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Inspired by the relaxed blue hue, Sherwin-Williams partners with renowned French pastry chef Dominique Ansel to create the first-ever vegan Cronut®, available in New York City 
 CLEVELAND– Sherwin-Williams  introduces its 2024 Color of the Year Upward SW 6239 , a breezy and blissful shade of blue that evokes the ever-present sense of peace found when slowing down, taking a breath and allowing the mind to clear.  
 
 Sherwin-Williams 2024 Color of the Year, Upward SW 6239 
 
 Sherwin-Williams 2024 Color of the Year, Upward SW 6239 
 
 Chef Dominique Ansel and his first-ever vegan Cronut® inspired by Upward SW 6239 
 
 "Upward SW 6239 represents the gentle forward momentum in all of our lives," said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "It brings to life that carefree, sunny day energy that elicits a notion of contentment and peace. With this color, we invite our consumers to take a pause and infuse a new sense of ease and possibility into their spaces – one that doesn't overwhelm, but rather establishes meditation and tranquility." 
 To bring this light and buoyant hue to the lives (and tastebuds) of consumers, Sherwin-Williams has partnered with James Beard Award-winning French pastry chef Dominique Ansel to create his first-ever vegan Cronut® inspired by Upward SW 6239 , available for a limited time at his namesake bakery in New York City's Soho neighborhood. The all-vegan version of Ansel's iconic "half croissant, half doughnut" creation is filled with coconut riz au lait (rice pudding) infused with naturally-flavored Butterfly Pea Flower Tea; this vibrantly-hued Southeast Asian flower, when gently steeped as a tea, mirrors the shade and spirit of Upward SW 6239. With a natural touch of this blue botanical and a hand-glazed fondant topping, the custom pastry invites a blissful sense of wellbeing (& a hint of sweetness) into the day. The limited-edition vegan Cronut® is available at Dominique Ansel Bakery  in New York City from Thursday, September 21 through Sunday, September 24 from 8:00AM until sold out daily.  
 "Creating a vegan version of the Cronut® has always intrigued me – we're always looking for forward-thinking ways to create new pastries, and this collaboration was a natural opportunity to do so," says Ansel. "At first glance, Upward SW 6239 draws up a sense of balance and lightness for me; it's the same feeling I wanted to impart into our very first vegan flavor. We sourced a butterfly pea flower tea which naturally imparts a soft blue shade into the filling, paired with a creamy coconut riz au lait, all while preserving the light and flaky layers that are signature to our pastry. This was an exciting challenge for me, and I can't wait for our guests to try it and open their eyes to finding inspiration all around – even where they least expect it."   
 Upward Infuses Tranquility and Ease 
 Ascending from the earthy tone of 2023 Color of the Year, Redend Point SW 9081, Upward SW 6239 welcomes a weightless, buoyant peace; an invitation to open minds to a color of ethereal calm that is ever-present—if we remember to keep looking up. 
 "As we play with color, it's essential to consider their interactions thoughtfully," adds Wadden. "Warmed-up blues might lead to hues that appear muddled and lackluster, which is why preserving the crisp edge and magnetic allure of cool blues is vital. It's in these subtle nuances that create spaces that are timeless and inspired.  We're excited to share this beautiful color and, craft interiors that exude harmony and evoke a sense of enchantment." 
 The rarefied blue is part of Palette No. 1 in Sherwin-Williams Colormix® Forecast 2024, Anthology: Volume One . Wadden recommends pairing the hue with blues and greens, deeps and darks and delicate tints like Snowbound SW 7004 , Drift of Mist SW 9166 , Gale Force SW 7605 , Tricorn Black SW 6528 , Honeydew SW 6428 , Palm Leaf SW 7735  and Antiquarian Brown SW 0045 . 
 A Hue that Brings Clarity to Communal Spaces 
 Use the transitional blue of Upward SW 6239 (224-C1) to inspire meditative spaces and absolute peace in both residential and commercial settings. From classic coastal to casual Nordic styles, the airy-hued beauty of Upward SW 6239 (224-C1) dwells where the fairest-weather blue finds just a hint of silver lining. 
 "Used as an accent or all over, on both interiors and exteriors, Upward SW 6239 (224-C1) clears the way for lightweight open-mindedness when used in commercial settings," says Wadden. "The hue serves as a reminder to pause and ponder limitless possibilities that can be unlocked in our work, dining, educational spaces and beyond." 
 Led by Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden, the Sherwin-Williams global color and design team researches and identifies key trends that influence the way we interact with color. From those findings, the team turns emerging trends into the annual Colormix® Forecast, which features trending palettes for the year to come. For this year's Colormix® Forecast 2024, Anthology: Volume One, the brand has unveiled a new biennial approach to the trend report; this recurring color reference will alternate each year with the usual style and trend storytelling that the brand is known for. The very first Anthology collection explores the directional shifts of four core chromatic families – diving into the meaning behind the chosen colors, their role in awakening modern aesthetics, and what their future holds. The team then chooses the Color of the Year from the Colormix® Forecast -- the 2024 selection, Upward SW 6239, is the 14th official Color of the Year: 2011: Indigo Batik SW 7602 2012: Argyle SW 6747 2013: Aloe SW 6464 2014: Exclusive Plum SW 6263 2015: Coral Reef SW 6606 2016: Alabaster SW 7008 2017: Poised Taupe SW 6039 2018: Oceanside SW 6496 2019: Cavern Clay SW 7701 2020: Naval SW 6244 2021: Urbane Bronze SW 7048 2022: Evergreen Fog SW 9130 2023: Redend Point SW 9081 Upward SW 6239 is available at Sherwin-Williams neighborhood stores nationwide and online for in-store or curbside pick-up. Homeowners can order color chips and Peel & Stick samples at swsamples.com or visit a neighborhood store. Designers can connect with their Account Executive, found HERE, for exclusive materials and events. Additionally, designer samples can be ordered now with your PRO+ account. Learn more about Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year at www.swcoty.com . To try the limited-edition Upward Cronut®, visit Dominique Ansel Bakery at 189 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012 from Thursday, September 21 through Sunday, September 24 from 8:00AM until sold out daily.  
 Ask Sherwin-Williams™ 
 For more than 155 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation's largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,800 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com . Join Sherwin-Williams on Instagram , TikTok , Pinterest , Facebook  and LinkedIn . 
 About Dominique Ansel 
 James Beard Award-winning Pastry Chef and cookbook author, Dominique Ansel has shaken up the pastry world with innovation and creativity at the heart of his work. Chef Dominique has been responsible for creating some of the most fêted pastries in the world, including: the Cronut® (named one of TIME Magazine's "25 Best inventions of 2013"), The Cookie Shot, Frozen S'more, Blossoming Hot Chocolate, and many more. In 2011, Dominique opened his first shop, the eponymous Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC's Soho neighborhood, with just four employees; he now has additional locations  in NYC's Flatiron neighborhood, Hong Kong, and Las Vegas. For more information, visit DominiqueAnsel.com , and follow @DominiqueAnsel  on Instagram.

