Country Magazine, November 2022

Giannis Antetokounmpo

AskConnie

What is your secret for being a successful real estate broker?

I am a “relationship” based broker- not a “transactional based” broker. My goal is for each of my clients to know how important their satisfaction is to me, as I truly care about them. I have found it to be true that people like to work with those they “know, like and trust”. I hope to qualify as that person. In addition, my affiliation with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty has allowed me to be an agent with connections both domestically and internationally and my reach is far and wide. Although, I would be remiss if I said I do it alone. I have a tight team that assists behind the scenes in preparing and marketing luxury real estate. My team is equipped with incredible marketing coordinators, a fantastic stager, a top-rated photographer, and hardworking videographers.

Is staging important to selling a home?

YES! Studies show homes that have been staged spend less time on the market and

Brook Drive,

sell for more than homes that are not staged. Staging makes it easier for the prospective buyer to visualize the house with their own belongings.

How is the rise in interest rates affecting the housing market?

As rates go up the buyer has to adjust their price point. That may mean they have to look at homes in a different price range or with different locations /amenities. I suggest getting creative with an experienced lender.

Are there advantages to buying in the winter months before the spring market hits?

While statistically there are fewer homes to choose from in the winter there is also less competition when it comes to other buyers. You are more likely to have higher negotiating power in the Winter months rather than the Spring/Summer.

303 E Main Street,

Connie Antoniou answers

questions,

connie.antoniou@sothebysrealty.com.

Sotheby’s in

Geneva, WI.

Experience Transcendent

Enter a world of comfort and ease, where each day begins with boundless pleasure. Timeless elegance meets modern convenience in this 101-story s scraper designed by award-winning architect Jeanne Gang. Revel in exquisite interiors, exceptional finishes and panoramic views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago. Live high above it all, right in the middle of it all.

Learn more at srresidenceschicago.com or by calling +1 312 467 7569.

Ultra-luxurious

from 1,097 SF pieds-à-terre to full

One-to-five-bedroom homes from $840,000 to $18,500,000. 363 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601 | srresidenceschicago.com

SF,

the aficionado

There’s nothing Jeff loves more than retreating to his multi-media loft to enjoy the classic sounds of his record albums.

What do you love most about your home? Share with us on Instagram.

@atproperties

Meet Lydia Kutko

From Art Basel to Barrington: Curating Contemporary Art Collections

Nature’s Child

Artist Lisa Solberg dives deep to understand the world and what it means to be in it.

ON THE COVER

Barrington native, artist Lisa Solberg wearing Jeune Otte pink suit and Loeffler Randall shoes, Solberg’s own. Photography by David Lamer.

Lisa Solberg, Fountain Song, Acrylic, dye, china marker and lead on canvas, 96 x 77 in., 2022

2022

From LK

from

Dashiell Manley,

Possibly

48x60

DEPARTMENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE UP FRONT THE BUZZ COUNTRY LOVES LIVING & GIVING COUNTRY VS TOWN BEAUTY FASHION

& TRAVEL RECIPE

CLASS HOUSE & HOME HOME

TRENDS

OFFERINGS

STYLE

JWC Media accepts freelance contributions; however, there is no guarantee that unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or graphics will be returned. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by JWC Media. COUNTRY Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part, including but not limited to advertisements and articles, without written permission from the publisher.

COUNTRY Magazine assumes no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed by contributing writers, editors, or advertisers. However, comments or corrections or differing opinions are welcomed. The publisher reserves the right to edit and place all editorials and ads.

2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned

operated,

those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty,

Realty network fully supports

Housing

EDITOR’S NOTE

The month of November al ways feels like a cozy, stylish sweater to me. The leaves have changed color, the air is crisp and cool, and my home is filled with the smells of fall cooking (all things warm and bubbling on the stove). Throughout the weeks to come, the laughter of friends and family in and out of our home during the holidays will create new cherished memories. November is the time, for me, when preparations for the holiday season begin—the start of entertaining loved ones and thoughtfully creating shared experiences for my family. And there’s no better way to start to think about new ways to create at home than by being introduced to new art across this month’s pages.

In this issue, you are sure to be stopped in your tracks by the art works of Barrington native, Lisa Solberg. Powerful, beautiful, and energetic her works jump off the pages of Country. Her story of following her passion and resulting success—her latest work of three concrete sculptures have been installed at The Aurora Highlands, a new master-planned community in Denver—is sure to inspire you. Her ability to move fluidly from one medium to the next, all while expressing herself and creating beauty is astounding.

Ever wondered what the buzz is all about with Art Basel Miami?

Us too. In “Meet Lydia Kutko,” Kutko takes us behind the scenes of one of the most renowned, and talked about, art fairs in the world happening this December 1st to the 3rd. Building her business, LK Art Consultants, from the ground up she demystifies what happens when clients enlist her company to help them procure art, and how Art Basel Miami takes a place in this process.

From the art on a home’s walls, we move next to the home’s de sign itself in our Home Tour of a recently renovated home in Jewel Park by interior designer Jennifer Lauren Design. Lauren walks us through the design elements in each photo in the story, sharing why she chose a particular design element and how it works. We’re also at home with this month’s Country Loves Abby Biondi and Country vs. Town’s Britini Wilkens—sharing their tips and tricks for everyday success.

Enjoy, Megan Weisberg Editor-in-Chief megan.weisberg@jwcmedia.com

Country vs. Town’s Britini Wilkens in model’s own

MY WISH LIST

Adding to my wishlist the newest from Tiffany & Co., the Tiffany Lock bracelet, tiffany.com

Organizing my home with the new book, Remodelista

The Low Impact Home, amazon.com

Carrying Boyy’s wonton 20 leather tote, net-a-porter.com

UP

CULTURE, MURMURS

KHAITE

Reimagining classic American sportswear for the twenty-first century

Women’s ready-to-wear collection designer, KHAITE, is designed to be cherished. Each piece, including these boots, proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements—past and future, masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure, and fluidity—while em bodying a signature sensuality and ease. Founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein, New York-based KHAITE evolves with each new season, building upon a foundation of robust yet polished items distinguished by exceptional materials and subtle yet striking details. The collection (pronounced “Kate”) takes its name from the Greek word (χαίτη) meaning “long, flowing hair.” For more information, visit matchesfashion.com/us.

THE NEW LAMBORGHINI URUS S

Automobili Lamborghini recently announced the Urus S, the successor to the original Urus that established a new Super SUV niche in the luxury segment. The Urus S delivers increased power combined with luxurious versatility and presence to confirm its status as the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini Super SUV. “The Urus has proven its appeal for those seeking the decisive combination of the sportiest SUV and a Lam borghini to drive everyday. The Urus S sits per fectly alongside the new Urus Performante, for those choosing the purest sublimation of per formance, luxury, and versatility,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. Prices start at $229,495. For more information, visit lamborghini.com.

