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Getting @sarahkbenning pieces shipped to their new homes! I love every embroidery so I'm sad to see them go, but love the thought of them happily hanging in the perfect spot in someone's house, and bringing joy as people walk by π₯°
PS - Can you spot Leonardo and friends helping me out? π’π’π’π’ [insert Ninja Rap]
It took me a couple of days to come down from the high (and exhaustion) of Saturday's "House Plants" exhibition with @sarahkbenning. It was so good! β€οΈ I can't even begin to express how amazing it felt to see my home full of people appreciating an artist that I greatly admire. It was everything I dreamed of and way, way more!
Thank you to all who made it to the event! Some of you even came from Indianapolis and Michigan to see Sarah's work! Thanks to everyone who supported us along the way - from simple words of encouragement to sharing the event or making a purchase! Thanks to @eyeshotem for photographing the show and putting us at ease! πΈ You captured so many memories! Thanks to our friends and families for their continual support - they helped spread the word, brought dessert plates when we forgot, and some even came from far distances! I'm always grateful to you!
A super huge thanks to @peromejatrick. He kept us on schedule during setup and made sure things ran smoothly so I didn't have to worry about the details. Thanks for stressing so I didn't have to. Love you! π€πΎ
And the biggest thanks of all to Sarah for trusting me to showcase her work! From a quick meeting at Renegade Chicago in 2018/19, to randomly reconnecting on Instagram and collaborating on an art show in Cincinnati in 2024, it's been an interesting journey that I never saw coming! This exhibition was a first for both of us as we take our work in new directions, so there was a lot of figuring things out along the way. Sarah was always happy to share whatever knowledge she had, and was open to my ideas, no matter how out there they were. (I still wish we did the custom wallpaper in the bathroom!) You deserve all the things and I can't wait to see what's next for you! π
I'm so excited to continue to evolve @apt528. Keep watching to see what's next!
PS - Artwork from the show will be available for purchase at @apt528 starting next week!
πΈ - @eyeshotem
House Tour - A peek inside the warm, serene home and studio of @sarahkbenning. Her Baltimore row house is thoughtfully stitched together with beautiful art, collected pieces, and happy houseplants. Full tour up on the @apt528 blog.
Just one more week till "House Plants" πΏπͺ΄π±
March 9th 2-6p | Cincinnati
Free tickets available at apt528.com.
One of my favorite paint colors. Definitely using it again one day! π¨
March 9th these walls will hold the artwork of @sarahkbenning for "House Plants", a solo-exhibition featuring her latest mixed-media pieces. I already know Sarah's embroideries will look AMAZING against the burnt sienna! π€ π
Grab your tickets for "House Plants" at Apt528.com and check out Cincinnati City Guide for great places to explore while you're here!
It's happening! Tickets are finally available for "House Plants" our one-day gallery show with @sarahkbenning! March 9th join us in Cincinnati for an afternoon featuring Sarah's latest mixed-media embroideries! Have a few sips, meet the artist, and see what happens when Sarah's gorgeous artwork combines with our brightly hued walls! Also, I'm totally making goody bags so there's that! π€
Head to the @apt528 website (link in bio) and grab your FREE ticket! ποΈποΈποΈ
March 9th
2-6p
Cincinnati
Finally framed my @sarahkbenning postcards! π
Several years ago, I came across @sarahkbenning's booth at Renegade Chicago. Sarah's artwork was different from the bold, playful abstracts I'm usually drawn to, but I just couldn't stop staring at her intricately embroidered pieces. My mom hand-embroiders so I know how much dedication goes into it. I loved how Sarah's work had so much life and feeling. And plants! πΏπͺ΄ I walked away with a postcard that reminds me of my baby sister. The card has been hanging in my office every since! (Swipe β‘οΈ)
Now, years later, @sarahkbenning and I are collaborating! On March 9th, I'm hosting "House Plants" π± a 1-day gallery pop-up featuring Sarah's latest work! Our Cincinnati apartment will transform into an exhibition space for her new original embroideries and mixed media pieces. I'm so excited to see our walls filled with her beautiful pieces! π Mark your calendars for 3/9 and start planning your Cincinnati adventure! More details to come.
Off to go hang my postcards!
SAVE THE DATE!! π
March 9th I'm turning our apartment into an art gallery and hosting "House Plants", a solo exhibition featuring the beautiful embroidery work of @sarahkbenning!
I first saw Sarah's pieces at the Chicago Renegade Market several years ago and loved how she told stories with every stitch. The lush botanical scenes and cozy roomscapes make you want to curl up on the couch with your favorite vinyl softly playing in the background. And can we talk about her use of shadow and light? Gorgeous! ππ
After years of following Sarah, I can't wait to share her artwork with you all! She'll have a selection of original embroideries and mixed-media pieces available, and I'll be doing the easy part of showing them off!
