Best of the Twin Cities
Shops, products, designs, and bargains we love
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21. BEST COLLECTIBLES
The building that once housed the Handicraft Guild still stands at 89 10th St. in downtown Minneapolis, though the brick is dirty, and the street-level shops are run-down. But the pottery and metalwork made 100 years ago at this once thriving arts school and studio—led and organized almost entirely by women—is now very collection-worthy. Pieces are still relatively affordable, even though price points have risen markedly in the last five years. Learn more September 26 and 27, when noted Handicraft Guild collector and St. Paulite Steve Schoneck will be playing show-and-tell. Visit eastwoodgallery.com for details.
22. BEST SHOW TO TIVO
Ian Grant, the globe-trotting buyer for his Asian furniture and artifact shop, Bjorling & Grant, is adding a new adventure to his itinerary: star of “The Relic Hunter with Ian Grant” on the Travel Channel. Now set to premier October 10, the show follows the hunky Grant paddling, flying, and driving around the middle of nowhere to negotiate with sellers for obscure items—boat prows from India, Thai rice paddy tillers, African head rests, and the like—that he can re-purpose and sell in his St. Louis Park store. From the clips, the show appears to be a cross between “Antiques Road Show” and “The Crocodile Hunter,” but with Grant to look at, who cares? Check local listings for time and date, or Grant’s blog at bjorlinggrant.com.
23. BEST WATER INNOVATORS
Afton residents Clint and Bobbi Elston use only rainwater they collect in two 200-gallon cisterns. The collected water is filtered, aerated, clarified, and then run through a computer-controlled reverse-osmosis and ozone system that Clint designed. The resulting water is softer than “softened” water, purer than almost any bottled water, surprisingly crisp to the taste, and makes crystal clear ice cubes. All waste and kitchen scraps in this house go into a Clint-invented “biomatter resequencing converter” (yes, he’s a Trekkie) that makes a rich, black soil that the Elstons use on their ample flower beds. The Elstons founded Equaris Corporation to sell their systems to other homeowners wanting the same. The water filtration system sells for $7,500, the water recycling system for $32,500, and the composting system for $12,680. Equaris Corporation, 651-337-0261, equaris.com.
24. BEST CHAIN STORE THAT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE ONE
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Design Within Reach
Though you might consider Design Within Reach a misnomer, the Uptown location of this San Francisco-based chain is the perfect place to choose (or covet) a modern classic. A visit to the 5,300-square-foot store is sort of like dropping by a friend’s place—assuming your friend lives in an impeccably cool loft furnished with enviable iconic designs. Manager Susan Wittine and two staffers—all with design training and savvy to spare—gladly offer assistance or just let you look. Ask them to put you on their email alert to receive regular updates on events and sales, including DWR’s semi-annual fall and spring storewide sales. And don’t forget to ask to see the floor-sample list when you drop in. 2939 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-827-0990, dwr.com.
Bag a Bargain
If you love the thrill of the hunt—especially finding great discounts on designer items—this one’s for you
* Martha O’Hara Interiors Showroom
For sweet deals on high-end custom furniture and accessories. Open Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6900 Oxford St., St. Louis Park, 952-908-3150, oharainteriors.com.
* Designer Furniture Marketplace
Floor models from IMS showrooms, plus consignments, at up to 60 percent off retail. Don’t miss the contemporary pieces in the back room. 160 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, 612-381-8508, designermarketplacemn.com.
Provided by Henredon
* Odds & Ends
Provided by Henredon
Contemporary furniture and accessories, especially large-scale pieces, at 30 to 50 percent off retail. Very hit-and-miss, but you never know. 3740 Louisiana Ave., St. Louis Park, 952-924-1061.
* Gabberts Odds & Ends
After a stint down the hall in the Galleria, the bargains are back in the store. You never know what you’ll find, but inventory changes frequently, so it pays to check back. Forty to 60 percent off retail. 3501 Galleria, Edina, 952-927-1500, gabberts.com.
* Room & Board Outlet
Love contemporary furniture and accessories—and a deal? Stand in line; it’s worth it. Discounts vary, but prices keep dropping if there are no takers. Open Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 4600 Olson Memorial Hwy., Minneapolis, 763-529-6089, roomandboard.com.
* Odds ‘n Ends
Mostly a delightfully eclectic assortment of decorative antiques, but also great prices on new hand-knotted rugs from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. 4241 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-824-1992, oddsnendsonline.com.
* West Elm
Contemporary, clean, organic looks for less. The Shops at Centennial Lakes, 3879 Gallagher Dr., Edina, 952-835-8332, westelm.com.
* Ikea
We know: Quality verges on college-dorm room, but products are stylish and fun. 8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, 952-858-8088, ikea.com/us.
33. BEST DISHWARE DIVA
Minneapolis’s own Jessica Rust, owner of Rust Designs, gets lots of buzz in the blogosphere and the mainstream media for her customized ceramics. Maybe it’s because her designs are lovely, can be personalized, and don’t take themselves too seriously. Witness her recent introduction of wedding gift-worthy tattoo dishes, courtesy of Minneapolis tattoo artist Mike Tofano. Fun, functional, and thoughtful, just like the rest of her designs. Check out rustdesigns.com.
34. BEST MINI MODERNIST
Woodbury furniture designer Paris Renfroe makes lovely furniture—shelving that appears to float, smart coffee tables and desks that conceal the wires of electronics gear, and a wax-sealed gray plaster wall rack for displaying magazines that’s understated and stylish. But it’s his “112” collection that’s really special: handmade, contemporary designs in solid wood, cowhide, and stainless steel at 1/12th scale—teeny furniture meant for the (contemporary) dollhouse or collector. “People like to dream about the living room or bedroom that they want, but can’t yet afford, so they buy it in miniature first,” he says. “112” furniture pieces, including this hand-stitched chair, start at $100. Accessories start at $20. Call 651-233-0063 or visit parisrenfroedesign.com.
6 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
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The best art classes:
It’s a medium you probably didn’t know existed. But fire art—made by heat, spark, or flame, yielding everything from sculpture to jewelry to fire-breathing—now has its own home, in the newest and funkiest arts center in Minneapolis. The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center just opened in a former movie theater, where artists weld and wield blowtorches and pound on anvils—a blacksmith shop without all the horses. http://www.wildlifeworld360.com