Design Studio Opens Retail Store In Western Springs

Last Wednesday morning, there was excitement at 917 Burlington Avenue as long-time Western Springs residents Carol King and Paula Buttel opened Design Studio, a bright, vintage-inspired accessories store with a contemporary feel.

The owners have given new life to the location; they refinished the antique pine floors, installed a new ceiling and painted the walls to complement their seasonal inventory.

“The store will change with the seasons,” said Buttel gesturing toward the garden-themed merchandise. “You should see what we’ll have for Halloween!”

Although the store is open for business this summer, the team has big plans for the December holiday season. “Our Grand Opening will be at Christmas,” she said.

Design Studio started in 1974 as a holiday store that King hosted in her Western Springs home—an event that ran successfully for 13 years. Buttel and King joined forces in 1983 to expand the growing business. When the show exceeded the home’s capacity, they moved to an even larger venue. “We moved the show to Katherine Legge [Memorial Park in Hinsdale],” said King. “We were there one year and then outgrew it.”

The team turned to the DuPage County Fairgrounds to accommodate their expanding clientele. The show, Christmas at the Faire, was a popular holiday stop for many years. The team’s success even drew the attention of importers who now hire the them as freelance designers.

The Burlington Avenue location is much smaller than the Westmont warehouse they just left behind—and much cozier for browsing. “We want people to come in, pick things up, put them together on their own,” said Buttel of the many smaller design elements, like the ribbons and silk flowers the store carries. “We are trying to create a place that inspires the creative process.”

It’s the creative process that has long been a theme for Buttel and King. To stock their well-appointed store, they design and manufacture their own line of products, and seek out fellow artisans who round out their unique vintage-contemporary aesthetic. 

The store enthusiastically supports locally made products. One example is the New Beginnings candle line,"The candles are clean-burning soy, made by people with disabilities who need work,” said Buttel.

In addition to the storefront, the rear patio features garden accessories, and a seating area that can be rented for parties. “We also hold ‘cause’ parties,” said Buttel. “We host fundraisers at no charge and donate a percentage of the proceeds to a charity.”

The Burlington Avenue location is the culmination of over 30 years of hard work. King attributes her tenacity to her passion for design and “the ability to create things in my mind and see them come to life.”

Buttel finished her business partner’s thought—“We call it seeing the invisible,” she said.