HOME DESIGN | Sherwin-Williams Reveals 2024 Color of the Year, It's Breezy and So Beautiful

Inspired by the relaxed blue hue, Sherwin-Williams partners with renowned French pastry chef Dominique Ansel to create the first-ever vegan

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TUPELO LANE DESIGNS Cabinet Refinishing NAPERVILLE–Tupelo Lane Designs (TLD) is a women-owned kitchen cabinet refinishing (painting) studio located in Naperville. The Tupelo Lane team has perfected the art of cabinet refinishing over the last 10 years. Having refinished (painted) 400+ kitchens, this team is confident that your kitchen cabinets will have a factory-like finish upon completion. Your friends will be shocked that they were “painted”.  Using a tried-and-true preparation process and industrial wood coatings allow them to offer their clients an elevated level of refinishing that few companies can provide. (We do not use latex paint that you can buy at local big box stores.) "We have an amazing team of mom professionals and one very brave dad that dedicate themselves to the art of cabinet refinishing.  We value our clients and treat their home as our own," shared Michelle Fenton, Owner. You can find them on FB, Next Door, Instagram and occasionally they post on Tick Tok. Check out 55+ 5-Star reviews on Google. Tupelo Lane Designs offers free quotes quickly and can be reached: (630) 200-3295, email -TupeloLaneDesigns@gmail.com or www.tupelolanedesigns.com  Free Quote | Cabinet Painting & Door Replacement | Tupelo Lane Designs HOME DESIGN NAPERVILLE

