As small business owners ourselves, Jake and I feel strongly about supporting locally-owned, independent businesses. Core Interior Design and Home Store is an amazing, new concept shop in downtown Downers Grove, IL. While, the location and retail portion of Core is brand new, Gretchen Dockendorff, the owner of Core Interiors, is a design veteran of over 22 years. What is unique about Core Home is that it is continually changing. The shop is designed to consistently develop and maintain an ever-evolving design challenge. Gretchen closes down the store for a week every month to "pick" new items from across the country, as well as redo the front area of the store; which is currently a rustic-masculine-modern theme.

Core Home offers a variety of hand-picked items that are unique unto themselves and the retail industry. From beautiful brass animal figurines, to antlers, and custom pieces of art from local artists such as LauterWerks and Chuck Radeke there is something that appeals to everyone. Gretchen's attention to detail and proclivity for the eclectic makes Core Home a must-see during any visit to the Western Suburbs.

And if you've been once, go again. It's already almost completely different!

We are looking forward to future collaborations with Core Interior Design and Home Store!