Q. We recently bought a lovely but slightly clouded-looking old painting at an auction. How do we get it cleaned or restored?

BEFORE AFTER The Chicago Conservation Center restored this 19th-century English painting, a family heirloom, by treating the peeling, discolored varnish. A. You take it to a painting conservator, who will examine it and write up a proposal, usually free of charge. You will have to leave the painting with the conservator for this initial consultation, … Read more

Local Heroes

As buying original, handcrafted pieces becomes more and more appealing to design enthusiasts, local furniture designers who once worked under the radar are starting to bring their work to the fore. Three new showrooms put pieces by these talented furn-auteurs within easy reach.

Mixmaster

In her relatively short career of ten years, interior decorator Jordana Joseph—whose style can be loosely described as what happens when funky-eclectic grows up—has done a little bit of everything.

Mann Power

Gutsy designer, Kara Mann a hopeless fan of skulls, leather, and rock ’n’ roll, will open a namesake showroom in River North this winter.