HOME DESIGN | Tupelo Lane Designs Has Perfected the Art of Cabinet Refinishing

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MIDWEST'S NEWEST HOME FOR HIGH-END DESIGN & CUSTOM FURNITURE Toms Price Home  recently opened the doors to a new flagship location in the Oak Brook Court Shopping Center. Flanked by Binny’s Beverage Depot and The Great Escape, Toms Price Home enjoys a busy location across from the Oakbrook Center Mall. The 32,000 square foot showroom features large, open spaces with luxury furniture vignettes that are compartmentalized to make it easy for customers to navigate and make selections.  In addition to home furnishings, Toms Price provides full-service interior design as well as rugs, carpeting, lighting, mattresses, and decorative accessories. “Our new location is tailored to the way people shop today,” said Lori Stengren, director of marketing at Toms Price Home. “We have four presentation conference centers nestled within the Design Center complete with 60-inch interactive monitors, making it easy to pull together fabric, finish and floor covering samples. Our staff of talented interior designers are ready to assist with selections and to coordinate your project.” In 2018, Toms Price contracted to sell its Wheaton location to College Church. Long before then, Scott and David Price were setting their sights to find an ideal Oak Brook location for a flagship store. “We are thrilled to be here,” said Scott Price. “The Oak Brook location was years in the making and we are excited to welcome shoppers to the Midwest’s newest home for high-end design and custom furniture. Our design studio is beyond compare and ready for you to create the perfect room or entire home.” Toms Price Home  in Oak Brook is also home to the Visual Comfort luxury lighting gallery, the first of its kind in a retail furniture store in the country. An interactive kiosk, known as the “Endless Aisle,” brings an infinite number of lighting options to the big screen for customers to choose and compare complete with color, size, specifications and even delivery times.  In addition to the Visual Comfort lighting gallery, Toms Price Home  in Oak Brook features a Rug Studio, a Mattress Gallery featuring Stearns & Foster and Beautyrest Black; and trusted brands such as Stickley, Thayer Coggin, and Canadel, among many others. Since 1908, Toms Price  has provided quality furniture throughout Chicagoland and remains the oldest furniture store in the Chicago area. Today, Toms Price remains family-owned and is in its fourth generation having evolved to a design firm within a furniture store.  Along with furniture from over fifty top manufacturers, Toms Price buyers travel worldwide to find unique and exclusive products. Toms Price also provides interior design services for projects of all sizes. In addition to the new Oak Brook Flagship store located at 1500 16th Street, Suite 3; Toms Price stores are in: Lincolnshire, 725 Milwaukee Ave (847) 478-1900 Bloomingdale Design Center, 279 Madsen Drive (630) 529-7600 HOME DESIGN OAK BROOK DUPAGE

HOME DESIGN | Toms Price Home Debuts Oak Brook Flagship Store

Midwest’s Newest Home for High-End Design and Custom Furniture

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AWARD WINNING HOME DESIGNER WITH 5,000 SQ FT SHOWROOM BATAVIA–West DuPage Cabinets and Granite has been providing home design since 1997 when the company began as a custom home builder. Today, Catherine Sanzeri and her talented team continues to fill a niche in the west suburban home design marketplace by providing a full range of products to fit every budget while providing lifestyle-focused designs with top industry designers. As a proud member of the NKBA and KCMA, this women-owned local area home design establishment guarantees your absolute satisfaction. THE DESIGN PROCESS Catherine shares that today’s trends include timeless kitchen designs that incorporate the latest products into the design to fit each homeowners needs. This is West DuPage Cabinets and Granite’s area of specialty. If you’re looking for a new kitchen or bathroom design, West DuPage Cabinets & Granite’s talented design team will visit your home for a consultation, take measurements and look at the lifestyle components of the home. Does your family cook often? Do you like to entertain? How many people are usually in your kitchen at once?  Once they have all of the information needed, the team will create a design to present to you, the homeowner, upon a visit to the Batavia showroom. Homeowners enjoy a stress-free process with this local one-stop home designer, as this top-rated Batavia business has everything needed to complete a kitchen or bathroom design– including labor for each project. Additionally, West DuPage Cabinets and Granite extends their discounts at the supply houses to their clients (specifically for appliances and plumbing fixtures).  The entire process is coordinated with your designer who stays with you through the entire project, leaving the homeowners completely satisfied throughout. INDUSTRY TRENDS Catherine noted that the industry is always changing with future trends leaning towards larger islands, coffee bars and entertainment spaces, including a wine refrigerator in the kitchen and more features to accommodate larger groups. LEADING THE WAY The company has received many awards and accolades through the years including Best of the Best in Kitchen and Bath Remodeling 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, in addition to Glancer Magazine’s ‘Best of the Best’ Kitchen Designer for Kane County in 2021. One of Catherine’s most cherished projects was when her team designed and built a first floor master suite for a client whose husband had MS and could no longer walk up the stairs. “The improved quality of both of their lives was a gift to see!” shared Catherine. West DuPage Cabinets and Granite (630) 414-2363 143 S. Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510 www.westdupagecabinetsandgranite.com  HOME DESIGN BUSINESS LOCAL WOMEN TO KNOW BATAVIA KANE

