Sheridan Road, March 2024

Private Bank experience and expertise—now even closer to home

Come visit our new Private Bank office in Northbrook!

Fifth Third Private Bank has the unique skills and experience required to provide financial guidance and consultation for high and ultra-high net worth individuals and businesses. Our local Chicago team is committed to bringing together a comprehensive strategy that helps you and your family meet your financial goals—today, tomorrow and for future generations.

We are well positioned to provide you with expertise in:

• Comprehensive wealth solutions

• Custom investment advice and management

• Holistic financial planning

• Sophisticated wealth planning

• Custom credit

• Trust, Estate and Guardianship services

We’ve designed our solutions and services to address complex financial needs, and to provide the utmost flexibility to help meet your personal wealth management goals as they evolve over time.

This is your story, and we’re here to help ensure the best is yet to come.

30

with a passion for learning since 1888.

PROUD TO BE THE NORTH SHORE’S

#1 LOCAL BROKERAGE FIRM

Wood-Mode designers bring your vision to life through creativity and years of product and technical training. For more than 75 years, Wood-Mode has been developing products and training that inspire our designers, so they can inspire you.

Michael Goldberg, M.D.

BOARD CERTIFIED IN INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GASTROENTEROLOGY, PRACTICING IN DES PLAINES

Dr. Michael Goldberg is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology. Dr. Michael Goldberg is now practicing in Des Plaines, Illinois at Lakeshore Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Institute. He received his GI training at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston Massachusetts. He was on staff at University of Illinois and also University of Chicago teaching countless medical students, residents and fellows. Dr. Goldberg has been a notably published researcher in a variety of journals and abstracts including research on colon cancer and pancreaticobiliary disease. He has been an invited presenter and lecturer for numerous gastrointestinal and liver conditions.

Extensive teaching experience includes being the recipient of several teaching awards and including being consecutively Top Rated Gastroenterology Doctor in Chicago and America. Dr. Goldberg is a former Governor of the American College of Gastroenterology and American Gastroenterological Association as well as the former Chief of Gastroenterology and Vice Chairman of Medicine at Northshore University Healthcare.

Dr. Goldberg treats patients the way he would like his family to be treated, receiving quality care with respect and kindness. He takes care of a wide range of GI disorders. He and the healthcare team at Lakeshore Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Institute work together to help you Get Back to Living Comfortably.

Music Matters

May 11, 2024 • Ravinia Festival

Cocktails | Auction | Dinner | Live Music

SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATION

All proceeds benefit Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play programs, which directly serve over 20,000 students annually in Lake and Cook Counties today.

Twenty

When

661 Central

Pets4Life is a unique, full-service pet care center serving all of a pet owner’s needs, including a first class veterinary practice, grooming and pet-spa services, vet-recommended health and retail products, and other pet education

Founder & Publisher

Editor-in-Chief Associate Publisher

Contributing Editors

Executive Project Director

Style Director

Style Editor

Contributing Writers

Art Director

Production Manager/ Graphic Designer Senior Graphic Designer Graphic Designers

Contributing Photographers

Contributing Illustrator Administrative Assistant

Advertising Sales Advisory Council

J.W. CONATSER

DUSTIN O’REGAN

JENNIFER STURGEON

MORGAN HOGERTY, MEGAN WEISBERG

KEMMIE RYAN

THERESA DEMARIA

ALLISON DUNCAN

THOMAS CONNORS, ELISA DRAKE, MONICA KASS ROGERS, HADAS TEUSCHER

JORDAN WILLIAMS

LINDA LEWIS

AMIN QUTTEINEH

CHRIS GEIMER, ABDON LOERA, SAM SUAREZ

IAN MCLEOD, MARIA PONCE, MONICA KASS ROGERS, KATRINA WITTKAMP

ROBERT RISKO

CHEYANNE LENCIONI

GRETCHEN BARNARD

RAHEELA ANWAR, EILEEN BENNIN, RENEE CROWN, JEFFREY EISERMAN, MAUREEN GRINNELL, DANA HUGHES, JOYCE BRUCE JIARAS, JILL KATZ, LEXIE KNOX, YOANNA KULAS, ARTHUR MILLER, MEREDITH MITCHELL, SANDRA CASPARRIELLO, RONI MOORE NEUMANN, IBBY PINSKY, AND MONIQUE WATTS

847-926-0911 / INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM

ON THE WEB: JWCMEDIA.COM

671 ACADEMY DRIVE, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062

Sheridan Road is published 10 times annually by JWC Media.

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. Sheridan Road may not be reproduced in whole or in part, including but not limited to advertisements and articles, without written permission from the publisher. Sheridan Road 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. © 2024 JWC Media

Dr. Manoj K. Mehta FACG, FASGE, AGAF

Dr. Laura K. Bianchi

Providing state-of-the-art

Gastroenterology care to the North Shore

• Personalized gastroenterology care for all your digestive health needs

• Fully accredited and certified with prestigious quality awards

• Warm, friendly office

• Safety and quality controls that

• Full time anesthesiologist for your complete comfort

•

EDITOR’S NOTE

THIS MONTH I WILL BE

READING

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel

LOVING

The strategies I am learning in the Beyond Barriers Accelerator Program

Spring is in the air. Time to throw open the doors and emerge from our cold winter cloisters. Perhaps, this hint of new beginnings makes you yearn for a refreshed abode. If so, our March Home & Design issue is full of design inspiration.

CARRYING

In a world of mass-produced products, I have found a renewed appreciation for handmade items that mirror their makers and reflect their origins. This month’s cover introduces Tanya Zaben, founder of Interior Monologue—a website highlighting the best of the best in handcrafted items. Through exquisite photography and in-depth articles, this modern-day version of a Victorian “cabinet of curiosities” pays homage to artisans, craftsmen, and designers and the lifestyles they enhance. Globetrotters will not want to miss Interior Monologue’s impossibly chic travel stories.

Continuing our tribute to those shaping the artisan space, our second feature introduces Dalia Lerner, Gisela Balassa, and Ana Cohn, the founders of Ancestral Home. The trio blends Latino artisanal traditions with a relaxed, modern style to create home accessories that are, in a word, hermosos!

Swapping home goods for wallpaper and paint, our third feature takes us through the gorgeous Lake Forest residence of interior designer Lisa Wolfe. This design maven shares her love of color and pattern and how she created a vibrant home that still calms her to her core.

Heading to the construction side of the design business, our fourth feature highlights Lynch Construction. After 32 years in the business of designing, building, remodeling, and renovating, owners Jeff and Joan Lynch have no intention of slowing down and recently unveiled their business’ new 28,000-square-foot space in Lake Bluff. Our annual Home & Design issue also presents two additional features: Luxe Living showcasing local influencers in design and architecture; and Selling the Shore highlighting the North Shore’s top sellers in real estate.

As there is so much to enjoy, I will let you get to it!

DUSTIN O’REGAN Editor-in-Chief dustin@jwcmedia.com

Follow Sheridan Road on Instagram: @sheridanrdmag

Lisa Wolfe wearing Sara Roka, Lake Forest Shop.

Wolfe is featured

Second Acts in American Life Ancestral Home Arcoiris Braided Organic Cotton Rainbow Table Decor, handmade in Querétaro, Mexico. Ancestral Home is featured in Common Threads Weave a New Venture

Versace Medusa ’95 Tote Bag (I am obsessed)

SAVE the DATE

Sheridan Road provides the North Shore’s comprehensive social calendar.

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

THROUGH MARCH 16

SHORT SHAKESPEARE!

ROMEO AND JULIET

WHERE: Courtyard Theater

Short Shakespeare! returns with the tragic romance Romeo and Juliet. Against a backdrop of violence and an endless cycle of vengeance, Shakespeare sets his tale of young love found—and tragically lost. This 75-minute adaptation, told in Shakespeare’s own words, poses a profound question—can true love survive in a divided community? The production combines Shakespeare’s original verse with dynamic staging to connect young audiences with the characters’ journeys. chicagoshakes.com

THROUGH APRIL 17

COSMIC RHYTHMS

WHERE: Adler Planetarium

Running on Wednesday evenings is Cosmic Rhythms, a 20-minute educational film by Joffrey Ballet dancers where audience members will experience the wonders of the world through the spectacle of interpretative dance. Surrounded by breathtaking imagery and animation, bold choreography, and an astronomical storyline, the first-of-its-kind collaboration between two of Chicago’s major cultural institutions explores our intricate relationship with the cosmos, leaving audiences with a newfound sense of wonder and appreciation. adlerplanetarium.org/event/ cosmic-rhythms/

MARCH 9

MOMIX – ALICE

WHERE: Auditorium Theatre

MOMIX is a company of dancer-illusionists founded and directed by Moses Pendleton. Audiences are invited to travel down the rabbit hole, MOMIX-style, with Pendleton’s ALICE, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. As Alice’s body grows and shrinks and grows again, Pendleton’s dancers extend themselves using props, ropes, and other dancers—sharing a family-friendly journey that is magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric, and much more! auditoriumtheatre.org

MARCH 9 – APRIL 7

AIDA

WHERE: Lyric Opera of Chicago

Aida presents a riveting love triangle, which unfolds in an alluring Egyptian setting. At Lyric Opera of Chicago, each of the five principal artists boasts not only a sumptuously beautiful voice but also the charismatic presence to bring these characters vividly to life. Conducting Francesca Zambello’s striking production will be Music Director Enrique Mazzola, acknowledged internationally as an exceptionally authoritative Verdian. lyricopera.org/aida

MARCH 19

TEDXWILMETTE SALON

WHERE: The Wilmette Theatre

At this TEDxWilmette Salon, Michele Weldon will present “Truth Is A Dare: the Power of Claiming Your Story.” Weldon is an award-winning author, journalist, and emerita faculty

in journalism at Northwestern University. Don’t miss the opportunity to network with other community members and discuss the presentation. tedxwilmette.com

MARCH 22 – 24

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS CRYSTAL WHERE: NOW Arena Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL is a one-of-a-kind production that brings the circus arts to the ice for the very first time. With seven jaw-dropping traditional circus acts all thrillingly adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into a brand-new creative territory—the ice—CRYSTAL takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the vivid and whimsical world of imagination, blending the art of skating with adrenaline-inducing acrobatics and aerial feats. cirquedusoleil.com

MARCH 22, 24 REQUIEM

WHERE: Lyric Opera of Chicago

Legend has it that Mozart believed he was writing the Requiem for his own funeral. Other composers completed it after his death, but—miraculously—this is not only a totally unified work musically, but one of the greatest choral pieces ever written. Under Music Director Enrique Mazzola, these concerts present a unique opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, and will also feature additional Mozart repertoire. lyricopera.org/requiem

MARCH 23

TITUS UNDERWOOD: LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING

WHERE: Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston

The Music Institute of Chicago brings esteemed musicians to Nichols Concert Hall including principal oboe of the Nashville Symphony, Titus Underwood, who presents a multimedia performance that showcases classical music beside spoken word and film. By intricately weaving film and music together, Underwood brings his artistic vision to reimagine classical music. nicholsconcerthall.org

THROUGH MARCH 24

THE ORCHID SHOW OF WONDERS

WHERE: Chicago

Botanic Garden

The Orchid Show whisks guests away to a whimsical world of 10,000 fresh, vibrant blooms. This year’s theme brings your favorite carnival and circus attractions to life. Walk under Ferris wheel seats and marvel at unicycles on tightropes and other gravity-defying surprises under the big top. chicagobotanic.org

APRIL 2

GEORGE CRUMB: ANCIENT MYSTERIES AND THE UNIVERSE OF DREAMS

WHERE: Guarneri Hall

Scott Yoo, host of PBS’ popular Now Hear This series guides audiences through an illuminating discussion of the work and lasting influence of American composer George Crumb (1929–2022). Crumb expressed

EXPO CHICAGO April 11 – 14.

