When it comes to remodeling your home or office space, selecting the right contractor is crucial to ensure a successful and award-winning project. In a bustling city like Chicago, with a plethora of remodeling contractors claiming to be the best, it can be overwhelming to identify the one that truly excels in their craft. This article aims to guide you through the process of selecting an award-winning remodeling contractor in Chicago to ensure your renovation dreams become a reality. Award-Winning Chicago Remodeling Contractor Here are some topics we recommend checking out Research and Referrals The first step in finding an award-winning remodeling contractor in Chicago is to conduct thorough research. Begin by searching online for reputable contractors in your area,...

While hiring a designer can certainly make a home renovation go much smoother, there are still certain things that a client can also help their design with as well! Here are some Do’s and Don’ts from one of our Chi Renovation interior designers that can help in ways that a designer can’t. Dos and Don’ts Do: Budgeting Renovations are an investment and no matter how large or small, having a budget is imperative for project planning. Designers don’t ask your budget simply to price gouge you, but how to best navigate your project's execution. Be open and honest when discussing where you’re comfortable being at the end of the day with your budget. There will be no judgment, just the...

Even the phrase “right art” is a bit of a misnomer. Art is so highly subjective and should really speak to you on an individual level. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind painting, or a mass-produced print, as long as it makes you happy. But, to help take some of the guesswork out of adorning your walls, here are some considerations to take when decking the walls. The Right Art for Your Space Consider Scale: The size of the work of art is extremely important when it comes to it looking like it belongs in your space. If you find a small print that you absolutely have to have but it’s too small for where you want to use it, consider buying...

Oftentimes, the phrases “interior designer” and “interior decorator” are used interchangeably, but there can be a great deal of difference between the two, and which one is right for your project? While it’s true that anyone can call themself an interior designer or decorator, the designation between the two is that interior design is a profession that requires schooling.  Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator In an interior design program, students are required to learn about spatial planning, architecture, building codes, OSHA and ADA requirements, drawing, furniture design, and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). Most people would be surprised to find out the level of education required to become a designer! Also, any design program that is accredited by the Council for...

As we draw a close on 2022, designers and their clients are looking at the horizon for what color trends may be coming to us in 2023. Although Pantone, the universal authority on color, hasn’t announced their color of the year at the time of this article, experts are predicting that the hue of the year will be Digital Lavender, which is a gender-neutral shade of purple that will be flattering in a myriad of applications from home to fashion. Pantone color of the year aside, what other color trends should we be predicting to fill our homes with the brand new year? Warm Hues: Cool neutrals have been dominating the design scene for years on end now and we’re...

Thinking about renovating your bathroom in the upcoming year? While most people like to stick with timeless design choices, there are some great trends on the horizon that are worth considering when tackling the design portion of your renovation. What’s to come? 1. Blush, Bold, & Glossy Bathroom Trend Bold hues are going to be having a major moment in 2023, and with good reason - they create a stunning opulence that is hard to replicate with neutrals. And if a neutral palette is a bit more comfortable, consider adding touches of blush pink which is having a major moment. And to take blush into 2023, opt for tones that lean a bit more like a softened clay, than baby...

While not a new trend, open-concept floor plans are still as popular as ever amongst potential homebuyers. But are they all they’re cracked up to be? We’ll explore some of the pros and cons of open concepts and whether or not they’re right for everyone. First off, what is an open-concept floor plan? It’s fairly simple - open concept refers to a space where the doors and walls have been removed from common living areas to create one cohesive living space. Typically this means your kitchen opens up to your living and/or dining room. There are multiple advantages to an open concept. Open Concept vs Closed Concept Resale value - As mentioned above, most people in the position to purchase...

So you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen and now it’s time to select your cabinets. With a multitude of cabinet companies out there, this can seem like an overwhelming task. Hiring an interior designer can help take the guesswork out of what works best for your home, but if you’d like to know what they are referring to when going over options, here’s a little guide. Construction There are two types of construction when it comes to cabinets - framed and frameless. As the name suggests, framed cabinets have a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. While frameless cabinets have the doors attach directly to the box. Framed cabinets tend to be a bit more sturdy...

Oftentimes, the phrases “interior designer” and “interior decorator” are used interchangeably, but there can be a great deal of difference between the two, and which one is right for your project. While it’s true that anyone can call themself an interior designer or decorator, the designation between the two is that interior design is a profession that requires schooling.  Interior Designer vs Decorator In an interior design program, students are required to learn about spatial planning, architecture, building codes, OSHA and ADA requirements, drawing, furniture design, and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). Most people would be surprised to find out the level of education required to become a designer! Also, any design program that is accredited by the Council for Interior...