: sight, sound, touch, taste, scent and thought. Original tin ceilings, mosaic tile floors, walnut millwork and apothecary cabinetry were uncovered. Restored areas contrast with new architecture, which was kept minimal. And broad planes of rich color coupled with wood accents add warmth.
Design: Image By Design (a division of Dann Dee Display Fixtures), Niles Ill. — Renée Ruffolo, managing director; Anna Weiland, designer; Marty Locke, project manager; Heidi Hornaday, project architect
Suppliers: Laurie Carver, Senses Gift Gallery, Wilmette, Ill. (fixturing, furniture, graphics and props/decoratives); Tech Lighting, Chicago, DX Design Inc., New York City, and Rainbow Lighting, Northbrook, Ill. (lighting); Benjamin Moore Paint Co., Montvale, N.J. (wallcoverings); CT Haran, Schaumburg, Ill. (carpentry); Maintenance Systems, Chicago (painter)
Photography: Bob Briskey, Briskey Photography, LaGrange, Ill.