Barry Butler has been photographing Chicago for decades — but more specifically, he’s been capturing its tulips. A native of Ireland, Butler has always loved shooting natural scenery. But while building his photography practice, he also began photographing Chicago’s industrial landscape, a striking contrast to Ireland’s terrain. “I was psychologically saying to myself, ‘Well, I […]
There’s no doubt that quality landscaping is key for curb appeal, but it is often also the most important element to transforming a backyard into something really special. Spending a warm summer evening in your very own secret garden, or practicing your putt on your own private golf green are just some of the ways […]
With more than 30 years experience in architecture, interiors, and landscape design, the Morgante-Wilson team delivers a comprehensive and consistent project from start to finish; creating personalized, memorable spaces. We asked Elissa Morgante, president of Morgante-Wilson Architects, to tell us more about the mission and passions that drive their dedicated team: Make It Better: Briefly describe your […]
Here’s a very useful list of what professional landscape companies do in the fall for their own properties and their clients’ homes. 1. Aerate the lawn’s compacted soil so water and nutrients can reach the roots. 2. Feed your grass roots since they continue to grow until about 40 degrees. Fall is a good time […]
With the popularity of outdoor living expected to hit its highest peak yet this year, we are seeing a shift away from seasonality as homeowners adopt a more year-round mindset regarding their outdoor spaces. Outdoor living is no longer restricted to spring and summer. The innovative approaches in high-performance materials, lighting, and outdoor electronics (video […]
When summers are as short as they are in the Midwest, it’s important to make the most of them. It was in that spirit that Winnetka residents Jared and Christy Vegosen hired Chalet Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center (Make It Better’s Best of 2018 Best Landscaper winner) to create a luxurious spot for alfresco dining, […]
Even when it’s below zero degrees outside, the owner of the Gregory Street Residence in Wilmette is in his garden. Or it feels that way. That’s because the home he and his husband designed and built on a sunny, “unusually narrow and long” lot is structured to wrap around the garden and embrace it with […]
Just when the weather breaks and you’re finally able to enjoy the outdoors, that familiar, aggravating hum arrives. You can’t see them, but they’re there, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. You slap your ear, swat the air and ultimately let those pesky mosquitoes drive you back to the safety of the great indoors, the very place you […]
Nothing inspires your green thumb like a gorgeous garden. The 2011 Lake Forest Infant Welfare Showhouse & Gardens at Thorndale Manor earns merit as much for its landscape design as interiors. Originally designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, the grounds at Thorndale Manor reflect the same vision and talents Jensen expressed when creating Humboldt […]
Cool shade, lake breezes … we want to live outside this summer. Lucky for us, with a little design help, we can. “Everything about outdoor spaces is better than ever,” says Lindsay McDonell, of Chicago-based LB Interior Design. “Furniture is better. Outdoor rugs are more sophisticated. People are really carrying the design from the interior […]
