Culture | Oct. 2024
PRIZED POSSESSIONS
By Julia Paulman
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Milena Palandech wearing alice + olivia, Neiman Marcus Northbrook
MILENA PALANDECH has long been an ardent proponent of using vintage pieces in modern design. She transformed this passion into a business, founding Studio Sonja Milan, a Chicago showroom named in honor of her grandparents. Milena thrives when curating a collection of mid-century modern furniture and offers clients unique pieces with character and charm. Collectors and designers alike can admire her work at this year’s Antiques + Modernism Show (A+M). Celebrating its 52nd year, the A+M show begins with a Preview Party on Thursday, November 7, followed by a three-day show hosted at the Community House in Winnetka. Presented by the Woman’s Board of Winnetka’s Community House, this spectacular style and design event is the ultimate destination for interior designers, treasure hunters, and collectors alike. Milena’s selections will be featured alongside other nationwide dealers specializing in unique home furnishings, accessories, artwork, clothing, jewelry, and more.
ON HER NIGHTSTAND
“Dr Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham, All the Places You Will Go, and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. These are on my nightstand because my adorable granddaughter is a huge fan of Dr. Suess. There’s nothing better than cuddling up with her to read a book. The book I’m reading now is The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. It’s hard to put down and is one of the many books that were recommended by friends who are avid readers. Thanks to that network I haven’t picked a dud in years.”
ON HER MOBILE
“Most of my time online is dedicated to my business. I’m always on the hunt for the most interesting mid-century pieces. I follow auction houses and even local estate sale websites for that next great acquisition—in part because it’s a necessity for the business but also because I’m obsessed with mid-century modern design.”
IN HER EARBUDS
“If I’m in the car, I typically have NPR on the radio. If I’m at the studio, a Spotify playlist is probably playing in the background. My taste in music is varied—I might be listening to Chopin’s Piano Concertos or Earth, Wind & Fire. The playlists may combine music from different eras, but it will always include selections that make you want to get up and move.”
