Roosters Are Back in Vogue!

They're coming in droves ... roosters are back in style and we have them in all shapes, sizes, colors and forms! From figurines, to plates, to lamps and even painted stools!
No longer are roosters only for the country kitchen - they can be used as a funky statement with any decor. Ooh, also a great gift idea!!

Stop by Divine Consign, located at 111 N. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park for these and other fabulous finds!

"Upcycling" - Repurposing for Simple Living

We have all been trying to find new ways to simplify our lives, taking into consideration how we spend and how we use our time and possessions. Rather than throwing away and buying new, "repurposing" old items helps us reduce, reuse and recycle!


Upcycling is the new trend in repurposing old items into something new. Before you toss that seemingly unusable item into the trash, think about the many ways it can be repurposed.


- Mismatched china combined with old glassware becomes a tiered serving set
- Old photos or postcards can morph into a light shade
- Your kids' old changing table can be used as a great planting station
- Old floppy disks (you know you've kept a boxful) become cool office supply organizers
- Virtually any textile can easily be turned into a trendy (and reusable) shopping bag or purse
- A vintage hard-shell suitcase is perfect for storing gift wrapping supplies
- An old door becomes a unique headboard, simply bolt it to the wall




Divine Consign is a great resource to find unique pieces to help finish your upcycling project!

Microfiber, Microsuede, Ultrasuede - What?!?

Ever find yourself nodding in agreement in conversation even though you have no idea what's going on? We're here to make sure that doesn't happen to you when talking about upholstery.

Microfiber is an synthetic fiber that is extremely fine and can be woven into textiles to enhance washability, breathability and water repellancy. Not necessarily eco-friendly, textiles tend to be flammable and emit toxic gases when burning. Made of polyester and nylon fabrics, microfibers are not biodegradable. However, on the plus side, fabrics are VERY easy to clean with a simple damp cloth.

Suede is a natural leather made from the underside of the skin, a lavishly soft material commonly used for clothing and delicate uses.

In the mid 20th century, production began on synthetic fabrics that resemble the soft, luxurious feel of suede but with the durability to make them useful as upholstery.

- Microsuede is a microfiber knit blend fabric with a soft finish, but easily distinguishable from actual suede leather - slightly rougher texture. Less durable than suede, but easy to clean.

- Ultrasuede is the trademarked version of Alcantara, a 100% polyester and resistant to stain, discoloration and fraying. Ultrasuede is flame resistant, super smooth, feels and looks more like real suede.

So there you go. Have yourself a conversation and sound like an expert!!

Designer Warehouse Event!

What a wonderful week of furniture deliveries! We have custom made furniture straight from a designer warehouse including Donghia, Baker, Beacon Hill, Carter, Fairfield and more! All pieces were gently used for staging purposes, so in fantastic condition. Here's a peek at just a few of the pieces:


And then...
We received a truckload of Asian antique furniture from an antique dealer in Chicago! Some of the pieces are dated as far back as the 19th century while some are more recent productions. From small curio cabinets to large armoires, from low benches to tall alter tables - we have scores of beautiful pieces that will be a conversation piece in any home!


Be sure to stop into both of our showrooms to view these great finds. 111 N. Oak Park Avenue and 810 North Boulevard. See you soon!

Furniture Wood Species

Not everyone can be a master woodworker, but it is helpful to understand the basics of wood species when you're shopping for furniture. Following are samples and descriptions of some of the most popular woods: Cherry: A strong hardwood with a straight, closed grain and a satiny smooth texture. In it's natural state, it has a pinkish hue and stains beautifully with a red to brown finish.

Maple: A closed grain and creamy white color are characteristics of this dense, strong wood. Beautiful in it's natural state, also stains well. Great for cabinetry.

Oak: One of the strongest hardwoods, oak has a distinctive grain and has either a natural red or yellow color. Very commonly used in craftsman style furniture.

Pine: A lightweight, soft wood with a fine grain and characteristic knots. Not receptive to darker stains, pine is best used natural or with a painted finish.

Mahogany: A tight grain with ribbons of color ranging from dark red to deep reddish browns. Very durable and strong, mahogany finishes beautifully both natural and with stain.

Walnut: Tough and dense, this tight-grained wood polishes to a smooth, natural finish. Because of its attractive grain and beautiful color, it is a prized furniture and carving wood.

The "Arts" Unveiled - Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts and Art Deco

Pop Quiz! What is the difference between Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts, and Art Deco? If you think you'd fail this quiz, you are not alone. We are here to help! Here is a brief description of each design movement and how they differ from one another:

Art Nouveau: In French, it means "new art" and is characterized by organic motifs (florals) and flowing stylized curved lines - an intentional direct contrast to the Victorian era. An international design movement, art nouveau reached its peak from 1890 to 1905. Popular artists involved in furniture design and objects d'arte include Gaudi, Plecnik, Sullivan and Tiffany.

Arts & Crafts: A British, Canadian, Australian and American design movement during 1880 - 1910, emphasizing the simplicity of form and function. The Arts & Crafts movement reacted against the mechanical nature of the industrial revolution and embraced the preservation of quality natural materials. Well-known American designers include Frank Lloyd Wright, Maher and Stickley, to name a few!

Art Deco: Another international design movement that took place later from 1935 to the early 1940s. Unlike the Arts & Crafts philosophical movement, Art Deco design was purely a celebration of decoration and was influenced by many different early 20th century styles. Commonly used materials for furniture were aluminum, stainless steel, lacquer and inlaid wood.

Designer Warehouse Furniture

EXTRA! EXTRA! Local designer furniture warehouse moves ... their loss is your gain! Gorgeous designer pieces including Donghia, Room & Board, Carter, Baker, Palecek, Italmond, just to name a few. Prices for these designer pieces are unbelievable and the inventory is flying out the door!

Stop by Divine Consign at 111 N. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park, IL to see these amazing pieces. Loads of new, beautiful artwork also at Divine Consign The Annex, 810 North Boulevard (just around the corner).