HOLIDAY FINEST: THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO BARRINGTON

The Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE)’s 27th annual production of one of Barrington’s most popular holiday traditions, The Nutcracker, returns this holiday season. The Christmas centerpiece and classic ballet will run four performances from December 2 to 4, 2022 at Barrington High School’s Richard C. Johnson Auditorium located at 616 West Main Street in Barrington. Guest artists from National and Chicago regional dance companies, including the Milwaukee Ballet and Giordano Dance Chicago, will perform lead soloist roles and are joined by more than 100 performers from the Northwest Chicago suburbs Performances will take place on Friday, December 2, 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 3, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 4, 2 p.m. Prices range from $25 to $35. To purchase tickets, please call 847-382-6333 or visit barringtondance.org.

LE LABO X THE MET

Art and scent have the power to move us in ways similarly profound and difficult to de scribe. There is an immediate impression in the initial encounter, but there is yet another layer—one that is often emotional—that only reveals itself over time. Le Labo and The Met have joined together to create a special edition candle, harmonizing the visual arts and fine fragrance through a shared appre ciation of subtle beauty. A quieter painting for this collaboration, a 1908 study for Underneath the Cork Oaks by Henri-Edmond Cross was chosen. Drawn to the enchanting imperfections of this unfinished piece, and the way the artist felt an urge to capture a fleeting moment, fixing it forever in time, it is now captured in scent. Laurier 62 is a hand-poured candle that has no fewer than 62 ingredients—some complementing each other, some contrasting—culminating into a beautiful, chaotic mess. To wander through The Met is a feast for the eyes and the soul, this candle allows you to take a little piece home for your nose. For more information, visit lelabofragrances.com.

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Which actress would play you in a movie? That’s tough … Emilia Clarke with her natural brunette hair color, maybe. I can aim high, right?

Who from history would you want to travel with? Without a doubt, Anthony Bourdain. He’s my idol. I’ve been beyond fortunate to travel to 22 countries so far, as well as throughout much of the United States (recently including Alaska!). Travel is a serious passion for me. In my opinion, one of the purest ways to connect with a culture is through its flavors, traditional food pro duction and preparation techniques, as well as the people who lovingly carry out those practices and traditions. Anthony Bourdain did just that in a genuine and respectful way. May he rest in peace.

Where do you look for inspiration?

Nature, my beautiful family (especially my talented, capable, and supportive husband who is my rock), my brilliant girlfriends, my travels, and food culture. I’ve been a baker for the last five years and I draw inspiration from the vibrant baking community online and locally.

Favorite book? This one goes way back, but, A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle. I’ve probably read it 20 times throughout my life. I double majored in molecular biology and philosophy in college, so in retrospect, I suppose it makes sense that my child hood favorite book combines biology, philosophy,

Best dinner party hack? is prepared. There’s something for everyone in the right spread. It also doubles as a kitchen island centerpiece. What’s in your bag right now? Gal Gloss in “coffee break,” Pepcid Complete, hand sanitizer, card holder, ear buds, ticket stubs to “Flyover Canada” Vancouver, library card, iPhone, and my car keys on a carabiner (not super cute but very practical).

ABBY LOVES

Gadget iPhone, my Cricut machine, and Eddie cookie printing machine Scent

Donna Karan “Cashmere Mist” Barrington spot My home. My husband has worked tirelessly for two years to transform our home and property in Barrington Hills to be our personal dream come true. Hostess gift to receive Prosecco Gift to give Something home cooked or homemade, typically my signature cookies. Feeding others is my favorite way to show I care because it’s both a gift and an act of service.

Biondi with Henrietta, her beloved chicken, wearing model’s own

Abby Biondi in Tove black dress, Neiman Marcus Northbrook Court

UP

& GIVING

Rant Kracht, Jayden ClarkJohn Klaas (Grand Prize Winner)

Michelle Maison

John Freitas

ALL WHEELS CAR SHOW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Kelleher + Holland, LLC hosted their annual charity, All Wheels Car Show, on September 17 at The Club at Wynstone. Attendees were treated to fabulous cars of all makes and models and enjoyed activities including wine tastings, an interactive NASCAR-style remote control racetrack, glitter tattoos and balloons for kids, and a variety of food and beverages. Guests also had a chance to vote for their favorite car as “Best in Show,” which was won by John Klaas with his fully-restored 1956 Corvette. All proceeds from the event benefitted Catholic Charities, Association of Horizon, and The Y-noT Project charities.

Garrett Lenger, Wyatt Lenger

Robin Kelleher, Gina D’Agosta, Bob Holland, Andy Kelleher

Gina D’Agosta, Bob Holland, Michelle Maison, Robin & Andy Kelleher

Michael Wozniak

Nick Ginalli

The Hunzinger Family

Bob Holland, Andy Kelleher

& GIVING

TARTANS FOR THE TRUST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Supporters of the Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT) gathered with friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of bagpipes, kilts, live music, and highland games at BACT’s Tartans for the Trust Concert at Christina Cressey’s beautiful Cresswood Farm on September 24. Young and old alike enjoyed fantastic live music by the band Murley and local favorite Pat McKillen from elaborately appointed sponsor tents and festive Ravinia-style picnic blankets. Children enjoyed Highland-themed games and played

Jamie & John Curry

Peter & Judy Gibbons

Emily McHugh, Susan Schacht

Alex & Payton Trzaska

Amanda & Bill Bielaga

Carolyn & Bill Springer

John Curry, Peter Gibbons

LIVING & GIVING| UP

beneath centuries old oaks, overlooking a conservation area. The live auction winner for the day Chieftain Betsy Bramsen and her guests won a tour of Barrington in a stunning Tantivy Coach courtesy of the Stephenson Family and Tudor Oaks Farm.

The BACT is devoted to preserving our community’s rare and exceptional open spaces for current and future generations. For more information, please visit bactrust.org.

Melissa Kinast, Betsy Bramsen

Michelle Maison, Matt Wilkens

Suzanne & Tim Corr

The Tarulis Family

Murley Band

The Trzaska Family

Michelle Maison, Karen Trzaska

...where the holidays are truly

a Magical Time

Wednesdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7

Starting at 2PM

Enjoy a festive tour of The Garlands community while it is decked out in its extensive Winter Wonderland finery. Visit model homes, sample our favorite and experience our magical Gingerbread Village

with Martha at 847-304-1996 or martha@thegarlands.com.

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16

Starting at 1PM

Holiday House Walk Holiday Tea

The holiday tradition continues with an assortment of tasty teas, a selection of tea sandwiches, sweet mini-pastries, and, of course, scones and lemon curd.

Nutcracker dancers will dazzle with Snow Queens and Sugar Plums while guests sip, nibble, and savor the season.

1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 304-1996 thegarlands.com

VS. TOWN

Wilkens in Zimmerman floral dress, Neiman Marcus Northbrook Court

After returning home from Southern Methodist University and a short stint of living with her girlfriends in the city of Chicago, Britini Wilkens moved back to her hometown. While working for The Plexus Groupe, her family’s business, she met her husband Matthew Wilkens— ironically her very first match on eHarmony. After suffering the loss of their first child, Hope Michelle, in 2014 due to preeclampsia, the Wilkens’ found their cause in raising funds and awareness for Infant Loss. Together they have raised over $175,000 and were awarded the inaugural Hope of Chicago Award by the Preeclampsia Foundation. The Wilkens now live in Inverness with their three beautiful children ages 7, 4, and 2. They enjoy the chaos of a young, active family and giving back to their church and the local community.