HOME DESIGN | Women-Owned Batavia Remodeling Company Provides Home Design Since 1997

Award-Winning Home Designer with 5,000 Sq Ft Showroom

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No matter what time of year it is, there’s always something you can do to increase the value of your home.  Whether you plan to live in your house for a long time or sell it quickly, timeless upgrades always add value.  Garage Door Upgrade One trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is upgrading the garage door. A new garage door can add curb appeal to your home and make it more attractive to buyers. Call a garage door repair  company in your area. If you don’t have an automatic door, you should consider contacting a garage door opener repair  service in order to upgrade your door. Updating Home Technology Recently, the rise of smart home systems  even expanded to properties and buildings. For home buyers, the race to make life faster and more automated becomes a source of value. These homes frequently come with a heftier price tag. Upgrading Your Kitchen Consider a significant kitchen renovation that reconfigures the area, replaces obsolete equipment with smart ones, and converts your kitchen into a paradise for potential buyers if you want to consider making your property stand out and increase the value. Building A Gym A home gym is the most excellent conversion if you work out frequently. A separate location for tools, equipment, and machines can aid in the development of a workout regimen. There are several methods to improve the visual appeal of your property by updating the exterior. You'll not only increase the value of your home, but you'll also make it a place you want to spend a lot of time in and appreciate. Presented by Clara Houston HOME DESIGN NAPERVILLE DUPAGE

HOME DESIGN | Trends That Increase the Value of Your Home

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Adding a second story is a great way to increase the square footage of your home. Anyone can do it in a cost-effective manner and brings both functional and financial benefits to the property. One of the most common second-story additions is building it above the garage. In this case, you should contact a garage door repair  company to assist you throughout the process. In this blog post, we will tackle the most important factors to consider when it comes to adding an extra level to your home. Choosing The Perfect Second Story Addition In Your Home Aside from having the option to build a second story, there are also various factors that go into choosing the type of addition that fits within your budget and local building regulations. There are three ways to expand your home vertically such as: ●     Expansion:  You can either add another room above a garage or build directly above a porch. If you’re building above the garage, you should consider upgrading your garage door opener to a quiet belt drive. You can contact a garage door opener repair  service and have an expert install a brand new opener . ●     Replacing your roof:  When you are thinking of adding an extra story to a property, a roof replacement is an excellent way to go. This procedure involves removing the existing roof and then adding the second floor. ●     Fully second story addition:  A full second-story addition is a type of house construction that involves removing the roof and constructing the new upper level. This type of project is usually preferred for properties with ranch-style houses. Presented by Clara Houston HOME DESIGN  NAPERVILLE  DUPAGE

HOME DESIGN | All You Need To Know About Having A Second Story Addition

Adding a second story is a great way to increase the square footage of your home.

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Maximizing home space makes your property more valuable. Make the most out of your infrastructure and transform each area into good use. For some conversions, you’ll need to modify your garage door and therefore will need a garage door repair  service. You might need services such as garage door spring repair  and cable repair. Go to a business directory  to find a company near you. These are some functional changes you can have for your garage conversion.  Pantry Food storage  upholds a lot of importance to keep high-quality food and prevent them from expiring soon. Add the necessary power outlets for food storage appliances. Transfer all your refrigerators, shelves, and food stocks to the old garage.  Luxury Vanity Set up full-body wall mirrors and your makeup station where you can fix your aesthetics and hair. You can halve the space and transform the garage into a closet-vanity area for both your clothes and beauty essentials.  Laundry Area Most households have large laundry equipment to clean tons of clothes every week. Having a dedicated laundry room can help you sort out, wash, and dry your soiled clothes faster, especially if you have a big household.  Wine Storage Avid wine collectors know how difficult it is to maintain and manage wine stocks and keep these drinks in premium condition. If you plan to start your collection soon, do a garage conversion for wine storage. Your wine cellar can help you save the best wines and alcoholic spirits in the world.  Presented by Clara Houston  HOME DESIGN NAPERVILLE DUPAGE

