A former fashion stylist brings her creative eye to dazzling interiors


“Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”
-OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES SR.
A former fashion stylist brings her creative eye to dazzling interiors
“Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”
-OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES SR.
UBS is proud to announce this achievement and to recognize the commitment and effort it takes to become a statewide standout.
Every day, Laurie Barry makes her clients’ needs her first priority, earning their trust and respect, demonstrating her depth of knowledge and passion for helping families. It’s proven in the distinctive acclaim from SHOOK Research and Forbes
Please join us in congratulating Laurie on receiving this honor. We encourage you to make use of her time and talents, backed by the global resources of UBS.
For more information, call:
Laurie P. Barry, CFP® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Wealth AdvisorThe Barry Wealth Consulting Group UBS Financial Services Inc.
One North Wacker Drive, Suite 2600 Chicago, IL 60606 312-525-4393
laurie.barry@ubs.com
ubs.com/team/barrywealthcg
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list is comprised of approximately 2,200 financial advisors. It was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to measure factors such as quality of practice, industry experience, compliance record, assets under management (which vary from state to state) and revenue. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees pay a fee in exchange for these ratings. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. In providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services, which are separate and distinct and differ in material ways. For information, including the different laws and contracts that govern, visit ubs.com/workingwithus. © UBS 2020. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG.
6 Beds | 4.1 Baths • $3,490,000 1232WMontanaSt.info
Spectacular opportunity for an amazingly wide & sun-filled home, on a 65’ wide lot in Lincoln Park. The main level offers gracious room sizes and soaring ceilings. The large kitchen has all top-end appliances, white cabinetry, and is open to the adjacent great room with access to a stone patio featuring a pizza oven. Luxe master suite with a wonderful dressing/closet space & spa bath. Lower level offers recreational and exercise space, additional bedrooms, fab laundry room, and wine room with plenty of storage. Sport court, 3-car attached garage & mudroom!
2 Beds | 2.1 Baths • $1,799,000 510WErieStreet2102.info
Luxurious River North condo with amazing outdoor space! No details were spared in this completely remodeled 2,500sf condo. This home is an entertainer’s dream with a spacious kitchen & family room opening to an expansive 1,500sf terrace with captivating city & lake views. A split-floor plan with ensuite bedrooms creates privacy and an impressive space for hosting guests. Floor-toceiling windows throughout offer panoramic views in all directions. The formal living and dining area showcases incredible sunsets. 24hour door staff, fitness center & 1 garage parking space!
6 Beds | 5.2 Baths • $2,995,000 2042NClevelandAve.info
Wonderful 8,600sf home on a premier East Lincoln Park block! This home offers extra high ceilings, a huge living room, an updated kitchen with Poggenpohl cabinetry, a sauna, wine cellar & fabulous outdoor living space. The 2nd level master suite features a new ultraluxe bath & a dreamy closet. The master level is complete with a 2nd full kitchen, laundry, powder room, and a den. 4 secondary bedrooms are located on the 3rd level and 1 on the lower level. Enjoy the rear deck all summer with lush plantings, a pergola & a new grill. 3-car garage & walking distance to the lake!
6 Beds | 4.1 Baths • $1,685,000 1452WFletcherSt.info
Incredible wide lot home, ideally located in Lakeview/Southport Corridor. The main level has a formal living room featuring a fireplace and huge south windows all open to the dining room. The updated kitchen has quartz countertops and SS appliances. An adjacent family room overlooks the newly styled fab outdoor living space. 4 big bedrooms, including the master suite, are on the second level. The lower level media room is a great place to watch a game. The outdoor space is unparalleled with a beautifully planted deck over the 2-car garage, a spacious stone patio, and a sport court.
“Larysa is a true professional with a high level of expertise in not only the local trends and nuances, but also competitive factors, negotiation, and strategy. She was also very patient and willing to talk through every silly question or concern that I could come up with. Very responsive.” -R.H.
“We feel very lucky to have found Larysa. Larysa went above and beyond during our move. She was great at keeping things on track and helped me stay focused. She is fully aware how the local market moves and helped us plan accordingly. She followed through after we were under contract. I felt lucky to have someone dependable helping us through the many layers of buying and selling! Thank you Larysa!” -S.N.
™
Five shapes, each cut with supreme symmetry to unleash the dazzling light of a Forevermark diamond. Beautiful. Rare. Responsibly Sourced.
™ are Trade Marks used under license from De Beers Group.
The Forevermark
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The Forevermark Alchemy™ Collection by
The Forevermark Alchemy™ Collection by
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Four diamond shapes, each speaking to the woman within.
Four diamond shapes, each speaking to the woman within.
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Four diamond woman within. The Vanguard, The Maverick,
The Vanguard, The Sophisticate, The Envoy or The Maverick, which one will you be?
The Vanguard, The Sophisticate, The Envoy or The Maverick, which one will you be?
The
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as published in on being recognized as one of Chicago’s 2020
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Our award-winning designers will create a space you love
Gifts, lighting, artwork, accessories, furniture and more
Finding the right chemistry with the right designer is key. At The Design Bar, we believe in an integrated approach to design. From helping our clients understand budget implications, to partnering with their architect and builder, to advising how the functionality and design of a space need to marry each other, our process is simple, smart and cohesive from start to finish. Know that when you hire us, you will live “happily ever after”.
Founder & Publisher J.W. CONATSER
Associate Publisher GRETCHEN BARNARD
Senior Editor DEBBIE LEE
Editor At Large KEMMIE RYAN
Style Director CONSTANTINE JAMES
Style Editor JESSICA MOAZAMI
Contributing Editors ELAINE DOREMUS
DUSTIN O’REGAN
SHERRY THOMAS
Contributing Writers MITCH HURST
PETER MICHAEL
Production Manager / Graphic Designer LINDA LEWIS
Advertising Coordinator / Graphic Designer AMANDA ALVARADO
Graphic Designers CHRIS GEIMER
AMEEN QUTTEINEH
Contributing Photographers FRANK ISHMAN
ERIN KONRATH
IAN MCLEOD
ROBIN SUBAR
Assistant to the Publisher MINDY KOVCO
Vice President of Advertising
JULIE YOVITS
Advertising Sales JENNIFER STURGEON
Illustrator ROBERT RISKO
HOW TO REACH Hinsdale Living Magazine
Advertising inquiries: INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM
630-200-9027
General inquiries: 847-926-0911
Editorial inquiries: 847-651-8558
Editorial email: WENDY@JWCMEDIA.COM
On the web: HINSDALELIVINGMAG.COM
Mailing Address: 445 SHERIDAN ROAD, SUITE 100 HIGHWOOD, ILLINOIS 60040
CLOSETS
CLOSETS
Call (866) ART-2-ORG (866-278-2674) for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com
Call (866) ART-2-ORG (866-278-2674) for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com
Call (866) ART-2-ORG (866-278-2674) for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com
©2020 Closet Factory. All right reserved.
©2020 Closet Factory. All right reserved.
©2020 Closet Factory. All right reserved.
Spring has sprung. For our April issue we encourage readers to think about their homes and how to match them to the new life that's budding in the great outdoors.
We recognize that the COVID-19 health crisis has been at the forefront of many media outlets, but we would like to offer you some inspiration to warm your home in this special home and design issue of Hinsdale Living. Because the pandemic is a developing situation, events mentioned in our April issue may be postponed or cancelled, so be sure to check with the organizers for the most up-to-date information.
On our cover this month we are proud to have Kelly Hurliman. Named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 25 most powerful stylists, the Western Springs resident has spent the past 17 years in the fashion industry and over a decade as the personal stylist to Oprah Winfrey. After training with Nate Berkus and Associates in Chicago, she now runs her own personal interior styling business. Look for her work at the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, where she will be designing a room inspired by Coco Chanel.
We also take a behind the scenes look at Turkoise, a new home store in downtown Hinsdale. Co-owner Muhammet Yaldiz took an interesting path—from Germany to Hollywood to Turkey—to bring unique finds to the Western Suburbs. Stop in the shop for some Turkish coffee and friendly conversation; leave with ideas and resources for making your home a more beautiful space.
In this month’s Dinner Date, Peter Michael visits the new Milkstop Café, where old-fashioned charm meets an eclectic menu with international influences.
This month also comes with a handy resource for homeowners. Check out our guide to local realtors, landscapers, and interior designers. In our publisher's profiles, Anna Fiascone of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff provides a more detailed look at the current real estate market. We also meet Katie Mueller of Plate28, a "body vibration" fitness studio; Susan Mueller of Relief TMS, who offers a noninvasive procedure for treating depression; and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Geldner of The Geldner Center.
Enjoy the pictures, and good reading.
J. W. Conatser Founder & PublisherOn Saturday, May 2, downtown Louisville, Kentucky will come alive with more than 150,000 people as they make their way to Churchill Downs. The crowds will roar, the horses will race, and a tradition that has been running since 1875 will light up the evening. This year, Burr Ridge Village Center is bringing Churchill Downs to you for the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” For the first time ever, the Kentucky Derby will be celebrated under a luxurious event tent on The Village Green. Mingle with other Derby fans and sip drinks from a full bar; a large-format screen will play live race coverage, allowing you to follow along in real-time.
The races aren’t only for the horses—the center is hosting its
very own weiner dog race. Cheer on your furry best friend and compete to win prizes from Two Bostons. Fashion plates can also get in on the fun with a hat contest. Dance the evening away with a live bluegrass band. Before and after the race, attendees can enjoy traditional Derby lawn games like croquet and corn hole. Make time to lounge in the event tent, sampling some Derby-themed light bites and drinks. Mint juleps, anyone?