Whether you're already in Cincinnati, or just looking for an excuse to visit, mark your calendars for March 9th.
Stay tuned for more details!
//// "House Plants" is the first of many events to come! I'm excited to get back to @apt528's roots of showcasing amazing artists, designers, and makers. Interested in collaborating? Get in touch to apply!
(πΈ: by Sarah, except #2)
Rearranged the space for a biz meeting last week and I have to say, I could definitely get used to having a drink station 24/7 β π§Carafes of water and hot coffee ready and waiting at all times? Yes please! ππΎ Now we just need a butler to keep it stocked!
Throwing a party, doing a photoshoot, or need a space for your next offsite? Check us out on @peerspace (link in bio) or DM anytime.
ROAR! π
To celebrate our upcoming 13th anniversary next month, we're bringing back vintage! π₯³ What better way to get the party started than with a few animal friends! Vintage tiger and hippo wood cutouts are now in the shop and ready to stampede into your space! π―π¦ Mount em on the wall, or let them roam free!
It's Apartment 528's 12th birthday! ππ Oh, and by the way, we moved to Cincinnati!
I'm happy to say that I have zero clue what this year holds or what's in store for Apartment 528. Boston launched my dream, Chicago grew me, and so far Cincinnati is inspiring me. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Also, I LOVE our new place so get ready to see tons of pics of products staged around our apartment. Follow my personal account, @justlikethecountry, for more apartment interiors.
Studio display sale! Bring home our @crombeandco Mod Chaise Sectional for only $1600 and the Hastings Brothers Jack Coffee Table for $250 (+ shipping/delivery)! The chaise is reversible to the left or right so you can rearrange your space anytime! π DM for details or email shop@apt528.com. Want a different piece? Tons of custom styles, sizes, and colors available, just ask!
Photography day! Between our studio move and holiday orders (thanks!), I haven't had time to photograph all of our awesome new products. Thankfully I have a "break" today and am in the studio photographing everything I can get my hands on! Pillows, shelves, ceramics, stationary, and more are headed your way!
This weekend didn't go anything like I planned. I spilled tea on my laptop Saturday morning π΅ π»π±π« and missed all of the Small Business Saturday festivities I'd worked so hard to prepare for. It was incredibly discouraging and one of those times when you just want to burn everything to the ground. π₯
But you folks came to the rescue and still supported Apartment 528 even without all the fancy posts I had planned. Thanks for not forgetting us! Now that I have my computer back, orders are getting out and photo editing and shop updates will start again to bring you all sorts of goodies just in time for gift giving π!
Also, a super huge thanks to @novafix who came to my rescue and repaired my laptop yesterday! ππΎ If you ever need affordable phone/computer work, they're my go-to guys and have fixed multiple pieces over the years.
I kind of have a weird obsession with 80s kitchen cabinets used in non-kitchen spaces π€·πΎ and thanks to @dominomag, that obsession is available for all to see!
These bold blue babes in our guest room serve as Apt528 HQ and hold tons of brightly colored inventory! #workfromhomelife
Check my personal IG @justlikethecountry to see more rooms with colorful cabinets and read the full Domino article.
A sneak peek at the work of Lydia Kardos, the newest ceramic artist coming to Apartment 528! π I knew from the moment I saw her pieces with their organic shapes and vivid colors that we HAD to work together! Stay tuned for awesome new platters, bowls, mugs, and decor headed to the shop soon!
π·: @lydiakardos
It's our 11th anniversary! πππ On this day in 2009, Apartment 528 went from a blog about diy projects, vintage finds, and maker interviews, to an online shop where my favorite makers, artists, and designers were all in one place!
We're celebrating our big day by welcoming our newest artisan, Peach Print Studio, and her gorgeous Blob Lamps! π‘ I can't think of a better way to ring in 11 years! Get ready to see a million pics of these beauties this week because we can't get enough! Which one is your favorite?
π· @peach.print.studio
Hey! ππΎ I'm India (@justlikethecountry), the head honcho/sole employee of Apartment 528 and this is Jerome, my husband/unpaid intern/mover of heavy things π§πΎπ¦πΌ I hate having my picture taken and never post my own photo here, but lately I've realized how important it is to see black faces represented, especially in white-dominated fields like design. So...here I am! ππΎ You still won't see me too often, but I'll make sure to show my face from time-to-time.