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Mantra? Count your blessings Best grooming tip? Moisturize Guilty pleasure? Binge-watching Netflix while online shopping Favorite foods? My mom’s spaghetti or a good filet mignon Music you love? Country all the way Best advice ever given to you? My papa always says, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you are late.” And . . . be present for your kids Best advice you’ve given? Give yourself grace Earliest memory? Playing at my grandparents’ family farm down in Southern Illinois When you wake up, you? Jump straight into mom mode Before bed, you? Thank the Lord for another day and all the blessings in my life What’s on your bookshelf? Atomic Habits by James Clear You can’t live without? My husband, family, and friends. They truly are my rocks and are my biggest support system and continue to be especially after the loss of our daughter Love to escape to? Naples, FL Advice you would give to your younger self? You are stronger than you think

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Workout leggings, tank top, and denim jack et Can’t leave the house without? iPhone, sunglasses, and ChapStick Transportation? Chrysler Pacifica. Never thought I would drive a minivan but it’s perfect for hauling all the kiddos and all their things Driving music? A Disney movie playing in the Barrington Hills Country Club, Shakou, Amazing Gracie’s and Angelina. They Best thing about the country? The hometown feeling and sense of community Worst thing about The constant driving The perfect day is? Enjoying an iced coffee from Cook Street Coffee, followed by a long walk with my girlfriends, then cheering on my kids at their activities, ending the day with a backyard barbecue with friends and family

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Leather leggings, blouse, blazer—and ALWAYS a great handbag Can’t leave the house without? iPhone and lipstick Trans portation? Uber Driving music? Country and pop—anything that gets me dancing Place to eat? Sunda, Prime & Provisions, Blue Door Farm Stand Shop? A must stop is Bliss & Belle Boutique in Lincoln Park and everything on Oak Street Best thing about town? All the delicious restau rants and the city views Worst thing about town? Traffic and the constant honking horns The perfect day is? Brunching at a fabulous restaurant, followed by shopping, cocktails on a rooftop, and a Cubs game

Wilkens in model’s own

Prepare to

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG

DIGITAL DENTISTRY

WORDS BY JAMES T. GAVRILOS

ental work has never been an experience that many find pleasing. Part of the experience used to include impressions. These are the trays that are filled with that messy silicone type of material that hardens as it sits in your mouth for five min utes. The great news is, those impressions are gone forever.

Digital scanners are changing the world of dentistry. The dentist can prepare teeth for porcelain restorations and immedi ately scan them to save the information that they would usually get from the impressions. Patients no longer have to feel that unpleasant sense of gagging as the impression material hardens in their mouth.

Our office has been using the 3Shape Trios scanner for a year now and the results have been tremendous. The crowns, veneers, bridges, mouth guards, and implants have seen a significant in

Dcrease in their quality of fit and finish. The scanner takes approx imately 1,500 scans in a three-dimensional mode. The scans are then all stitched together by the software. A 3-D model can then be printed and used for any required restoration. I have been able to use it to measure clearances, preview smiles, and communicate shape and color to the laboratory technician. Our patients have been very vocal about the scanner and they approve.

This technology is not limited to just restorations. Multiple scans of the same patient can be grouped together. This group ing is of different scans over time. The software allows us to see how the patient is wearing down their teeth and how teeth have moved over time. This type of diagnosis helps the patient visual ize what is happening with their mouth.

If you are in need of dental work but dread the thought of all those impressions, come see us for a demonstration of our new Trios scanner. Once you have seen how it works, you will never go back.

Dr. James T. Gavrilos is located at 129 Park Avenue in Barrington. For more information, call 847-381-4040 or visit barringtondentist.com.

EXCEPTIONAL

IS THE ONLY KEY YOU’LL EVER NEED

sincere to all my clients, friends, & family for your continued support.

very

Ready, Set,

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG

Here comes the best looks for the most indulgent time of year.

OUT OF AFRICA

Razny Jewelers, with four locations throughout the Chicagoland area, is the leading family-owned and operated source for loose diamonds, bespoke jewelry, and Swiss timepieces. In business since 1951, the third generation of this family business is entirely devoted to the future of luxury.

Stan, Ingrid, and Michael Razny were recently invited to the South African nation of Namibia by their direct diamond supplier to experience the country’s beauty. “Razny is one of the very few jewelers to have access to the direct supply of diamonds,” notes Ingrid, “securing our customers the best value by eliminating the middleman.”

Even more important than learning about where their diamonds are sourced, the Raznys gained a greater appreciation for the good that comes from the sale of natural diamonds. “There is no question that the people of Namibia and South Africa benefit from the diamond industry as it is a key component of the economy,” says Ingrid. “This industry has taken great effort to harvest these natural wonders from the land and sea in the most environmentally friendly way. Seeing the process and meeting Africa’s people has given us the ability to tell the story of natural diamonds. We are

EDITED BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RAZNY JEWELERS

The Razny Family, owners of Razny Jewelers since 1951, took the trip of a lifetime to visit their diamond supplier in Africa.

Stan Razny at the cutting and polishing facility

Stan, Ingrid, and Michael Razny

honored to be the ambassadors for the natural diamond industry.”

The main source of natural-colored diamonds, as well as a majority of the fancy yellow diamonds, Namibia also produces gems of pink and blue. “Many of these stones are retrieved from the sea using a vacuum mining process that leaves little disruption to the ocean floor,” says Ingrid. “We were so lucky to experience this firsthand.”

The Raznys also visited the cutting and polishing facility of their diamond supplier while visiting the country, which gained its independence from South Africa in 1990. Opened in 2008, this facility has grown to include 60 employees, many of whom began as trainees and have since moved into management roles.

In addition to getting a firsthand understanding of the sourcing and processing of diamonds, the Raznys visited a kidney dialysis clinic equipped with machines donated by their direct diamond supplier in collaboration with Razny Jewelers and met children from the Eros Primary School, which has also received substantial support from their supplier.

Before coming home, the Raznys traveled to South Africa where they visited the Nelson Mandela Foundation. There they saw the cell where the Nobel Prize winner was imprisoned for more than 27 years before becoming the nation’s president in 1994. They also went to Soweto, the Johannesburg township whose residents played a key role in the anti-apartheid movement. Kliptown, the oldest township in Soweto and historically important as the place where the 1955 Freedom Charter was adopted, is home to 44,000 people but lacks the most basic needs such as schools, health clinics, electricity, and proper sanitation. The Raznys are committed to supporting such empowering initiatives as the Kliptown Youth Program, an

after-school center and mentoring program serving students from first grade through high school. “The Kliptown Youth Program was really amazing,” says Ingrid. “The children looked happy and healthy and we are even more determined to increase our support.” Clearly, what began as a business trip turned out to be much, much more.