The party begins at 3 p.m. and concludes at the end of the race (approximately 6:30 p.m.). Tickets for this event will sell quickly, so reserve now.
Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the date of this event may change. For the most up-to-date information visit shopburrridge.com.
As we go to press, many of the events listed may have changed or postponed. With that in mind, we urge you to check the organization’s website to find out whether an event is still taking place, or has been canceled or rescheduled, before attending.
WHERE : theMART, Chicago
WHEN: 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.
The largest permanent art projection in the world will feature City Circle Heart, a work by five studio artists inspired by individuals impacted by Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). The display features custom animation and creates a soothing visual display set to a unique soundscape. Featured artists include Marcelo Añon, Veronica Cuculich, Stefan Harhaj, Hector Jones, Maria Vanik, and motion graphics and sound production by Lisa Armstrong. artsoflife.org; artonthemart.com
WHERE: Field Museum, Chicago
WHEN: 6 p.m.
TICKETS: $700 Chicago White Sox Charities
(CWSC) hosts a unique fundraiser presented by Peoples Gas and Wintrust for the third year. The seasonopening celebration will feature remarks from White Sox manager, Rick Renteria, appearances by White Sox alumni, and more. mlb.com/ whitesox/charities/support/ beyond-the-diamond
APRIL 16
WHERE : Hilton Chicago
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. VIP reception; 11 a.m. general reception; 11:30 a.m. program
TICKETS: Starting at $200. The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center welcomes Cindy McCain as keynote speaker at its annual spring luncheon. This inspiring event sold out last year, so be sure to get your tickets today. thewomansboard.org/annualspring-luncheon
APRIL 17
HPL AFTER DARK: FRIDA KAHLO
WHERE: Hinsdale Public Library
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m.
TICKETS: Free
Learn more about life and work of artist Frida Kahlo during a discussion by Justin Witte. The largest exhibit in the world on the artist, Frida Kahlo 2020, is set to open in June at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and
McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn. hinsdale.libnet.info/ event/3239725
APRIL 17
CENTER STAGE
WHERE: Auditorium Theatre and The Old Post Office, Chicago
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. performance; 8 p.m. dinner and dancing
TICKETS: $1,000
The Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet and gala chairs
April Daly and Miguel Blanco, Greg Jenkins, DL and Jazelle Morriss, Eric Schieber and Tony Priore, and Lauren Streicher and Jason Brett invite guests to an experiential dinner experience. The evening will begin at Auditorium Theatre with a performance by the award-winning ballet company. Guests will then be transported to The Old Post Office for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. joffrey.org/ centerstage
APRIL 18
HELPING HAND CENTER GALA
WHERE: The Drake Hotel, Oak Brook
WHEN : 6 to 11 p.m.
TICKETS: $225
Join nonprofit Helping Hand Center for a whimsical evening in support of children and adults with disabilities. hhcenter.org/gala
APRIL 19
WHERE: Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
WHEN: 3 p.m.
TICKETS: Starting at $20. Chicago a cappella takes on the Swing era with an exclusive spring performance. The 10-member ensemble will bring timeless classics by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and more, to life during a musical journey not to be missed. chicagoacappella.org
APRIL 22
WHERE: Salt Creek Club, Hinsdale
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m.
Join more than 100 women for an exciting new fundraising event. Attendees will learn about three area nonprofits during an hour-long meeting, after which the group will vote on the sponsored charity of the evening, and guests are encouraged to contribute a check of $100 or more to the charity chosen. 100wmih.org
APRIL 23
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Chicago
WHEN: 5:30 reception; 6:30 dinner
TICKETS: $500
APRIL 1 - MAY 12 ARTS OF LIFE: CITY CIRCLE HEART Rendering courtesy of Arts of LifeThe Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) honors Wintrust’s Ed Wehmer during its annual fundraising gala. Guests are invited to stay for an after-party just steps away at the CAC’s magnificent, new space. pjhchicago.com/event/cac
APRIL 26
WHERE: The Community House, Hinsdale
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.
TICKETS: $40
The Community House presents its 13th annual fitness event featuring a 3-mile walk in support of services provided by The Counseling Center at the nonprofit. thecommunityhouse.org
APRIL 26
WHERE: Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TICKETS: $70 for adults; $15 for children.
Enjoy an exquisite brunch, raffles, games, and more. Dr. Jack Jordan will be presented
with the Charles T. Rubey LOSS Award during Catholic Charities’ annual event in support of the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program. catholiccharities.net
MAY 1
ICON GALA
WHERE: Harris Theater, Chicago
WHEN: 5 p.m. cocktail reception; 6 p.m. dinner; 8 p.m. performance
TICKETS: $1,200; $35 for performance only. One of the Chicago area’s most exciting cultural events—the Harris Theater for Music and Dance hosts a stunning cocktail reception and dinner on the theater rooftop before a muchanticipated performance of Pina Bausch’s Palermo Palermo. harristheaterchicago. org/support/icon-gala
MAY 2
WHERE: Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge
WHEN: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $175
Don’t miss a day at the derby with the Hinsdale Auxiliary of Children’s Home + Aid. This is the group’s 65th annual event. Be sure to dress in your best derby day attire. childrenshomeandaid.org
MAY 8
2020
WHERE: Six beautiful homes to be announced.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TICKETS: $55 in advance; $65 at the door.
Spend the perfect morning touring six of the area’s most beautiful homes and kitchens. Taking place over Mother’s Day weekend, more than 1,000 attendees are expected. Don’t miss out on the VIP Top Chef Trolley; seats are limited. kitchen-walk.com
WHERE: Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
WHEN: 6 p.m. reception; 8 p.m. dinner
TICKETS: $700
The Alliance Française de Chicago Woman’s Board hosts an elegant event where guests will be transported to a field of lavender and flowing rosé. The decadent event raises funds for immersion study, scholarships, and education and cultural programs in the Chicago area. pjhchicago.com/ event/afc
WHERE: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
TICKETS: Starting at $600. Get ready for a spectacular evening featuring elite mentalist and magician, Oz Pearlman, live music by Shout Out, strolling magic by Carl Michael, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail-chic attire and funds raised will support the GI Research Foundation. girf.org
On 25 acres in Washington, D.C. sits the garden paradise envisioned by Marjorie Merriweather Post after purchasing the Arbremont estate in 1955. Working with prominent landscape architects, Post set about mapping out the estate grounds using a diverse array of trees, shrubs, and plants. When Post, an art collector, businesswoman, social figure, and philanthropist, left the estate to the public, she endowed the country with the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, an exquisite 18th century French decorative art collection, and acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and natural woodlands. A Garden For All Seasons: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Hillwood, published in partnership with Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, is the first book on the history and design of these remarkable grounds. © A Garden for All Seasons: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Hillwood by Kate Markert, Rizzoli New York, 2020. Images ©Erik Kvalsvik. To purchase, visit rizzoliusa.com.
Fans of John Derian, rejoice. The New York artist and homeware designer has translated his love of antique illustrations and curiosities into durable and affordable forms. His studio’s melamine plates, now in stock at the Yankee Peddler, are available in romantic floral patterns and classic blue and white toile. Buy them now for the al fresco meals that await this summer—they are sure to bring charm and style to your everyday dinner table. Available at Yankee Peddler, 30 East Hinsdale Avenue in Hinsdale, 630-3250085, yankeepeddler.net.
So you spent a weekend watching HGTV and think you can tackle a DIY kitchen makeover? Not so fast. Before you grab that sledgehammer, visit Normandy Remodeling for some expert advice. Their Hinsdale design studio will host a free kitchen remodeling workshop at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13. Get the inside scoop on what really happens during a redesign, and have your questions answered as you learn about trends, tips, and tricks to make your kitchen even better than you imagined. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at a local kitchen renovation and learn about the latest must-haves to bring your own kitchen to the next level. For more information visit normandyremodeling.com.
IS THE FOUNDER OF STYLE STRATEGY, A “WARDROBE ENHANCEMENT CONSULTATION SERVICE” BASED IN HINSDALE. IN LAYMAN’S TERMS, SHE’S MADE A BRILLIANT CAREER OUT OF PLAYING DRESS-UP AND HELPING YOU LOOK YOUR BEST. A FORMER EMPLOYEE OF DELOITTE IN THE RETAIL MARKETING SPACE, SHE WAS EXPOSED TO THE OPERATIONAL SIDE OF HER FAVORITE RETAILERS. BUT AFTER HAVING HER SON, BROTSCHUL DECIDED TO STAY HOME AND FULFILL THE CREATIVE SIDE. “FAMILY AND FRIENDS WERE CONSTANTLY ASKING FOR FASHION ADVICE AND FOR HELP STYLING BIG EVENTS,” SHE SAYS. “IT WAS SO MUCH FUN FOR ME AND MADE OTHERS HAPPY, SO I DECIDED TO PURSUE IT AS A FULL-TIME CAREER.” RAISED IN TEXAS AND OHIO, BROTSCHUL RELOCATED FROM CHICAGO TO HINSDALE SIX YEARS AGO, WHERE SHE CURRENTLY LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND, MARTIN, SON BURKE (8), AND DAUGHTER BLAINE (6). WHEN SHE IS NOT STYLING AND DRIVING FROM DANCE STUDIO TO SOCCER FIELD TO DRIVING RANGE, SHE IS VOLUNTEERING AS THE VP OF COMMUNICATIONS AT HER CHILDREN’S SCHOOL, MONROE ELEMENTARY, AND WITH THE HINSDALE JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB. SHE CO-CHAIRED LAST YEAR’S HJWC ANNUAL BENEFIT AT THE GODFREY AND IS EXCITED TO CO-CHAIR THE 2020-2021 MONROE SCHOOL FUNDRAISER.
