Why Not Make a Splash?

The zeal for upscale bathrooms hasn't waned a bit since the humble loo be-came the new status symbol a few years ago. On the contrary-just in time for our annual Kitchens and Baths issue, we're seeing much more real estate given over to the bath-a large attic space devoted to a single, gorgeous tub; separate His and Hers baths (even though there's no She living on the premises). See these and more in our luxury bath feature starting on page 82; we've also singled out the latest and greatest in tile, stone, and accessories to dress up your bath and kitchen (page 15).

On other fronts: we are fascinated by decorator Todd Haley's fascination with industrial design and the way he incorporates it into home decor (page 64); newbie interior designer Jillian O'Neill wows us with a new-construction home that hits all the right notes in Roscoe Village (page 88); a savvy homeowner completes a DIY makeover of her kitchen (page 70); and architect Nathan Kipnis creates a tremendously cool vacation home with a small carbon footprint (page 76).

In our next issue, September/October, we'll feature highlights from the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, in which some talented local designers transformed a French-style country manor on three and a half acres. Maybe they can do something for your home, or spark an idea you can use.

Finally, allow us to boast. Chicago HOME recently won a silver award for general excellence in the category of ancillary publications (we're an offshoot of Chicago magazine) from the City and Regional Magazine Association. The judges-a panel representing an array of national publications-singled out our "overall excellence in writing and art direction," "innovative styling," and "striking visual appeal." We enjoyed the kudos, but we are perhaps proudest of the fact that every designer we interview, every home and garden we photograph, every product we feature, is local. Our focus results in a publication totally devoted to the Chicago-area design scene. We're excited to be able to showcase the best work in a region bursting with design excellence, and can't wait to bring you more.

Jan Parr, Editor


Coming in September/October
Luxe Splurges
+
Our Design Sources guide will feature:

  • Lighting
  • Decorative Finishes
  • Furniture & Accessories

 

Photograph: Katrina Wittkamp

 

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July - August 2007
  • The Right Stuff »

    A newly built house in Roscoe Village is a light-filled family home full of luxurious touches

  • Starting Fresh »

    In Door County, innovative design, eco-smart materials, and the loveliest of lake breezes make green dreams come true.

  • Heavenly Baths »

    Three spa-like spaces—a light-filled minimalist’s dream; a not-so-secret escape; and a breathtaking His and Hers—that spilleth over with luxury

  • Up For Grabs »

    Glamorous new knobs and pulls in luxurious materials transform doors, drawers, and entire rooms

  • Into the Blue »

    An enterprising do-it-yourselfer gives the outdated kitchen in her lakefront apartment a contemporary makeover

  • Faux Fabulous »

    A panel of pros gives us the scoop on specialty paint finishes — and avoiding cheesiness

  • Five Uses For . . . »

    When we spotted this sturdy little box at Scout, Larry Vodak’s Andersonville antique shop, we knew it had potential because—well, Vodak thought so, and we trust him. Originally used to store petri dishes in a laboratory, it’s now a functional-looking glass and steel cube in search of a function. We asked Vodak and four local interior designers to tell us how they’d use it in a home

  • Industrial Revolution »

    Decorator Todd Haley levitates commercial materials to high-style status

  • Nature, Nurtured »

    A distinctive mid-century house teaches its owners how to garden

  • Casablanca Night »

    The coolest couple on the block hosts a party, Moroccan style

  • Natural Selections »

    A peek inside the owner of Hejfina boutique’s down-to-earth loft

  • Treasure Hunt »

    A long-time designers’ favorite, Vintage Pine and its galleries offer a wealth of one-of-a-kind antiques and accessories for the home

  • Why Not Make a Splash?
  • Table Manners »

    Discriminating interior designers have long called on Tony Ciavola

  • Suburban Lights »

    Wilmette Lighting offers the styles of the first half of the 20th century with the technology of today.

  • The After-Party »

    Matt Lorenz and Erik Kolacz talk design at NoMI.

  • Miami Heat »

    The new Raul Carrasco showroom in River North—the first outside of Miami—is a gleaming example of how to do global right.

  • Culled Calling »

    A globetrotting antiques dealer, Denise Odell, answers some questions about her areas of expertise.

  • Into the Woods »

    Clean-lined, earthy-looking tables, bed frames, dressers, and chairs

  • Eco-Opulent »

    A mix of cheeky, Old Hollywood elegance and updated takes on classic modern

  • Lucky Strike »

    Steven Haulenbeek, a recent graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, launched a Web site to showcase the fruits of his labor and became the talk of the town

  • Bathing Beauties »

    Raise your bathroom’s standard of living—one good idea at a time

  • Cross, Current »

    Inspired by Palm Beach, timeless lattice and cane patterns feel fresh on everything from tile to tabletop

  • Checking In »

    One of the hottest trends in bathrooms is to mimic, at home, the feel of a luxurious boutique hotel

  • Beauty and the Bath »

    Absolutely of-the-moment touches to address your every bathroom design dilemma

  • Glam to Go »

    Mosaics, ever a staple of public art, are the latest way to make your private spaces shine, especially if you go bold with the color