Destination Design!
From Chicago’s city skyline to Columbus, Indiana’s modernist marvels and Carmel’s own Indiana Design Center, design enthusiasts don’t have to venture far from home to indulge their senses. These three nearby destinations showcase the perfect blend of iconic architecture, artistic innovation and cutting-edge style.
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Chicago, Illinois
With its blend of classic elegance and forward-thinking creativity, the Windy City is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the power of good design. Take a tour from the Chicago Architecture Center to see the city’s rich architectural heritage by boat, bus or even “L” train, showcasing some of the city’s most stunning treasures, including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the Art Deco Carbide and Carbon Building. Stroll through the River North Design District, where showrooms and galleries exhibit the latest interior design trends, from sleek minimalism to bold, eclectic styles. Don’t miss the nearby Driehaus Museum with a focus on the Gilded Age or the Merchandise Mart—a behemoth of art and design. Spanning two city blocks and rising 25 stories, THE MART is the largest design center in North America, housing hundreds of showrooms, services and events.
With its blend of classic elegance and forward-thinking creativity, the Windy City is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the power of good design. Take a tour from the Chicago Architecture Center to see the city’s rich architectural heritage by boat, bus or even “L” train, showcasing some of the city’s most stunning treasures, including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the Art Deco Carbide and Carbon Building. Stroll through the River North Design District, where showrooms and galleries exhibit the latest interior design trends, from sleek minimalism to bold, eclectic styles. Don’t miss the nearby Driehaus Museum with a focus on the Gilded Age or the Merchandise Mart—a behemoth of art and design. Spanning two city blocks and rising 25 stories, THE MART is the largest design center in North America, housing hundreds of showrooms, services and events.
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Columbus, Indiana
Just a short drive from Indianapolis, Columbus is a small city with a big reputation in the world of architecture and design. This Midwestern gem is an architectural mecca, drawing thousands of tourists each year and boasting over 80 buildings designed by some of the most renowned architects of the 20th century, including Eero Saarinen, I.M. Pei, Richard Meier and more. Take a self-guided tour of the city’s architectural highlights, such as the stunning First Christian Church, with its soaring bell tower and geometric facades, or the modernist Cleo Rogers Memorial Library—a study in glass and steel. Even the local ice arena makes the list—a Swiss chalet style building designed by Harry Weese. No visit is complete without a tour of the famed Miller House, a mid-century modern masterpiece by Saarinen featuring interiors by Alexander Girard and landscapes by Dan Kiley.
Just a short drive from Indianapolis, Columbus is a small city with a big reputation in the world of architecture and design. This Midwestern gem is an architectural mecca, drawing thousands of tourists each year and boasting over 80 buildings designed by some of the most renowned architects of the 20th century, including Eero Saarinen, I.M. Pei, Richard Meier and more. Take a self-guided tour of the city’s architectural highlights, such as the stunning First Christian Church, with its soaring bell tower and geometric facades, or the modernist Cleo Rogers Memorial Library—a study in glass and steel. Even the local ice arena makes the list—a Swiss chalet style building designed by Harry Weese. No visit is complete without a tour of the famed Miller House, a mid-century modern masterpiece by Saarinen featuring interiors by Alexander Girard and landscapes by Dan Kiley.
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Carmel, Indiana
Anchoring the Carmel Arts & Design District, the Indiana Design Center (IDC) is situated among an array of art galleries, public art displays and ongoing cultural events. Inside, you’ll find a hub for style and innovation—offering the perfect combination of product resources and professional expertise all under one roof, says IDC’s Andrea Kleymeyer. One of only a handful of design centers in the Midwest, this premier destination features a collection of showrooms, studios and retail shops, as well as events, workshops and opportunities to engage with the design community. “Design enthusiasts should arrive ready to be inspired,” says Andrea, who recommends visiting the concierge desk in the main lobby to plan your route. See innovative vignettes full of new ideas at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery; shop locally made home goods at Holder Mattress; and find living art walls at Naturespire. If you need to rest and refuel, Le Peep café serves breakfast and lunch without leaving the building. The IDC is located at 200 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel and is open to the public Monday through Saturday. Visit indianadesigncenter.com and follow @indianadesigncenter on Instagram for more information.
Anchoring the Carmel Arts & Design District, the Indiana Design Center (IDC) is situated among an array of art galleries, public art displays and ongoing cultural events. Inside, you’ll find a hub for style and innovation—offering the perfect combination of product resources and professional expertise all under one roof, says IDC’s Andrea Kleymeyer. One of only a handful of design centers in the Midwest, this premier destination features a collection of showrooms, studios and retail shops, as well as events, workshops and opportunities to engage with the design community. “Design enthusiasts should arrive ready to be inspired,” says Andrea, who recommends visiting the concierge desk in the main lobby to plan your route. See innovative vignettes full of new ideas at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery; shop locally made home goods at Holder Mattress; and find living art walls at Naturespire. If you need to rest and refuel, Le Peep café serves breakfast and lunch without leaving the building. The IDC is located at 200 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel and is open to the public Monday through Saturday. Visit indianadesigncenter.com and follow @indianadesigncenter on Instagram for more information.