Mantra: Work hard, play harder. Best grooming tip: Tailor your clothing; it makes an immense difference. Guilty pleasure: Opening a full-bodied Cab from one of our Napa trips. Favorite foods: I’ve been gluten-free for more than 10 years so I stick with mostly whole and unprocessed foods. But that doesn’t mean there are no indulgences! I can’t pass up a good charcuterie plate (it pairs well with the Napa Cab!) Music I love: Chill from Sirius XM is always playing while I make dinner or help the kids with their homework. I like a calm vibe in the house. Otherwise, I’m a chameleon when it comes to music. I like a little bit of everything: Greta Van Fleet, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Drake, Fleetwood Mac, and Jonas Brothers, or JoJo Siwa with my kids. Best advice ever given to you: Be positive; you get back the positive energy you put out. Best advice you’ve given: Live everyday like it’s your last. Tell the people you love that you appreciate them, don’t waste time on things that aren’t important to you, and do something that makes you happy. Earliest memory: My younger brother coming home from the hospital. I was so excited to be a big sister! When you wake up, you? My 6-year-old daughter is my alarm clock every morning.
Your style is? Preppy with an edge. I have my “momiform” of high-waisted denim, a graphic tee, blazer, and sneakers. The number of blazers I own is borderline embarrassing. Can’t leave the house without? Coffee. I drink a lot of caffeine!
Transportation? Mercedes GLS 450. Driving music? Alt Nation or Classic Rewind when I’m by myself; Hits 1 when I’m with my kids. Place to eat? We enjoy many family dinners at our club, Ruth Lake. Nothing beats sitting on the patio in the summer with a glass of wine at sunset with two happy, sun-kissed kiddos! The staff is also amazing and has basically memorized our favorites. Shop? I prefer to shop local. The customer service just can’t be beat. We are lucky to have such amazing boutiques at our fingertips. My favorites are Lepa Boutique, Sweet William, and RedE Mas for clothing and accessories; Game Set Style for activewear; and Marcus and Anecdote (La Grange) for home decor. Best thing about the country? The people. We have made some amazing friends in Hinsdale. Worst thing about the country? The lack of stop signs. The perfect day is? An early-morning workout followed by a client styling session, activity with my kids, and a family dinner with friends at Ruth Lake.
She greets me with her outfit choice that day and asks me to help her pick out matching bows (which I obviously love). Before bed, you? I wish I could say I washed my face and applied some sort of luxurious skin care regimen, but I’m horrible at that (#resolutions)! I typically read a book to my kids, plan the family schedule for the following day, and send clients outfit ideas. What’s on your bookshelf? The latest Vogue magazine, some sort of self-improvement or parenting book, and something fun to read. My last book was Daisy Jones and the Six. You can’t live without? A good sweat session! I alternate between Shred415 and barre3 depending on how I’m feeling. It’s like my therapy. Love to escape to? My family is in Scottsdale so we escape there whenever we can. A change of scenery is always good for the soul. I also love the Southwest fashion vibe; it’s very casual and relaxed, which a nice change. I rarely bring heels when we travel to Arizona. Advice you would give to your younger self ? Do what you love; it’s true, it won’t seem like a job.
Your style is? “Feminine with an edge;” I’m typically going downtown for an event or fun dinner with friends so it’s fun to get dressed up, but slightly out of your comfort zone. I like to pair feminine dresses with edgier pieces like fringe leather jackets, combat boots, or even a bold lip. Can’t leave the house without? My phone and my bold lip. Transportation? Uber. Driving music? Rolling Stones, Thievery Corporation, Jeff Buckley, Tame Impala. Place to eat? Schwa is my absolute favorite restaurant in Chicago. It’s been around for a while, but has such a cool atmosphere and the menu is always different (but good luck getting a reservation, especially if Jay-Z and Gwyneth are in town...). Otherwise, Gibson’s Italia, The Hoxton, and RPM Steak. Shop? I prefer to shop local or via my favorite online destinations (Moda Operandi, Farfetch, Forward by Elyse Walker, Jeffrey, Matches Fashion, and Blue & Cream), but I never pass up a stop at Intermix, Dior, Jayson Home and Garden, and Barney’s before it closed (RIP) in the city. Best thing about town? There’s always something new: a restaurant, art exhibit, boutique, popup shop, etc. I love the energy and creativity. Worst thing about town? The waitlist for a good reservation. The perfect day is? A run along the lakefront, shopping on Oak Street with friends, and rooftop cocktails with my husband before we head home to our kids.
Go for minimal style jewelry that can be worn alone for understated elegance or layered for a bolder look. Tiffany T black onyx wire bracelet in 18k gold, available at Tiffany & Co., Oakbrook Center, 630-574-7900.
This shoe is experiencing a renaissance, go with a heel, which adds a feminine touch to a masculine style. Leather and knit loafers, available at Nordstrom, Oakbrook Center, 630-571-2121.
This wardrobe staple goes with everything and will add a level of polish to your look. For a fresh take, select one with interesting details like this black collar. Two-tone belted trench, available at Ann Taylor, Oakbrook Center, 630-573-0700.
A feminine take on the briefcase, the top handle bag means business, whether it’s in a neutral shade or a bold print for more of a statement. Leather top-handle bag, available at Tod’s, 121 East Oak Street, 312-943-0070.
For the warmer months ahead, go for a suit in lightweight fabrics and colors. Single-breasted suit, available at Tod’s, 121 East Oak Street, 312-943-0070.
Add interest to a simple office look with an oversized men’s watch. When layered with additional jewelry, it will also double as a bracelet. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41, available at C.D. Peacock, Oakbrook Center, 630-571-5355.
A great family home with spaces and places for the whole crew. day. Best yet, ideal location, walk to town, train, Burns Park and school. Opportunity is knocking... make it your own!
A great family home with spaces and places for the whole crew. day. Best yet, ideal location, walk to town, train, Burns Park and school. Opportunity is knocking... make it your own!
Tracy Anderson serves clients with integrity and urgency that she refined in her previous career as a lawyer. In order to further serve her clients, Tracy is proud to announce that she’s expanding her team to include Jill Tabachka, CID. Jill has a background in accounting, a Marketing MBA, and a design designation as a Certified Interior Decorator further enhancing an unparalleled, seamless experience that makes Tracy Anderson the perfect advocate for your next move.
Tracy’s empathetic approach, keen eye for design, and perfected negotiation skills directly benefit her clients while navigating the Spring Market. From Tracy’s community involvement as the President of the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, PTO member of The Lane School and a board member of many local organizations, Tracy’s deep love, knowledge of and commitment to Hinsdale are unwavering. Tracy and Jill expertly direct their clients through the intricacies of home buying, zeroing in on what’s most important to them.
When Jane Coyne and her husband Mike Coyne moved into their 1935 pre-war Dutch Colonial in Hinsdale, the first room to get a makeover was the kitchen.
“We set out to renovate the kitchen only but ended up updating the design of the rest of the rooms to complement it,” she explains. “Today, our kitchen not only serves as a functional space with all the added conveniences, it’s also a place to gather. Our kitchen island has been the center of many gatherings.”
On Friday, May 8, the Coynes’ stunning gourmet kitchen will be
among six others in Hinsdale homes to be featured on the Hinsdale Historical Society’s annual Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk, a Mother’s Day weekend tradition. This important fundraiser, which draws more than 1,200 people annually, marks its 15th anniversary this year.
The event has since evolved and now offers a first-floor home tour featuring residential innovation that showcases the latest in décor, products, and design ideas.
“The Kitchen Walk started as a way to raise money for the restoration of one of Hinsdale’s historic buildings, Immanuel Hall,”
says Emily Van Houtte, longtime Historical Society volunteer, past board member and co-chair of this year’s event. “Hinsdale resident Penny Bohnen and friends founded the walk as a fundraising event for historic preservation. They felt that the kitchen is the heart of the home and people would be interested in different kitchen styles and trends.”
They were right.
Jane says that even during her research about the house in advance of the kitchen walk, she uncovered a letter from a former, longtime owner that documented the importance of that cook space over the decades. The original kitchen from 1935 is believed to have been comprised of two small rooms—a utilitarian space meant for preparing food when most of the gathering happened in the family dining room.
“The owner further noted that the kitchen was first remodeled in the mid- to late-1960s and it was the first renovation they undertook,” she adds. “In the past, kitchens were about functionality and utility. Now it’s about efficiency, convenience, comfort, and a place to gather or even hang out. Now, more than ever, design and aesthetics play an important role too. I think the kitchen is such a focal point in many homes because it naturally draws families together.”
The love of kitchens has drawn people to Hinsdale since the event’s inception in 2005. With a total of 87 homes showcased over the years—ranging from historically significant residences to newer homes that embody architectural elements of modern day—the Hinsdale Historical Society has raised funds to preserve such village landmarks as the Hinsdale History Museum, Immanuel Hall, and the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio.
“We are excited that seven unique and beautiful Hinsdale homes will take part in this year’s walk—representing different architecture and design elements including American Arts and Crafts, Dutch Colonial, and Ranch style,” adds Van Houtte.
In addition to seeing the Coyne family’s kitchen, participants will get to see other parts of their historic home.
