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 […]
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 […]
We’re all in favor of green energy, but a group of citizens in Libertyville has filed a lawsuit to try to remove a wind turbine in the area. They say it’s very noisy and disruptive to their lives. For more information, check out the links below: Chicago Tribune, July 8 Chicago Tribune, July 6 Climate […]
Few things can enhance or detract from a beautifully designed interior more than window treatments.
In the ‘90s hit movie “Father of the Bride,” Steve Martin has a beautiful family; a loving wife, a successful business, and a daughter about to be married. After a busy day at work, he pulls up in a roadster, to a picturesque white colonial on a shady tree-lined street. What dad wouldn’t want to be […]
After all the rain we have had this Spring, it seems silly to ask people to keep track of the rainfall. Every year I have to ask people, “If you drank a gallon of water last Sunday, but you did not drink any water for a week; would you be thirsty?” Almost everyone looks at […]
We recently discovered two gadgets that will simplify your baking: a cupcake corer, and the “scoop and sift,” both from Cuisipro.
If you’re like me and made a pact not to acquire any more tchocthkes, here’s inspiration to stop buying and start using what you already have this summer. Sharing the tricks of their trade, prop stylist Hilary Ashlund, and Stephanie Cook, a party planner from Lake Forest with SPC Events, give us the will […]
If you want to tackle one not-too-hard task this weekend, make it organizing your toiletries. Summer is a great time to sort and toss! Here are 5 tips for organizing your toiletries from the book, “The Fast and Furious 5 Step Organizing Solution.” 1. Throw away anything that has expired as well as all […]
When a Chicago-area family completed construction on their five-bedroom lake home, they hired Stephanie Wirth and Georgeann Rivas, of Leo Designs in Chicago, to help them create an open, airy retreat with fun pops of color. In this conversation with Make It Better, Stephanie Wirth explains how they tackled the project. What did the homeowners […]