HOME DESIGN | Top Garage Conversion Ideas

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COUNTY LINE HOME DESIGN CENTER HIRES NEW DESIGN & SALES DIRECTOR HINSDALE–Diane Chiappe of Clarendon Hills was recently named Design and Sales Director at County Line Home Design Center , located in downtown Hinsdale. The announcement was made by Design Center Manager, Rebecca Austin. “Diane brings a wealth of expertise to our cooperative with her extensive and varied background in design, home furnishings, real estate and building products,” said Rebecca Austin, Design Center Manager. “In addition, she has a vast network locally here in Hinsdale with her past work at Trumeau Design & Décor, as a Broker with Berkshire Hathaway and with her volunteer work with the Hinsdale Assembly Board and Misericordia. We are excited to have her on board.” Before joining County Line Home Design Center, Chiappe served as a Design and Sales Consultant for Pella Corporation, consulting with homeowners on window and door remodeling projects and prior to that as a Designer at Walter E. Smithe furniture in Oak Brook. She began her career at Heritage Church Furniture in LaGrange and was involved with 61 church renovations in 14 years. She also consulted on church restoration and design. The County Line Home Design Center is the recent realized dream of John and Penny Bohnen to create a Cooperative that showcases talented craftsmanship of the highest caliber. The nondescript entrance at 110 S. Washington; one door south of Bohnen’s County Line Properties, leads to an oasis. “The unique physical attributes of the 1925 structure lends itself to the talented artisans inside its walls,” said John Bohnen. “I consider this group creative problem solvers,” said Bohnen. “The County Line Home Design Center is an intellectual pursuit presenting an entirely different shopping experience.” The County Line Home Design Center  is located at 110 S. Washington Street in downtown Hinsdale and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Thursdays: 10 a.m. -7 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday. Other times are by appointment. Call 630.974.6565 . BUSINESS HOME DESIGN HINSDALE DUPAGE