“We’ve just completed a major project renovating the entire first floor,” says Jane, explaining that she and her husband are the fifth owners of the property. “When we bought this house in the summer
of 2004, we were looking for a house with all the charm of an older home but fully updated. We were really quite lucky to find a home with all the features we wanted. With its traditional layout, it had a full-size living room that opened into a beautiful sunroom and a screened-in porch off a large family room.”
As a board member of the Hinsdale Historical Society for almost nine years, she was happy to say “yes” to share her newly renovated historic home on the 15th anniversary tour.
“Because I know how important the Kitchen Walk is to the Society’s fundraising efforts, being its primary source of funding, I was happy to be involved,” she adds. “It’s always a great day that draws people from around the Chicago area.”
Hinsdale Historical Society’s Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk is scheduled to take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. To make a donation or to purchase tickets in advance, $55 per person, please visit Hinsdale retailer Yankee Peddler, or visit at kitchen-walk.com. Tickets will also be sold at the homes on the day of the event for $65. Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the date of this event may change. For the most up-to-date information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, email kitchenwalk@hinsdalehistory.org.
Due to the public concern over Coronavirus, I felt it would be important to provide some education, an update, and what it means for the general public but also for patients.
Coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is possible but not confirmed that spread could occur through touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
According to the CDC, currently there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, prevention
techniques are always recommended to avoid disease spread and contraction. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Stay home when you are sick or immunocompromised for any reason. There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19.
If you do become ill, take steps to prevent spread and treat symptoms to avoid other complications. Stay home, avoid others in your home, except to get medical care. Start wearing a facemask to help cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands often and avoid sharing household items. Clean everyday use surfaces daily if not more and monitor your symptoms. Seek out medical attention for further advise and treatment.
Currently, according to the CDC, there is little immediate risk of exposure to the general public in the U. S. There are many other viruses and bacteria that have caused a larger concern, like the influenza virus, that affect many on a yearly basis. Practicing “universal precautions” and proper hygiene will help reduce any possible risk of contracting not only the coronavirus but any contractible or communicable diseases.
Lastly, in my internal medicine/geriatric practice, our patients are sometimes most vulnerable to infections and poorer prognosis. When visiting with a senior or an elderly family member, please make note of the considerations and advice mentioned in this article. For any further questions or concerns contact your trusted healthcare professional or physician.
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Our team of attorneys bring experience to the table. Whatever the issue, we work to provide our clients with complete information and sound counsel, so that they can make informed decisions on settlement or trial. We resolve matters amicably where possible or through assertive trial work when necessary.
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For more information about our firm, please visit our website at recent-law.com. It would be our pleasure to meet with you in Hinsdale or Chicago.
It was a frosty day in early February and Turkoise in downtown Hinsdale was nothing more than a vanilla box. The former clothing store had been stripped bare, with only white walls and wood floors. Co-owners Muhammet “Mo” Yaldiz and Andrea LaRusso had been hyping the opening for over a month, and the time had come to make their debut.
In a matter of days, the space was transformed into an eclectic, bohemian paradise. At a time when fast fashion has influenced the home market, Turkoise is the antithesis: a destination for beautiful, handmade home decor—its main attraction being the luxurious rugs selected by Yaldiz during his travels through Turkey.
Born and raised in Germany, Yaldiz never imagined planting roots in Hinsdale. His original plan was to pursue a future in travel and hospitality management. But after graduating from high school, his parents made the decision to return to their native Turkey and enter the rug business.
“My dad was working in engineering in Germany,” says Yaldiz. “But they were ready to go home, back to a place where they could speak their own language.”
However, Yaldiz had other plans. At 21, he moved to California and took grunt work gigs to support himself while he attended West Los Angeles College.
“I had zero family in the U.S.,” he says. “I was just here to go to school and improve my English. So the first thing I did was work at restaurants as a valet driver and waiter; then I got a job at L’ermitage Beverly Hills (now the Viceroy).”
With constant access to celebrities, Yaldiz made a lucky connection with singer Marc Anthony and became his personal driver for almost three years. He says his time in Los Angeles was a memorable one, citing big moments like chauffeuring Anthony to the Grammy Awards. However, in 2015, he reconsidered his career path and decided to join his parents in their new venture.
“My best years were in Hollywood,” says Yaldiz. “But going into the family business required me to say no to the lifestyle I once had.”
Yaldiz’s life took a major detour. He spent the next seven years driving across the U.S., personally delivering rugs to buyers who had purchased them while traveling to Turkey. He also educated himself on the different regions of Turkey in which the rugs are made, and in the process developed an honest appreciation for the
At Turkoise, Muhammet Yaldiz explores his Turkish roots while bringing beauty to your home.Handmade Turkish rugs
work that goes into them.
“There are four or five areas of Turkey where the rugs are manufactured,” he explains. “I visit all of the villages, and hopefully help their economy in the process. The rugs are all handmade on a loom, mostly by women who are working to support their families.” While advances in technology allow people to purchase cheaper rugs from big box or discount stores, Yaldiz remains a loyal supporter of traditional methods. “It’s a dying art,” he adds wistfully.
Yaldiz says each region produces its own style: one is popular for floral motifs; another is exclusively known for tribal styles; another produces contemporary patterns. But the one characteristic they all have in common is the amount of time that goes into each piece.
“They can be made from any combination of wool, cotton, and silk,” he says. “But a standard eight-by-ten rug can take anywhere from ten months to a year to make. These are heirlooms you hand down to your grandchildren.”
“Different countries have copied the patterns, so there are a lot of knock-offs and fakes,” adds LaRusso. “We have the real, quality pieces.”
LaRusso, an interior designer for more than 20 years and a Hinsdale native, met Yaldiz through a mutual friend in Los Angeles. In addition to working with clients on interiors, she runs a “furniture facelifting” service to remake or repurpose old pieces (“Don’t just throw things into the ground,” she implores.)
Turkoise is an opportunity to combine Yaldiz’s finds with LaRusso’s expertise. In addition to rugs, the store also stocks an array of exotic decorative finds: Moroccan pendant lights, colorful cube seats, and handmade soaps. It’s a home away from home— complete with piping hot Turkish coffee to sip while you shop.
LaRusso is excited for her partnership and believes that their complementary styles, combined with a shared interested in making personal connections with clients, will make Turkoise a mustvisit destination for local design lovers.
“I bring the vision,” she says. “I see things and put them together. Mo has the right resources from unique places in the world. We are bringing different skills together.”
While it took some convincing to bring Yaldiz from the West Coast to Hinsdale, it’s a move he doesn’t regret.
“Like moving to LA, I had no family here,” he adds. “I only know Andrea. But it doesn’t bother me. I like challenges; I just follow my destiny. I came to Hinsdale because of the people—they understand culture and quality. It’s been pleasant and I really enjoy it because 80 or 90 percent of my clientele are ladies, and seeing them happy in their homes makes me happy. It’s a win-win.”
The Mike McCurry Group has been helping residents of Hinsdale and surrounding communities make meaningful moves for thirty years.
mike@mccurryhomes.com
630.447.9393
themccurrygroup.com
3300 York Road, Oak Brook
$1,427,993 | 1.99 ACRES
This location offers the serenity of rural living yet close to suburban comforts of Oak Brook Mall and downtown Hinsdale. Waterfront property that backs to Fullersburg Woods hiking trails and historic Salt Creek.
3403 York Road, Oak Brook
$1,799,993 | 2.18 ACRES
Arguably one of the most sought-after properties along the east corridor of Oak Brook and the gateway area. Because of the meandering nature of York Road, the lot and potential build-site sits far back from the road.
Land Opportunity
110 Vine Street, Hinsdale
$699,993 | 0.25 ACRES
Rehab or build new on this 70 x 150 lot in prime location one block from Grant Square and a short walk to town, measured in steps.
Land Opportunity
207 Grant Street, Clarendon Hills
$369,993 | 0.26 ACRES
75 x 150 lot located on one of the most coveted streets and just two blocks to town. Build your dream home or rent the 3 br ranch as an investment.
outside the
Kelly Hurliman is not here to intimidate you. Don’t be mistaken—the 44-year-old interior designer brings the level of taste and knowledge you would expect from a woman entrusted to dress Oprah for over a decade. But in an industry where an upturned nose and air of pretension come gratis with your consultation, Hurliman possesses a smart, down-to-earth vibe.
Take her upcoming presentation at the 2020 Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens. Hurliman has been bestowed the honor of designing the property’s living room, and is working on a look inspired by Coco Chanel. But if you ask her how many boucle jackets and camellia-motif accessories fill her closet, she’ll admit there are not very many—and that the few she does own were acquired in an unexpected way.
“The only pieces I have are Oprah castoffs, including a tweed belt she gave me to a jacket she didn’t need,” says Hurliman. “It’s not so much the fashion of Chanel but the woman herself I find
inspiring. She revolutionized the way women dressed, championed pants for ladies, and was an arbiter of good taste.”
Hurliman says her vision for the room is a personal take on a modern French apartment, or Coco’s salon. The original mustard yellow walls were blotted out and replaced with crisp ivory, and a ’90s brown wood floor is painted over to add a light, bright quality. “It gives the room a clean foundation,” she explains. “The palette is soft and pretty, like a lipstick set in shades of nude.”
“I think if [Chanel] were alive today, she’d be mixing that classic French style with modern pieces,” adds Hurliman. “I love an eclectic mix of genres, mixing in vintage as much as clients will allow. For me, antique and vintage décor is what makes a room truly unique and keeps rooms from looking just like your neighbors.”
Hurliman, once named The Hollywood Reporter’s 25 Most Powerful Stylists, established her design business in 2016, after her 10year tenure with Oprah. She admits it was a risk to shift careers at 40; to get through it, she channeled the former college student in her and started on the ground floor.
