Melissa Edelman Design

Antiquaire started in 2007 as an importer of Exquisite European Antiques, & has evolved into a multi-faceted, cutting-edge eclectic design business. Antiquaire is the only US company to import the entire line of the authentic & iconic Tolix chairs from the South of France. In 2011, Antiquaire started Melissa Edelman Design (MED) - a bespoke kitchen cabinetry designer & manufacturer and General Contractor. MED has the unique ability to use an antique piece such as an old shop counter, and modify it to modern standards as a functional kitchen island complete with soft close drawers. Antiquaire has also partnered with Arte Italica fine Italian dinnerware which is a perfect fit for wedding registries. MED has designed for the Lake Forest Showhouse, Chicago Magazine's Chairs for Charity, DIFFA/Chicago's Dining by Design & even special outdoor events at Ravinia Music Festival. In each instance MED has been able to show off their unique talent for table displays and event design. In 2015, the shop next door to Antiquaire became available, & MED started rehab on the unrenovated store interior located in the historically significant building by Architect John van Bergen. The renovation was at first to be used to showcase MED's kitchen designs. The renovation turned out far better than anyone could have imagined. They found huge old beams under two layers of crumbling ceilings, restored them & allowed them to be exposed for the first time in almost 100 years! They also dug up more than 6 layers of built up flooring to find the original maple hardwood floors. After painstaking restoration, the gorgeous dark stained maple floors are exposed. In combination with the beams, high transom black glossy windows, exposed stainless steel duct work, the MED space is very unique for an event space on the North Shore. It has the lofty feeling of places one may only find in downtown Chicago. The space is warm & charming & very visually appealing. The brand new bathroom boasts a magically floating concrete shelf with an original carved marble sink from Turkey and sparkling new modern nickel finished faucets. A French Trumeau mirror grazes the high ceiling over the sink, & a vintage chandelier adds extra glamour for viewing oneself in the full length antique mirror. Back at Antiquaire, there is a brand new full gourmet kitchen available to use complete with a Wolf 60" gas range & double ovens, a 36" SubZero Refrigerator with drinking water supply, two freezer drawers & ice maker. Don't forget the Wolf coffee & cappuccino machine! The kitchen is stunning with MED's bespoke cabinetry & gold "leafed" back splash, & silver leafed ceiling hiding behind the huge chandelier over the island. You may never want to leave! Come & bring your own event planner, use MED to design, or a combo of both! Choose from a vast array of antiques & accessories to give your event or special day the unique feel you are looking for. Ask to sample our famous homemade cheesecake and macarons.