Photography by Justin Barbin

AGENDA

his ideas through extended instrumental techniques, vivid musical dialogues, and evocative symbolism embedded in theatrical contexts. In the process, he forged a new means of musical messaging that would have a lasting effect on avant-garde music. The evening includes performances of two of Crumb’s most iconic works, Vox Balaenae and Black Angels by flutist Alice Dade, cellist Alexander Hersh, and pianist Adam Neiman with members of the Grossman Ensemble. guarnerihall.org

APRIL 11

VERNISSAGE

WHERE: Festival Hall, Navy Pier

The Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) hosts Vernissage, the opening night benefit of EXPO CHICAGO. Enjoy special early access to EXPO CHICAGO, which presents artwork from more than 170 leading galleries across the world. mcachicago.org

APRIL 11 – APRIL 14

EXPO CHICAGO

WHERE: Navy Pier

Festival Hall

The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art features leading international galleries alongside the highest quality platform for contemporary art and culture. This year EXPO CHICAGO will host the eleventh edition of the in-person exhibition. The exposition draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant and international cultural destination while engaging the region’s contemporary art community and collector base. expochicago.com

APRIL 12

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

WHERE: 28 Mile Distillery Paws for Patrick hosts its annual Spring Gala with an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and music from The Freddy Jones Band. During the event, you will have the opportunity to bid on both live and silent auctions. Paws for Patrick is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting young people to emotional support animals and therapy dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. pawsforpatrick.org

APRIL 12 – 14

IL FURIOSO

WHERE: Various Locations

The Newberry Consort performs Renaissance music influenced by the life and art of Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto, presented in collaboration with the early music group Incantare. This visually and aurally sumptuous program explores music by Italian composers from the Venetian School, juxtaposing musical works by Andrea Gabrieli, Gioseffo Zarlino, Nicola Vicentino, Leonora Orsina, Maddalena Casulana, Diego Ortiz, and Giovanni Priuli against visual art by Tintoretto and other Venetian artists such as Titian, Veronese, Bellini, and Bassano. A mixture of opulent antiphonal works for instruments and voices balances small-scale improvisatory solos, dances, and canzonas that mirror the richly hued textures of the paintings. newberryconsort.org

THROUGH APRIL 14

A TALE OF TODAY: SIF ITONA WESTERBERG

WHERE: Driehaus Museum

Part of the contemporary

exhibition series, A Tale of Today emphasizes the Danish artist Sif Itona Westerberg’s unique approach to bas-relief alongside the museum’s intricate ornamentation of plant life, mythology, and fauna. driehausmuseum.org

APRIL 19

HPDS GALA

WHERE: Bryn Mawr Country Club

Hyde Park Day School celebrates its annual gala, “In Full Bloom,” with a festive event co-chaired by Kari Darmstadter and Aimée Eubanks Davis. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and a silent and live auction. Funds raised will support the Bright Futures Scholarship Fund. hydeparkday.org

APRIL 26

INSPIRE CHANGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH

WHERE: Sunset Ridge Country Club, Northfield Inspire Change for Mental Health celebrates its premier Spring Gala with cocktails, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing. Inspire Change for Mental Health is a nonprofit organization offering mental health scholarships through the Inspire Counseling Center’s locations in Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Northbrook, and Evanston. All funds raised benefit the programs and services of Inspire Change for Mental Health. inspirecounselingcenter.com/inspirechange-for-mental-health/

MAY 11

MUSIC MATTERS

WHERE: Ravinia Festival

The Ravinia Associates Board hosts Music Matters with an open bar, live music, and silent and live auction. Proceeds benefit Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play music education programs. ravinia.org/musicmatters

NEWSWORTHY

MAGNIFICENT MEDUSA

Medusa is Versace’s most powerful and instantly recognizable symbol—one of elevated beauty, rebellion, and female empowerment. The Medusa ’95 House code is featured across a new Versace bag line for Spring-Summer 2024. Introduced at the collection fashion show in Milan, the theme centers on a unique horizontal tote bag and a handbag that takes inspiration from the Versace handbag carried by Diana, Princess of Wales. Each is crafted from calf leather that is sourced in France for its particular and luxurious powder-like finish with a soft and warm sensation to the touch. The naturally grained leather has a semi-matte sheen, and its innate character matures and enhances with wear, becoming more supple with a unique patina. The styles are also featured in a crocodile motif made through a hot-emboss technique onto soft calf leather that recreates the richness and depth of real crocodile skin. Interiors are lined with rich lamb leather and edges are hand-painted in tonal colors for an overall harmonious finish. For more information, visit versace.com.

WALLPAPER

Introducing a vibrant new chapter, Lake Forest artist Katie Powell Brickman unveils her latest masterpiece—a captivating wallpaper collection inspired by her popular abstract artwork. Renowned both locally and nationwide for her daring use of color and striking compositions, Brickman’s creative journey has culminated in a much-anticipated line of wallpapers that promise to infuse any space with unparalleled energy and elegance. Drawing on her celebrated and bold design patterns, the collection showcases ten distinct motifs, each available in a multitude of colors. Transform your surroundings with the spirit of Brickman’s artistry, and let your walls tell a story of dynamic creativity and contemporary flair. For more information, visit katiepowellbrickman.com.

A HOUSE THAT MADE HISTORY

In an extraordinary restoration project, Michael S. Smith, interior designer for the Obama White House, redecorated the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in collaboration with M.K. Pritzker, the first lady of Illinois. The project allowed the mansion’s prodigious history, exceptional decorative arts, and superb art to shine by using the best of Illinois’ long tradition of fine craftsmanship to enhance the rooms with sophisticated color palettes, gorgeous fabrics, wallpapers, and bespoke furniture. A House That Made History: The Illinois Governor’s Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure not only celebrates the updating of the Italianate–Greek Revival mansion but also tells the story of the house’s evolution since 1855, of the lives and times of the renowned personages who inhabited it, and of the illustrious visitors, including Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This book is ideal for those who love architecture, antiques, and learning about the lives of prominent Americans. For more information, visit rizzoliusa.com.

The Music Parlor features a piano donated from the estate of John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines.

Versace’s new Medusa ‘95 Nano Bag

THE S IFT LIFT

STATE-OF-THE-ART WARNER INSTITUTE FACELIFT & NECKLIFT TECHNIQUE

DR. JEREMY WARNER, MD FACS

SPRING HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED!

With blossoming flowers and warmer weather, it feels as if everyone and everything has a renewed sense of purpose. To prepare for the sunny days ahead, don’t forget to take some time to refresh yourself.

State-of-the-art Warner Institute Facelift Technique (SWIFT Lift) is the perfect treatment for the ultimate facial refresh.

Developed by Dr. Jeremy Warner, MD FACS, the SWIFT Lift achieves the same results as a traditional facelift without the need for a hospital operating room, general anesthesia, drains or long recovery times. During the procedure, which takes approximately two hours, Dr. Warner uses a special technique to effectively target specific facial areas and tighten the surrounding skin, creating a natural, long-lasting look that yields minimal recovery time.

Call our office today to schedule your consultation!

BEFORE

ACTUAL PATIENT OF DR. WARNER

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

A bevy of bits for beach-bound beauties on break.

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

ZIMMERMANN ALIGHT SCARF TIE BIKINI modaoperandi.com

VALENTINO GARAVANI WOVEN LEATHER TOTE BAG modaoperandi.com

SWAROVSKI OPTIK BINOCULARS—PERFECT FOR WHALE WATCHING swarovskioptik.com

LACK OF COLOR INCA BUCKET WIDE STRAW HAT modaoperandi.com

CONTRADICTION DAYS BY JOANNA NOVAK amazon.com

ANDRES OTALORA NAVY MORELIA MIDI-DRESS modaoperandi.com

ANDREA GOMEZ GOLD BRENDA SANDAL modaoperandi.com

ARDEN COVE BACKPACK—A TRAVEL NECESSITY ardencove.com

SHORE CITY

Media sales executive Julie Dix has worked with some of Chicago’s largest radio stations. In her current position with Prime Time Marketing, one of her goals is to use her experience and relationships to highlight the Danny Did Foundation. The foundation’s mission—to increase public awareness of epilepsy and the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and to prevent such deaths—has a special place in Dix’s heart as her two older sons suffered from seizures in their youth. Dix lives in Wilmette with her husband and their four children (ages 2-10). This busy wife, mother, media maven, and all-around connector took a break from school pick-up lines and sales pitches to share her shore and city favorites with Sheridan Road

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

What’s on the horizon? An upcoming interior design project with Sandra Casparriello (S.C. Murphy LLC) that will transform our home into a beautiful and functional space for my family of six Mantra? “Get in the car” Best grooming tip? Facials from Erin at Metamorphosis Spa in Northfield Guilty pleasure? Sarkis Café’s Veggie Loretta with extra crispy hash browns … and sometimes with an omelet on the side Favorite foods? Sourdough bread, a good omelet, bone broth lemon chicken rice soup, and basically anything homemade Music you love? Loving Caamp right now… Eric Church … and the rap hits my kids play Best advice ever given to you? God is within and loves you more than you will ever know Best advice you’ve given? Don’t sweat the small stuff Earliest memory? Dancing with my sister to The Sound of Music When you wake up, you? Throw on clothes, say good morning to the kids,

and start cranking breakfast and lunches Before bed, you? Watch a good series with my husband (right now it’s Suits on Netflix) What’s on your bookshelf? The Guest List by Lucy Foley and Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys You can’t live without? Vintner’s Daughter™ face serum Love to escape to? T.J.Maxx or HomeGoods Advice you would give to your younger self? Trust your gut

ON THE SHORE IN THE CITY

Your style is? Athleisure or jeans, a sweater, and Veja sneakers Can’t leave the house without? Under-eye concealer and mascara Transportation? A filthy SUV Driving music? WXRT 93.1 or my kids being Spotify DJs Place to eat? Grateful Bites Pizza Shoppe, Hewn bakery, and Pizza by Sal, or for more special nights Sophia Steak and Abigail’s American Bistro Shop? Bunny & Babe Best thing about the Shore? The people—I grew up here and there is a reason everyone moves back Worst thing about the Shore? You can’t go anywhere without seeing someone you know The perfect day is? Breakfast with my family, getting outside for a walk, and sneaking in some alone time

Your style is? If going downtown, it’s probably for a reason and I’ll be dressier … flare jeans, a silk blouse, my favorite Veronica Beard blazer, and boots or clogs Can’t leave the house without? A small cross-body for ease of walking Transportation? The Metra or I drive, but I love the ease of the train Driving music? Peace and quiet on the Metra or blasting whatever I want in my car Place to eat? Bar Mar recently for good margs, Ēma in River North, and can’t go wrong with good old Joe’s Stone Crab Shop? Felt Chicago in Logan Square, Aritzia in Gold Coast, and SPACE 519 Best thing about the City? The buzz, restaurants, and shopping Worst thing about the City? The traffic The perfect day is? Lunch at the Zodiac Room for popovers, lots of shopping, eating, and drinking

Julie Dix wearing alice + olivia pant and FRAME blouse and sweater, Neiman Marcus

Grateful Bites Pizza Shoppe

ESQUIRE DIVORCE – SHOULD YOU KEEP OR SELL THE HOUSE?

During divorce, deciding whether to sell your home and divide the assets or keep it in the newly divided family can be one of the most contentious decisions.

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

The marital home can be one of the more complicated assets to handle; simply because it is an emotionally charged one. With the help of experienced counsel, one can make a logical decision that works for the whole family. Let me break down some of the options available:

What happens if you decide to sell the house?

If the couple decides to sell the home, they will split any money made in the sale. This is determined by how much the home sells for, minus the cost of the remainder of the mortgage, realtor fees, or any other expenses incurred from selling the house.

If the house is still on the market, but every other aspect of the divorce has been agreed upon, the spouses do not need to wait for the house to sell to finalize the divorce. Instead, the marital settlement agreement can clearly outline how to split any funds from the sale of the house. Often, it will also dictate how the parties will communicate with the realtor, respond to offers, and maintain the house while it is on the market.

What happens if you decide not to sell the house?

If the spouses decide not to sell and that one of them will keep it, this becomes much more complicated. First, the couple needs to determine the value of the house. They can agree to use a website like Redfin or Zillow or a current market analysis from a local realtor to determine the house’s worth. If they do not agree on the value, they can get an appraisal from a certified real estate appraiser. Each party is entitled to half of the home’s equity in the divorce. If the parties are unable to come to an agreement on the value of the home, and therefore the equity in it, the court will most likely order that it be sold.