To learn more about Razny Jewelers, visit razny.com. To learn more about the Kliptown Youth Program, visit kliptownyouthprogram.org.

Visiting the Kliptown Youth Program

BUSINESS OWNERS

WORDS BY MICHONE J. RIEWER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

To finalize a divorce, it is necessary to value and divide all assets and debts. It is also necessary to calculate each party’s income to determine child support and spousal support. When one of the parties owns a business, it is often challenging to value the business and calculate the income derived from the business.

There are multiple methods of valuing a marital business. Experts will use three accepted methods to calculate the value and then tell the court which method is most appropriate for the marital business in question. The three accepted ways of valuing a business include: the income method; the asset method; and the market value method. An expert is required because most judges will not allow the parties to testify to the value of the business because they are not qualified as experts and may be biased. Typically, each party will hire a business valuation expert. At trial, the court will determine which expert is more credible to determine the business’ value.

At the same time the business valuators are calculating the value of the business, the calculation of each party’s income is also taking place. If only one party works in the business, their income will be calculated using their K-1 and W-2 forms.

It is important to note that, when calculating the income of the party working in the business, family courts will add personal expenses paid by the business to the payee’s income. While the IRS allows certain personal expenses (car, cell phone, home office, entertainment) to be deducted as business expenses before calculating income for income tax purposes, most family law courts will include those deducted personal expenses in the income of the party working at the business.

Let’s discuss a case where the wife owns a business, the business is paying her $100,000 in W-2 income as an employee, $90,000 in K-1 income from distributions as a business owner, and paying $60,000 of car, phone, and housing expenses. The wife’s total income would be $250,000 for calculating support. In addition, the expert has determined that the business is worth $1 million and the husband makes $100,000 a year.

Now the tricky part with a business, is that if we determine it is a marital business and all of the marital assets are being divided equally, the court will not, under normal circumstances, give both

parties half of the business. In a divorce, the goal is to separate the parties and reduce future interaction. It would be impractical for them to run a business together. Therefore, the court will give the business to the party who ran the business and will give the other party an asset of equal value.

So, using our prior example, we will say the wife gets the business and the husband gets the house. Both assets are worth $1 million. Now, their assets have been equalized. The question then becomes how is the income from the assets, the house, and the business calculated? The wife might be required to include the income from the business, the distributions, and expenses paid by the business in her income for purposes of calculating support. It is unlikely that the husband will be required to include the housing benefit he receives from the house, (i.e. a $1 million mortgage would cost $11,000 per month or $132,000 per year) in his income for the calculation of maintenance.

Remember, both husband and wife make $100,000 of W-2 income. That alone would mean there would be no maintenance paid by either spouse to the other. The additional $150,000 per year that the wife makes based on her investment of $1 million in a business should not be considered in the calculation of maintenance. Yet, most courts do consider the extra $150,000 per year and in practice often give the husband maintenance from the wife based on those extra earnings. The wife’s attorney needs to be ready to point out the benefit that the husband receives from the house worth $1 million and how much he is saving by not paying a mortgage. The husband also has the opportunity to sell the house and invest his $1 million in an income-producing investment or business.

When a divorce involves a business, it is extremely important for both parties to secure an attorney who is familiar with how businesses are handled in a divorce case, understands the case law and statutes that govern business income, and how to value a marital business.

Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

Strategic Divorce attorney Michone J. Riewer reviews the issues that may arise in divorce proceedings when one party owns a business.

CHEERS TO FIFTEEN YEARS!

Scan the QR code for a special message from Tara Kelleher!

Lydia Kutko wearing Alice & Olivia dress and Christian Louboutin jacket, Neiman Marcus Northbrook Court

Meet Lydia Kutko

From Art Basel to Barrington:

Curating Contemporary Art Collections

WORDS BY RONI MOORE NEUMANN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

At 40, already a hyphenate, mother-art consultant-business owner, Lydia Kut ko is cut out for the big time as she builds her art empire. This Madison, Wisconsin native, turned New Yorker, went to the Big Apple with an art his tory undergraduate degree. She jumped into a master’s program at the Fashion Institute of Technology and her journey continued during her internship for the global “domestic doyenne”—author, entertainer, and busines woman—Martha Stewart.

While working for America’s first self-made female billionaire was not for the faint of heart, Kutko reveled in the role as she built sets, staged product demonstra tions, and created holiday table settings.

“As I learned the basis of prop styling and beauty shots, what I appreciated first hand is that Martha’s eye for display is impeccable,” says Kutko.

During that time, Kutko also learned to trust her instincts, including when she saw a gap in the art consulting world. She fused her art education, sense of style, and her jet fuel—her passion—to launch an art consultancy.

“I knew how to read an artist’s CV and gauge if this was the right artist to invest in, or love. As a natural negotiator, I prided myself on repping clients’ best inter ests, while being respectful to the galleries and artists we partnered with,” says Kutko.

“Part of my goal was to remove the real, or perceived snobbery out of art. I wanted to make art, its acquisition and appreciation more about access and valued relation ships rather than a club that only a select few could be a part of.”

Today, her firm, LK Art Consultants, “brings ex ceptional artwork and installations into homes, offices, galleries, commercial, residential, and public spaces.”

“It doesn’t matter if the art is $5K or $500K, my goal is to make the buying and living with art relatable and fun,” she continues. “To that end, energy and purpose have inspired the great team we have today.”

A focus of the work of LK Art Consultants involves curating collections at international art shows, including Art Basel at Miami Beach, Hong Kong, Paris, and Basel.

“Following contemporary art around the world is a big part of our business. It’s where we see the new, breakthrough ideas punch out and where those concepts

of five to ten plus years ago become increasingly more relevant to our business and our clients,” says Kutko.

“Galleries launch focused selections highlighting an ‘under the radar’ artist or show a solo booth of an exciting body of work by a global favorite but surprise us with something we’d never expect. It’s intoxicating to be part of the fun, exciting, intense, frenzied, and even meditative conversations about what will be on the fair floor weeks before we arrive. It’s how we trace the significance of art we’ve been eyeing, and how we add value by placing these artists in new collectors’ hands,” she continues.

“Fairs are a cross between culture, work, and commerce. The cir cuit swings anywhere from LA to Mexico City, London to Paris, Seoul to New York. At LK Art Consultants, we visit on average one to two fairs a month.”

“The sequential nature of the backto-back fair schedule offers new connections in a relatively short period of time. You see the same artist at one fair the month before, but the gallery brings a very different piece the following month to a different market. The takeaway is the unique positioning of an artist from market to market, a result of stacked feedback from conversations amongst galleries, institutions, critics, consultants, and collectors,” says Kutko.

“Art Basel is the seriously epic art fair with the party vibe. The art is for sale and the sentiment is ready-topurchase, see the best and be seen with it. Art Basel Miami started in 2002, and we’ve been attending since 2006. It is a very different experience than Art Basel Switzerland where the turnout is more a studied European client, with the best galleries in the world show ing up to bring focus to their program on an international scale.”

