The voters have spoken!
Thousands of readers took the time to tell us what they find best about the North Shore and Chicago. This year, over 90,000 verified votes were cast in over 11 categories in our annual Best of 2014 awards, and we couldn’t be prouder you responded in such numbers.
Here are our reader’s picks for the Best of 2014 in Home & Design:
KITCHEN DESIGNER
Designer Mick de Giulio has been creating dream kitchens for almost 40 years. Drawing inspiration from his international travels, de Giulio crafted a collection of original pieces for kitchens, including the high-profile Ritz-Carlton residences on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
ANTIQUE STORE
With 70 dealers selling antiques, collectibles, jewelry and home décor, you’re not likely to leave this 7,000-square-foot treasure trove empty handed.
HANDYMAN
Get Dwell’s team of handymen is available for power washing, cleaning gutters, installing tile, repairing furniture, bathroom remodeling—you name it, all while helping you stick to your home-improvement budget.
INTERIOR DECORATOR
Jeannie Balsam turns homeowners’ visions into functional-but-beautiful kitchens, elegant powder rooms, and master bedroom suites that feel like luxurious private retreats. She is available for design services on renovations as well as new construction.
LANDSCAPER (TIE)
This talented team designed Evening Island at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Just imagine what they can do with your front yard. No green thumb? No problem. They’ll also maintain your landscaping.
Craig Bergmann Landscape Design
Giveyour homesomeseriouscurbappeal. A self-described “perfectionist,” Bergmann says plants and stone are his medium and impeccable gardens are his works of art.
FLOORING (TIE)
Kashian Brothers, Lewis Floor & Home
These North Shore stalwarts are where you turn for all of your flooring needs, from tile to wood to carpeting.
PAINTER
You’ve singled them out again as the best in the business. In addition to interior and exterior painting, the Skokie company offers cabinet and furniture finishing, faux and decorative wall finishes and wallpaper installation.
OUTDOOR GARDEN STORE
Time to beautify your yard? Head to Chalet. A wide selection of plants, supplies, and gardening classes have made this Wilmette shop a frequent “Best Of” winner.
BUILDER OR ARCHITECT
This one-stop shop bundles architectural design and construction services and promises its unique “design/ build” approach streamlines the new construction or renovation process and helps keeps costs under control—and you agree.
GREEN CONSTRUCTION
If protecting the environment is important to you, your home should reflect that. Scott Simpson Builders is all about sustainability, utilizing geothermal energy, solar panels, green roofs and repurposed products.