If one party keeps the house, they are responsible for compensating the other party for their share. This can be done by giving the spouse a different asset of a similar value, splitting checking or savings accounts differently, or paying the other spouse in another way.

Additionally, the party keeping the house will need to refinance, removing their spouse from the mortgage and the deed within a reasonable amount of time.

Can you continue to own the home jointly?

In some cases, the parties may decide to continue jointly owning the home for a few years. Typically, this is done to allow children to stay in the same home and school district they were previously in.

Sufficed to say, there are many ways to divide the value of the familial home. However, this can often be a contentious issue because in addition to the home typically being the largest asset they have, it is also one that people tend to be very emotionally

Michone J. Riewer

attached to and oftentimes, people will make emotional, rather than logical or smart, decisions when they want to stay in their residence.

Although it is difficult, we urge clients to take a very close look at their finances before determining if staying in their home is a realistic and smart financial decision. Many times, their emotions can cloud the reality of moving from a dual income and the major monthly expenses of owning a home. However, in some cases, staying in the home is the smartest decision for one party—the mortgage payment may be extraordinarily low, and they know they won’t be able to afford something similar with rising real estate prices.

Regardless, whether or not to stay in the home is a serious financial decision that should be made logically with legal counsel.

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

1015 ASHLEY ROAD

4 BD | 5 BA | 5,029 SF | $2,695,000

This completely renovated home on a tree-lined street in historic East Lake Forest is nestled on a generous 1 acre ravine lot and offers a perfect blend of understated elegance, high-end finishes and modern technology.

28354 N WOODDALE

6 BD | 5.3 BA | 8,605 SF | $5,400,000

43046 N SHERIDAN OAKS DR

5 BD | 5.2 BA | 7,025 SF | $2,287,000

Striking French Provincial set on 10 acres adjacent to a Forest Preserve, this 7000+ sq ft home offers beautifully appointed interior with spacious rooms, lofty ceilings, custom millwork, architectural moldings, and a paneled library.

COMING

850 HUNTER LANE

5 BD | 4.1 BA | 5,090 SF | $1,749,000

This exquisite, custom-built residence is nestled on a spacious 1.4-acre culde-sac lot, with a seamless layout that boasts generous room sizes, abundant natural light, and high-end finishes, exuding luxury and comfort.

41 SCOTT LOOP

5 BD | 6.1 BA | 7,654 SF | $1,849,000

Beautifully renovated Captain Mansion just steps from Lake Michigan offers a fantastic open floor plan with generously sized rooms, 10 foot ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors and oversized windows with gorgeous views.

0 AUDUBON LANE

1.93 ACRES | $525,000

A rare opportunity to build your dream home, this expansive vacant lot offers a serene and picturesque setting, nestled within a highly sought-after neighborhood known for its natural beauty, award winning schools and upscale lifestyle.

847.732.4039

LANE

STEP INTO THE SEASON WITH THE LATEST AND GREATEST OF SPRING LAUNCHES

EDITED BY ALLISON DUNCAN

CULTURE & ARTS

THE NORTH SHORE’S MOST CREATIVE PURSUITS

MEET ARTIST

ELEANNA ANAGNOS

Eleanna Anagnos is featured in Art & Artist and is pictured here with several of her works. Photography by Katrina Wittkamp/Styling by Theresa DeMaria/ Hair & Makeup by Leanna Ernest

PAINTING WITH PULP

Eleanna Anagnos’ abstract, conceptual works break artistic conventions.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Eleanna Anagnos wearing Azeeza, photographed with her work.

TART & ARTIST

he black frames of Eleanna Anagnos’ glasses encircle eyes as blue as the Aegean Sea. Eyes repeated in a photo of her daughter, Aria, that she has displayed in her studio. Eyes somehow present in the clear stones ornamenting her latest abstract painting, Oracle

Suspended like a cloud on wires, Oracle hangs in a delicate encircling of wood framing. Nearly sheer blocks of golden handmade paper are pierced through with handmade resin stones that look forward and back—as an oracle might mystically do.

Anagnos paints in the expanded field—abstract, conceptual works that break conventions of what a painting can be. Created with handmade, sculpted, painted, or dyed paper pulp, plus found or handmade objects, Anagnos’ 3D works are painting/sculpture hybrids that hang from the ceiling or float off the wall transmitting a feeling both prehistoric and futuristic at the same time.

“I want to invent something new within the space of painting,” says Anagnos, “with each piece reflecting my interest in the metaphysical and how we are all connected.”

For Anagnos, who spends half of the year in Lake Bluff and the other half in Mexico City, this constitutes a constant thinking and rethinking of place and context. “These inform what the work becomes. There is this impromptu, archaeological excavation into my lived experience that is transferred to the work through me. I’m a conduit. Each work is a collaboration between myself, my body, the paper pulp, and the information—air, colors, smells, time, sound, and light—accessed through consciousness. It’s not linear or narrative.”

With degrees in art, and years spent teaching, curating, and painting all over the world (New York City, Rome, Athens, and Mexico among them), place and context have changed for Anagnos many times. In New York, she worked for famed painters Will Cotton and Stanley Whitney, and, for eight years co-directed

Oracle. Photography by KC Crow Maddux

Queen of the Night Photography by Jorge Garaiz

ART & ARTIST

and curated for Ortega y Gasset Projects, an artist-run, nonprofit gallery in Brooklyn, supporting artists from marginalized and underrepresented communities. She also traveled widely for many residencies and fellowships.

Divergences in her art can be attributed to these varied surroundings. Paintings such as No Title RR #39, made during her residency at the Rauschenberg Estate in Captiva, Florida, are full of intensely bright colors echoing the epic sunsets and incorporate shells collected from the beaches. Earlier works like Cirque, from the Paper Trails series created while she was a fellow at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado, incorporate casts of crumpled paper, very much like snow-covered mountains. More recent works, such as Queen of the Night and Cypher from the Dialect series and Communion from Hugging the Line series, have a muted, earthy tonality reflecting the environs and culture of Mexico where Anagnos moved to study centuries-old paper-making traditions.

Persephone Photography by Jorge Garaiz

Blue into You Photography by Jorge Garaiz

Anagnos wearing Azeeza, photographed with her work, Cypher.

Art installation

ART & ARTIST

While Anagnos initially chose paper pulp for the practical reason that large works would be less weighty, this decision transformed her relationship with her art. Shaping, pigmenting, and sculpting the wet pulp with her hands and tools, and then adapting with the work as it morphs, changes color, hardens, and dries is an artist/pulp collaboration unique to each work. “With paper pulp, the substrate is the work,” says Anagnos. “Paper has its own set of requirements. I work on its time”

Anagnos is now back on the North Shore to prepare for a solo show running from April 7 to May 18 at Devening Projects in Chicago. She is eager to see how the city will affect the new work she is producing. Looking back to her childhood here, Anagnos reflects on the chain of events that led to her first entry into art. She was close to her grandparents, who hosted a bilingual Greek-English radio show, The Hellenic Interlude, in Chicago for 32 years. Her grandfather, an Olympic athlete in his youth, inspired Anagnos to pursue gymnastics. She did so and

was competing by age 5. But an injury sustained while attending famed coach Béla Károlyi’s gymnastic camp took Anagnos out of competition and into art classes, which she loved.

“I felt a kind of freedom when I was painting that I didn’t get doing anything else,” she says. “I still feel that today.”

For more information, visit eleanna.com.

Where the Spirit Meets the Bone Photography by Jorge Garaiz

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“Every year for Christmas, my husband spends hours researching the perfect books to gift everyone on both sides of the family. My gift this year was My Name is Barbara by Barbara Streisand. I’m excited to dive in for many reasons. 2023 was the “Year of the Girl”—Barbie, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. Babs is the OG It girl and, by any account, a living legend. She’s a woman whose career spans six decades and is among only a handful of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award) winners. As I am a former dancer, he had a hunch this would speak to me. Nailed it.”

TRENDING

STYLE STAR

TIFFANY ERICKSON is an NBCUniversal media gal by day and a personal stylist by night. First and foremost a mom, Erickson lives by the motto “You get more done when you have more on your plate.” Her active life begins with content creation in the early morning hours then parlays into school drop-off, a PTO popin, and selling something related to Bravo, E! Live from the Red Carpet, TODAY, or Saturday Night Live. She launched her styling business, TE STYLE, in 2016 as a side hustle when friends encouraged her to monetize her fashion troubleshooting. This gig perfectly complements a media career where brands, fashion, and pop culture intersect. Erickson’s passion for event styling has also led her into the wedding industry where she most recently teamed up with Pearce Weddings & Events to create magic on the aisle. She resides in Winnetka with her husband, Lucas, and their three children. Here’s how this wife, mother, media maven, stylist, volunteer, and multitasker stays on-trend.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY MARGARETA KOMLENAC

ON HER MOBILE

“After I attempt Wordle and read the Ad Age: Advertising & Marketing Technology News wake-up call, I scroll on over to all things lifestyle, pop culture, and NBCUniversal—sprinkling in some parenting and self-care content. As a former magazine ad sales seller, I find that Apple News is today’s digital version of a glossy mag. My guilty pleasure is anything royal family-related because, well, Kate Middleton does everything right.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“I’m an audiobook gal, so chances are any new release will be consumed in my ears. I’m a sucker for true crime but How I Built This with Guy Raz is my all-time favorite podcast. When I’m not feeding my brain, I’m listening to yacht rock, Beyoncé, or some West Coast ‘90s hip-hop.”

Beyoncé.

Photo by Mason Poole

Tiffany Erickson wearing Veronica Beard blazer and dress, Bunny & Babe

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

AT AUCTION

Zack Wirsum, Vice President and Head of Department for Post War and Contemporary Art at Freeman’s | Hindman, previews exciting artwork offered at auction this spring.

WORDS BY ZACK WIRSUM

Louise Nevelson (American, 1899-1988) | Untitled, c. 1976-78 $150,000$250,000 In signature Nevelson fashion, Untitled (c. 197678) defies dimensional classification by equitably and effectively occupying the realms of both painting and sculpture. Uniformly coated in her hallmark unmodulated black paint, it is the considered arrangement of the geometric structural elements and the shadow play they generate that activate the composition of this wall hanging relief to draw the viewer into the powerful and pleasing picture plane. The scale and the orientation of the work read as a complex futuristic monolith covered in coded circuitry or as a stately door adorned in alien hieroglyphs waiting to be opened to reveal a portal to a compelling and expansive creative world of Nevelson’s design.

Al Held (American, 19282005) | Stereo III, 1975 $80,000 - $120,000 Stereo III (1975) is an extraordinary example of Al Held’s masterful hard-edge abstraction and economic minimalist approach employed at peak power. Perhaps taking a cue from the title, this two-tone painting slickly pairs a flatly applied white background with decisive yet delicate black linework in a cleverly choreographed dance of positive and negative shapes that visually evokes a sense of a schematics for a sound system resonating deeply across all frequencies. Cool and clean without being cold, the painting invitingly pulls you in while dually surrounding you with high fidelity gesture and form.

Larry Poons (American, b. 1937) |

Untitled, 1976 $50,000 - $70,000 Under Larry Poons’ direction and influence, gravitational physics and natural material movement create a heavy, abstract downpour of thick acrylic, painterly and visceral in Untitled (1976). The chunky, cascading bands of color, ranging from the pronounced bold yellow to the complementary whispers of violet and purple, both capture the painting process and form the final product as concept and construct on this long, narrow canvas. In the upper portion of the painting, speckled spatters of orange and brief glimpses of base layer white punctuate the vertical rhythms allowing breaks in the expressive action.

Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977) | Giraffe and Moon with Volcano (Giraffe and Volcano #2), 1951 $50,000 - $70,000 Marvelous and mysterious, as we would expect from the affectionately annotated “Jazz Witch,” Gertrude Abercrombie, Giraffe and Volcano #2 (1951) depicts an impossibly long-necked giraffe extending upward to kissing distance of a crescent moon in a lonely, surreal dreamscape flanked by a smoldering volcano and a solitary stone, at once out of place and eerily familiar. All or any of the elements are potential surrogate symbolic stand-ins for the artist; herself no stranger to isolation, otherworldly positioning, and the embrace of the magical night. The giraffe, more exotic than Abercrombie’s standard signifiers of the cat or the owl, surely appealed to her for the animal’s majestic yet awkward appearance, a contradiction aligned with her own self-image. As the giraffe is iconically featured ablaze in Salvador Dali’s masterpiece Inventions of the Monsters owned by the Art Institute of Chicago in Abercrombie’s hometown, her use of the beast could be a nod to one of the foundational figures of Surrealism.