The stylist-turned-interior designer brings thoughtful charm to your living spaces.
“Fashion was my first passion and as a junior at the University of Illinois I knew I needed to get to New York City to see it up close,” says Hurliman. “I found my own internships at Isaac Mizrahi’s studio in Soho and Barney’s New York in the studio services office. The winter of my senior year I even interned in Los Angeles for the costume designer of Friends. So when I made this career shift, one of my first calls was to Nate Berkus, who was so gracious in answering my questions and offering his wisdom on the business. I went on to intern at his firm in Chicago and it was a great experience to see how a high-end firm operates.”
But even with top-tier training, Hurliman admits that there are times when she has to quiet her inner critic.
“In my first year, when self-doubt would creep in, I mentioned [to Oprah] how I didn’t know how I got there,” she says. “She looked directly at me with those deep brown eyes and said, ‘Nothing is happening out of turn, you are exactly where you are supposed to be.’ I never forgot it and still think of it when that dreaded imposter syndrome sets in.”
To look at Hurliman’s work, you would never suspect any feelings of hesitation. Her rooms are full of life, with confident uses of
color and bold focal points. And her talent is in demand—as she hustles to create a stunning living room for the Showhouse, she also juggles regular design projects for high-profile clients (she is currently working on a Chicago penthouse for Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford and his wife, Kristy.)
Hurliman cites Kelly Wearstler, Billy Baldwin, and Joseph Dirand among her biggest influences, but she’d prefer not be boxed in or expected to exclusively work in one style.
“It may not be good from a marketing and branding standpoint, but I like that I don’t have a signature look,” she says. “I can do a traditional room one minute and then something mid-century modern, California clean, or poppy and colorful the next. It definitely looks nice on an Instagram feed to have it all be similar, but I’d get so bored doing the same look.”
As a native of Western Springs, Hurliman recently moved back after 14 years in Chicago. “When I was expecting my second child, my husband and I decided we were ready to put the focus on family,” she explains. “It wasn’t my intent to return to the town I was raised in, but it happened naturally. I loved growing up in these
parts and it really was an idyllic childhood.”
But that doesn’t mean Hurliman craves a generic environment. “When it comes to interiors, I do believe that the ‘burbs don’t have to be boring,” she says. “If there’s one thing I like to push it’s suburban blandness. I love it when a client is open to pushing the envelope and not playing it safe.”
In terms of her personal approach, Hurliman draws comparisons between dressing people and dressing rooms: don’t imitate, and pay attention to the little things.
“The biggest mistake I see with homeowners is that everyone turns to the same images and outlets for inspiration,” she says. “I’ll see the same pictures over and over again, and it feels like people are okay with their homes looking like everyone else’s. It’s difficult to find the client that really let’s you go for it. I really care about the details and I could drive myself crazy editing down the options.”
“I love that design can be transformative and whether it’s the perfect outfit or a beautiful space, both my careers have been in pursuit of the same ideal—to change how you feel through the power of good design.”
The Hinsdale community boasts some of the most luxurious homes, elegant gardens, and exquisite interiors. We put together a guide with some of the best interior designers, landscape architects, and real estate experts in the area to lead you on the journey to your dream home.
For more than 50 years, King’s Landscape Design has helped DuPage County homeowners make their outside spaces as beautiful and comfortable as the insides of their homes.
WORDS BY MITCH HURST“Don’t let the comfort of your home stop at the door.” That’s the motto of King’s Landscape Design, a company with a team of landscape architects, designers, and crews that, since 1959, has been helping homeowners beautify the outsides of their homes. “Our approach is simple. We have learned a lot over our more than 50 years and we treat our clients with respect and unwavering gratitude,” says Noel King. “We offer one-of-a-kind designs that set each home apart from another.” Everything the company does is outdoors, from bark mulch to backyard designs, patios and patio furniture to pergolas and planting, kitchens and fireplaces to Koi ponds and front entrances, and water features to weeding. “We
are a one-stop shop for all of your landscaping needs,” says King. “From concept to design you have one designer or architect who you work with through to completion.” For homeowners thinking about upgrading their outdoor space, this spring might just be the right time. “Next to the indoor kitchen, the outdoor space has risen to the number two most renovated space in the home,” King says. “People want to cook, eat, and entertain outdoors, and these spaces can house all of the comforts of ‘home’ with televisions, comfortable furniture, full operational kitchens, and fire features for the cooler months.” King’s Landscaping is located at 16W280 Jeans Road in Lemont, 630-323-3757, kingslandscaping.com.
The founders and staff at Linly Designs, based in Clarendon Hills, believe quality merchandise goes hand-in-hand with attentive customer service. The company offers a wide variety of interior design services to fit any project, and its showroom is a one-stop shop for any interior design needs. “Our approach to design is unique in that during our initial consultation we not only ask the important questions, our design team will immediately provide professional suggestions for each client’s space,” says Janet Linly, President and CEO. “We feel that listening to each client’s wants and needs for their space is important but often clients are unaware of what they need until we show them or make suggestions.” Unique to the Linly Designs approach is its trademarked “Accessory Call,” a process that includes two in-home consultations with a designer to accessorize and personalize the home, delivery and placement of home decor, artwork, and florals to complete the design of the home, and
a 24-hour period for clients to live in the newly designed home with the ability to remove any pieces they do not wish to keep. “We design spaces that are not only classical and timeless but elegant and functional, which results in satisfied clients who continue to use our services for future projects,” says Linly. “We just don’t design spaces and create luxury lifestyles, we build relationships.” Linly Designs is located at 445 E. Ogden Avenue in Clarendon Hills, 630-769-5099, info@linlydesigns.com, linlydesigns.com.
WORDS BY MITCH HURSTHomeowners thinking about making upgrades to their homes can sometimes be overwhelmed by all of the elements that might go into a project—paint, wall coverings, windows, etc. JCLicht understands that, so it offers an unparalleled selection of the finest products that can help homeowners improve their living spaces. “What sets us apart is the synergies between our full product offerings of quality paint products, the largest collection of wallcovering in the Chicago area, and a full line of custom window treatments from various vendors,” says Ron Byrza, Director of in-home services for JCLicht. “We bring this to the consumer through our multiple showrooms as well as our In Home Color and Window Treatment Consultations.” Rooted in the Chicago community since 1907, JCLicht considers its customers to be both neighbors and friends, and with 38 locations throughout Chicago, including many in the Western Suburbs, the company sells more Benjamin Moore paint than any other store in the Midwest. In addition to its retail locations, JCLicht offers free in-home consultation services for both windows and color treatments, Windows@Home and Color@
Home, where a designer will come to the home and help clients identify their product needs. The process helps take the guesswork out of what colors or products to choose. And when it comes to choices, JCLicht stands above the rest. “Customers can find the products we carry through other organizations,” Byrza says. “But they will not find the full combination of those products under one roof.” JCLicht has multiple locations in the Western Suburbs, including 6 Grant Square in Hinsdale, 844-525-7600, jclicht.com.
Linly Designs creates unique and personalized environments that help clients express their own taste and fashion spaces that reflect their lifestyles.
JCLicht is a one-stop shop for homeowners in Chicago’s Western Suburbs looking for the best products to renovate or beautify their homes.BY
Leslie Bowman, founder of Leslie Bowman Designs and owner of the upscale retail showroom, The Design Bar, recently completed the design of more than 12 luxury homes in Chicago’s Western Suburbs. Based in Burr Ridge, Bowman’s approach is to make every room she designs feel effortless, beautiful, and functional. “I approach interior design from an integrated point-of-view, meaning I look at a project as a whole, not in pieces or parts,” Bowman says. “I think that a home is well-designed when the design approach is cohesive and integrated throughout the home.” Bowman explains that this approach doesn’t necessarily mean a single theme runs throughout every room but that elements of an overarching design concept are included. Her approach also allows for flexibility in how rooms are purposed. “I don’t try to box myself into, ‘a living room is a living room’. It can be repurposed into something that fits in well with how my clients live,” she says. “For instance, it
can become a piano room or a lounge.” Recently, Bowman worked with a client to tweak the “modern farmhouse” design trend to give the house a more timeless feel. “I worked with the client, since the foundation was dug, and found we were able to incorporate almost all of our design elements throughout the building process,” says Bowman. “No element was left to happenstance and the result is an effortlessly timeless, functional space that left no detail unturned.”
Leslie Bowman Designs and The Design Bar are located at 880 Village Center Drive in Burr Ridge, 630-734-0000, design@ thedesignbars.com, thedesignbars.com.
WORDS BY MITCH HURSTIn 1920, a young man named Louis DeSitter came from Belgium with a vision to start a company to provide the best quality flooring for homeowners and business owners throughout Chicago. One hundred years later, DeSitter’s vision is carried on by his two grandsons and third-generation business owners, Tom Cunningham and Steve DeSitter. DeSitter has two residential showrooms in the Western Suburbs, in Glen Ellyn and La Grange, and a commercial showroom at its 30,000 square-foot headquarters in Bolingbrook. DeSitter customers benefit from the company’s professionally trained teams, a wide selection of top-quality flooring products, and expert installation by some of the best craftsmen in the business. The company offers carpeting, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl and waterproof luxury vinyl, area rugs, stair runners, and commercial flooring. DeSitter Flooring is a member of a number of west suburban chambers of commerce and supports social service agencies in the community. It was named the top flooring dealer in Chicago by the Chicago Flooring Association in 2013. DeSitter Flooring’s unparalleled selection of products and atten-
tion to detail make the company a top choice for homeowners and businesses in DuPage County. DeSitter Flooring has showrooms at 444 Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn, 630-517-2697, and 1 North Kensington Avenue in La Grange, 708-813-2933, desitterflooring.com.