HOME DESIGN | Hinsdale Design Center Names Diane Chiappe Design & Sales Director

HOME DESIGN | Hinsdale Design Center Names Diane Chiappe Design & Sales Director

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PERFECTLY BUILT, RIGHT NEXT TO HIS CUSTOM-BUILT TREEHOUSE Aquascape Inc. and Aquascape Artists of the Year Install a Water Feature for NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal in Atlanta, GA A team of Aquascape Inc. employees and Aquascape Artists of the Year installed a 22-by-50-foot ecosystem pond with a 70-foot stream for NBA Hall of Famer, Shaquille O’Neal. Over three days, the Aquascape team transformed the big man’s front yard into an oasis. The newly installed water feature occupies Shaq’s home in Atlanta right next to his custom-built treehouse. Aquascape Artists of the Year collaborated on the design of the pond. The water feature project required 85-tons of moss rock and 35-tons of river rock. The pond is 3 feet in depth and pushes 25,000 gallons of water per hour. Standout features of the pond include a 25-inch architectural block wall with a gas fire pit, and three Stacked Slate Sphere fountains flowing into the waterfalls and stream. One fountain sports a Superman symbol as an homage to one of Shaq’s many nicknames. “This Dream Team of the best water feature builders on the planet came together from all over North America. We shared a singular goal in mind, to build a one-of-a-kind creation worthy of the front entranceway for the family compound of the man, the myth, and the legend himself, Shaquille O’Neal,” said Greg Wittstock, founder and CEO of Aquascape Inc. “Shaq was great to work with. We are both kids at heart and it was gracious of him to talk with one of our contractor’s sons who plays high school basketball.” For this build, Yancey Bros., the oldest Cat Dealer contributed onsite to provide excavation equipment, including a 289D3 compact track loader, 308, and 305.5 E2 mini excavators. “Aquascape and their Certified Aquascape Contractors provide professional installation and do a great job taking care of their customers’ needs. We were happy to participate in this build,” said Ian Carroll, building construction products manager for Yancey Bros. Co. SEMCO and Illinois Brick Company also took part in the build by partnering together to supply two trucks with 48-tons of stone for the project. "We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with Brian, Ed, Chris, and Greg to supply stone for Shaquille O'Neal's custom water feature in Atlanta. I have been working with Aquascape for many years now and every project turns out amazing! They are a great group to work with," said Joel Miller, sales representative for Illinois Brick Company. Aquascape Inc. team members who participated in the Shaquille O’Neal project include Founder and CEO, Greg Wittstock, Wayne, IL; Vice President of Field Research and Contractor Development, Ed Beaulieu, Sugar Grove, IL; Vice President of Construction, Brian Helfrich, Downers Grove, IL; Lead Foreman, Chris Hanson, Warrenville, IL; Construction Foreman, Nick Streicher, St. Charles, IL. Aquascape Artist of the Year participants include Alan Decker of Decker Pondscapes in Pattersonville, NY; Jaak Harju of Atlantis Water Gardens in Morris Plains, NJ; John Adams of Modern Design Aquascaping in Friendsville, TN; Chris Siewing of Nature’s Re-Creations in Arnold, MO; Dan Harp of Mark The Pond Guy in Puyallup, WA; Weston Zimmerman of Tussey Landscaping in Hollidaysburg, PA; Joey Genovese of Genoscape Inc. Landscaping & Design Services in Markham, ON. Other participants include Aquascape Conservationist of the year, Bernie Kerkvliet of Skyline Ponds in Lake Arrowhead, CA; John Magyar of Universal Aquatics in Lawrenceville, GA. To watch the Shaq build in its entirety, visit the following Aquascape YouTube channels: TEAM Aquascape , Ed The Pond Professor  and Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy . Additional videos can be found on the YouTube channels managed by Aquascape Artists of the Year. For more information about Aquascape and its products, visit aquascapeinc.com  or call 866-877-6637 (US) or 866-766-3426 (CAN).  Aquascape is North America’s leading innovator in the water gardening industry.  Aquascape invented the low-maintenance, naturally balanced ecosystem pond that is the # 1 contractor-installed water garden.  The St. Charles, Illinois headquarters, dubbed “Aqualand,” received Silver-Level recognition in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating system in 2006. At Aquascape, our mission is to connect people to water the way nature intended. Aquascape and its vast network of authorized distributors sell exclusively to contractors and retailers. Founded in 1991, Aquascape made the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies four years in a row. In 2005, founder and CEO Greg Wittstock was named one of America’s Best Bosses by FORTUNE Small Business Magazine and Winning Workplaces™. WATCH VIDEOS OF INSTALLATION ALL KANE COUNTY ALL CELEBRITY NEWS

HOME DESIGN | Aquascape In St. Charles Installs a Water Feature for NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal

PERFECTLY BUILT, RIGHT NEXT TO HIS CUSTOM-BUILT TREEHOUSE Aquascape Inc. and Aquascape Artists of the Year Install a Water Feature for...

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HOW TO GET THE MOST LIVABLE SPACE & ENJOYMENT OUT OF A KITCHEN A kitchen serves as command-central of most homes, so it’s also one of the first rooms homeowners choose when it’s time to make upgrades. When approaching your kitchen remodel, it’s important to keep your family’s lifestyle at the forefront of your planning to create a space that fits the way you like to live.  Get the most livable space and enjoyment out of a kitchen remodel with these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry:  Make purposeful changes.  A desire to bring your kitchen’s style up to date is plenty of motivation for a renovation, but to get maximum benefit from your new space, spend time considering what functional improvements you can make, too. Do you need more cabinets for storage? Is there enough counter space for meal prep? Does the overall layout suit your family’s needs? Even if you chose the original layout and floorplan, chances are good that over time you’ve found a few things you’d change given the chance to do it again.  Consider physical space.  If yours is a family that cooks together, or if guests tend to congregate in the kitchen when you’re entertaining, a renovation is the perfect time to make adjustments that accommodate more bodies in the kitchen. You might want more work zones for multiple cooks or an island or peninsula set away from the high-traffic zone for guests more interested in snacking and chatting than getting hands-on.  Evaluate your shopping style.  You may be in the habit of doing your grocery shopping to fit your available space. However, with a larger refrigerator and more pantry space, your shopping habits could change, allowing you to become a bulk shopper or at least increase the time between shopping trips.  Be realistic about mealtime.  If your family’s activities have everyone eating at different times, you may benefit from a feature like a warming drawer that keeps dinner warm until each family member makes it home for a meal. Think about features that would make the table space more practical, such as task lighting so kids can tackle homework at the table or convenient access to power for laptops.  Choose appliances with care.  It’s easy to get carried away with all of the design elements that go into a kitchen renovation, but at the end of the day, remember the appliances are the true centerpiece of the space. Be sure to leave room in the budget to select the best appliances for your needs so you have all the functions, features and space to make using your new kitchen as enjoyable as possible.  Think into the future.  A kitchen renovation can be a costly venture, so it’s a good idea to project years down the road as you consider your needs. Are there features that would enhance the safety if a baby (that soon will become an inquisitive toddler) joins the family? Are there elderly family members may benefit from a lower or higher work station down the road?  Find more expert tips to inform your renovation planning at RemodelingDoneRight.com .  ALL HOME DESIGN ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