“Art Basel Miami punctuates the fair circuit with a contem porary art highlight reel and a few dark horses that wind up surprising the crowds. But the thrill at Art Basel is checking out NADA (New Art Dealers Association), a collector-collectors and dealers-dealer fair where the art, galleries, and conversations make

you realize why art is an addiction. The fairs running alongside the main fair are where we find gems,” shares Kutko.

“My advice for anyone, particularly someone new to shows, is to absorb and determine for yourself if you like what you’re looking at, who you’re talking to and what perspectives it will offer. To that end, these institutional fairs have done a pretty solid job of bringing in the critically important emerging conversations in art, not just through panel discussions but through the exhibition format.”

In terms of her work in Barrington, Kutko says it is her relationships with clients that is key. “We listen and we bring the best. We solve ‘over the sofa’ problems and ‘wall boredom’ in a creative way. We bring the most evolving, relevant contemporary art and keep the conversation relatable.”

“Our process in volves a first meeting where we explain that our focus is on the buyer. Then we schedule a site visit to measure and evaluate the client and the space, which then leads to a first round of images with multiple curations. Those are refined by gallery, fair, virtual, and in-person visits,” she says. “The collaboration leads to selecting pieces, nego tiating, shipping, and installing.”

Kutko develops trust with her clients, a fundamental part of the process. “As a firm we focus on education. We love art and the people who do the hard and rewarding work of making art a necessity in our lives.”

“Our gallery is a great place to engage and has accelerated the pace of conversations around new artists. We’ve opened our doors to bring knowledge of the global art market to this incredible community and to enhance existing collections and start new ones.”

“Our driving quest every day is to get a new artist onto every wall in Barrington, the North Shore, and greater Chicagoland,” Kutko says.

For more information, visit lkartconsultants.com.

Rob Pruitt, Friends Group, Acrylic and flocking on linen, 162 1/8 x 104 in., 2022

Lydia Kutko wearing Akris pinstripe vest/creme pant and Lana earrings, Neiman Marcus Northbrook Court The Hacker Project Gucci heel, Kutko’s own.

Standing next to Martine Poppe’s I Know You’re Persuasive, Oil on polyester restoration fabric, 63 x 43 in, 2022

It’s about you.

things you should know this month

Find an agent who values you With more than 500 real estate brokers in 60010, how do you choose the one who’s right for you? Everyone has a different style, but the very best brokers put their clients’ interests first, not their own financial quotas. I’m passionate about going above and beyond for each and every client and being there for them every step of the way. Let me do the same for you!

First-time homebuyers, now is your chance

The whole world knows that rates are high, but real estate is a local business. Here in 60010, inventory is still extremely low but homes aren’t flying off the shelf in 2 hours like they did last year. With competition waning, now is a great time for prospective first-time homebuyers wto get into the game. I love sharing my love for this special community with young families! Contact me for some great tactics for navigating this current interest rate environment as I work with incredible lenders who offer the same level of service I do.

Sellers, let me connect you We know, we know … we hear it on the news every day: the market has shifted. But 60010 is resilient and great deals are still happening. As your agent, I am a walking and talking connector for your property. I live, work and play in 60010 and my job is to connect you with a home buyer. There are so many new ways to market your home, and having an agent who lives and breathes Barrington is incredibly important. Creativity in social media, print media and public relations also helps set properties apart in this climate and gets you results!

In an industry where many of the players look, sound and act the same, Kate has built her business by daring to be different.

Main Street,

NATURE’S CHILD

Artist Lisa Solberg dives deep to understand the world and what it means to be in it.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LAMER

Solberg wearing Mister Green top and AGOLDE recycled leather pants, Solberg’s own. On ground from Left: Somehow, someway, a sign, Colored pencil on cardboard, 32.25 x 36.5 in 2022; Enigma, Oil, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, framed in basswood, 99 x 75 in., 2019; Venus, Acrylic, oil, and dye on canvas, 100 x 80 in., 2021

Barrington native Lisa Solberg doesn’t do pretty. When she paints a canvas or creates an assemblage, the results can be complex. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I always see my work as a sort of natural explosion,” says the artist. “Sometimes the work has the energy of the explosion and sometimes it has the energy of the quiet once the dust has settled.”

Solberg intends her work to create positive energy rather than discomfort. “I like to imagine my works acting as sacred spaces—carving out a moment in time for introspection or exaltation for the viewer.” That ambition is rooted in the way in which she understands her own life and the way in which she operates in the world. Outgoing and active, Solberg has still always had an appreciation for alone time, which in her case came when she sat down to make art. “It was mainly what I did to be alone. Times of

Solberg in Elise Bergman Jeune Otte pink suit. On the left/ Totem Fountain 01, 2022, Acrylic and indigo dye on canvas, 100 x 78 inches

Totem C, A, B (render), 2022, cast concrete and stainless steel, various sizes

introspection. It has always been a solitary practice and meditation in that sense. I have always loved my own space and spending time by myself.”

One of five children, Solberg spent a lot of time in the woods with her siblings and friends. Growing up in the natural world—a rock underfoot or a star in the sky—propels her creativity. “Comets, cosmic events, the power of nature visible in storms, rivers, waterfalls, and strong winds that can almost knock you over—these types of things move me the most and inspire my work.” In high school, Solberg took classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and ultimately majored in art at the University of Colorado. After getting her degree, she traveled the world skiing before settling down in Los Angeles, where she lived for more than a decade before relocating to New York this year.

Her canvases sometimes seem collage-like, with discrete forms in active play or flowing with an all-over dynamism. Her sculptures, such as Swoosh—in which a basketball breaks through the cane seating of a Marcel Breuer Cesna Chair—can possess a sort of surrealist edge. Working in various media (Solberg also writes) keeps her busy and balancing time and her creative impulse takes some doing. “I cast a large net over the materials and media that I utilize to keep things as fresh as possible. Over the past couple years, there has definitely been a focus on having a more concise and curated approach, and this has been very fruitful for me. I am on a journey that I want people to grasp and feel connected to, so it’s important to be consistent. Regardless of what the material is, I have a pretty militant schedule for myself day to day.” That means no random bouncing around from one activity to the next, no picking up the phone every time it pings. “I have at least four hours of painting in my studio every day, one hour of writing, and one hour of reading,” shares Solberg. “The rest of my time is filled with my rescue dog, yoga, exploring the city, and spending time with friends.”

Among Solberg’s latest work are three concrete sculptures that have been installed at The Aurora Highlands, a new master-planned community in Denver. “I have been working with this concept of totems, shrines, and creating a sacred space for self-reflection and finally, liberation,” she explains. “This journey started years ago for me

when I began creating ‘mind maps’ as a way of understanding myself and how I relate to the outside world. I started to see symbols within these mind maps that began to describe the nature of existence to me. These symbols are now what drive the aesthetic and context of my work, both paintings and sculptures.”

Human beings are always being buffeted between surrender and control, between knowing and not knowing, between traveling and arrival. Not everyone has the time to reason it all out, but Solberg’s artistic process attempts to. She isn’t offering any sure answers. But cast your eyes her way and you just might begin to make sense of it all.