Interior designer Leslie Bowman’s effortless style is just the right mix of classic and modern, creating rooms that are beautiful and functional.
DeSitter Flooring marks 100 years of providing the best quality flooring for home and business owners in DuPage County.
WORDS
MITCH HURST
INDOORS: This one-of-a-kind, Cape Codinspired home is located in the much-desired Fullersburg Woods of Hinsdale. It features hardwood floors and an open-concept style that is perfect for entertaining. A sleek and updated kitchen includes Thermador appliances, ample storage, and eat-in banquette seating. There are five large bedrooms in the home including an oversized master suite with a brand new master bathroom. The first floor features a family room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, a beautiful dining room with vaulted ceilings, and a living room with French doors that open up to a lovely front porch. An additional first-floor room could be used as a study or gym.
OUTDOORS: A screened-in porch leads out to a huge, half-acre yard and the home is just a short walk from Fullersburg Woods’ walking and biking trails. A gorgeous front porch provides additional outdoor entertaining space.
CONTACT: Anna Fiascone and Natalie Ryan, Berkshire Hathaway, 35 South Washington Street in Hinsdale, 630-325-7500, afiascone@ bhhschicago.com, afnrhomes.com.
INDOORS: Renovated from top to bottom in 2008, this home sits on more than one acre and features more than 7,000 square feet of historic charm and amazingly appointed modern amenities. A grand, gorgeous foyer with a fireplace includes quarter-sewn oak floors, and the home features 10-foot ceilings, unrivaled millwork, and hardwood floors throughout. The open floor plan includes living room, music room, and a stunning dining room that opens up to the sunroom. A high-end appliance kitchen with white custom cabinets and center island opens to a family room with walnut floors and a built-in fireplace. A master suite features a fireplace and a spa Carrera marble bath with steam shower.
OUTDOORS: A private yard and brick patio are great for entertaining, and a wraparound porch and four-season room look out over the incredibly landscaped, acre-plus property.
CONTACT: Kris Berger Group, Compass Realty, 36 South Washington Street, 2nd Floor in Hinsdale, 630-975-0088, kris.berger@compass.com, compass.com/agent/kris-berger.
INDOORS: This renovated home features a firstfloor master suite addition with stunning outdoor views, his and her walk-in closets, and a convenient laundry area. There are hardwood floors throughout the home, an extra deep basement, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. A huge mudroom and chef’s office are among the home’s 13 total rooms. Views of the magnificent yard can be seen from the warm kitchen and breakfast room. The house includes a total of four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, spacious living and dining rooms, and a large, formal screened-in porch.
OUTDOORS: An expansive Bluestone patio looks out to a private yard that features professional landscaping and is surrounded by trees that offer a natural wall of privacy.
CONTACT: Chris Pequet, Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, 330 West Chestnut Street, Suite 2E in Hinsdale, 630-327-5175, chris@ chrispequet.com, chrispequet.com.
11
164 The Lane, Hinsdale - $1,525,000
INDOORS: This six bedroom, 5.2 bath beauty features a gourmet kitchen with timeless detail, including high-end appliances and a center island with Carrera marble. Ample counter space and two sinks make the kitchen a dream to prepare meals. The kitchen opens up to a sun-filled family room flanked by built-in shelves and a fireplace. A formal living room includes a striking fireplace with French doors, and a spacious dining room provides plenty of room for entertaining family and friends. The second-floor master suite features a sitting room, walk-in closet with custom built-ins, and classically designed master bath with Gerber soaking tub and an oversized shower. The lower level is perfect for game-day entertaining with a beautiful bar, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and ice maker.
OUTDOORS: The home features two porches, and French doors in the family room open out to a bluestone covered patio with a gas-start fire pit that looks out to a fenced, professionally landscaped yard.
CONTACT: Tracy Anderson, Compass, 36 S. Washington Street, 2nd Floor in Hinsdale, 630452-3108, tracy.anderson@compass.com, tracyandersonrealtor.com.
INDOORS: Loaded with luxurious amenities and all the “must haves,” this home strikes the perfect balance of luxury and everyday living. Enjoy the open floor plan with volume ceilings, exquisite millwork, custom flooring and doors, hand-molded hardware, and imported lighting. The well-thought-out kitchen has a spacious island with retractable counter for maximum efficiency and seating for five, the very best appliances in the largest sizes, a coveted walk-in pantry, butlers pantry, and breakfast room. The family room with 12-foot ceilings is adorned with impressive wood ceiling detail, stone fireplace, and adjacent office. Five bedrooms have their own private baths. The lower level includes a media room ideal for a golf simulator and an outstanding workout room. A large mudroom with heated flooring helps keep the comings and goings well organized.
OUTDOORS: This breathtaking stucco and stone residence features a four-car garage, radiant-heated driveway, and a private backyard with a covered patio and fireplace. This home is just steps away from popular Burns Field Park.
CONTACT: Megan McCleary Berkshire Hathaway Chicago, 35 S. Washington Street in Hinsdale, 630-780-1913, mmccleary@bhhschicago. com, mcclearygroup.com
INDOORS: One of Hinsdale’s most iconic estates, the house features four meticulously appointed levels across 13,000 interior square feet, including seven bedrooms and 8.3 baths. Spacious formal and casual spaces are ideal for welcoming family and friends. A true chef’s kitchen, butler’s pantry, walk-in, dry-goods pantry, and island that seats five makes the house ideal for entertaining large parties. The main floor includes a stunning great room with abundant custom millwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, wet bar, and gas-start fireplace. Second-floor master suite is highlighted by a gorgeous Calcutta master bath with soaking tub, custom dressing room, and a lovely sitting area/office with a private, covered balcony overlooking the grounds.
OUTDOORS: Boasts a curated exterior of sourced Pennsylvania fieldstone and limestone, copper gutters, and a timeless slate roof, all surrounded by manicured English gardens on a 209 foot by 143 foot lot.
CONTACT: The Julie Sutton Group, 8 E. Hinsdale Avenue in Hinsdale, 312-909-9561, julie. sutton@compass.com, juliesuttongroup.com.
Chris and Mary Spagnola cook for a living, which means they lack the time—and the expendable income—to waste money on pricey branding advice. Given the choice between cleaning out their bank accounts to pay for a “high-impact, analytics-driven, solutionbased, brand-relevant marketing strategy” or huddling up with their co-owners—Steve and Mary Jo Quirk and Sharon Owens—to pick a name for their new spot in La Grange, they prudently chose the latter.
Thank the culinary gods—and the marketing gods, for that matter—because I can’t think of a more idyllic name for their cozy little American bistro than the one they’ve selected: The Milkstop Café.
Makes one think of Norman Rockwell prints, baked pies cooling on a country sill, and mounds of fresh-churned butter. (The latter, admittedly,
shows up in all of my daydreams). If there isn’t already a piece by Thomas Kinkade with the word “milkstop” somewhere in the title, there certainly should be.
During the evening, however, the space glows less with Kinkade’s patented amber brushstrokes than the bright blankets of white florescence you’d expect from Edward Hopper.
There are globe lights. Original hexagon tile floors. Snow white tin ceilings. All bright and inviting. Plus, the accents are clever nods to the former lives this building once lived. Brown apothecary bottles sprout native grains to honor the time when this space housed a medicine shop. Shadowboxes are made from old frosted glass. And an old sign reads, aptly enough, “cream and sugar.”
The Spagnolas, who previously ran Back Alley Burger and cooked at Emilio’s Sunflower Bistro, say they’ve always dreamt of opening up a
There are plenty of classic cocktails—note the rye sazerac with absinthe—but Milkstop Café seems particularly enamored with wine-topped cocktails. Here are two to try.
Pistachio-crusted Lake Superior walleye, served with couscous, Brussels sprouts, and beurre rouge
casual neighborhood bistro similar to the French one they frequented while in culinary school in San Francisco. Although there are a couple of French-inspired staples (a chicken mousse made with Bulleit rye comes to mind), their offerings feel more inspired by a multiethnic Chicago diner. Coconut arancini and lobster tostatas share menu space with prime rib sandwiches and huge Cobb and wedge salads.
Only the offerings are more clever than they read. The house sliders? No ground beef. No cheese. No pickles. They’re more Jamie Oliver than Guy Fieri. Medallions of red wine-braised beef served on an eggy bun smeared with horseradish cream and topped with crispy onion rings. There are no puck-shaped crab cakes here. Rather, tufts of moist crab meat are stuffed into a crispy eggroll wrapper and set atop a bowl of spicy sriracha coleslaw.
The Spagnolas have an affinity for this particular flavor combination—creamed sweetness warmed by sparks of gentle heat—which are best captured in their double-fried chicken thigh small plate. It’s pan-fried, breaded, then fried again before it’s drizzled, breakfast-style, with sticky bands of cinnamon-honey. It’s Nashville
hot chicken’s gentler doppelganger. The flavor leans on warm baking spices instead of Buffalo wing fire, in a way that recalls a snazzy platter of chicken and waffles.
Diners are free to dine as they like, grazing on small plates, munching on salads and burgers, or coursing out their meals. The Spagnolas think their new burgers are their best yet. More brisket meat has been used this time around, plus guests can choose between “flat” (two griddled patties) or fat (one hulking half-pound burger).