I still feel uncomfortable gaining followers and customers in the wake of death and injustice, however I'm extremely thankful to the allies looking to support black-owned businesses and promote a more diverse world. I've discovered so many black shops and makers the past few weeks and feel empowered and encouraged seeing more shades of brown in my feed βπΏβπΎβπ½βπΌ Let's hope this leads to true change and isn't just a trend!
I've been pretty quiet since closing the storefront. Running a business can be overwhelming at times and I needed time to regroup, but Apartment528 is still here going strong online. Be on the lookout for more posts, new products, and more color!!! π
Here's to change!
India
Dreamy photo from the studio of our newest maker, @lattice.textile.studio! π Claire uses her work in mineral physics to inspire her weavings, a perfect combination of left brain and right! See that gorgeous piece on her loom? It's a 5x8 rug heading to the shop in July! Lattice Textile Studio rugs will be available online at Apartment 528 starting next week so get freaking excited! π
Ever wonder why the shop is named Apartment 528? It's in honor of this strong, talented, gorgeous lady whose birthday is today, 5/28!πNot only am I lucky enough to call her mom, but she's also my biggest creative inspiration and the most talented person I know! She's helped knock down walls at the storefront, built displays, painted, and endures hours of shop talk when I ramble on about the store. Love ya, ma! Couldn't do this without you! β€β€
π¨π¨SUPER DEAL ALERT! π¨π¨
We're clearing out the storefront today and have a few pieces left. If you take delivery TODAY (free within 10 miles of the shop) or pickup by Wednesday, you get an extra $100 off!
Media Console - $749 (was $1299)
Chair - $450 (was $750)
Bookcase - $799 (was $1599)
Sectional - $1750 (was $2275)
Sofa - $1300 (was $1800)
Ottoman - $749 (was $1529)
Dresser/sideboard - $749 (was $1495) *plus tax
WE'RE CLOSING THE STOREFRONT FEBRUARY 17th! After 2 years in our Ukrainian Village location, it's time to say goodbye. Thanks to everyone that has supported us during our time here - you guys are awesome! π€ Apartment 528 isn't going away for good, we'll still be online as always so you can shop our colorful wares from the comfort of your sofa. Be on the lookout for new makers, more amazing products, and fun new events and collaborations throughout the year!
Our closing sale starts TODAY with discounts up to 60% off π Don't live in Chicago? Feel free to DM or email with product inquires.
See you soon! ππΎ
Crushing on the beautiful design at our new neighbors @heybrothersandsisters! I'm a sucker for wood paneling and they have just enough turquoise to satisfy a color lover like me! Oh, and they have delicious food and a huge selection of wine π· Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by the shop, then hit them up for lunch and a bottle (or 2)!
Currently hating the weird, cold winter glow washing out the shop and blinding me at my desk π©π Guess what! A BIG SALE is coming your way next week! It's time to get rid of the old to make room for the new which means big deals on display furniture and in-stock decor. Head to the website and join our newsletter and be the first to know the deals and snag your faves before they sell out!
A big welcome to our newest maker, @ohhico! ππΎ I instantly fell in love with their fun, cheeky (I've always wanted to use that word!) cards and prints and literally took weeks trying to pick my favorites for the shop. There were so many! π Grab your Oh Hi paper goods at the storefront and keep checking the website this weekend as they make their way to the online shop π»
Check out our Mod sofa in the home of one of my new favorite people, @margauxpepper! π Her space is comfy and classic, with fun pops of color in all the right places! If you love food and gorgeous photography, or if you just want to feel a sense of pure joy, head to Margaux's IG! /// Have a photo of Apartment 528 goods in your space? Tag us at #myapt528
New hours! π We're now CLOSED SUNDAYS and open by appointment! Need to see furniture in person or pick up a gift for a friend? Just give us a shout and schedule a time to stop in. We may even open an occasional Sunday here and there to give you a chance to swing by. Sundays are usually busy at the shop so this was a hard decision to make, but for over a year, the only days I've had with my husband are the Saturdays he comes and works at the shop with me. Not good! As our nine year anniversary approaches π€π±π»π©πΎπ€, we've decided to take Sundays off and actually see each other! As always, shop online anytime or contact us to stop by any day of the week. Sorry for any inconvenience and thanks for your patience as we navigate this work/life balance!
It's our first workshop of the summer! π Join us this Thursday for an embroidery workshop taught by the always colourful @fluorescent.city! π Learn to embroider your own tote bag and get a kit to take home! We'll have drinks, snacks, and 15% off if you feel like doing a little shopping (excluding furniture). Can't make it? There's a second class August 5th. Click the link in our bio ππΎ to claim your spot!