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 more13 Creative Basement Ideas That Go Beyond Adding a Ping-Pong Table - A Round Up with Architectural Digest
We're honored to be included in Architectural Digest's suggestions for creative basement design ideas! As a collection of ideas from designers all over the country, this article covers so many ways to thoughtfully approach really living in your basement.
Read moreAsk An Expert: What are the Top Considerations when Finding a Contractor?
Once you’ve decided to take on a project, chatting with a few builders to get more information usually follows. We recently chatted with Derek Funkhouser from DeGroot Construction about the tips he would offer someone looking to get started.
Read moreA Major Home Renovation for an Active Family
When undertaking a major renovation for an an active family, the combination of a good design and construction team can have a lasting impact. The design brief was simple - lighter and brighter with improved flow and storage everywhere.
A Roundup from Our Favorite Things Gift Exchange
Our second annual holiday gift exchange brought so many favorite ideas around our table. With each team member bringing a favorite thing to give and leaving with one from another, our table was filled with great ideas and fun and thoughtful gifts.
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.
Making Merry - Let Your Home Shine this Holiday Season with These Decorating Ideas: A Feature in Naperville Magazine
Rachel walks through her go-to tips from repurposing everyday items to adding real and faux greenery, ribbons, ornaments and other seasonal touches to spread cheer throughout your home.
Read moreFamily Favorite Holiday Recipes
The holidays are a time full of memories and traditions. This year, we took a minute to capture a few favorite recipes from each family and are excited to share a little bit about what makes then special in the hopes they could become something your family enjoys as well.
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 moreHow a Neutral Space Can be Beautifully Layered
While I prefer to live with a fair amount of color and pattern in my own home, I can appreciate the beauty of a well-done neutral space. When opting for a neutral space, pulling together the following components will help the space sing.
Read moreAsk A Real Estate Expert: Which Renovations are Worth the Investment?
Thinking beyond kitchens and bathrooms, what other renovations and updates make a home more valuable if it ever comes time to sell? We asked 3 local realtors for their thoughts again and hope you enjoy their perspectives as we have.
Read moreWestern Horizons - An Exclusive Feature in Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago
This contemporary custom built home in Wheaton has been a beautiful place for our clients' to welcome family and friends and is now also gracing the pages of Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago with a 10-page feature.
Read moreOur Top 3 Considerations when Planning a Home with Kids and Pets
From the littlest people in our families to our furry family members, designing a space often calls for taking into consideration the little luxuries that will make everyday comfortable for each and every member of the family. Here we breakdown our approach to designing with kids and pets in mind.
Read moreGo Green (on Green)!: A Feature in Good Housekeeping
Our love of vivid colors and layers of interest takes center stage in this Good Housekeeping feature. Opening the Home Section of the July issue, we are thrilled to share a few tips with their millions of readers.
Read more