But if you’re going full dinner date, course things out. You can’t go wrong with the French onion soup—umami blasted with brandy and bits of steak—and then order either the Roasted Slagel Farms chicken or the pistachio-crusted Lake Superior walleye. The citrusy chicken—a half bird marinated for 24 hours with lemon and garlic, then roasted—is surrounded by fluffy olive-studded saffron rice. But our catch of the night was the breaded walleye, packed with enough pistachios to make a pudding, and paired with sun-dried tomato couscous. The portion size is pure Chicago, but the flavors play wonderfully with the sun-dried sweetness you’d find along the southern Mediterranean.
For dessert, continue along the southern Mediterranean and order the sumptuous ricotta-mascarpone mousse. It’s incredibly light and drizzled with saba, a reduced grape must syrup that’s reads like a light balsamic. For those aching for something more sweet, the house’s sugar pie tastes like renowned pastry chef Christina Tosi’s famous crack pie, a custardy caramelize sugar delight. It offers the gooey texture of a pecan pie filling with the flavor of a Werther’s Original, made—you guessed it—with lots of cream and sugar.
Milkstop Café is located at 700 West Burlington Avenue in La Grange, 708-937-9158, milkstopcafe.com.
A Nice Evening: Gin can be a dominating spirit, but not here, where a tidal wave of tropical notes— citrus oleo-saccharum, pineapple, and sauvignon blanc—artfully redefine the idea of “gin and juice.”
Tequila Moonrise: An elderflower margarita? Yes, please. Arandas tequila, lime, and simple syrup are turned floral thanks to some elderflower liquor. But it’s a crown of prosecco that gives this a welcome effervescent buzz.
More than 300 guests joined co-chairs Paula Horvath and Becky Spratford at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace to raise funds for Pillars Community Health in February. Attendees raised $242,000 during the evening for the 99-year-old nonprofit’s health and social services programs in the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago. Pillars Community Health also debuted an inspirational video during the event, shining a light on the turning points clients have experienced on the road to recovery and improved health with help from the organization. pillarscommunityhealth.org
Photography by Ian McLeod
Storied Luxury
CONTEMPORARY HOMES. ICONIC ARCHITECTURE.
SALES GALLERY, BY APPOINTMENT
401 North Michigan Avenue, 28th Floor tribunetower.com 312.967.3700
All floor plans shown are for illustrative purposes only. Floor plans may not depict final design of units as constructed and may not be drawn to scale. All sketches, renderings, architectural models, materials, plans, specifications, terms, prices, conditions and statements, including estimated timeframes and dates, contained herein are proposed only and are not intended to constitute representations. Developer reserves the right to make modifications in its sole discretion and without prior notice. All photographs and renderings are merely intended as illustrations of the activities and concepts depicted therein as interpreted by the artists. Developer makes no representations regarding any view and/or exposure to light at any time including any existing or future construction by either owner or a third party. Square footage and ceiling heights are approximate and may be based on various measurement methodologies, subject to construction variances and tolerances, as well as redesign, and vary from unit to unit (and may vary from floor to floor). This brochure shall not constitute a valid offer in any jurisdiction where prior registration is required and not yet fulfilled. Where used, developer shall mean Tribune Tower West (Chicago) Owner, LLC and its affiliated entities and their respective managers, members, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, affiliates and employees. Developer License #2556130.
DL# 2556130
MARCUS in downtown Hinsdale was filled with Valentine’s Day love in February during a festive evening hosted by Courtney Casey Interiors and Style Strategy. Guests sipped, shopped, and mingled, with a wine bar from Scout & Cellar and 20 percent of purchases were donated to the Simply from the Heart Foundation. courtneycaseyinteriors.com; stylestrategy.org
Hundreds of guests flooded the ballroom in the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago in February for the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club’s (HJWC) annual fundraiser, A Gilded Affair. Guests grabbed a drink from the strolling champagne model before heading over to the casino games. The evening, which celebrated the club’s 70th anniversary, also featured angel dancers, a martini bar, and more—all to raise funds for HJWC’s grant applicants. The funds raised and grants awarded will be announced in May. hjwc.us
Guests donned fascinators, floral prints, and pocket squares during a chic afternoon tea party with their four-legged friends. Hosted by the Hinsdale Humane Society and Real Dog Moms of Chicago at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, the afternoon featured Valentine’s Day décor, delicious treats, and a some of the most adorable pooches in the area. hinsdalehumanesociety.org; realdogmomsofchicago.com
When Dr. Peter Geldner was in high school, he witnessed a young burn victim who had been treated by a plastic surgeon and who couldn’t stop talking about how the surgeon had changed his life.
That was the moment Dr. Geldner knew he wanted to be a plastic surgeon.
Fast forward a few decades. Dr. Geldner now runs the Geldner Center, a plastic-surgery and aesthetics center with locations in Chicago’s Gold Coast and Hinsdale.
“I get tremendous satisfaction from seeing the psychological and physical transformations that my patients experience following surgery,” Dr. Geldner says. “They revitalize their lives.”
Dr. Geldner’s path to managing two plastic surgery centers in the Chicago area was, at the very least, unconventional.
The son of Holocaust survivors, Dr. Geldner was born in
Warsaw and immigrated to Israel with his parents as a very young child, then to the United States at the age of six. His father, a neurosurgeon, and his mother, an opthamologist, helped expose him to the field of medicine.
After receiving his medical degree from the University of Madison, Wisconsin, Dr. Geldner went on to receive his training in plastic surgery from the University of Chicago. He completed his residency at the University of Texas, Galveston, where he met his Chicago-born wife, JuliAnn. Together, they decided to base his practice in Chicago. JuliAnn, a lawyer, is the Geldner Center’s General Counsel and COO.
The foundation of the Geldner Center’s success is a focus on understanding and gaining trust with patients.
“Our interest is in meeting a subjective goal,” Dr. Geldner says. “The point of plastic surgery is to achieve the goals of patients, and that achievement is built on a relationship.”
“Plastic surgery is not based on needs,” he continues. “It’s based on what it is about you that bothers you and how I can help you. It’s patient-centric and patientfocused.”
When you book an appointment with the Geldner Center, you might have a start time for your appointment, but Dr. Geldner won’t leave the room until he feels he and his patient have established a true collaboration.
“That can take five minutes or it can take two hours,” JuliAnn Geldner says. “It doesn’t make it easy to manage the appointment calendar.”
Undergirding the Geldner Center’s success is a keen focus on education and ethics.
“I’m a lifetime learner,” Dr. Geldner says. “When JuliAnn and I go on vacation she loads her Kindle with fiction books and I bring my medical journals. I go to conferences and try and keep up with the latest technology.”
The center’s assessments, completed in collaboration with patients, might lead to a recommendation of surgery or the center might refuse procedures if they don’t meet its ethical guidelines.
In addition to its comprehensive set of plastic-surgery procedures, the Geldner Center offers many aesthetic services performed by highly trained nurses and practitioners. Services include injections and medical-grade facials.
Geldner Center staff are held to the same high standards that Dr. Geldner sets for himself.
“Having highly trained Nurse Injectors and Estheticians gives us a strategic advantage,” Dr. Geldner says. “Our Nurse Injectors and Estheticians not only receive the highest level of training, they also enroll in continuing education and are experts in their fields.”
All of this adds up to a winning combination for the Geldner Center, a perhaps improbable destination that started for Dr. Peter Geldner in Warsaw many years ago.
The Geldner Center is located at 12 Salt Creek, Suite 315, in Hinsdale, and 680 North Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1325, in Chicago, 312-981-4440, mygeldnercenter.com.
Take two little girls born in the South—one in Atlanta, the other in Little Rock—add a lot of travel and living in diverse parts of the country, mix in welcoming personalities and charm, and you end up with the successful Hinsdale real estate partnership co-captained by Anna
and Natalie Ryan.
Fiascone and Ryan, who formed their partnership in January, are affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway and focus on the Western Suburbs. While they took different paths to get to Hinsdale, their partnership is both strategic and collaborative.
“It’s very rare in this town and in this business to have two equal partners,” Fiascone says. “We have a shared vision and a resourceful approach, and are totally kindred spirits. We are bigger and better together.”
Fiascone grew up in Little Rock in a family rooted in the real estate business. She got her real estate license at the age of 18 and assisted her father with commercial real estate deals from when she was young. She would go on to earn a law degree in Chicago, and, after practicing commercial real estate law, decided to launch a career as an agent.
“I hated being behind a desk and decided to use my legal skills and proven negotiation tactics to become an agent,” Fiascone says. “I’ve been selling real estate in the area for 10 years, and we are thrilled for the new joint venture.”
Ryan is originally from Atlanta but moved around the country a lot with her family, attending 10 different schools before graduating high school in the Western Suburbs. After college at the University of Illinois, she started a successful career in marketing, advertising sales negotiating, and executing multi-tiered campaigns for large companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and BMW. Like Fiascone, she eventually decided to work directly with people.
“Real estate is so much more exciting and gratifying, working with actual people rather than large corporations,” says Ryan.
“I’ve spent a lifetime acclimating myself to new surroundings and groups, and I enjoy helping my clients do the same.”
While the two possess similar, outgoing personalities, their backgrounds and experience complement each other exceedingly well. Ryan’s advertising chops, along with Fiascone’s legal experience, offer clients comprehensive service they might not find elsewhere.
“One of the big factors that brought us together is that we’re both very relatable and approachable,” Ryan says. “We’re smart, excellent communicators, tenacious negotiators, with personalities that are sophisticated and fun. Clients enjoy working with us, and we work hard for our clients to achieve their goals.”
