It's more fun if you have funds to buy

It's more fun if you have funds to buy

You may not believe it, but this sample sale is historic.

The Arlington Design Center, which usually only sells to members of the interior design trade, will hold its first building-wide sample sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

Designer furniture, trims and accessories will be sold for 50 percent to 75 percent of retail, said Camille Sullivan, owner of Chicago Design Team, one of six showrooms in the center.

While many items are in perfect condition, others have dings and dents.

The prices are very good, but not flea market range, warns Vickie Martin, a partner at Chicago Design Team. Something that retails at $6,000 could be marked down to $2,000, but it will not fall to $200. One example is this $1,250 chaise, priced at $300.

While the best selection is early, the lowest prices will be Saturday afternoon.

Only cash and credit cards will be accepted. Bring blankets or other packing material. Delivery can be arranged for a fee.

This all happens in a warehouse-style district at 601 W. Campus Drive in Arlington Heights. That's one block south of Dundee Road where Ridge Avenue ends.

Call (847) 398-4785.

Do you roll your chair to a cool desk?

As much as we love to buy items that are purely decorative, we are more practical these days.

Steelcase is hoping that includes a good-looking desk for your home office.

It has introduced a new line called Currency for folks who want a desk worthy of their ergonomic chairs.

These come as a simple table for something over $500 or with drawers as shown here in this double pedestal version that retails for almost $1,100.

Steelcase products are available at Home Office Solutions in Glenview and online at homeofficesolutions.com, officedesigns.com and ultimatebackstore.com.

Time to gather ideas for the holidays

We love Chicagoland Gardening, and the magazine is particularly valuable this season when we are looking for decorating and gift ideas. Several suggestions in the current issue come from the Cup of Cheer housewalk in Naperville, which will be Dec. 5 this year.

We particularly like the tree of apples, pineapples and greenery. Could this double for Thanksgiving and Christmas?