No matter what home renovation project you’re taking one — remodeling your kitchen, updating your exterior paint color or building your dream home from the ground up — this list of the best home and design businesses, chosen by Better readers, is guaranteed to set you up for success.
Best Architect — City
dSPACE Studio
2920 N. Lincoln Ave
dSpace Studio is an award-winning architecture firm dedicated to architecture, interiors and landscape. Founded in 2007, they approach all projects individually starting with an exploration of client needs and strive to integrate environmentally sustainable designs whenever possible.
Best Architect — Suburbs
Kipnis Architecture + Planning, Evanston
1642 Payne St., Evanston
Recognized as Chicago’s premier award-winning sustainable architectural practice, Kipnis A+P creates projects that are in creative synthesis with clients’ wishes. Since 1993, they have utilized sustainable, resilient principles to create homes in modern, transitional and historic aesthetics — and are known for their ability to renovate and rehab historic homes.
Best Builder — City
Bulley & Andrews
1755 W Armitage Ave.
Since 1891, Bulley & Andrews has expanded on its legacy, evolving into a leading, cutting-edge construction company with a regional focus and national reach. Projects include Wintrust Arena, Lincoln Park Zoo Searle Visitor Center and The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Best Builder — Suburbs
Orren Pickell Building Group, Wilmette
444 Skokie Blvd., Ste 200, Wilmette
Orren Pickell Building Group manages every phase of custom home building and remodeling for clients throughout Chicagoland, Southern Wisconsin and Harbor Country, Michigan. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, they have a reputation built upon outstanding value, craftsmanship and service.
Best Flooring — City
APEX Wood Floors
208 W Kinzie St., Ste 2
Whatever your project may be, there is no need to look further; APEX offers a curated collection of beautiful, natural wood floors.
Best Flooring — Suburbs
Lewis Floor & Home, Northbrook
1840 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook
You’ll find a vast variety of products from flooring to countertops to cabinets, area rugs and more all under one roof in the massive 26,000 sq. ft. showroom, all with the Lewis reputation for quality and service that you can trust.
Best Interior Designer — City
Michael Abrams Interiors
1901 N Clybourn Ave., Ste 202
Michael Abrams creates timeless client-specific design solutions reflective of his profound dedication to beauty, comfort and home. By drawing on substantial experience and fusing artistic and architectural knowledge with personal aesthetic, Michael and his team create refreshing interiors that are truly client inspired.
Best Interior Designer — Suburbs
Leah Bolger Design, Winnetka
Leah Bolger is an award-winning designer who brings her passion for architecture and design to both personal and professional settings — collaborative, thoughtful and unique are a part of each client’s design solution.
Best Kitchen Design
de Giulio Kitchen Design
1121 Central Ave., Wilmette
de Giulio kitchen design was founded in 1984 by designer Mick De Giulio. Internationally recognized for innovative interior architecture and product design for kitchens, the company designs custom residential and commercial kitchens worldwide.
Best Landscaping Company — City
City Escape
Studio 3022 W. Lake St.
Established in 2003 by Connie Rivera, City Escape Garden Center & Design Studio is a full resource company. City Escape carries an exceptional selection of plants, potted containers, pottery and urns, home accents and garden accessories at its iconic East Garfield Park Garden center.
Best Landscaping Company — Suburbs
Bertog Landscape Co., Wheeling
625 Wheeling Rd., Wheeling
Bertog Landscape Co., founded in 1974 by Tracy Bertog, builds harmony between landscape and home. Each garden creation is sculpted to enhance the architecture of the home, its outdoor environment and client lifestyle, holistically blending vision and expertise.
Best Outdoor/Patio Designer — City
Chicago Gardenworks, Inc.
1847 Kiest Ave., Northbrook
Chicago Gardenworks is a landscape design and installation company that has worked on the North Shore since 1996. They specialize in all phases of the landscape process including, patios, walks, retaining walls, rain gardens, fire and water features, and perennial gardens. Their focus is on landscaping throughout all four seasons.
Best Outdoor/Patio Designer — Suburbs
Mariani Landscape, Lake Bluff
300 Rockland Rd., Lake Bluff
This award-winning, family-run company believes in “hard work, high quality, and uncompromising customer service.”
Best Home Organization Company — City
Bedside Manor
2048 Halsted St.
For over 36 years, Bedside Manor inspires customers to create bedding ensembles that make a house feel like a home, bath luxuries that titillate the senses and furniture pieces that tell a story — and much more.
Best Home Organization Company — Suburbs
The Duchess of Declutter, Glencoe
Brooke Milton has a sharp eye for organization — not only that but she has the can-do attitude to help you de-clutter your closet, room or home!
Best Painter
Hester Painting & Decorating, Skokie
7340 N. Monticello, Skokie
Winning this category for the 10th year in a row is Hester Painting & Decorating, who provide unparalleled customer service, the highest-quality craftsmanship, individual and business integrity and outstanding creativity to all their clients looking for the very best in painting and faux finishing.
Best Real Estate Company
@properties
Established in 2000, @properties was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales and marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus. As a locally owned, independent company, @properties is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients they serve.