When you have two vibrant, dynamic personalities, it’s inevitable that they’re going to know a lot of people. Both Ryan and Fiascone bring extensive networks to the table, particularly helpful for sellers who want to reach as broad a range of potential buyers as possible. Furthermore, their relationships with fellow local agents and industry professionals are invariably cooperative and collaborative, which goes a long way for a smooth transaction in real estate.
“In a nutshell, we already have vast networks of people for current listings, legal background paired with advertising expertise, and multiple ways of helping clients think through the process,” says Fiascone.
While many might see a move to a new community as putting down roots, Fiascone and Ryan view it more like dropping an anchor. You never know how long it will last, but keep the ship chic and stable and the crew cheerful for as long as you’re there.
“It’s so much more than just getting the house,” Ryan says. “We want to provide a solid base for you to get anchored in the community.”
Anna Fiascone and Natalie Ryan bring their experience growing up in the South and raising their families in the Midwest to help clients drop anchor in the Western Suburbs.Anna Fiascone and Natalie Ryan are with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 35 S. Washington Street in Hinsdale, 214-693-6785, 917952-0056, afnrhomes.com. Natalie Ryan and Anna Fiascone
Research shows more than 18 million Americans each year suffer from a depressive episode, and more than 2.2 million Americans face challenges related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While the most common treatment for both conditions is antidepressants and other prescription drugs, less well-known and less invasive treatments are available.
Relief TMS in Oak Brook, which opened earlier this year, offers a noninvasive solution to depression, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses without the use of medication, side effects, or invasive procedures. For those interested in coming off of their antidepressants or avoiding the drugs, TMS can be a godsend.
“I’ve seen so many things that work and didn’t work, and people are always looking for alternatives,” says Susan Mueller, founder of Relief TMS. “I’ve had friends and family members who’ve gotten better through TMS and had a better quality of life without the side effects of other treatments.”
Mueller, who worked in the mental health field for more than a decade before launching Relief TMS, says those who suffer from OCD and depression don’t always get access to resources that explain the full range of treatments available.
“The companies that provide the medical devices we use don’t have massive advertising budgets like big pharma has to promote drugs like Prozac,” she says. “The conversation about mental health is super important. What treatments are out there? What are the options?”
The TMS treatment involves using a magnet that is placed on the head with a machine that looks similar to an old-fashioned hair dryer. The session lasts less than 20 minutes and depending on what
BY ROBIN SUBARcondition is being treated, stimulates various parts of the brain. The clinicians who dispense the treatments at Relief TMS are hands on and always interacting with patients.
“When they come in we engage with them, checking on depression scales, and patients love it,” says Mueller. “It definitely requires a commitment but when people are looking for alternative treatments, they’re already committed.”
While TMS is more popular in other parts of the country, it’s beginning to take off in the Midwest. Relief TMS is one of the few facilities that focuses exclusively on TMS, and they take the time to make sure patients have resources during and after their treatment for continued wellness. They are one of the few facilities that treats OCD with an FDA-approved device.
“We’ve already have a steady stream of patients in a short time, which is an indicator that people are looking for ways to get better,” Mueller says. “We treat a lot of OCD patients because there just aren’t that many places that get it right.”
TMS is FDA-approved and many insurance plans cover the treatment, but it might not be for everyone. The most important thing for staff at Relief TMS is that individuals get the right help they need.
“The medical device we use is definitely ahead of the game and we use the latest technology,” she says. “But we won’t treat a patient if it’s not right for them. I have a whole network of therapists and doctors I can refer someone to, and I’m always willing to help someone whether I treat them or not.”
Relief TMS is located at 1100 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 172 in Oak Brook, 630-974-6602, relieftms.com.
Relief TMS in Oak Brook offers an innovative, noninvasive treatment for OCD and depression for those who want to avoid drug regimens.
MITCH
PHOTOGRAPHYSusan Mueller
When astronauts were coming back from space in the ’60s, it was evident that they had significant bone and muscle deterioration due to prolonged periods of weightlessness. Without the force of gravity acting on their bodies in space, their bodies couldn’t maintain their bone density and muscle mass. The solution to this issue came in the form of a plate, but not just any plate: a vibrating plate. This vibrating plate, called the Power Plate, was something that could help astronauts restore their lost muscle and bone density.
As decades followed, the plate became something growing in popularity in the health and wellness community—being used for things like stroke rehabilitation, physical therapy, and sports performance.
It wasn’t too long after that when Katie Mueller, now owner of Plate28, was introduced to the Power Plate for the first time. At the time, Katie was suffering from frustrating issues with her thyroid and was utterly impressed with how she felt after using the Power Plate for only 30 minutes during her workout session. As a busy mom, the efficient 30-minute workout became a no-brainer for Katie. “I was a stay-at-home mom on the workout circuit and didn’t love anything I was doing, and I definitely was not seeing any results,” Mueller says. “I had what is called ‘workout ADD’ where I’d try something for six to nine months and then move on to the next option never really loving any of it. Plus, it was over an hour commitment by the time it was all done.” From that point, the wheels were set in motion for Plate28—a whole body vibration-based studio—to make its debut.
Af ter eighteen months of obtaining certifications and training with the Power Plate, Plate28 was born in Hinsdale.
“It took me several sessions to get on board with it. I was skeptical, it seems too good to be true. However, I quickly realized this medical device did provide remarkable health and wellness benefits and I wanted to bring it to the community,” Mueller says. “My intention was to appeal to progressive individuals who can understand they don’t need to spend an hour working out each day. I want to disrupt the mentality of needing a 60-minute workout and bring awareness that there are other effective options.”
Mueller highlights the difference between a regular workout and a session using the vibration plate: In addition to getting the same benefits in a shorter amount of time (28 minutes as opposed to an hour), the vibration technology improves mental as well as physical health. “When you stand on the vibration plate you have an immediate boost in serotonin and a significant drop in cortisol levels,” she says. “The machine recruits 90 percent of your muscle fibers as opposed to 40 percent during a traditional workout.”
Research also shows that whole body vibration training can
reduce abdominal fat, increase strength and muscle mass, reduce cellulite, build bone density, and improve circulation with just 30 minutes per day several times per week.
Plate28 workouts involve routine exercises such as jogging, pushups, bicep curls, and shoulder presses. There are HIIT, strength, barre, and yoga classes all which incorporate the Power Plate at some capacity.
“Anything you can do on the ground you can modify to use the Power Plate and benefit from all those good vibrations,” says Mueller.
Plate28 offers small group workout sessions with 12 individuals, a departure from the larger group workouts offered by other types of studios. One-on-one sessions with personal trainers are also available.
“Every workout is structured,” Mueller says. “I like to say we offer a personal workout experience in a group setting.”
As the only studio of its kind in Illinois, Plate28 offers workout sessions in the early morning and into the evening, and provides low-impact to high-impact sessions based on members’ health needs and goals. Mueller strives to maintain a fun and rewarding environment where members are prepared both physically and mentally for what may lie ahead.
“We make it fun and non-competitive, and pride ourselves on providing a warm, friendly environment. There’s an addiction aspect to it.” Mueller says. “We really like to focus on giving people the strength and energy to take on their day.”
Plate28 in Hinsdale offers structured workouts that improve both physical health and mental readiness.Plate28 is located at 5819 S. Madison Street in Hinsdale, 630-5371176, plate28.co. Katie Mueller
LORENZO F. MUÑOZ, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon and professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Rush Medical College. He received his medical degree from the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico, where he graduated with high honors, and completed his neurosurgical internship and residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Outside of work, he is the founder of the Hinsdale Wine Academy, which offers both novices and aficionados the opportunity to enjoy wine in a friendly environment. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he has resided in Hinsdale for 10 years with his wife, Christine, and their five sons. Here a few of his best lasts:
LAST GREAT CHEAP BOTTLE OF WINE? Boom Boom by Charles Smith—a Washington State Syrah. Talk about a great value. For $15, it hits all the salient features that makes Syrah “weird”: the black pepper, the preserved-meats nose, and the chewy weight in the palate.
LAST GREAT EXTRAVAGANT BOTTLE OF WINE? A wonderful Burgundy. Bouchard Pere et Fils Le Corton 2017. It’s the type of wine that truly makes for a special gift. Opening it is its own special occasion. In this case, it was a thoughtful Christmas present from my wife, Christine.
LAST GREAT MEAL IN HINSDALE? Vistro. Paul Virant, Chef Eddie, and the rest of the staff always make you feel at home. The wood-burning oven dinners are a Hinsdale gem.
LAST GREAT TRIP? Went to Paso Robles, California and learned about the bold and adventurous wines they are making there. It was a quaint little town. Some describe this area as Napa many years ago. However, it’s also described as the Wild West of wine, as the winemakers “break the rules” in their zeal to craft unusual blends and styles. To name a few: Linne Calodo, Epoch, Booker, Tooth and Nail, Tablas Creek, and Daou. We stayed at the Hotel Cheval, a boutique hotel with plans to expand across the street.
LAST GREAT BUT UNEXPECTED FOOD AND WINE PAIRING? Black bean soup with a 2011 Prado Enea Gran Reserva. Truly spectacular. The cedar, sweet tobacco, and perfectly nuanced oak notes perfectly complemented the dark creaminess and spices in the soup.
For more information on Hinsdale Wine Academy, visit hinsdalewineacademy.com.
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CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared treatment that freezes away stubborn fat without surgery and with little to no downtime.
Dr. Hanna has specialized EXCLUSIVELY IN FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY for over 30 years. He is a board certified Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is board-certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.