When a Highland Park couple with two teenagers hired Randy Heller to help them redecorate their home, she was forced to hit the ground running. “The house was chaotic, and they needed somebody who could take charge and manage the project,” Heller says, noting that several pieces of furniture had already been ordered and that […]
When a Highland Park couple found a spacious, one-level home on a picturesque lot near Lake Michigan, they decided to make an offer despite its choppy layout and badly dated décor. “There was so much visual clutter that it was hard to make sense of the house, but it had classic elements and it wasn’t […]
“British Country manqué” —that’s how former print and runway model and owner of Gavin in Evanston, Lauren Cavallo-Runzel, recalled the décor of her home when she and husband Bill first laid eyes on its interior in 2001. She said that it was too conservative—and not her at all. She really wanted it to be modern […]
The summer antique and flea market season is in full swing.Join in! Whether you’re looking to add to your favorite collection or more design-focused, we’ve got the tips to finding that perfect one-of-a-kind vintage treasure. Weighing in are Glencoe native Sally Schwartz, antiques expert and founder of the Randolph Street Market, and Deerfield native Ashley […]
With the art fair season getting into full swing, it’s time to dispel some misconceptions about art and interior design. Myth #1: If I own a traditional home, I have to buy traditional art. Just the opposite, declares Anne Loucks, owner of Anne Loucks Gallery in Glencoe “I love the juxtaposition created when interesting, engaging […]
Good design can literally go out the door. With some careful planning, expert advice and the right materials, you can create an outdoor room that’s stylish and comfortable. Have a plan Just as you need a plan for your interior design, likewise think before you execute outdoors. Consider the big picture. Explains Anne Flannery, owner […]
Call it curb appeal or putting your best foot forward. No question you want the outside of your home to look as great as the inside. We asked some local experts for their thoughts on how to fix up bad exterior architecture. But before you demolish anything, make sure you have a comprehensive plan that […]
Courage Consignments is taking unwanted furniture and giving it a new home. They sell everything from lighting and rugs to antique furniture in their 1,200 square foot Wilmette showroom. Jay and Amy Courage, lifelong furniture collectors, decided to make their hobby into a full-time business, Courage Consignments. They are pros at each step of the […]
It starts with your husband’s “man cave” or paneled library. Then there are nurseries to decorate and playrooms to stock. Somewhere along the way, you forgot to reserve space for yourself…and the kitchen planning desk (aka, family landfill) doesn’t count. “As women, we respect the need for everyone in our families to have their own […]
We have a lot to cover, so I’ll spare you the pithy introduction, and cut right to the chase. 1. Clearing away dust and dirt will make even the most dated décor feel at least livable. 2. Follow the three D’s. De-clutter, dump and donate. 3. Repaint the walls at least every five or six […]