For more information, visit lisasolberg.com, follow her on Instagram @lisasolbergworldwide.

Barrington native Lisa Solberg, at her art studio in Manhattan

Solberg Mind Map

Decadent delicacies & a Dalmatian destination

DINING

Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia. Photography by Moonstone

Cauliflower Potato Leek Soup

WORDS, RECIPE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

A comforting, simple soup makes for the perfect fall Sunday supper.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 leeks, washed carefully to remove all dirt and grit, white, light green, and yellow portions sliced to make 4 cups

• 2 heads of cauliflower, washed well, broken into tiny florets to make 4 cups

• 2 cups milk

• 4 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade)

• ½ cup butter

• 4 medium red potatoes, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and sliced into ⅛-inch slices

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Place milk in a heavy-bottomed soup pot and heat over medium-low heat and scald milk by cooking until small bubbles appear around the edges of the milk and the temperature registers 180 to 185 degrees. Pour through a mesh strainer to remove any milk solids or skin. Return scalded milk to soup pot and add chicken stock. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-low heat. Reduce heat slightly and add potato slices. Simmer for 12 minutes until potatoes are tender. Turn off heat but keep soup warm. In a sauté pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced leeks and cauliflower and cook, stirring for five minutes. Add 1 cup of water and continue cooking until tender. Puree half of cooked leek and cauliflower mixture and stir into soup pot. Add remaining cooked leeks and cauliflower florets. Stir to incorporate. Add thyme and simmer to combine flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

HOLIDAY SPICED

MULLED WINE

Greet Thanksgiving guests with a warming glass of this simple-to-make and easily scalable mulled wine. Bonus: Your house will smell fabulous.

10

INGREDIENTS

• 2 750ml bottles Beaujolais or Côtes-du-Rhône

• ½ cup sugar

• 3 strips fresh lemon peel

• 3 strips fresh orange peel

• 10 whole allspice berries

• 10 whole c loves (plus 40 more, for garnish)

• 2 cinnamon sticks (plus 10 more, for garnish)

• 2 star anise pods (plus an optional 10-20 more, for garnish)

• 1 whole nutmeg

• ½ cup f reshly squeezed orange juice

• 1 sliced sweet apple

• 1 cup brandy

• 4 medium oranges cut into thick wheels, for garnish (make sure you have 10 slices—one for each serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. P lace wine, sugar, citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, 10 cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, orange juice, and apple slices in a large, non-aluminum pot over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. When bubbles begin to form, reduce heat to low and keep just below a simmer for 10 minutes.

2. W hile mixture is warming on the stove, stud each orange wheel with 4 cloves.

3. Strain off solids and discard, then stir in brandy. Keep warm.

4. Ladle into mugs or punch cups. Garnish each with a clove-studded orange slice and a cinnamon stick. Add one or two star anise pods to each cup, if desired.

WORDS AND RECIPE BY WENDY FRANZEN OF FLETCHER & FORK

CYPRESS TREES & CERULEAN SEAS

Arecent trip to the Dalmatian Coast proved the veracity of all the tales I have heard of Croatia’s beauty. This haven at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe has everything—history, culture, glorious terrain, delicious local wines, a range of sea colors from pistachio to cobalt to azure, and more than 1,000 islands.

Nicknamed the “pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik gets its name from the Slavic word “dub,” meaning “oak.” This derivation makes complete sense as oak and cypress trees spring forth from the rocky terrain in every direction. The juxtaposition of this deep arboreal green and the Adriatic’s color wheel of blues is breathtaking.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

A Balkan paradise fit for a king, Croatia is a country brimming with history, culture, culinary adventure, five-star accommodations, and natural wonder.

Piano bar terrace at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

WHERE TO STAY

We decided to stay at two hotels, one just east of Old Town and one a bit west. The first, the five-star Hotel Excelsior, is a small luxury hotel with an illustrious history of royal (think the late Queen Elizabeth) and celebrity guests. Entering the lobby, a great expanse of blue sky and sea welcomes you through floor-to-ceiling windows. The original 1913 royal villa and a sleek contemporary wing are home to 158 rooms and suites. The mingling of past and present is echoed in the interior styling—understated color themes with pops of bright citrus.

Our immense suite in the contemporary wing had an open floor plan with modern furnishings and remarkable vistas. The views of the UNESCO Old City of Dubrovnik brought back memories of our pandemic Game of Thrones binge. In the series that captured America’s heart for eight seasons, the ancient town below us transformed into “King’s Landing.”

A true wonder of the hotel is how the indoors embrace the breathtaking outdoors. Enjoying a glass of wine on our terrace on our first night, we gazed at the lush island of Lokrum—a destination we would find full of hiking trails, beaches, medieval ruins, and inhabitants including unusually large rabbits and a plethora of peacocks. Between the island and our terrace floated a few brightly lit yachts with chic guests toasting the evening’s glamour. The expansive view of Old Town as the sun descended on the horizon and city lights began to twinkle was mesmerizing. A band’s rendition of “Let it Be” wafting up from the hotel’s waterside restaurant, Prora, completed the moment.

On our first morning, we enjoyed breakfast on the sun-soaked Sa-

Wine bar at Hotel Supetar Cavtat

lin terrace followed by a dip in the sea and a bit of sunbathing. Then it was off to the spa—for an “Energy Clinic Classical Massage”—the ideal treatment for erasing any remnants of jet lag.

If you get the chance, book an evening at Hotel Excelsior’s Villa Agave—a historic three-bedroom villa perched above the sea. Its private patio served as a spectacular venue for a dinner where beautifully plated courses celebrated the Adriatic’s bounty and were paired with the finest Croatian wines. The food matched the magnificence of the setting as this ancient stone structure rests on a precipice above the dazzling Adriatic and just as dessert arrived, a tangerine sun set over Old Town. No wonder this spot is a favorite of Francis Ford Coppola and his fashionable friends.

On our fourth night, we headed around the bay to our second destination—Hotel Bellevue, an icon of boutique luxury and design. In 2019, the hotel underwent a complete refurbishment emerging with a modern freshness. Carved into a high cliff on Miramare Bay, the five-star seaside retreat boasts spectacular panoramas of the Dalmatian coast. Our tastefully appointed spacious suite contained two balconies, a living room, dining area, bathroom, and bedroom. I adored the vintage lifestyle photographs lining the walls.

Croatia offers numerous exquisite eateries, but an absolute must is the Hotel Bellevue’s sleek and intimate Vapor restaurant—recognized by the Michelin guide. The cuisine is beyond measure, and the view is unbeatable. The executive chef uses locally sourced herbs and spices combined with global ideas to create a playful new style of regional cooking.

The hotel’s beach surrounds a gorgeous cove topped by rocky outcroppings. I watched in astonishment as guests leaped into the sea

from these ledges. Apparently, cliff jumping is a highly rated activity for young and old alike. I, however, was perfectly happy to remain comfortably reclined in my lounge chair observing the jumpers’ range of emotions from terror to glee.

