Chicago’s Home Décor Stores: New Inspiration Downtown

Looking to spice up your humble abode? Venture to the city to check out the latest and greatest home stores. Here are our favorites and why we love them. Susan Fredman at Home One of the coolest spots for a modern collection of tabletop items, glassware, home décor, furnishings, and gifts curated with the eye […]

3 Quick Summer Projects that will Save You Money

Summer after summer homeowners ask me what they can do around their homes to help save money. While there are many projects that can be done, I think quick projects are best during the summertime so that you can get out and enjoy your weekends! You’d be surprised how much money you can save with […]

Northbrook Reforestation Project Celebrates 5 Years of Progress

Ready, set, green! In an effort to restore land to its original state, Northbrook’s Society of the Divine Word reforested 40 acres of its property over the past five years. The Society held a ceremony in late July with an appearance from Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon to commemorate the project’s progress. “Once, we farmed this […]

8 Ways to Spiff Up Your Home for Summer Outdoor Entertainment

It’s summer outdoor entertainment season and people want their homes to look spic and span for outdoor parties. Here are some tips to make your house gleam before hosting an occasion outside. 1. Clean! Jeff Hester of Skokie’s Hester Painting and Decorating suggests attaching a low-pressure power washer to your garden hose to clean off […]

Creative Women: Joyce Romanoff of Maya Romanoff

Meet Joyce Romanoff, President of Skokie-based wall coverings company, Maya Romanoff. She is focused on thoughtfully growing the company’s line of products without sacrificing its culture of cooperation and connection. Romanoff also serves on the Exhibitions Committee for the Museum of Arts & Design in NY and on the Advisory Boards for HD Expo and […]

Green Tip of the Week

Learn what types of coffee are better for the planet, your taste buds   How should you drink better coffee — better for the planet, its people and your taste buds? First, look for coffee beans that are organically grown. Usually this means that coffee is produced without using artificial pesticides or herbicides. This ensures […]

Worldwide Warehouse: An Evanston Loft

While growing up in the Philippines, Joaquin Franco discovered a special talent that none of his friends possessed: decorating. “It all started at home,” says Franco, who started by selecting the paint and fabrics for his own bedroom before branching out into the rest of the house. “I grew bored of seeing the furniture in […]

Tips and Takeaways from the 2011 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens

Chicago’s top designers transformed Thorndale Manor for the 2011 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens. Our Home Editor, Tate Gunnerson, visited the mansion and found takeaway lessons you can use in decorating your space. Parisian Library by Jeannie Balsam, LLC. Using dark purple walls and sumptuous fabrics such as wool flannel, velvet and mohair, Jeannie Balsam […]

Green Living This Summer

Here are just a few tips to go green this summer: Are you a gardener? Practice integrated pest management (IPM) to reduce unwanted pests by using natural predators and prevention techniques. Not only is IPM the most economical pest management option, but it poses the least hazard to people, property and the environment. Small changes […]