Weekends With: Nathan Michael in Chicago
Feb 24, 2025
A day of coffee, plants, local gems, and creative inspiration
For Nathan Michael a designer and creative director based in Chicago, weekends are about finding beauty in the everyday—whether at home, in his favorite neighborhood spots, or exploring the city with his wife and kids. We tagged along for a Saturday filled with coffee, plants, design inspiration, and, of course, a sweet treat to wrap it all up.
Starting Slow: Coffee & Brunch at Home
Like any great weekend, the day starts with coffee. There’s something grounding about the ritual—the first pour, the steam rising, the simple act of slowing down before the day begins. At home, Nathan and his family gather around for a cozy brunch of eggs, toast, and fresh fruit, a tradition that turns their dining table into the heart of the home.
A Visit to Sprout Home
With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to refresh their home with a little greenery. The first stop? Sprout Home Chicago—a plant-filled haven in West Town offering an inspiring selection of houseplants, planters, and thoughtfully curated home goods. Browsing the lush displays, Nathan and his family pick out a few new plants to bring home, a simple ritual that keeps their space feeling fresh and connected to nature.
(Pro tip: Bring your pots with you when plant shopping to get the perfect fit!)
Creative Inspiration
at AlleyCat Comics & Scout Design
No weekend is complete without a little adventure, and for Nathan’s family, that means a visit to some of their favorite small businesses in the city.
AlleyCat Comics is a must-stop for their daughter, who loves diving into new stories and getting lost in the world of superheroes and fantasy. Tucked away in a courtyard in Andersonville, it’s a local favorite for comic book lovers.
Scout Design is next on the list. Known for its incredible selection of one-of-a-kind vintage and modern home finds, Scout is the kind of place where inspiration is everywhere. Nathan loves bringing his kids along to browse the unique art, furniture, and decor pieces that give character to a home.
Ending the Day with Something Sweet
What’s a Saturday without a little indulgence? Before heading home, the family makes a much-anticipated ice cream stop. There’s nothing quite like watching kids light up over a scoop of their favorite flavor, sticky fingers and all. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring, supporting local businesses, and soaking in Chicago’s creative energy.
A Weekend Well Spent
For Nathan, weekends are about slowing down, finding inspiration in the city, and making time for the things that matter most—good food, great design, and family.
How do you spend your weekends? Tag us @lbedesign and share your weekend rituals with us!
