3 Formulas to Cozy Up Your Winter Home

With the end of holiday distractions, dwindling daylight and chilly temps, it’s easy to feel cranky and sluggish in January. Instead of feeling dreary, why not embrace winter? Use these three formulas to cozy up every room of your house, and appreciate how beautiful this season can be.     1. Pillows + Throw + Fireplace […]

Orchids and Amaryllis: Winter Decorating Tips

  With the Christmas tree at the curb and the lights taken down, no wonder we get depressed. In an effort to graciously close the holidays, but keep a joyful winter spirit, we asked two local experts, landscape architect Craig Bergmann, owner of Craig Bergmann Landscape Design and interior designer Paul Klug of Paul Klug Inc., […]

Decorating Between Halloween and the Holidays

  Once the goons and goblins stop ringing your doorbell, any and all Halloween décor just seems so frightful. To bridge the gap with style and budget in mind (and the best nature has to offer), we asked landscape architect Craig Bergmann, owner of Craig Bergmann Landscape Design and interior designer Paul Klug  of Paul Klug […]

Fresh: Laddie Cakes

Add a burst of festivity to your next holiday celebration with a custom-made Laddie Cake! Graphic designer, painter and pastry chef Ladd Mengel combines her unique passions to craft handmade “fake” cakes of patterned papers, ribbons, fabrics and even flowers. Great for centerpieces and decorations, these cakes are perfect for any occasion and start for as […]

Tricks of the Trade: Creating a Polished Room

No question, having “an eye” is a gift. Most of us must turn to a professional to achieve just the right mix of furniture, textiles, color and accessories to beautifully furnish a space. But wouldn’t it be great to know how to do it yourself? We asked three interior designers for their secrets to pulling […]

Busting 5 Myths about Art and Interior Design

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 […]

Tricks of the Trade: Designing an Outdoor Room

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 […]

Does Your House Need a Makover? Enhancing Curb Appeal

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 […]

The Mom Cave: Designing a Space of Your Own

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 […]