The Post War and Contemporary Art department will present a live and online auction on April 24, with bidding beginning at 10 a.m. Bidding is available via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room, bid.hindmanauctions.com or the Hindman app. For more information, contact Zack Wirsum at 312280-1212 or zacharywirsum@hindmanauctions.com.

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ROYALLY CHIC

EXPLORE PORTUGAL’S MANY TREASURES AND WHIP UP A VEGAN-FRIENDLY RECIPE FROM SPIRIT ELEPHANT

UMA PAIXÃO POR PORTUGAL

Traverse the diverse landscapes of a European country’s capital city, mountaintop palaces, and coastal resorts.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

Occupying the west coast of Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, Portugal offers a bit of everything—rich history, stunning architecture, glorious terrain, delicious wines, traditional fare, and a color wheel of sea hues. We began our tour of the country in its capital city, Lisbon. Founded by the Phoenicians and one of Europe’s oldest fortifications, Lisbon was later expanded by the Romans, Moors, and Crusader knights. Their influences can still be experienced within this bustling city, where streets painted with the patina of time artfully beckon visitors past stately, statue-filled squares.

For repose, we chose the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel. The Tivoli brand has perfected hospitality for nine decades. Its journey

began in 1933 with this hotel, which quickly became a local landmark and a haven for celebrities, heads of state, artists, and royalty. The grand entrance is intoxicating with its white marble and gleaming gold, while the lobby resembles a palace living room with vignettes of upholstered furniture meant for huddled discussions. The curated artwork lining the wall speaks to the hotel’s longstanding support of regional artisans.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade is located on the city’s most renowned avenue, nicknamed Lisbon’s Champs-Elysées. Its central location makes it easy to explore this “city of seven hills,” each offering panoramic views of Lisbon’s red roofs and the Tagus River. I always love to discover a city on foot, however, if you prefer “wheels to heels,” hire an electric tuk-tuk for an exhilarat-

Praça do Comércio in Lisbon. Photography by Armando Oliveira

FIRST CLASS

ing trip around the city. Or if you are looking for a short bypass to the hills, take a ride on the Santa Justa Lift. Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, the creator of Paris’ greatest landmark, a trip on this neo-Gothic, wrought iron, vertical lift allows you to experience a bit of living history.

Whichever way you choose to explore, be sure to visit the charming neighborhoods nearby. Baixa Pombalina is home to a magnificent, harborside plaza—the Praça do Comércio. Next to Baixa Pombalina, you will find my favorite and Lisbon’s most elegant neighborhood—Chiado. A hub for shopping and theater, a stroll down Chiado’s narrow cobblestone streets makes for a lovely afternoon. I highly recommend a visit to Claus Porto, home to perfumes, soaps, and creams wrapped in Belle Epoque-inspired designs. These fragrant treasures make the perfect gift for those awaiting your return, while the shopkeeper’s tales of the brand’s 133-year-old history will beguile even the most reluctant shopper. Another long-lived Portuguese brand is Leitão & Irmão, a 200-year-old company that once served as the Crown Jeweler to Portuguese and Brazilian royalty. Today, its delicate jewelry and fine home accessories make for the most treasured of tokens.

A short walk from Chiado leads you to the Principe Real neighborhood, known for its 19th-century mansions boasting beautiful ironwork balconies and Lisbon’s signature blue and white tiled facades. The trendy neighborhood, filled with art galleries and fashionable shops, lives up to the translation of its name—“Royal Prince.”

Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest areas (with a history dating back to the Moors) is a delightful maze of steep narrow passageways lined with quaint shops carrying traditional crafts. In this neighborhood, you’ll find many of Lisbon’s most iconic buildings

including the Lisbon Cathedral and St. George’s Castle. Alfama is also famous for its fado venues. Fado, translating to “fate,” is a traditional form of Portuguese music featuring poignant, moving lyrics accompanied by soulful guitar.

After a day of strolling Lisbon’s streets, visit the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade’s Anantara spa for the brand’s signature massage that combines Thai stretches and techniques (in honor of Anantara’s roots) with moderate pressure. Your limbs will be forever grateful.

Hungry? Portuguese cuisine embodies the country’s history of exploration, with flavors and recipes influenced by its outposts in India, China, Africa, and South America. If you are a bit tired from touring, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade boasts two outstanding restaurants. Cervejaria Liberdade is perched high above the treelined Avenida da Liberdade, offering the perfect vantage point for

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade’s lobby

View of Lisbon’s red roofs. Photography by no limit pictures

FIRST CLASS

people watching between savory bites of seafood from the Portuguese coast. Don’t miss the traditional bacalhau (salted cod) or the fresh oysters. Another hotspot for fantastic cuisine is SEEN Lisboa by Olivier—a Portuguese, Brazilian, and Asian fusion eatery with art-deco décor, a hopping rooftop bar, a resident DJ, and stunning views of Lisbon.

Looking to dine off campus? Lisbon presents numerous exquisite eateries including Mini Bar, owned by Portugal’s famed Chef José Avillez. Located in Chiado and hidden behind a false “library” wall, nothing is what it seems at this inventive gastro pub. We “kicked” off the evening with Mini Bar’s famous Kinky Boots cocktail—a divine blend of Beefeater Gin, ginger, lemongrass, spearmint, and agave! We partook in all 6 “acts” on the menu, with each course presented in very unexpected ways, and left the establishment as huge fans of the talented Avillez.

Before leaving Lisbon, you must try its famous pastel de nata custard tarts first created by Catholic monks in the 17th century. There is no shortage of places that offer these tasty, traditional treasures, and you’ll want to order a thick bica, the Portuguese espresso, to complete the experience.

SINTRA

Leaving the capital city, we journeyed to Sintra. For centuries, the eerily beautiful mist hovering over this mountaintop town has played a prominent role in romantic legends and mystical encounters. Once the beloved summer retreat of the Portuguese royal family, this charming village boasts more palaces per square foot than anywhere else in Europe.

We chose Palácio de Seteais—a gorgeous example of neoclassical architecture reminiscent of the Age of Enlightenment—as our resting place. This boutique hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking gorgeous gardens, a valley, and the Sintra Mountains. The gardens and citrus groves are made even more enchanting by the peacocks visiting from a neighboring property

thought to be owned by a descendant of the tragically beautiful Austrian Empress Sisi.

One afternoon, we enjoyed an al fresco lunch on an expansive balcony, dining from Portuguese porcelain inspired by the hunt—a sport once popular with the king and his men. That evening’s dinner in the glamorous main dining room, nibbling on a perfectly prepared sea bass while surrounded by hand-painted frescoes, could only be described as an exquisite affair.

I was thrilled to realize that the palace is very popular with Americans—Lake Forest’s very own James Lovell stayed here— and out of the 25 weddings hosted at the property last year, 21 were American couples heading to the altar. The dreamy property is a draw for celebrities as well counting Johnny Depp, Bono, and Brad Pitt as guests who laid their heads to rest in this most perfect place.

I suggest staying a few days to enjoy the hotel, visit nearby palaces, and explore the picture-perfect downtown with its colorful buildings and winding stone walls draped in capes of emerald moss.

The area’s main attraction is the Pena Palace, a masterpiece of 19th-century Romanticism. The palace is set within the nearly 500-acre Parque da Pena, a dense woodland that features trees

The National Palace of Pena in Sintra

A traditional mosaic tiled building found in Lisbon. Photography by Jennifer Hyslip

Palácio de Seteais Resort’s exterior facade

FIRST CLASS

from all over the world—including California redwoods. This “wild” landscape was purposefully designed to complement the palace’s extravagant architecture—a madcap mishmash of design styles featuring colorful terraces with breathtaking Atlantic views and ornamental battlements adorned with mythological creatures.

If we had more time, I would have visited the Moorish Castle and the Quinta da Regaleira, known as the “Palace of Mystery” for its labyrinthian underground tunnels and hidden passages. However, we had to dash for our next destination—the coast.

THE ALGARVE

We visited two very different resorts in Portugal’s southernmost region known for its Atlantic beaches, golf resorts, and golden cliffs. The first, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, is perfect for the traveler looking for beachside fun, a marina vibe, excellent cuisine, vast views, and an expansive gym and spa. Located next to the harbor, the resort is a gateway to oceanic adventures.

One afternoon, we visited Purobeach for lunch. Situated on the beach, the modern restaurant sports stunning ocean vistas. For dinner, we traded ocean scenes for marina views with a visit to Pepper’s Steakhouse. We paired our hearty, dry-aged steaks with the sommelier’s choice of Portuguese wines. Before the meal, we visited The Argo Bar for a drink. I chose the bar’s namesake cocktail, “The Argo,” named in honor of the vessel built for the Argonauts who searched for the Golden Fleece. One sip of this combination of cocoa grue-infused tequila, melon liqueur, grapefruit bitters, and soda made me feel like I had indeed found the coveted fleece.

The second Algarve destination, a cliffside haven riding on the Atlantic’s mesmerizing shoulders, is Tivoli Carvoeiro Resort. The recently refurbished retreat is within walking distance of the region’s biggest draw—the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. The

nearly 4-mile coastal route is known for its breathtaking views of golden cliffs set against turquoise water. We hiked the trail with a knowledgeable guide from Algarve Fun, who showed us fascinating formations—sinkholes, arches, and sea caves—created by centuries of ocean erosion.

Famished after our trek, we cleaned up and headed to The One Restaurant for a seafood bonanza! I devoured delicious tuna carpaccio, delicate scallops, and for my main dish, a delightful John Dory filet all paired with fabulous Portuguese wine. Delicioso!

I highly recommend the wine tasting with sommelier Francisco Meira, which is like a master class in regional wines. Portugal’s diverse landscape allows the country to produce a broad range of high-quality wines. We loved both ends of the spectrum from the light, delicate, and fizzy Vinho Verde (green wine) from the north to the more robust vinho do Porto (port) from the Douro Valley.

Portugal’s many paradises—each one brimming with history, culture, culinary adventure, five-star accommodations, and natural wonder—are sure to charm you. Enhance your experience by booking the Tivoli Timeless Tour—a tailor-made tour of the brand’s Portuguese properties designed to surprise and delight while creating unforgettable memories. Saúde!

Palácio de Seteais recently changed ownership from Tivoli to Valverde. For more information about Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, Tivoli Carvoeiro Resort, and the Tivoli Timeless Tour visit tivolihotels.com and 90years.tivolihotels.com.

Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort’s picnic experience

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort’s Pepper’s Steakhouse Honey Panna Cotta dish

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort’s Purobeach Restaurant

MEAT(LESS)LOAF BOURGUIGNON WITH MASHED POTATOES, ROAST VEG & RED WINE SAUCE

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / RECIPE BY SPIRIT ELEPHANT CHEF JORGE ESPARZA

When CD Young opened the doors to her Winnetka restaurant Spirit Elephant in January 2020, she and her team were focused on making vegan food that was delicious and approachable for every kind of eater. “We knew we would have the hearts of vegans,” she says, “but we wanted omnivores to taste and see that eating plant-based was not a sacrifice in any way.” Even when the pandemic threw a wrench in the works, Young and her team held tight, never straying from the “approachable, delicious, plant-based” theme. Using what they learned from Spirit Elephant’s necessary pivot to take-out service during the crisis, Young and her team opened two fast-casual restaurants dubbed Elephant + Vine in Lincoln Park and Evanston in 2022.

Their hard work paid off with a big win in the Chicago Tribune 2023 Readers’ Choice Food Awards for “Best Plant-Based Menu.” But no one is resting on their laurels. Expansion is planned, as are new plant-based dishes.

Executive Chef Jorge Esparza is constantly at work on items

with menu potential. He loves working with mushrooms of all sorts, trimming king oysters into calamari-ring lookalikes, and featuring lion’s mane as a main course in Spirit Elephant’s Thanksgiving feast. But for approachability, dishes made with plant-based beef products, like the Impossible™ Beef brand used here, are always favorites.