HOME DESIGN | Plan the Ultimate Kitchen Upgrade

HOW TO GET THE MOST LIVABLE SPACE & ENJOYMENT OUT OF A KITCHEN A kitchen serves as command-central of most homes, so it’s also one of the...

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by Shani Moran, Founder of Pillow Pops Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we are spending all of our time at home with very little mobility. Our living spaces have become incredibly important and conducive to our general wellbeing and our mental health. I’d love to share some important and practical tips to assist you in refreshing your surroundings. By feeling inspired and secure in our space, we can become self- empowered and internally reassured. Pampering your home is an act of self-love and care- something we all need to give ourselves far more often than we do.  Tip 1 Decorate to fit your mood and create an atmosphere that you love Consider what colors you find soothing - these colors may mean different things to different people. Close your eyes and think of a moment you want to remember… Last year’s summer holiday, a cozy cabin by the icy mountains, Christmas dinner or a walk in the woods. Recognize a comforting emotion? Replay it in your mind and take notice of the colors that are dominant. These may very well be your personal soothing colors. For instance light aqua tones may bring the ocean into your living room bringing in a familiar fresh scent from the beach, while others may yearn for warmth created by browns or intense reds that create a true cozy atmosphere.    Tip 2: Don’t be afraid of color Experiment, engage and feel inspired. Using bright, vibrant colors brings a dynamic movement into the room - the kind we all miss so much these days. In the past people largely stuck to neutrals and easy to manage colors, today’s trends teach us that colors don't need to be managed but simply enjoyed! Embrace Pantone’s color of the year Classic Blue , the bright blue is a great mood lifter and symbolizes freedom and happiness.  Tip 3: Reuse and Repurpose Things You Already Have Many of us have an endless amount of serving dishes and fruit balls that we hide deep in our kitchen cabinets, since the day our aunt ‘Karen’ gifted it to us over a family reunion. Well now it's time to use them!  These could serve as great decorative items on your coffee table and around the house. I personally use fruit balls and dishes to decorate my coffee table and other areas in the house. Simply match them up with your decor and create a lovely decorative symbiosis.  Tip 4: Personalize your home. Decorative pillows are an easy way to change your atmosphere affordably and the covers can be easily washed and changed. Become your own interior decorator – have fun with it. My website Pillowpops.com has plenty of ideas you can use for inspiration.  Go ahead, TRY IT! Revive . Refresh . Reinvent  Be Home Be Happy  Shani Moran, Founder of Pillow Pops https://pillowpops.com/ ALL HOME DESIGN FEATURES

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by Shani Moran, Founder of Pillow Pops Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we are spending all of our time at home with very little mobility....

