6 Must-Try Décor Trends to Update Your Home

You update your wardrobe each year by adding key pieces — a killer pair of jeans in the cut du jour, the must-have boots or tote of the season, a statement blouse in a trendy pattern. Keep your home as fresh and on-trend as your wardrobe with some strategic updates. We asked local design experts […]

Best of 2016 Winners!

For the sixth year in a row, our audience has spoken — this year louder than ever before. With more than 168,000 votes across 11 categories, what follows are the best businesses and services in Chicago and around the North Shore. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #Bestof2016.

Best of 2016: Home & Design

Make It Better’s Best of 2016 drew more than 168,000 votes across 11 categories. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #Bestof2016. Best Builder A. Perry Homes It’s a four-peat for this family-run business known for award-winning architecture and expertly crafted custom homes. 564 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka Best Architect (Suburbs) Reynolds Architecture […]

What to Know About Real Estate Right Now

We know the summer real estate market is usually hot (no pun intended), and this year’s market is no exception as interest rates remain low, but what else do we need to know about moving properties in July and August? We spoke with Janet Owen of KoenigRubloff and Lori Neuschel from @properties in order to find out. […]

5 Amazing Styles for Your Outdoor Space

Are you more “country rustic” or “European flair”? Or maybe even “polished casual” with a hint of “English garden”? Summertime calls for outdoor barbecues and family parties on the patio. However, using your front yard and backyard spaces this season might require renovations. But don’t panic! You just need to understand your tastes and find […]

Recycling 3.0: How Some North Shore Communities are Leading the Charge

Recycling is a trend that will never go out of style. Recycling protects the environment; it saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. What’s more: Contributing to your community’s recycling efforts is a simple way to get involved and stay connected. We’ve highlighted a few North Shore communities that are making a difference via their […]

HGTV's Chip Wade Shares Lessons in Renovations

Even a master of home design like HGTV’s Chip Wade admits there are projects he wishes he could redo. The key to a successful renovation, Wade says, is coming up with an authentic, personal cost-effective canvas before putting together that dream home Pinterest board. Make It Better caught up with the Atlanta native and host of Elbow […]

Home Makeover: Mom-Turned-Designer Transforms Winnetka Colonial

Walk into Rosemary Wormley’s basement and you’d have no idea where she has thousands upon thousands of Legos hidden. Hint: They’re under the bench. “People have always come to my house and said, ‘Where’s all your stuff?’” Wormley jokes. She designed the built-in bench specifically to fit her son’s large Lego storage bins, plunking down […]