Esparza’s recipe for Meat(less)loaf Bourguignon (adapted here for the home cook) makes for a satisfyingly savory meal stacked over mashed potatoes and served with roasted vegetables and a rich red wine sauce.

To bake the loaf, Esparza portions it into mini loaf pans. Or, for more guests, double the loaf recipe using three 12-ounce packages of Impossible™ Beef, which—when mixed with the other loaf ingredients, fits perfectly into four 6 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2-inch-deep disposable pans.

Esparza likes to sprinkle a little flour into the onion and mushroom base for the red wine sauce to thicken it, but, since you’ll be reducing the liquid quite a bit, the sauce will still have good body should you choose not to use flour.

RECIPE

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

For the meatless loaf

• 1/2 medium carrot, peeled, cut into thin sticks, and diced fine

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1/2 yellow onion chopped to make 1/2 cup

• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped to make 1/4 cup

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 pound Impossible™ Beef

• 1/4 cup green peas

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorn

• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder

For the mashed potatoes

• 6 to 8 new potatoes, peeled to make 2 cups

• 2 teaspoons salt, divided

• 2 tablespoons plant-based butter

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the roasted vegetables

• 1 small bunch (six thick spears) asparagus, stem ends trimmed

• 1 small bunch thin tri-colored carrots, washed and peeled

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black peppercorns

For the red wine sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoon butter

• 1 cup button mushrooms, chopped

• 1 shallot, peeled and chopped

• 1 1/2 teaspoon aged red wine vinegar

• 1/2 cup red wine

• 1 teaspoon tamari sauce

• 1 teaspoon finely ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons canned or bottled lingonberries (sauce or preserves are fine)

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 cup water

METHOD

For the meatless loaf: Preheat oven to 350 degrees with oven rack at center position. Place carrots and 2 tablespoons of water in a microwaveable dish and microwave for 3 minutes. In a sauté pan over low heat, add olive oil, chopped onion, and celery. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent. Stir in cooked carrot and garlic and cook until garlic softens. Stir in tomato paste until well incorporated and increase heat to medium. Cook another 3 minutes until the flavor of the tomato paste deepens. Scoop mixture into a bowl and add Impossible™ Beef, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and peas. Sift dried mustard over the ingredients. Using a large wooden spoon or your

hands, mix well. Portion into mini loaf pans. Cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.

For the roasted vegetables: A few minutes after you begin baking the loaves, place peeled carrots and thick asparagus stalks on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and a few grinds of black peppercorn. Place on the second rack in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes until tender. Note: if asparagus finishes more quickly than the carrots, remove spears and set aside, keeping warm, until carrots finish roasting.

For the mashed potatoes: While the loaves and vegetables roast, prepare potatoes. In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat, add peeled potatoes and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon of the salt. Simmer potatoes, always keeping water to just below a boil, until easily pierced with a fork. Drain. Add olive oil, plant-based butter, and salt. Mash until fluffy.

For the red wine sauce: In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, add butter, olive oil, and chopped shallot. When shallot begins to become translucent, add mushrooms and continue cooking until they have released their liquid. Stir in garlic and continue cooking until softened. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. Pour all through a fine mesh strainer. Discard solids. Place sauce in a small pitcher.

To assemble: Place a mound of mashed potatoes on the plate. Top with slices of the meatless loaf. Artfully arrange roasted asparagus spears and carrots next to the potatoes. Serve the red wine sauce on the side.

TOUR

LIVING AND WORKING IN STYLE

Designer Pam Maher brings an old loft space up to date, beautifully.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY A.VISION—ARTURO YEPEZ STYLING BY AIMEE WERTEPNY—PROJECT INTERIORS

HOME TOUR

Going all white could scream minimalism with a capital M, but there’s nothing missing from the home and studio Pam Maher has created for herself in Chicago’s West Town. The timber and brick loft needed some serious TLC when the veteran designer bought it and, from the start, she knew a neutral palette was the way to go.

“I tend to live in monochromatic spaces with clean lines,” shares Maher, who gut-rehabbed the entire unit and painted all the brick and wood white. “But every interior I do is guided by the space itself. This loft felt dated and tired. I wanted to unify and modernize the space, so I chose to freshen it with all white. The rough industrial feel remains and that is a departure from the more refined homes I lived in and typically design for on the North Shore.”

Originally from a small town in southern Illinois, Maher made her home for many years in Glencoe, with her husband, David,

and their two children. “David is part of a very large family,” says Maher, “and many of his siblings live on the North Shore, so we all raised our kids together, 23 nieces and nephews.” With the children grown, the Mahers decided to shake things up a bit, selling their Glencoe house and purchasing the city condo, as well as 26 wooded acres in Michigan’s Harbor Country.

While sporting 16-foot ceilings and awash in natural light, the unit—situated on the top floor of a 100-year-old building that is home to a bevy of creatives—required a deep reimagining to make it functionally and visually appealing. One of the smaller spaces in the building, it had to provide multiple work areas for Maher and her employees, as well as a comfortable living area for those times when Maher found herself staying in town for the week.

Taking advantage of the unit’s volume, Maher constructed additional levels to create dedicated zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing. She deployed cabinetry throughout to define indi-

OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT: Kitchen boasts porcelain countertops by Absolute Stone, tile by The Fine Line, Vanguard Furniture stools, and Visual Comfort lighting. OPPOSITE PAGE RIGHT: Sitting area is a build out by A-Team Remodeling with a plaster fireplace by Studio Äix, furnishings by Four Hands Furniture, and lighting by Jayson Home. TOP: Sleeping area is divided with a custom cabinet storage wall. The rug is from Oscar Isberian, bedding and drapery are by Basia Frossard Projects. RIGHT: Sitting room boasts a city view. ABOVE: The dining/work area features chairs by Dovetail, a banquette by Four Hands Furniture, and lighting by Regina Andrew.

HOME TOUR

vidual spaces, as well as give herself much-needed storage. New stairs, ladders, and a catwalk not only provide access to the newly carved-out spaces but add to the dynamism of the entire interior. And because Maher had roof access, she was able to relocate mechanical systems and transform an existing utility room into a much-appreciated laundry room. Unsightly venting in the existing bathroom was mediated by painting the wall black and introducing a slatted wood detail.

The kitchen—central to any home, no matter how compact—is cast with satin finish cabinetry and porcelain counters. The sandy tone of the backsplash, composed of Zellige tile laid vertically, adds a contrasting textural rhythm and subtly references the loft’s original brick character. Two doorways and a window-wide opening in the white-painted brick wall link the living room visually to the kitchen. An intimate space made all the more cozy with a contemporary fireplace constructed of raked plaster, the living room is anchored by a table fashioned from a solid slab of wood discovered on a trip through Arizona.

Part atelier, part apartment, Maher’s city digs are well-served by her near monochromatic palette, which forms an inspiring blank canvas in which to work and a restful place in which to relax once the day is done. That overused adage, “less is more,” is too often a cover-up for a lack of inspiration or worse, overbearing austerity. But sometimes, less just makes sense. Taking in the crisp, clean, and comfortable environment Maher has created, well . . . who could ask for more?

For more information about Pam Maher Design, visit pammaherdesign.com.

TOP: Entry floors are finished with plant-based Rubio Monocoat and lighting is by Visual Comfort. ABOVE: The loft allows for an open floor plan lifestyle. The paint is Benjamin Moore Simply White, lights are by Jayson Home, and the cocktail table is made from reclaimed timber. TOP RIGHT: The elevated work space features lighting by Regina Andrew. ABOVE RIGHT: The sleeping loft contains a family heirloom steamer trunk.

SPRING PREVIEW

Our favorite new releases for the season.

EDITED BY ALLISON DUNCAN

FABRIC PARADISE FOUND

Discover the ultimate fabric haven at Loomcraft Textiles in Vernon Hills.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VASYL CHEIPESH

Nestled in the heart of the charming Vernon Hills community, Loomcraft Textiles invites you to explore a world of fabric wonders. If you’re on the hunt for premium upholstery fabrics, window treatments, reupholstery services, custom bedding, and more, Loomcraft’s family-owned business is the place to be.

Window Treatment Expertise:

When it comes to window treatments, Loomcraft is the expert you can trust. Their team will guide you through the latest trends, including Roman shades and electronic draperies, ensuring that your windows become stunning focal points in your home. They offer a wide range of materials and customization options, allowing you to achieve the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics for your space.

The team at Loomcraft Textiles understands the importance of choice when it comes to your home decor. With an unparalleled inventory of fabrics, featuring a spectrum of colors, patterns, and textures to suit every taste and style, whether you’re looking for classic, contemporary, or eclectic designs, they have it covered. Loomcraft’s vast collection can transform any space into a reflection of your personal style.

Reupholstery Services:

Give your beloved furniture a new lease on life with their topnotch reupholstery services. Loomcraft’s skilled artisans can breathe new life into your worn-out furniture, making it look and feel brand new without breaking the bank. From vintage heirlooms

to contemporary pieces, they can transform them all, offering you quality and value that you won’t find anywhere else.

Custom Bedding:

Experience the luxury of custom bedding that caters to your unique preferences and needs. Loomcraft Textiles crafts bespoke bedding solutions that enhance your comfort and style, offering a range of fabrics, colors, and designs to create the perfect bedding ensemble for a restful night’s sleep.

Affordable Elegance:

This premier retailer believes that creating a beautiful and comfortable home should be affordable. That’s why Loomcraft offers competitive prices without compromising on quality. They understand that your home is your sanctuary, and their mission is to make it more inviting and stylish, without breaking your budget.

At Loomcraft Textiles, their passion for textiles meets unmatched expertise. Their dedicated team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect fabrics, window treatments, and upholstery solutions to transform your home into a haven of comfort and elegance. Visit their Vernon Hills store today and discover why they are the go-to destination for residents of the North Shore. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your home decor – Loomcraft Textiles is here to make your interior dreams a reality.

Loomcraft Fabric Outlet is located at 645 Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills, right near the Vernon Hills Police Department and Portillo’s. For more information, call 846-680-1119, email vhstore@loomcraft.com, or visit thefabricoutlet.com.

From jumping off the pier, and surfing behind the ski boat, to watching fireworks on the 4th, we love our rich history and lush landscape. Green Lake has captured our hearts as well as the generations of families before us.

Ready to write your Green Lake Home Chapter?

REACH OUT, LET’S CHAT   ELLEVENRE.COM

Eileen

CRAFTING STORIES

Tanya Zaben’s Interior Monologue showcases unique home pieces and the people who make them.

WORDS BY ELISA DRAKE / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LAMER PORTRAIT STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF INTERIOR MONOLOGUE

Interior Monologue founder Tanya Zaben wearing Proenza Schouler, Neiman Marcus

Years ago, while strolling through the Schwabing neighborhood in Munich, Germany, Tanya Zaben stepped into what she thought was a charming old bookstore. What she discovered was a bookbinder’s studio. Zaben spoke at length with the owner, intrigued by the woman’s craft and her “magical” space. “It had never occurred to me that someone actually binds books, that it’s a real career, that this still happens,” Zaben notes. “It was this moment where I thought, I wish I could tell the world about this place.”

And then she returned to her busy life as a mom and creative director. “I was running big jobs for American Express, the Tribeca Film Festival, the US Open, The New York Times International Luxury Conference, hobnobbing with all sorts of people in fashion, media, and design,” Zaben says. “I loved my job, but I wished for something more.” Zaben thought back to that bookbinder and her beautiful craftsmanship, and she decided it was time for a change. “That’s when Interior Monologue was born.”

Described as “a website devoted to culling through the masses and picking out the absolute best of the best in handcrafted and artisan-made goods,” Interior Monologue tells the stories of the craftspeople and artistry behind the products that Zaben has long admired. Along with personal interviews, videos, and behind-thescenes peeks at work in progress, Zaben also curates an e-commerce shop that reflects her tagline: “Handmade is the best made.”

