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My patient husband decided to be green and frugal and instead of replacing tile in our bath, he dug out the old grout and regrouted. I can't believe how new it looks—shiny and white. If you don't have that sort of determination, call Sir Grout, a local tile care and cleaning service. This DIY project actually inspired a bathroom remodeling story for our July/August special kitchen and bath issue, so stay tuned. I'll also be blogging more about it.
—Jan Parr
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I couldn't be more pleased with the job a local leather restorer did on this 1940s Vatne Mobler chair and ottoman my husband found years ago at a sale. It was stained (see particularly the back of chair in the before shot), worn, and a few cushions were missing. The folks at Leather Solution made new cushions that match perfectly, and beautifully restored the old leather. See more before/after examples on their web site. The whole bit cost about $800-well worth it, we thought. Thanks to Romann Custom Upholstery for recommending this place!
-JAN PARR
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You’re French country, he’s leather and chrome. What’s an engaged couple to do? Call in a mediator. A style mediator. Susan Fredman’s At Home in the City is launching a bridal home collection and registry, and they’re offering professional design solutions for these and other dilemmas. The store has been expanded to accommodate an additional 500 square feet dedicated to bridal registry and 60 new place settings. Pictured here: place settings from Reed Barton and Michael Wainwright, and Kim Sebert table linens. To kick things off, the store will hold a bridal event on April 21 from 5–8 p.m., featuring a presentation by Fredman’s firm’s designers about how to merge styles. RSVP for the event at 312-587-8150 or jmaremont@susanfredman.com.
—JAN PARR
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A lively line-up of artists and crafters will be exhibiting at Architectural Artifacts' curated Spring Show this Sunday, April 19, from 10–5. Sixty-plus, as a matter of fact, and with all that jewelry, handmade paper, ceramics, textiles, and glassware on display it should be a cinch to find a standout Mother's Day gift. I'm intrigued by these Olive Kraus hand-carved doorknobs set in sterling silver, and there's nothing crunchy about the kiln-formed fused glass pieces of Sandra Schwarzbeck. (Or you could always splurge on some Fer Forgé ironwork from Stuart's inventory-it's all good.) Vella Café will be onsite with sammys and snacks, there's no admission charge, and you'll find ample free parking along Ravenswood.
-BRADLEY LINCOLN
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