Strange Closets

Dave and Laura are a funny, sexy and interesting couple living their dream after gut rehabbing an stately old brick home in Wilmette.  You may recognize top-notch Interior Designer Laura from the piece I wrote about her most excellent garage a few months ago (I used to drive by that garage sometimes, but I quit [...]

I first met Sean Cowan and Eric Silverstrim last summer when I happened upon their garage sale ad on Craig’s List. Attracted by the delicious Decoratus Absurdum image, I ran a short piece. After the (very successful) sale, the couple sent a terrific thank you email, we discovered we had a friend in common, the [...]

Ever since former Open House subject Dan Santow showed me his collection of vintage oil portraits, I’ve noticed them far more frequently (the “I never noticed so many Corolla’s until I bought one phenomenon”). I’ve also begun searching for the perfect one to add some vintage charm to my own home (the “Dan’s home is [...]

Scout owner, Larry Vodak’s incredible home, is featured in the latest Chicago Home + Garden. I picked up a free copy of Chicago Home + Garden’s September / October issue at last weekend’s Chicago Antique Market (did you go?), but I definitely would have paid for it. If you’re not reading Chicago Home + Garden, [...]

I have a love-hate relationship with this piece of . . . art. When I saw it on Ebay, I fell a bit in love, and I quickly made a bid. But when I anxiously tore open the UPS, tres chic turned to tres Eeek! Now I’ve made my peace with it and appreciate the [...]

George and Sonari’s home is nearly indistinguishable from its neighbors. The brick bungalow, which is located on Chicago’s far south side, illustrates the extent to which appearances can be deceiving and offers evidence that if you dig deep enough, there’s a story waiting to be told – an adage which Sonari, a producer for NPR, [...]

Elle Decor – Nate Berkus’s silver leafed office. House Beautiful. I love this room, especially how the smooth lacquer-finished end table (and dynamic color) works with the textured grass cloth wallpaper, sofa fabric and basket-woven coffee table. Very nice. It’s baaaaack, and wallpaper’s reemergence illustrates that, despite my occasional raging against trends, they continue to [...]