Thanks to everyone—professionals and homeowners—who sent in photos of their fabulous outdoor spaces. Our intrepid judges (Jeff Hester of Hester Decorating, Nancy Spears, a member of area garden club Glenview Gardeners and Tate Gunnerson, Make It Better contributing writer and creator of strangeclosets.com, a design blog) had their work cut out for them, with five […]
Wilmette’s Defining Moments will thrill the scrappiest of scrapbookers as well as those who are clueless when it comes to crafts. Featuring high-end, unique materials (think clocks, tissue box holders and planners), the shop is available for girls’ nights out, parties, workshops and classes. Or, simply order a custom memento from owner Jocelyn Tobias of […]
When Lynn Rutstein of Deerfield was diagnosed with breast cancer, her family and friends built her a garden to give her hope for renewal. The garden inspired her to create Perennial Hope, a line of plates that feature crocuses, with other flowers to come. The nonprofit FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) receives 15 […]
We all know the downside of the lagging real estate market is that many of our houses are worth less than they were a few years ago. But, the upshot is that if you’re in the market for a second home—for a vacation getaway, an investment property or a pied-a-terre—there are certainly some deals to […]
Designer Mick de Giulio is about to achieve rock-star status with the publication of “Kitchen Centric.” It’s a book he describes as “part art book, part fantasy and part field guide.” Written with former Chicago Tribune reporter Karen Klages Grace, the book features page after page of drool-worthy photos of de Giulio’s favorite kitchens. On […]
Designer, tastemaker and collector Thomas O’Brien spoke to a packed house about his just released first book “American Modern: My Inspirations for Classic Style, from Modern to Traditional” at the Merchandise Mart’s bi-annual International Antiques Fair. Whether speaking about one of his projects, one of his own homes or one of his lines for companies […]
12 New Trier Township High School students, finalists in an architecture class contest to develop the lakefront lot at 1330 Sheridan Rd. in Wilmette, presented their plans to judges. Senior Becky Greenberg, pictured here with Quincy Ikler and Max Jablow, took the top prize in the contest. Greenberg’s curvaceous, two-level structure features inverse concave and […]
When Melly Schwartz was a child growing up downstate in Danville, scavenging for interesting cast-offs was her “greatest delight.” “I’m a garbage picker from way back,” Schwartz, of Northbrook, says. ” I love to reinvent things.” Take, for instance, the black-rimmed oval mirror hanging in the upstairs hallway of the two-story home she shares with […]
You’ve probably heard about LEED certification and know it has something to do with building an energy-efficient home, but now North Shore residents have a chance to tour the first LEED-certified home in Winnetka. Located at 1092 Oak St., the 5,200 square foot colonial style red brick home will be open for tours every Thursday […]
We all have one—that friend who has it so together and makes everything look easy. She gracefully tackles every challenge as though it were a walk in the park. While we love to hate her, we also vie for her secrets. Here are a few of them. CONTAIN YOURSELF: “I use containers for everything. Every […]