Although Zaben is now a dedicated New Yorker, she grew up near Chicago where her parents still live. Her mother, a math teacher, was a Chicagoan and the first woman in her family to go to college. Her father, an engineer, was born in Palestine and grew up in Egypt, moving to the United States to attend school. “It was a layering of two totally different things,” Zaben explains. She had her Chicago roots, as well as relatives in Egypt, Abu Dhabi, and Greece.

Trips to Chicago and the North Shore with her family exposed Zaben to art and culture the likes of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, the Art Institute, symphony concerts, and the Bahá’í temple. “I have so many vivid, formative memories of falling in love with art and craft,” she says.

Bernard Maisner Stationery Set, interiormonologue.com

Klimchi Vase, interiormonologue.com

Cutipol Serving Set, interiormonologue.com

Zaben’s high school photography teacher nurtured this love and Zaben’s creative talent. “Craig Anderson. We’re still in touch. He was such an incredible inspiration to me,” Zaben recalls. “I picked up a camera and was taken by the stories I could tell.” Anderson encouraged Zaben to apply for a scholarship to the photography program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She earned that scholarship and, as soon as she graduated, she landed a job in London at one of the first big experiential marketing firms. “It was absolutely fascinating for me to take my skill and be part of a team, and to watch something come together in a three-dimensional way.”

With Interior Monologue, Zaben is connecting all these things from her life: her appreciation for handmade craft and design; her love of travel and other cultures; and her passion for telling the stories behind the product. She’s always on the lookout for that unique find, whether at a trade show, art fair, or on travels across the globe. “Having lived in Europe for many years, it’s where I first fell in love with craftsmanship, from the art restoration in a palace in Germany to a shoemaker in Austria, Europe is a vast resource for me,” she says.

Whatever she selects, it has to pass the “Interior Monologue seal of approval.” As Zaben describes, “It has to be entirely handcrafted, ideally by a small maker, using ethically sourced materials or ingredients.” Whether a wax-sealed bottle of hand-tapped maple syrup or a luxurious line of cashmere blankets, Zaben says, “Interior Monologue’s mission is to provide a collection of makers that you can trust.”

While it’s tough for her to pick a favorite artisan or piece of art, she points to a few that have stood out so far. One of them is master calligrapher-slash-stationery artist Bernard Maisner. “I’ve been a fan for years and years before starting Interior Monologue, and I was thrilled when he not only agreed to let us sell his gorgeous stationery but created a unique set of stationery bespoke to Interior Monologue that he and I collaborated on.”

Another is Busatti, an eighth-generation Italian linen house. “Upon meeting them at a trade show in Paris, we struck up an idea to collaborate on a line of exclusive dinner napkins,” Zaben explains. The world-class craftsmanship paired with Zaben’s unique sense of style produced sets of elegantly simple table linens that often sell out.

Zaben is now expanding to create her own line of products, starting with a collection of hand-embroidered throw pillows. “It’s a true labor of love,” Zaben exclaims. As she launched her design career in photography, it makes sense the unique pillow designs

Glaze Studio U Candle, interiormonologue.com

Mizar & Alcor Robe, interiormonologue.com

Tina Frey’s Tableware, Busatti Napkin, Cutipol Flatware, interiormonologue.com

are inspired by photographs that she translates into illustrations. She says these pillows have always been a dream of hers, but it was a challenge to find the embroiderer who would meet her high-quality, handcrafted standards. When she did find them, she recalls, “It was a serendipitous connection at a dinner party.”

She was at a friend’s house when a beautifully embroidered pillow caught her eye. She learned it was created from a drawing that the friend’s mother had made, translated into embroidery by a company in India. Zaben had found the perfect match. “A multigenerational family atelier in India that produces some of the finest hand embroidery in the fashion world. I couldn’t have asked for a more exciting connection. Thankfully, it didn’t take much to convince them that one-of-a-kind embroidered pillows are also works of art and are like fashion for the home. Thus, our partnership was born.”

Zaben continues to delight in discovering the story and telling the stories behind things both beautiful and functional. She hopes

to one day create an in-person selling experience. “I feel a deep connection to the objects I curate. So, to experience the moment face-to-face when a person connects with a product we both admire would be incredible.” In the meantime, Zaben’s full focus is on an amazing online experience in shopping for these beautiful handmade goods, and she continues to bring design excellence into the homes of her clients. Whatever the future holds, it’ll surely be magical.

For more information, visit interiormonologue.com.

Stone and Sawyer Heyward Lamp, interiormonologue.com

Ancestral Home founders

Dalia Lerner wearing Bottega Veneta, Gisela Balassa wearing ALAÏA, and Ana Cohn wearing Johanna Ortiz

COMMON THREADS WEAVE A NEW VENTURE

A bond over culture, artistry, and the preservation of traditions is the cornerstone of a new home accessories business founded by three North Shore Latina women.

WORDS BY HADAS TEUSCHER / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONIA AFONSO

You never know what will happen when you meet a person (or two) with whom you speak the same language. That is the case … both figuratively and literally … for the three North Shore women behind Ancestral Home, a new business bringing high-quality, artisanal home accessories infused with a Latino spirit to the U.S. market.

The three partners, Dalia Lerner, Gisela Balassa, and Ana Cohn, each bring a different perspective and a unique set of values to the endeavor. Lerner, a native of Mexico City, has a background in international relations and development economics

and a lifelong passion for the arts. She strongly believes creative, mindful design is the key to bottom-up development. Balassa was born in Venezuela to Chilean parents. After living in five different countries as a child, she continued her global education by earning an undergraduate degree in Mexico and a graduate degree in Milan. Balassa’s resume speaks to a successful career in fashion, marketing, and retail: she was a fashion editor for Elle Mexico, the author of a book about Mexican fashion, worked in advertising production, and owned a Miami-based concept store showcasing independent designers. Cohn hails from Misiones, a province in northern Argentina. Before moving to Glencoe to raise her three

Ancestral Home Alpaca (a material similar to silver) and Bone Water Pitcher and Bamboo and Alpaca Tray, handcrafted in Northern Argentina; Cantera Piece, handmade in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico; and Wool Flequillo Pillows in background, handwoven in Northern Argentina

Ancestral Home Foldable Hemingway Leather Chair, handcrafted in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Chibola Virgin Sheep Wool Carpet, handwoven in Northern Argentina

daughters with her husband, David, a North Shore native, Cohn was a practicing dentist in Spain. Her superb aesthetic sense is steeped in Argentinian and Spanish traditions, blending the best of the Old and New Worlds.

“Our friendship and business grew from our common heritage, one that treasured its creative community.”

Lerner and Balassa first met in Lake Forest. With each subsequent encounter, the pair realized how much they had in common. For one thing, whether at the supermarket, dance academy, or school events, both spoke Spanish to their children … a wonderful connection. Cohn and Balassa met through a group of Latina women in Chicago. Cohn’s passion for importing high-end pieces from Latin America and Europe cemented her friendship with Balassa. When the trio undertook their first design project as a trial run, the fun they shared and the success they saw was the impetus to launch Ancestral Home.

The company’s name reflects its core values. “Ancestral” highlights the importance the women place on honoring techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Respect, a value that is often neglected these days, comes into play as the trio prioritizes the artists’ heritage, wages, and cultures.

Ancestral Home Pampa Army Cot, handmade in Argentina and Chibola

Virgin Sheep Wool Carpet, handwoven in Northern Argentina

Details on the Ancestral Home Flecos Wool Pillow, handwoven in Northern Argentina

Ancestral Home Arcoiris Braided Organic Cotton Rainbow Table Decor, handmade in Querétaro, Mexico

“Home” is a tribute to the beauty that results when these artisan products are infused with innovative contemporary design. “We seek to preserve handcraft techniques by creating avant-garde objects with a soul,” explains Cohn. “Our accessories are examples of modern, timeless art that personify relaxed elegance.” Balassa is excited to foster mindful consumption by providing goods that are not only beautiful but also distinctive, sustainable, and functional. “Ancestral Home is all about elevating the consciousness of the way we consume,” she notes. “Our friendship and business grew from our common heritage, one that treasured its creative community. We are thrilled to bring Latino flair and an awareness of Latino artisans to the U.S. market.”

For more information, visit ancestral-home.com.

Ancestral Home Mixed Collections, including Black Leather Butterfly Chair with Copper Frame, Wool Pillows and Throw, Alpaca (a material similar to silver) and Stone Pieces on coffee table

Ancestral Home Bone and Alpaca Candle Holders handcrafted in Argentina and Organic Cotton Wall Art Decor, handmade in Mexico

Lerner notes, “We scout and support artisan communities that for generations have interacted harmoniously with their surroundings in their use of raw materials and in their techniques honoring natural cycles and cherishing their habitat.”

THERE ARE SECOND ACTS IN AMERICAN LIFE

Twenty years ago, Lisa Wolfe left the advertising world and found a home in interior design.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE PORTRAIT STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL KASKEL

Lisa Wolfe wearing Lela Rose, Lake Forest Shop. Wolfe is reclining in her dining room with her cat, Boo

Guest bedroom outfitted with a custom headboard in Schumacher fabric. Wallpaper is Schumacher, throw pillows are Ashley & Sloane, and custom swagged headboard fabric is Romo Fabrics with Samuel & Son trim.

Acareer in advertising. It’s what Lisa Wolfe always wanted. Until it wasn’t. “I had known that was what I wanted to do since I was in high school,” recalls Wolfe, a Lake Forest resident. “To have that kind of clarity at 15 was pretty remarkable, but once I got into the industry, I realized that the dynamics of corporate life were not a good fit for me.”

Born into a military family that was always on the move, Wolfe spent many summers peeling wallpaper and clearing out renovation debris as her mother made yet another house a home. “I thought of that as a hobby,” says Wolfe. “I didn’t know there were actual interior designers out there.” But those early experiences took root and when Wolfe decided to leave the advertising world, she set her sights on a design career. “I knew I had an innate talent—I understood what looked good—but I needed to understand the ‘why’. . . the principles and theories behind design,” she relates. “Harrington College of Design offered an associate’s degree so I jumped in headfirst.”

That was twenty years ago. Today, she operates Lisa Wolfe Design, a thriving, “lean and mean” boutique firm offering bespoke residential services. Like any design pro worth her salt, Wolfe always puts her clients’ desires first, but she readily admits that her own taste informs what she does for homeowners. “I do have a personal style. I love fabric, I love wallpaper, I love vintage lighting. I’m obsessed with anything French. It’s just the way I’m wired and that comes out in the recommendations to my clients.

I am definitely a ‘more is more person.’ I want layers and layers of color and pattern and texture.”

An avid traveler, Wolfe always keeps an eye peeled—not for trends, but for extraordinary motifs and forms that might inspire future projects. “The things I find follow me,” she notes. “I’ve gone back to photos for door, window, and staircase detailing. I was in France, in the Loire Valley, and visited a chateau that had a ‘mourning’ room painted black, adorned with skulls and thorny crowns. All very heavy, but there was something so beautiful about it. That’s been in my head since 2016 and I want to use that idea to create a custom wall treatment for a bathroom in my own house.”

Wolfe and her husband, architect and contractor, Mark DiGanci, live in a former carriage house built in 1869 and transformed

Living room. Custom sofas with Romo Fabrics and Samuel & Sons trim. Sofa pillows are a mix of custom made and Ashley & Sloane. Coffee table and side chairs are from Anna’s Mostly Mahogany. Custom ottoman is covered with Romo Fabrics. Bombay chest (next to fireplace) is from 1stDibs. The window treatments are made with fabric from Fabricut with Samuel & Sons trim. The antique area rug is from Reza Rug Gallery.

Foyer with Schumacher wallpaper. Window treatment fabrics are Cowtan & Tout with Samuel & Sons trim. Mirror is Ashley & Sloane and table and side chair are from Anna’s Mostly Mahogany. The side chair fabric is Pollack.

The dining room is a study in color, from the blue of the dining chairs and the green of the freewheeling botanical wallpaper to the pale purple pendants of the Turkish chandelier. Throughout the home, bold contrasts rule, as in a bedroom where the ceiling is painted in an almost aubergine shade and the walls are awash in an aqueous green and blue dragon paper.

