Prepare Your Home for the Upcoming Cold Front

Chicago winters are brutal to homes, and smart homeowners are preparing in advance to help avoid costly repairs. “Take preventative action,” says Jeff Hester, vice president of Hester Painting & Decorating. “A little effort now will save you time and money.” Hester suggests homeowners inspect the five following “hot spots” before the first snow hits […]

Elegant Autumn Décor for Your Home and Yard

It’s time to say goodbye to summer, but you can get into the spirit of fall by decorating your home with some seasonal panache. Try a DIY approach and collect fallen leaves, brilliantly colored and textured pumpkins and gourds, and even long tree branches to bring the warmth of the season indoors. Visit a garden […]

Best of 2015: Home & Design

Make It Better’s Best of 2015 drew more than 105,000 verified votes across 10 categories. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #MIBBestof2015. Handyman Get Dwell Need help with that home repair checklist? This four-time winner’s got you covered. 1046 Gage St., Winnetka, 847-922-3418 Interior Decorator Jeannie Balsam LLC A second-time reader […]

Hester Painting & Decorating Provides the Perfect Home Improvement Gift Idea

After the nationwide transition to digital television earlier this year, Santa no doubt has flat-screen TVs among the toys and goodies on his sleigh. Homeowners across the country have seized the switch as a chance to upgrade to newer, larger high-definition television sets. Many television viewers are realizing, however, that their old entertainment cabinets cannot […]

Pain-Free Home Improvement: What You Need to Know before Hiring a Contractor

Homeowners have come to accept the fact that hiring a painting contractor often brings surprises—and sometimes not the good kind. “The timeline can last weeks longer than originally agreed upon; the price can escalate faster than the blink of an eye; and the finished quality can leave much to be desired. But this isn’t how […]