For our October design issue, we asked local design professionals their opinion on velvet furniture. Are homeowners pining for the glam look of velvet in furnishings and soft goods?

Create a home office that suits your style with a desk that is not only functional but part of the décor. Don’t just let your desk become a place to stash bills and junk mail. Today’s writing desks are conversation pieces, and adding a desk to your office space gives you the perfect excuse to take a few moments out of the day to get organized.

one: Farmhouse desk, available at Marketplace at the Abbey.

two: Aviator wing desk, available at Restoration Hardware.

Once the paint is dry and you’ve got your furniture in place, table lamps are a key element to illuminate your space. Table lamps are a fun way to add personality to a room and can easily be changed out for a fresh new look.

one: Bent brass desk lamp, available at Savvy Surrounding Style.

two: Foo dragon desk lamp, available at Ethan Allen.

three: Abstract lamp with 6-crystal sphere, by Global Views, available at Holt Lighting Depot.

Husband-and-wife team Keith and Jeanne Liston share their wisdom on the remodeling process.

Today Michael Bauermeister is one of the finest wood artisans in the Midwest and the country. He has been featured in countless magazines, art exhibits and even the Smithsonian. You can find his work anywhere from residents on either coast to local hospitals where they provide a much-needed calming, natural presence for patients. So, would you believe that he spent the bulk of his early career building furniture? Bauermeister explains, “When I graduated, I couldn’t figure out how to make a living as a sculpture artist, so I made furniture for 15 years.

Don’t call Sub Zero Vodka Bar a bar, or a restaurant for that matter—it’s so much more than either. Yes, it’s the go-to for any and every vodka a heart could desire, but it’s also the kind of eclectic eatery where the sushi connoisseur can sit elbow-to-elbow with a dining partner who craves a classic American cheeseburger.