Wolfe says that determining what to do next in her new home can keep her up all night, pondering the possibilities. “My home is my safe, happy place and even though it’s going to be more like a jewel-toned explosion versus a beige palace, it calms me to my core. I feel a special connection to this house every time I walk in, like I’m finally home.”

into a residence around 1914 by the prolific architect David Adler, who designed many of the country estates on the North Shore “We bought it about a year ago after writing the owner a letter and right now, I am my own guinea pig as I go room by room,” relates Wolfe. “I am trying things I haven’t asked my clients to do. For example, right now I have some white walls that I actually love. And I am someone who never wants white walls. But I have come to realize that there is a power and romance in white. But knowing me, I’ll get antsy and likely change it down the road.”

That said, Wolfe has not relinquished her love for color and pattern, for rooms that pulse with visual interest. In her sunsoaked living room, a pair of custom sofas upholstered in a pale sapphire fabric and sporting a tassel trim, sit atop a deep plum Persian rug. The tall windows are capped with lambrequins spun from a chartreuse floral pattern, and two antique chandeliers—acquired on a trip to Italy—drip deliciously from the high ceiling.

The house is Wolfe’s dream home, a property she had missed purchasing years ago. Now that it is hers, she is going to get it just right. “Designing my home is more like an epic tale that is slowly unfolding and revealing itself in big powerful ways,” she explains, “but with a business to run, it’s going to take time.”

She and her husband sold a lot of their possessions before moving in, as the house is not only smaller than their previous residence, “but it has a quirky layout, with radiators, window seats, and lots of closets to work around,” notes Wolfe. “We simply need less, but that means everything has to count. I’m a big fan of repurposing your precious things—stenciling or painting tables, recovering chairs, turning favorite drapes into something else.” Less doesn’t mean, however, that there isn’t room for beautiful new pieces nor that the search for that perfect wallpaper must end.

For more information, visit lisawolfedesign.com.

TOP: Primary bedroom with bed by Noir, bedding by Bedside Manor, and antique side tables. ABOVE: Dining room table and chairs from Anna’s Mostly Mahogany. Fabric on chairs is Osborne & Little. The antique wall sconces are from 1stDibs. Wallpaper is Schumacher. Green side couches are from Heritage Trail Mercantile. Round yellow pillows are Ashley & Sloane.

Wolfe wearing Zimmerman dress, Lake Forest Shop. Wolfe is standing in her guest room with Schumacher wallpaper and an antique bed.

IF I HAD A HAMMER

When it comes to keeping homes looking good, the North Shore turns to Lynch Construction of Lake Bluff.

WORDS BY THOMAS

CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LYNCH CONSTRUCTION

Thirty-two years ago, Jeff Lynch was working as a building project manager, going from gig to gig working for two different general contractors over several years. He liked the position but, after his last two employers failed, he found himself looking for work. Feeling secure in his skill set, Jeff began to think of starting his own general contracting business. After running the idea by his wife, Joan, who was the Midwest Regional Director for Savitransport Inc., he hung out his shingle. Today—3,800 jobs later—Lynch Construction and its 24 employees operate out of a new 28,000-square-foot facility in Lake Bluff.

“My first year in business, I did small miscellaneous jobs, but nonetheless, I was driving an income,” Jeff recalls. “Then I realized if I was going to move the business forward, I couldn’t be doing all the physical work myself. And I also realized the backbone of residential contracting is great carpenters. I had done some projects with a local carpentry contractor who loved the work but didn’t like the business side of things, so he closed his doors and he and his crew became employees of Lynch Construction.”

In time, Jeff leveraged his client roster and amped up his sales and marketing efforts to land bigger projects. He branched out, designing and building one-off spec houses, and when the home

Custom Gazebo by Lynch Construction Corp., photography by Jon Cancelino, and design by Melichar Architects. TOP: Outdoor entertaining in a custom-designed gazebo equipped with a full kitchen, pizza oven, and 2 drop-down TV’s. ABOVE: Outdoor dining on a custom-designed and built live edge table and bench by Lynch Construction Corp. OPPOSITE PAGE

TOP LEFT: Eat-in granite bar with a waterfall edge and drop-down TV.

building boom went bust in 2008, Jeff pivoted and redoubled his efforts in the remodeling, renovation, and custom home building sector. “We are diverse enough that when the economic swing happened and people were not leaving their homes and building new, we kept all of our people employed,” relates Joan, who left her day job to join Jeff full time in 1998.

Lynch Construction has executed a range of projects over the years, but for Jeff, one of his greatest pleasures has been the opportunity to work on some of the North Shore’s most significant historic homes, residences designed by the likes of noted architects such as David Adler. “For me, the Chicago metropolitan area has the finest collection of homes in all styles—with the exception of adobe—of anywhere in the country. And people here are proud of their homes. If I was just a home builder and not a remodeling specialist, I would never have had a chance to see these places.”

“We also work for several prominent, talented architects from Chicago, Lake Forest, and Milwaukee. We have built wonderful relationships with them and take their work and make it come to life for homeowners throughout the North Shore.”

After more than three decades in business, Jeff and Joan have no intention of

slowing down. “We really enjoy what we do and don’t want to just stop and retire,” says Jeff. “We want to keep building the business. That’s why we went from an 8,500-square-foot facility to our new 28,000-square-foot operation in September of last year. We’re in this for the long haul. We’re now mentoring our son as well as grandsons of other long-term employees. “You know, my father was a CPA and when I started out, he asked me, ‘What’s your business plan?’ I said, ‘Dad, I’m going to get up tomorrow and make a dollar more than I have in my pocket today. That’s the plan.’ And here we are—the phone rings. It rings all the time.”

equipment

BOTTOM LEFT: Custom brick and walnut cabinet pantry with built-in coffee station.

A Shore

STATE of MIND

The North Shore has some of the finest homes in the nation, with an abundance of historic architecture, world-class interior design, and a majestic lakefront setting. Life on the North Shore is all about celebrating family and entertaining on a grand scale—feats that require the expertise of home and design professionals to transform our living spaces into reflections of our individual lifestyles. With smart home technology trends evolving and more people working from home, these are the trusted experts we rely on to curate the stories of our lives. On the following pages, Sheridan Road is proud to feature some of the area’s most coveted interior designers, luxury homebuilders, and top-quality vendors and suppliers serving our communities. We hope you’ll be inspired by these savvy taste makers in our annual Luxe Living feature.

PRODUCED BY KEMMIE RYAN

EDITED BY SHERRY

THOMAS

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CHEYANNE LENCIONI PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST & MEG KOMLENAC

This feature was greeted enthusiastically and will be a recurring annual series. If you like what you see in these pages and would like to recommend an outstanding home design professional for our 2025 feature, please contact us at features@sheridanroadmagazine.com.

DESIGN BUILD BROTHERS

Third-generation builders Maxx and Jack Klein say that design/build is in their blood. The brothers are focused on ushering Airoom Architects, Builders and Remodelers into a new era by innovating and integrating cutting-edge technology into every aspect of the business. For more than 65 years, Airoom has been a premier home remodeling company with a reputation for designing and completing high-end projects with superior service and craftsmanship. Airoom has locations in both Lincolnwood and Hinsdale.

What elements define your style? Where do you find inspiration?

We love to use clean lines, natural materials, and plenty of light to create spaces that feel open and airy. We tend to incorporate unexpected details and textures to keep things interesting. We find inspiration everywhere—from nature and art to travel and history.

In your opinion, what qualities make an outstanding architect/ builder?

We believe the best architects and builders are those who are passionate about their craft, listen closely to their clients, and are constantly striving to innovate. They should also be excellent communicators, able to clearly explain their vision to clients and collaborate effectively with their tradespeople. Collaboration is key.

How do you decide which projects are a good fit for you and your firm?

At Airoom, we believe every home deserves exceptional design, and our robust team of architects, designers, and builders allows us

to tackle projects of all sizes with the same level of meticulous care and creativity. While we specialize in larger-scale renovations and new builds that leverage our full range of expertise, we’re always open to discussing unique projects that align with our passion for pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations.

What are the top architecture/building trends for 2024?

This year we have been seeing trends that reflect a renewed focus on well-being and maximizing space efficiency within our homes.

• Health & Wellness Retreats: Recognizing the importance of physical and mental health, homeowners are increasingly prioritizing dedicated wellness spaces. This could include adding saunas, steam rooms, or cold plunges, creating home gyms for convenient workouts, or even installing golf simulator rooms for entertaining.

• Curb Appeal Makeovers: Beyond the indoors, 2024 will see a surge in exterior renovations. Homeowners are eager to give their facades a complete transformation, that often includes new roofs, windows, doors, porticos, and siding.

Do you have a dream design project?

We recently booked our dream project. We’re partnering with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois to design a home that fosters academic excellence, community, and brighter futures. This space will be a springboard for young people to rise above circumstances and achieve their full potential. It’s not just architecture; it’s building hope, brick by hopeful brick.

Airoom is located at 6825 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincolnwood and 36 S. Washington Street in Hinsdale. For more information, call 847325-5447 or visit airoom.com.

Maxx and Jack Klein

LUXE LIVING

EUROPEAN AESTHETIC

With more than 30 years of experience in the design industry, Ed Hoxha and Rebeka Hoxha’s Dulcigno Home Studio delivers only the best luxury interior design and build services to the North Shore and Chicago area. Dulcigno Home Studio brings a combined 50 years of experience to create a high quality, one-stop shop for interior design—specializing in custom kitchen designs, kitchen remodeling, custom bath designs, and bath remodeling. Ed and Rebeka pride themselves in providing quality services to all their clients—bringing your dream home to reality.

What elements define your studio and how you approach the design process?

Dulcigno Home Studio is an innovative design studio that excels in the dynamic intersection of creativity and construction. Our philosophy is rooted in a commitment to delivering designs that not only captivate aesthetically but also seamlessly integrate with the build process. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, our niche lies in a design-build approach that ensures a harmonious collaboration between our talented architects and skilled builders. Our portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, from modern urban residences to sustainable commercial spaces.

What are some surprising elements you’ve incorporated?

Visitors can expect to experience the seamless fusion of classical and contemporary design elements, creating a space that not only showcases our capabilities but also provides inspiration for those seeking a European-inspired touch in their own homes or busi-

nesses. Whether it’s a concealed storage solution that transforms into a design focal point or an unexpected play of light and shadow, we consistently strive to introduce elements that spark intrigue and leave a lasting impression. Dulcigno Home Studio’s dedication to surprising design elements ensures that each project becomes a journey of discovery—where the unexpected becomes an integral part of the design narrative.

What are the top kitchen and bath trends for 2024?

Kitchen Trends include open shelving; smart technology; two-tone cabinetry; quartz countertops; and concealed storage. Bath trends include statement tiles; freestanding tubs; natural materials; floating vanities; and smart technology.

Dulcigno Home Studio is located at 7336 Ridgeway Avenue in Skokie. For more information, call 847-568-1701, email info@dulcignohomes. com; or visit dulcignohomestudio.com.

Where Interiors Meet Architecture

For more than two decades, Jeff Harting and his GTH Architects firm have specialized in architecture, interiors, and landscape design in Chicago; the North Shore; Harbor Country, Michigan; and Wisconsin as well as Florida; Washington, D.C.; New Mexico; and California. “Our style is best described as fluid, detailed, refined, and sometimes restrained—all defined by our clients and their projects,” says Harting. “We excel in classicism and transitional architecture and interiors.”

How does your understanding of interior design give you an advantage as an architect?

Well we are primarily architects, however. I was trained and educated in interior design as well as landscape architecture. I feel having an appreciation, education, understanding, and implementation of these with our architecture allows us to approach projects holistically.

How do you decide which projects are a good fit for you and your firm?

We have found that the best projects have evolved for the interpersonal relationships we create with our clients. Knowing, encouraging and feeling that possibility from the initial few meetings typically tells us we are a collaboration and creating a wonderful team.

How do you include the client in your creative process?

In every possible aspect and facet. We feel this is an opportunity for the client to be on the journey with us. It’s an opportunity they may never experience again so it should be awe inspiring and have them step into the process and understanding the design rationale.

What are the top home trends for 2024?

Concepts that are trending are for quiet refinement. Simplicity, yet thoughtfulness, in details and a more tactile experience in architecture, interiors, and landscapes are all in this year. Clients want a calm environment where those details can be appreciated.

Do you have a dream design project?

