Boutique of the Week: Room 363

Room 363

232 S. Washington

Naperville, IL

(630) 778-0363

www.Room363.net

For Mark Norkaitis, owner of the new Room 363 in Naperville, making something magical from an ordinary space is second nature. Beginning as a preschool teacher, Mark would make enchanting classrooms that really triggered the imagination. Taking a brief detour into freight forwarding, Mark realized that he had too much creativity in his blood and decided to make it his business. 

Room 363 opened August 16^th of this year. It boasts a nearly overwhelming collection of new and antique furniture, jewelry, home décor, and clothing for women AND men. The vibe is eclectic yet carefully curated. Hitting this balance is Mark's forte. “You can repurpose old things and mix them with new,” he says. That goes for everything, even down the jewelry: “You're taking your grandma's stuff and making it more suitable to wear now.”

As you wander through the store, every room is a new experience. And there's no way you'll see it all your first trip through. There is a great sense of depth and detail that create an actual experience out of an ordinary shopping trip. Your first visit really will feel like something out of Alice in Wonderland, not knowing where the winding rooms filled with wonder will end.

One of the great features of the store is the antique furniture. It comes to Mark as it will, in response to a call for pieces or at a fantastic flea market. Even more interesting is that when a piece sells, Mark re-creates the entire space around it, making an ever-evolving pace for changing the experience. One of Mark's favorite features of his store? The diversity. “You can buy a piece of furniture for your bedroom but also get a cool shirt for yourself or your husband.” And soon, you'll be able to buy pieces for the little ones in your life, too. Mark is setting his sights on carrying children's clothing as well.

It is definitely worth your time to have an adventure in Room 363 the next time you're in Naperville. And if you're really charmed by what you see, Mark will even come to your home to design a room around it.