With Memorial Day behind us, those planning on entertaining outside must seize the moment. Whether a big bash is in the works or a more intimate gathering, having the outdoor spaces prepped and ready is key. Jeff Hester of Hester Painting & Decorating is busy this time of year, helping homeowners get their outdoor spaces in […]
Spring is here, and color is blooming all over the city, perhaps most spectacularly in the 11th annual Merchandise Mart Dream Home, where Chicago’s hottest interior designers have let their imaginations soar. The result is well worth a visit. . Make an Entrance or Foyer For the spacious foyer, Marshall Erb, of Marshall Erb Design, combined […]
It’s the first rule of being a smart consumer: buyer beware. By carefully researching and shopping around, homeowners seeking to hire a contractor for home improvement projects are better prepared to make an informed decision and can avoid problems. Taking the time to properly research and compare your options is key in having an enjoyable […]
Tax season has finally passed and millions of Americans have started to receive their returns. One of the best uses of a refund—or any extra income—is reinvesting back into one of your greatest assets—your home. Consider using this extra cash to add some warming upgrades to your space both inside and out. Not only do […]
Summer has finally arrived, which means it’s time for Make It Better’s annual “Best Of” survey! From restaurants to theaters, salons to boutiques, wedding vendors to landscapers, each year we poll you—our fabulous audience—to determine which businesses and resources are leading the pack in Chicago and on the North Shore. Voting is now closed. The winners […]
‘Tis the season to be troweling! Plant the seeds for your backyard oasis with helpful tools and garden gear that are as pretty as a bouquet of poppies. 1. Apron These cheerful yellow checks have got you covered while deep pockets leave your hands free to get dirty. 2. Gardening Gloves Durable and girly, these […]
Spring may have sprung, but the harsh effects of winter are actively haunting Midwestern homes. If not addressed annually, winter’s severe damage adds up, and homeowners may find themselves shelling out money for extensive repairs. Proactive homeowners who inspect their homes’ exteriors annually often require fewer repairs over time. Hester Painting & Decorating has been […]
Left to its own devices, the coffee table can quickly accumulate clutter—remote controls, a box of tissues, People magazine—giving your space about as much style as a waiting room. But thoughtfully composed, the coffee table becomes the centerpiece of the room, a microcosm of the space it inhabits; conveying your tastes and interests at a […]
Budget-conscious homeowners who are eager to refresh their homes often don’t realize that redoing a space doesn’t have to break the bank. As experts in home design, the Lewis Floor & Home team shares its advice on how to update your home while sticking to a budget. 1. Focus on the kitchen. Most homeowners spend […]
Midwestern summers are short. If the weather is warm, we want to be outside enjoying it, which means many of us are evolving the way we use outdoor space. Well-appointed outdoor kitchens mean we don’t have to go inside, even at mealtimes. Here, local outdoor design specialists give us the scoop on the latest al […]