WHAT TO DO OLD TOWN

I highly recommend a private sightseeing tour to learn how the works of artists, writers, and scientists are woven into the texture of this medieval city. Nestled between the Adriatic and the mountains and boasting an impressive harbor, Dubrovnik was an important Mediterranean sea power rivaling Venice in the 11th century. Be sure to stroll along the wide Stradun—Old Town’s main thoroughfare with gleaming white marble stones. Weave through narrow cobblestone streets in search of great shops and restaurants. Visit the Baroque Assumption Cathedral with the Venetian artist Titan’s painting at the main altar. Pop into the Franciscan Monastery built in the 13th century and be sure not to miss its stunning cloister— offering an oasis of leafy tranquility in the heart of the city. If sightseeing leaves you parched, fill your water bottle with fresh spring water at the grand 15th-century Onofrio’s Fountain.

Hoping to hear more contemporary history about the Game Of Thrones’ filming? Several tours will take you to the Baroque Jesuit Staircase where Cersei began her walk of shame in season 5, Minceta Tower or the House of the Undying where Daenerys recovers her dragons, and Pile Bay aka King’s Landing’s Blackwater Bay.

Be sure to walk the fortress walls encircling the city where you’ll

find towers, bastions, castles, and fortresses while enjoying the sight of the city’s red roofs and glorious views of the cathedral and churches. The walls rise higher than 80 feet and have protected the city from foreign attacks for more than 1,000 years.

For a true bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik, we left Old Town via its steep narrow passageways to find the Dubrovnik Cable Car located just outside the walls. The car whisked us up to Mount Srdj in a four-minute glide to the ultimate photo op of Old Town, the coast, and the surrounding area.

WINE TOURS

One excursion you can’t miss is a sampling of Croatia’s exceptional wines. A scenic drive along the coast brought us to two vineyards in Konavle Valley, one of Croatia’s prime wine-growing regions. Milos Winery and Winery Vukas both specialize in producing high-quality wines from the Plavac Mali grape. The coast’s perfect weather conditions and the very fertile valley are ideal conditions for cultivating the best grapes. We enjoyed wonderful tours, insight from the winemakers, and a vast array of wines to taste from hearty reds to delicate whites, and everything in between. I am perplexed why Croatian wines are not more commonly distributed in the U.S., but I suspect it is only a matter of time.

YACHTING

Croatia has more than 1,000 islands so a day spent exploring on a yacht is required. We traveled around the Elaphiti islands coming upon hidden bays, secluded coves, sandy beaches, and a vast array of blues and greens—the sea wears a coat of many colors that would make Dolly Parton proud. We docked at Lopud, a darling island, for lunch at Restaurant Dubrovnik where the “menu” was brought “alive” (literally) to our table. A server arrived with an enormous tray of lobster, crab, and fish recently plucked from the sea for the epitome of sea-to-table dining. We devoured every morsel of this enormous feast. Post-meal we spent the afternoon hopping in and out of the water and sunbathing on deck.

STON & OYSTER FARM

Take another beautiful drive along the twisty coast’s ribbon highways to Ston, famous for its medieval walls—the largest in Europe. The walls, dating back 4,000 years, protected the precious salt pans that contributed to Dubrovnik’s wealth. It is the oldest salt mine in Europe, and among working mines, one of the oldest in the world. We took a quick boat ride out to Bota Sare’s oyster beds in the coves of Mali Ston bay. Our fisherman guide harvested oysters (a technique that has not changed in hundreds of years) directly from the sea, taught us how to shuck them, and then served the delicacy with a squeeze of lemon and homemade bread accompanied by a refreshing local Posip white wine. Divine.

CAVTAT

Located very close to Dubrovnik is the quaint town of Cavtat with a picturesque waterfront promenade. Stroll the streets of this historic small town and be sure to stop at the newly renovated Hotel Supetar Cavtat for a meal. Housed in an original 1920s three-story private villa, it is the definition of charming. We dined on the seaside terrace sampling pescatarian cuisine enhanced with fresh local ingredients including oranges from the hotel’s garden.

Yearning for a destination that offers a feast for the senses and is sure to delight? Travel to this Dalmatian paradise brimming with history, culture, culinary adventure, five-star accommodations, and natural wonder.

For more information about the hotels, visit adriaticluxuryhotels.com.

View of red roofs from fortress walls.

Cavtat at night

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

Terrace at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

HOUSE & HOME

Cozy up with Marie Flanigan’s Collection for Annie Selke

The MARIE FLANIGAN COLLECTION for Annie Selke recently launched. This exclusive collection pairs traditional and time less elegance with modern elements for a refined yet inviting look. Flanigan’s signature palette of sumptuous neutrals paired with subtle textures can be seen throughout the assortment of 45 hand-crafted rugs, exquisite bedding, plush decorative pillows, and chic accessories. For more information, visit annieselke.com/marieflanigan.

AN INSIDE LOOK AT CHICAGO’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS—THE BARRINGTONS

Striae oatmeal matelasse coverlet and sham, Gehry velvet linen caramel decorative pillow, Lydia embroidered plaster decorative pillow, Faye linen plaster sheet set and pillowcases

Afton ivory tufted wool rug

A Home That Will Stand the Test of Time

A cozy nook in the dining room is the perfect spot for an extra seat.

A beautiful Jewel Park home gets a refresh that is timeless and classic, enhancing the bones of the home and suiting the homeowners’ taste.

WORDS BY KELLI DOREMUS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARGARET RAJIC

The kitchen opens to the dining room, where layers of natural wood, white, and brass are repeated.

The floral wallpaper steals the show in the powder room.

With the next trend always around the corner, creating a timeless design is an exercise in restraint. The renovation of an almost 100-year-old home in the Jewel Park neighborhood of Barrington called for a design that was simple yet sophisticated, neither excessive nor dull. The homeowners worked with Jennifer Lauren Design and Warman Construction to achieve just that.

Overall, the homeowners wanted the rooms to feel more open, light, and bright, while keeping the traditional charm-filled character of the home’s original oak floors, millwork, and built-ins. “The homeowner had a vision of the look and feel she wanted¬— she’s drawn to spaces that have a softness to them, and I think we achieved that,” says Jennifer Drosopoulos of Jennifer Lauren Design. “When you’re in the home you feel calmer and more peaceful.”

Growing up, Drosopoulos loved creating spaces that reflected her

personality—and now, as a homeowner and designer, she gets to do it without hesitation. She and her husband have constructed two custom-built homes; the first one 13 years ago; and the second one eight years ago in Barrington Hills, where the couple currently lives. “I designed both homes and loved the process. With my current home, I learned more about design principles and how to pull a room together to achieve a certain look and feel,” Drosopoulos explains.

Drosopoulos used the lessons learned from her own projects to create a multi-layered design for the Jewel Park home that feels both curated and comfortable. “It’s so interesting to me how the layers you add with textiles and art can really change a room,” Drosopoulus says. “I like to keep the fixed elements simple in order to keep the foundation as timeless as possible, and then use throw pillows, rugs, lighting, art, etc. to allow the personality of the homeowner to really shine—all of which can easily be changed

Simple finishes like the subway tile backsplash never go out of style.

