Apartment 528 initially started as a blog documenting India Shannon's D.I.Y. projects and home decorating adventures as a 20-something living in Boston. Now it's a tightly edited yet inviting shop in the heart of the thriving "West of Western" district in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. India, with the help of her husband Jerome, transformed a former tattoo parlor into a light-filled space featuring a mix of artisan-made decor, lighting and furniture alongside colorful vintage artwork, blankets, kitchenware and books. While it took them less than a month to prepare the storefront, the pair had been working towards the launch of a brick and mortar store since they moved to Chicago four years ago.

In its first incarnation, Apartment 528 existed solely as a virtual marketplace, then India and Jerome became veterans of the Chicago flea market scene, setting up booths at The Vintage Bazaar, The Randolph Street Market and The Chicago Flea in Wicker Park. Eventually India moved her headquarters to a West Town artists' loft building where she refinished furniture and held pop-up shop events held once a month. The studio space received attention from the city's design community, including Daily Candy, and I also documented the space for V & Oak magazine. After a year at the studio, India started the hunt for a storefront, a spot that would be more accessible to her customers.

She settled on the Humboldt Park neighborhood after encouragement from Lynn McDaniel, owner of the Orange Moon vintage furniture shop and promoter of The "WOW" District. Apartment 528 continues the revitalization of a stretch of North Avenue between Western and California Avenues as empty buildings become home to independent businesses like the Cup & Spoon coffee shop, Richard's Fabulous Finds vintage menswear boutique and several yet to be named art galleries.

Go visit Apartment 528, Tuesday through Saturday between 12-8PM at 2620 North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647. Not local? Enjoy the virtual tour of the shop below and check out what handmade and vintage products are currently available via the store's website. If you're looking for something specific be sure to ask India and Jerome, they're always happy to help customers find their dream item.<