This unique home is really all about the setting - nestled into the edge of the forest preserve, it has forested views and privacy at nearly every window. It was a spectacular process to watch the transformation of this special property.
Read moreThe Artists that Inspire Us: A Perspective from Boulevard Fine Art
Stepping into a fine art gallery can be like can be like a kid stepping into a candy store. There are so many options, tons to see, it is a little bit intimidating, a lot a bit exciting and often times, you don’t know where to start.
Read moreAsk an Expert: How do you Prepare for a Smooth Construction Process?
While getting a construction partner lined up is crucial to starting a project, wouldn’t it be nice if you had a crystal ball to know how the process would play out? Continuing our conversation with Derek Funkhouser from DEGROOT CONSTRUCTION, he shares more insights around how they work.
Read moreHow to Prepare for an Organized Home
Designing a place for everything, so everything can be in its place starts with a lot of questions. Questions about how a family lives and operates within in a home and the ways to keep the items that they use most both convenient and organized.
Read moreA Letter of Gratitude to 2022
Reflecting on our year at the studio I'm pleased to see the wide range of projects we've worked on. No matter the size of a job, the satisfaction of helping clients fall back in love with their homes is pretty great.
The What, Where and Why of Wallpaper
Wallpaper is definitely having a moment - from neutral textures to exuberant pattern and color and everything in between. Here is a quickie primer on the what, where and why of wallpaper.
Our Top Four Basement Design Tips
Creating a welcoming, fun and cozy basement is high on the priority list for many of our clients these days. Folks are wanting the basement to be more useful and more beautiful than ever. Here are a few pro-tips for getting the most out of your underground space:
Window Treatments: The Benefits of Custom vs. Retail Options
A well executed curtain or shade adds a softness and texture that highlights architectural elements and bring a finished and polished feel to a room. From custom to semi-custom to retail, there are a variety of price points on the open market to sort through, in addition to the pros and cons of each approach.
Ask a Real Estate Expert: What Home Updates should I consider for Resale?
When our clients ask for advice on resale friendly updates, we often consult with local realtors for their expertise. Here we asked local Keller William Real Estate Broker, Bridget Carroll to share her guidance.
Read moreFour Ideas for Repurposing Empty Bedrooms
Once the kids have launched, your home can feel empty. When you have gotten over that, get to work deciding how you can best utilize your home for a new lifestyle. Here we discuss four ideas for repurposing those empty bedrooms into new spaces.
Read moreWhat Makes an Entryway Special?
They say you have one chance to make a first impression. The entryway to any home is a place to welcome guests, provide functional storage and share an introduction to the story the home will tell. When considering an entryway, here are our top 5 design tips.
Read moreInvited Back for An Office and Game Room Refresh
One of my favorite things about our business is when we get invited back to our clients’ homes for ongoing work. This project reveal is a great example of that - having already tackled a kitchen, living and dining room refresh several years ago, it was time for the dated wet bar and office to be addressed.
Read moreAsk A Real Estate Expert: How do Kitchen and Bath Renovations Impact Home Value?
When renovating, we usually hear that kitchens and bathrooms are worth the investment to update as well. We asked 3 local real estate experts to explain how those renovations can impact a home’s value and are excited to share their thoughts here.
Read moreOur Top Four Kitchen Design Tips
There are some universal tips for kitchen design that we consistently revisit to inform every stylistic setting. Before diving into a design, these are our top four tips.
Read moreRecipe for Success: A Kitchen Feature in Beautiful Kitchens and Baths
Transforming an outdated kitchen without the desired flow was a joy to help with and is now featured in Beautiful Kitchens and Baths, a Traditional Home publication.
Read more10 Bath Trends Making a Splash: An Interview with West Suburban Living
Along with other area designers, Rachel shared her insights and experience on the latest desired features in bathroom design with West Suburban Living.
Read moreAsk A Real Estate Expert: When do you Recommend Renovating vs. When is it time to House Hunt?
Is your home meeting your family’s needs? And, if not what is the best way to fix that? We asked 3 local real estate agents this very question and are excited to share their expertise.
Read moreHow to Update Decor as the Seasons Change
When making seasonal updates, there are a few simple swaps that we always go back to. Here are our tried and true ways to add seasonal touches.
Read moreMood Boards: When Inspiration Becomes A Plan
Often times, we start by taking that inspiration and turning it into a mood board. This translates colors, textures and tones into tangible design elements. Here we’ll answer some common questions about mood boards.
Read moreContemporary Meets Classic in a Kitchen and Family Room Renovation
When a family with contemporary taste moved into a beautiful traditional home, they knew their kitchen and family room would need at least a few updates. In weighing the options, the costs of making updates twice, and the present needs of the family, a complete renovation became the clear path forward.