The kitchen island is the perfect spot for the family to gather and make memories.

throughout the years.” The foyer, where the rug, artwork, and lamp on the console table all work together to create a coastal look, is an excellent example of Drosopoulos’ approach. When design trends shift or the homeowners’ style choices change, these elements can be easily adapted to achieve a different vibe.

While color trends come and go, black and white is a classic combination. The powder room’s original black and white basket weave tile served as the foundation for an elegant, classic space while Drosopoulos’ addition of black and white floral wallpaper created just the right amount of drama.

Another classic style that was incorporated in the Jewel Park home can be found in the most important room of any home: the kitchen. The kitchen has white cabinets, white quartz countertops, and soft greige walls—a trend that will never go out of style. “I love a white kitchen,” Drosopoulos says. “You can make it warm and interesting with the details, whether it’s brass accents, different textures, or artwork.” It’s evident from the photos—captured by Barrington-based photographer Margaret Rajic—that an all-white

kitchen can still convey a warm ambiance if you incorporate the right pieces.

The home had oak flooring throughout, which was refinished from a medium brown stain to a natural finish. Lighter floors were in keeping with the design and helped the rooms feel brighter. When updating a home, it’s important to collaborate with the right team. Drosopoulos noted the floors as an example of this principle, observing, “we worked with Warman Construction on the project. They did a quality job and were such a pleasure to work with. Warman really understood and appreciated the overall vision. Most importantly, Warman knew exactly how to achieve that natural finish on the oak floors without the floors looking yellow or orange.”

Like an antique brooch reworked into an eye-catching pendant, this home in Jewel Park has certainly kept its historic feel while looking contemporary for decades to come.

For more information, visit @jenniferlaurendesign and warmanconstruction.com.

Wood and brass elements warm up this classic white kitchen.

BUYING

SELLING?

Whether you are a first time home buyer searching for that long awaited dream home or looking to sell, my experience is what you need to help you through the process.

TROYAN

AGNES KUCHARSKA

SZYLKOWSKA

LUXURY OFFERINGS: WHAT YOU GET FOR $2.5 MILLION

A Barrington masterpiece, a Queen Anne Victorian duplex in San Francisco, to a custom-built home in Park City … all for nearly $2.5 million.

WORDS BY MEGAN WEISBERG

English

Bridget Cantafio,

International

uilt in 2005 by Harris Builders and located on a private 3.3-acre lot in the heart of Barrington, this traditional style all-brick home has recent highend, contemporary updates. The chef’s kitchen has top-of-line appliances and a butler’s pantry with tons of storage and a full wine fridge. A den

with custom wall paneling and a box and crown coffered ceiling with LED lights is the perfect space to work from home. The primary bedroom located upstairs is an absolute retreat with a custom plaster oval dome and a see-through European fireplace. Three more bedrooms reside upstairs with walk-in closets and ensuites.

his Victorian duplex built in 1900 in the NoPA neighborhood consists of two units. The upper unit is on two levels with a spiral staircase leading to a developed attic space with a bonus sunroom and views. The lower unit has beautiful oak hardwood floors, large bay windows,

and a remodeled kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, updated electrical, and copper plumbing. There is a separate laundry room for each unit, along with multiple levels of private decks, tons of extra storage rooms, and owned solar panels. The treelined street is just steps away from Golden Gate Park.

LUXURY

Boone,

This custom-built home in Park City’s coveted Silver Springs neighborhood sits on a lush lot covered in mature trees and vegetation indigenous to the Wasatch Range. The home has bamboo floors that lead you into an open concept great room featuring a living room that is filled with light from windows on all sides, a kitchen with a large island featuring breakfast bar dining, and a separate dining area as well.

The primary bedroom features a private deck with excellent views toward the Canyon’s ski resort. The Silver Springs community has access to two small lakes, one of which is located just behind this home, and to the neighborhood tennis courts. Located a mere .8 miles from the turnoff to the Canyon’s village off State Road 224, 4.8 miles to Historic Main Street Park City, 6 miles to Deer Valley Ski Resort, and within walking distance to the elementary school.

LUXURY

Settle in Chicly

Prepare for the upcoming holiday season with these delightful new homewares.

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG

No

One-Hit Wonder

Music and softball-loving Glen Roberts hits the right notes as Chairman of the Board of Bravo Waukegan.

WORDS BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Glen Roberts sits inside a Starbucks in his adopted hometown of Barrington. It’s mid-afternoon. Earlier, in Rosemont, the former AbbVie director of international distribution had practiced with members of his senior softball team.

But Roberts isn’t here to talk about his baseball, he’s here to go to bat for Bravo Waukegan! Roberts started his three-year term as chairman of the board of directors for the Lake Forest-based organization in 2020. Founded 11 years ago, Bravo Waukegan! began as a grassroots effort to help boost music programs within the 21 schools in the Waukegan School District.

Now? It supports students in the highly diverse and underserved district by partnering with the fine arts administration to find opportunities to grow through music in supervised, creative programs that take place in school, after school, and during the summer.

“When people hear Bravo’s mission,” Roberts says, “they immediately think, ‘That’s phenomenal.’ I know that was my initial thought. I realized how powerful music can be when I traveled to many countries in my position at AbbVie. It’s true—music is the universal language; it enables you to connect with others, instantly. It’s also inspirational, motivational, and soothing.

“It’s nice,” he adds, “to see the development of students, as people, as they prepare to perform on stage. The confidence they gain as musicians, especially after seeing and hearing reactions from audience members, often carries over into the classroom and into their jobs.”

In 2017, co-workers at AbbVie suggested Roberts attend an open

house for nonprofits at Independence Grove in Libertyville. During the open house, Roberts met Bravo Waukegan! Executive Director Karey Walker.

“I was able to check a lot of boxes as we spoke and as I learned about Bravo that day,” recalls Roberts, who retired in 2019. “I love music. Check. As a volunteer for Bravo, I’d get to use some of my strategic planning skills. Check. That certainly interested me. Bravo’s mission impressed me. Check.”

Ten days after that conversation, Roberts started serving as a Bravo volunteer and later spearheaded a Saturday-morning workshop focusing on strategic planning for the next three to five years for the Bravo Waukegan! Board.

Bravo Waukegan! impacts 7,000 students each year; youngsters who’d be adrift without having had the outlet—the haven, in many cases—of learning music and then moving audiences via their performances.

“We want to expand the awareness of Bravo Waukegan! beyond Waukegan and Lake Forest,” Roberts says. “We want more involvement from small businesses across Barrington. We’re helping children turn their lives around. Our enrollment increases every year.”

“I’ve seen the joy of these young musicians when they perform on a stage. I’ve also seen parents as they listen to their children. Those parents’ faces, all of them … beaming with pride.”

Bravo Waukegan’s office, 847-722-5821, is located at the Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest. For more information, visit bravowaukegan.org.