The rug is the foundation of your room. It’s a stage for your furniture, warmth for your feet, a soft spot to sit. But too many tired rooms are anchored by predictable patterns, awkward sizing and poor quality. It’s time to choose the right rug for your space. Where do you start? First ask yourself, […]
A few years ago, antiquing-addict Mindy Schloss of Glenview opened a warehouse. Inside were her finds: Mostly antique furniture, much of it repaired, painted and/or refinished. But she only opened the warehouse to the public two days a week. Now, you can get your fix every day at her shop, Vintage Nest, in The Glen, […]
If you think lighting a space well is as simple as plugging in a lamp, think again. Like any design element, careful thought and planning—along with knowing your options—can make the difference between a sterile space and one that offers the perfect marriage of functionality and aesthetics. We consulted with two industry experts, Tim Archibald, […]
How many of us really love our master bath? We asked three design experts for their advice on how to make the master bath the tranquil, functional and fabulous space you deserve it to be. As with any scenario, there’s the dream and then reality. If you’re lucky enough to redo your master bath, here […]
Many North Shore residents are already familiar with Melly Schwartz of Northbrook. Her ability to reinvent old—sometimes even heirloom—furniture by hand painting or refinishing it, or adding other elements such as architectural embellishments, or paper or fabric lamination, is legendary. She recently outgrew her Northbrook studio and she and her husband-partner, Mitch, have moved to […]
Whether you believe what’s old is new again, subscribe to the green mantra repurpose and reuse, or just need to find a doorknob to match the others in your 1920s bungalow, we’ve got the best places to go. Al Bar Wilmette Platers, Wilmette In business since 1937, Al Bar has the go-to-guys for anything from […]
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 […]
Looking to spruce up your house this summer? The Design Center for Your Home (formerly known as the Design Center for Kitchen and Bath), located in Niles, recently opened a second location in Wilmette. In addition to kitchen and baths, the center can also design and remodel dens, laundry rooms, offices spaces, additions and closets. […]
Many North Shore houses reside on land that used to be farmland. Illinois, our beloved Prairie State, is made up of thousands of acres of land running from the base of Wisconsin to the Kentucky border. As the nation expanded westward, farmers settled on this land, starting in the late 1600s through the late 1800s. […]
Libertyville interior designers Carol Carani and Victoria Lidstrom have opened a shop, Leggy Bird Designs. They’ve partnered with Laurie King, a furniture restorer, and antique lovers Kelly Murphy and Danette Lemm. They stock the items they would choose for clients, mixing old and new to create eclectic, interesting looks. And when they’re not designing, you’ll […]
