When Mariam Naficy founded Minted.com, the online stationery retailer, in 2007, she “felt a little chicken” about testing her new business model. She was already a successful businesswoman. She’d received an MBA from Stanford and sold her first startup, the online cosmetics company Eve.com, for more than $100 million in cash. But she loved the idea she had for […]
For San Francisco artist Colette Crutcher, the climb to fame — of the kind that draws tourists in large buses to see her citywide mosaics and murals — was literally 163 steps high. It was the vivid tile-and-mosaic mural Crutcher helped create for a hillside staircase on Moraga Avenue at 16th Avenue that first garnered hits online and a top spot […]
For San Francisco artist Colette Crutcher, the climb to fame — of the kind that draws tourists in large buses to see her citywide mosaics and murals — was literally 163 steps high. It was the vivid tile-and-mosaic mural Crutcher helped create for a hillside staircase on Moraga Avenue at 16th Avenue that first garnered hits online and a top spot […]
With more than 30 years experience in architecture, interiors, and landscape design, the Morgante-Wilson team delivers a comprehensive and consistent project from start to finish; creating personalized, memorable spaces. We asked Elissa Morgante, president of Morgante-Wilson Architects, to tell us more about the mission and passions that drive their dedicated team: Make It Better: Briefly describe your […]
It only takes a few minutes for everything to change. That’s what a Winnetka family learned when their vintage Tudor Victorian home of only several weeks was consumed by a raging fire on an otherwise ordinary Saturday morning. Thick black smoke filled the interior, and loud popping sounds came from inside the walls. When the […]
Equal parts voyeurism and inspiration, home tours offer a peek into the (perfectly appointed) lives of others. There are options aplenty in Chicago this fall, from an architect’s iconic abode in Oak Park to a festival that takes you behind the scenes of more than 250 Chicago-area buildings. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio […]
We are seeing a large number of clients who wish to use smart tax planning while considering their next home. Empty nesters downsizing and move-up buyers with young families have similar interests. They desire to build a custom home that suits their needs and minimizes maintenance and upkeep while reducing tax exposure. Empty nesters are […]
Here’s a very useful list of what professional landscape companies do in the fall for their own properties and their clients’ homes. 1. Aerate the lawn’s compacted soil so water and nutrients can reach the roots. 2. Feed your grass roots since they continue to grow until about 40 degrees. Fall is a good time […]
With the popularity of outdoor living expected to hit its highest peak yet this year, we are seeing a shift away from seasonality as homeowners adopt a more year-round mindset regarding their outdoor spaces. Outdoor living is no longer restricted to spring and summer. The innovative approaches in high-performance materials, lighting, and outdoor electronics (video […]
Home Maintenance Program Takes Care of the Tasks Homeowners Forget or Ignore Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference in preparation for the upcoming cold weather. While many of these maintenance tasks are fairly simple, they are still very important to complete before cold […]