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EYE FOR DESIGN “People are so interesting,” begins designer Joan Wasson, “The types of homes I’ve worked on vary from suburban colonials, Chicago bungalows and new construction from blueprints to high rise condos or cottages in northern Michigan. All are as interesting and expressive as their occupants.” Wasson has worked as a Design Consultant with Toms Price  in Wheaton for the past 23 years. Her career began when she was hired out of college as a Fashion Coordinator at Carson Pirie Scott on State Street. After three years Joan married and relocated to Milwaukee. The Fashion Director at Carson’s recommended Joan as a candidate for the Fashion Director position at Gimbel’s Midwest, an 11 store division of Gimbel’s New York. She got the job and travelled both to domestic and European Fashion Markets in Paris, London and Milan to research and forecast fashion trends. Joan learned her love for fabric, textures and color through that experience. After seven years she left Gimbel's to stay at home with her newborn. A friend in Real Estate then enlisted her help in rearranging and accessorizing a property she was marketing and as Joan describes this is when “the Interior Design bug began.” “I love fabric, texture and accessories. These interests evolved to applying that same love of fashion to the home.” It wasn’t long before Joan began interior design consulting with clients in Milwaukee until her husband was transferred back to Chicago. “Friends really can  help us,” continues Wasson, who had another friend who started a design business on the North Shore that enlisted her help. The pair collaborated on interior design consulting while Joan continued to freelance for Carson’s for large events and shows. As her children were heading to college, Joan wanted to further her expertise in the interior design business. A designer friend who worked for Toms Price in Wheaton encouraged her to apply and she was hired in 1996.   At Toms Price, Joan has built a clientele and credits 30% of her business as repeat customers from connections and word of mouth. “People and styles change over the years and clients are returning because they want a change. When they are pleased, we see their children come in for help. I remember them coming into the store with their parents when they were younger.” At Toms Price, designers visit manufacturers to see where furniture is created, gain knowledge on construction and design so the difference in quality can be conveyed to the customer.  “It’s a very exciting time at Toms Price in Wheaton with the renovation of the showroom in progress; new colors and furniture are continually arriving. It’s fun to see the transformation!” added Wasson. While the Wheaton Toms Price store is undergoing a complete renovation, all four Toms Price locations recently introduced T. Price Interiors . T. Price Interiors  offers inspirational design appealing to shoppers seeking a completely custom look who want to leverage the benefits of working with an interior designer like Joan Wasson. Wasson details the process of working with a designer as coordinated and time-saving. “A designer can prevent costly mistakes made relating to size, scale and fabrics suited to the space. We ask ‘How are you using this room?’ Then we help select furniture and fabrics to make that happen. We ultimately save time and are able to put things together and weave a thread throughout the home.” Typically the customer makes the initial contact coming into Toms Price to see what they like and a connection is made. Trust and confidence is established and appointments are made to see their space, take measurements and visualize what works best with the layout. “It’s especially nice to start the process with a rug and then select fabrics that work with that rug as the base and build from there. However, it doesn’t always work out that way, and that’s okay.” she added. “Another plus is that all Toms Price sales associates are designers.” Joan Wasson describes her best day at work is when clients return to the store to review what you planned for them and they love the ideas presented. “You feel great being able to get to the core of what they want.” She recalls one of her most unusual days was when she had a customer who was interested in a Stickley recliner for his sailboat cabin. He loved the recliner and wanted it to be comfortable. He would come in periodically and spend an hour reading a book while relaxing on the recliner. He then purchased the recliner and was very pleased. “Ultimately having people happy with what I do for them is important to me. I understand it’s not necessarily what I like but what  they want that makes them feel good in their surroundings. You have to be a good listener; that is key to getting them what they want.” Since 1908, Toms Price  has provided quality furniture throughout Chicagoland and remains the oldest furniture store in the Chicago area. Today, Toms Price remains family-owned and is in its fourth generation having evolved to a design firm within a furniture store. All sales associates are designers in the four Toms Price stores and the Outlet Store and are ready to help you create your dream space. Toms Price stores are located in: Wheaton, 303 E. Front St. (630) 668-7878 Lincolnshire, 725 Milwaukee Ave (847) 478-1900 Skokie (20 minutes from downtown Chicago) 4999 Old Orchard Center (847) 675-9400 South Barrington at the Arboretum 100 W. Higgins, J-40 (847) 783-1500 Bloomingdale Outlet, 279 Madsen Drive (630) 529-7600 Along with furniture from over fifty top manufacturers, Toms Price buyers travel worldwide to find unique and exclusive products. Toms Price also provides interior design services for projects of all sizes.  https://www.tomsprice.com/

HOME DESIGN | Naperville Resident Reflects on 23 Year Career with Tom Price In Wheaton

EYE FOR DESIGN “People are so interesting,” begins designer Joan Wasson, “The types of homes I’ve worked on vary from suburban colonials,...

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