An aspiration of mine has always been to create the architecture, interiors, and landscape design of a moderate boutique hotel.

If you hadn’t been an architect, you’d have been?

I probably would have been drawn to a career in history or archaeology as I have such an appreciation for both and their influence in our continued lives.

GTH Architects is located at 105 Revere Drive, Suite F2, in Northbrook. For more information, call 847-715-9395 or visit gtharchitects.com.

Elevated Home Design

Mother-daughter duo, Jamie and Olivia Schachtel are the perfect team. For more than 25 years, Jamie, owner and Head Designer at Jamie Schachtel Design Group (JSDG), has been at the forefront of design. After beginning her career as a women’s couture clothing designer and manufacturer, her interest in home design blossomed and she started designing children’s rooms while owning a high-end retail furniture store in Lincoln Park. Realizing she had immense passion and talent in the field, Schachtel opened her own eponymous, full-service design studio and showroom 20 years ago. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Olivia officially joined JSDG in 2018 as an Interior Designer, after years of growing up in the industry and studying at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today, both Jamie and Olivia, along with their six skilled team members, have one of the North Shore’s premier showrooms and in November 2022 launched a carefully curated e-commerce shop—ignitedlivinghome.com—featuring hand-selected home décor.

How would you describe your design style?

We lean toward neutral colors with a layering of textures throughout a space. We believe each design should flow into the next area so that every room feels connected.

How do you begin the design process?

We begin by interviewing the client to discuss their needs and inspiration. After that we meet in our full-service showroom and present our clients with curated selections, drawings, and handpicked finishes.

What sets you apart from your competition?

Our showroom and team. Having a beautiful space to meet with

clients and trades makes the design process much more efficient. Our ability to show clients 2D and 3D drawings helps them visualize our design in real life. Our team tracks all orders, inspects each selection, and makes sure the process goes on without a hitch.

Most looking forward to in 2024?

Exciting new construction projects and continuing to make our clients happy.

Jamie Schachtel Design Group is located at 591 Roger Williams Avenue in Highland Park. For more information, call 847-433-9013 or visit jamieschachteldesigngroup.com.

LUXE LIVING

What DREAMS Are Built On

Every dream home begins from the ground up. Lewis Floor & Home has been helping clients start from a strong foundation for more than three generations as the North Shore’s go-to resource for flooring including carpet, tile, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and rugs plus wall tile, countertops, cabinetry, and window treatments—all available with professional installation. Lewis Floor & Home design consultants provide personalized service to curate the perfect flooring and finishes for every home.

What sets you apart from your competition?

Our outstanding selection includes an extensive line of in-stock products. Installation services are available and our professional certified installers approach every job with the skill of a fine craftsman.

What are the top design trends for 2024?

In every product category we see trends that dominate over time. In carpet specifically, we see a huge emphasis on patterns often seen in fabrics and textiles like stripes, plaids, animal prints, and chevron patterns. Instead of being limited to sizes offered from most ready-made rug manufactures, the homeowner now can design the perfect rug in the perfect size to fit their furniture layout. Choosing a fabricated cutto-fit area rug from broadloom carpeting opens up an entire universe of design and color options. The demand for rugs follows the continuing trend of hardwood flooring that is the floor of first choice for most homeowners on the North Shore.

How do you use social media in your business?What are your handles?

We are very proud of the work we produce at Lewis, and we love to showcase it on our social media channels. Please follow us on Facebook: Lewis Floor & Home and Instagram @lewisfloorandhome. We feature reels and still photography from inside our client’s homes and we are always happy to tag the designer too. Showcasing beautiful work is a source of pride for us, which is why we have so many repeat customers and loyal designers that come back to Lewis year after year.

Lewis Floor & Home is located at 1840 Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook, 847-835-2400, lewisfloorandhome.com.

PHOTO BY GENE YOON

LUXE LIVING

GLOBAL INSPIRATION

North Shore native interior designer Kim Flashner’s favorite way to stay current and ready to present fresh ideas to her clients is world travel. “When I explore new places, I always connect with different elements that inspire my design style,” says Flashner, long-time member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and owner of the world-class Kim Flashner Interior Design Group LLC. “This year, I am starting a designer travel program for interior designers who are passionate about exploring new places around the globe that would provide networking and learning opportunities.” With more than 28 years of industry experience, Flashner’s design portfolio ranges from simple home interior renovations to large-scale interior office design and residential projects.

How do you decide which projects are a good fit for you and your firm?

I take on projects that I find are a good fit for me and the energy of my client. Being a designer becomes an emotional and intimate relationship with the families I am working for. This relationship is the most important aspect of the project along with meeting expectations.

How do you include the client in your creative process?

One element in my design process is the client interaction of sourcing elements and level of involvement. I encourage my clients to invest time in looking at websites or spending time with me at the Merchandise Mart. My projects tend to take on each client’s style, so each is very different and unique. This month I will be heading to the maison-objet show in Paris. I love when my clients come along and are hands-on in selecting items for their home.

What are some surprising elements you’ve incorporated?

My work is sophisticated but infused with color. I also prioritize function and family-friendly environments.

Who in the industry do you particularly admire or follow?

I admire people like Kelly Wearstler. She has become a “brand” and I think that is incredibly hard to do, but very wise.

Kim Flashner is owner of Kim Flashner Interior Design LLC, Allied ASID. For more information call 847-208-5411, email kimflashner@gmail.com, or visit kimflashnerinteriorsgroup.com.

Building Dream Homes

Paul McNaughton and his McNaughton Development team have been a trusted luxury land developer in the Chicago area for two generations. This family-owned business has been creating lifestyle-driven communities and building high-end luxury and custom homes for more than 40 years. Its talented team works to deliver homes with the highest level of quality construction, each one tailor-made to bring each customer’s dreams to reality. McNaughton’s current luxury communities include Amberley Woods of Lake Forest (1885 Amberley Court); Hidden Oak of Highland Park (1064 Livingston Avenue); and five luxury Homes in the Preserves of Kildeer at Kemper Lakes subdivision (21043 W. Preserve Drive).

What elements define your style? Where do you find inspiration?

We have perfected the ranch home designed with the empty nester in mind. These homes include all the amenities that our customers are used to and more. And of course, we work closely with our customers to achieve their wishes and customizations.

How do you decide which projects are a good fit for you and how do you include the client in your creative process?

Starting with our introductory meeting to our final walk through, our customers are involved in every step of the construction process. Our professional staff guides and incorporates our customers vision and ideas.

What are some surprising elements you’ve incorporated?

All of our standard finishes go beyond the industry standard. We incorporate an upgraded millwork package including wainscot, hardwood flooring, quartz tops, custom cabinetry, fireplace, and security system, just to name a few. And we do this while also keeping up with the latest technologies, newest products, and environmental and energy efficient methods.

Paul McNaughton is with McNaughton Development LLC, 11S220 S. Jackson Street in Burr Ridge. For more information, call 630-325-3400 or visit mcnaughtondevelopment.com. You can follow the company on Facebook at McNaughtonDevelopment or on Instagram @mcnaughtondevelopment.

SHERIDAN ROAD

LUXE LIVING

Designed to Inspire

Laura Kaufmann created her Lake Forest-based LBK Design Group in 2018 with a specialty in kitchen and bath design. This busy mother of two boys brings her degree from University of Alabama along with more than 20 years in the custom kitchen design and renovation industry to her business. Kaufmann’s diverse background allows her to expand beyond kitchen and bath design and take on such projects as mudrooms, home offices, playrooms, and basements. One of her niches is doing kitchen refinishes that refresh rather than remodel, which she says can be just as much work as a full renovation. Kaufmann’s vision is to inspire her clients and help bring their dream projects to fruition.

In your opinion, what qualities make an outstanding interior designer?

The ability to take the ultimate wish list from a client and make it become a reality within their budget and timeline. Also, being able to manage people’s expectations is key.

How do you decide which projects are a good fit for you and your firm?

It all comes down to trust. Does my client have enough trust in me and in the process to allow me to lead us into a successful project? I can usually tell right off the bat if it is going to be a good fit.

Do you have a dream design project?

To acquire and renovate a home on Siasconset Beach on Nantucket Island.

If you hadn’t been a designer, you’d have been?

I have always wanted to open a boutique that has a southern flair to it!

How do you use social media in your business?

I love social media and find it so helpful. I use it to catalog all my projects and it’s my go-to when I need a visual example to share. I can interact with my clients as I encourage them to send me DMs with posts that inspire them. Clients also love it when their own projects pop up on my reels or posts. My Instagram handle is @lbkdesigngroup.

LBK Design Group is located at 297 E. Illinois Road in Lake Forest. For more information, call 901-301-1099 or visit lbkdesigngroup.com.

Kitchen designed by LBK Design Group with contractor Davis Home Renovations Inc. Photography by Evelina Snell

Dress by PINCH from My Sanctuary, jewelry by Valentina in Lake Forest

Lifestyle by Design™

Chrissy and Jason Roellchen began their Skyline Window Coverings business with a mission to deliver the expertise of a large design firm, but with the tailored, custom experience of a boutique. “My career began with one of the largest independent Hunter Douglas Dealers and Design Firms in the U.S., over 20 years ago,” explains Chrissy. “I love the concept of this industry—creating a beautiful atmosphere with designer fabrics and light control. I knew I wanted to customize my own business. With tailored design experience as our goal, Lifestyle by Design™ was born.” Utilizing intuitive design and incredible style, Skyline Window Coverings delivers the perfect atmosphere for every home.

What elements define your style? Where do you find inspiration?

Elements that play into our style are chic and functional, but with a twist. The Skyline brand aesthetic has that same feeling and we love when people resonate with that. On the other hand, we love a good out-of-the-box, bold, and funky project to keep things fresh. We love traveling together and find inspiration everywhere we go. Travel leaves you feeling pampered and stress free. That is the same way we want our clients to feel when they work with us.

How do you decide which projects are a good fit for you and your firm?

We focus less on how people fit “our mold” and more on how our team can fit their needs. That’s why we love being a small business with big brand energy.

How do you include the client in your creative process?

Skyline is a client-first brand. We built the company off of listening to our clients and involving them from start to finish. Every project is different though, there are times where the client is wanting a solution like room darkening or child-safe so the fabrics and design may be less important, but that’s where our designers help to communicate the options and produce a beautiful final product and solution.

Skyline Window Coverings is located at 571 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka. For more information, call 847-961-2626 or visit skylinewindowcoverings.com. You can also follow the business on Instagram @skyline_wc, on Facebook at skylinewc, or on LinkedIn at skyline-window-coverings-llc.

ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING DESIGN

• Airoom Architects, Builders & Remodelers 847-325-5447

airoom.com

• GTH Architects 847-715-9395

gtharchitects.com

• McNaughton Development LLC 630-325-3400

mcnaughtondevelopment.com

Facebook and Instagram: @mcnaughtondevelopment

CARPET & FLOORING

• Lewis Floor & Home 847-835-2400

lewisfloorandhome.com

FURNITURE & CUSTOM FURNITURE

• Jamie Schachtel Design Group 847-433-9013

jamieschachteldesigngroup.com

HOME AUTOMATION

• Skyline Window Coverings 847-961-2626

skylinewindowcoverings.com

Facebook: @skylinewc

Instagram: @skyline_wc

LinkedIn: skyline-window-coverings-llc

LUXE LIVING

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

HOME BUILDING

• Airoom Architects, Builders & Remodelers

847-325-5447

airoom.com

HOME CABINETRY, COUNTERTOPS, TILE & HARDWARE

• Dulcigno Home Studio 847-568-1701

dulcignohomestudio.com

• Lewis Floor & Home 847-835-2400

lewisfloorandhome.com

INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATING

• Airoom Architects, Builders & Remodelers 847-325-5447 airoom.com

• Jamie Schachtel Design Group 847-433-9013 jamieschachteldesigngroup.com

• Kim Flashner Interior Design LLC, Allied ASID 847-208-5411

kimflashner@gmail.com kimflashnerinteriorsgroup.com

• LBK Design Group 901-301-1099

lbkdesigngroup.com

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN & REMODEL

• Airoom Architects, Builders & Remodelers 847-325-5447 airoom.com

• Dulcigno Home Studio 847-568-1701

dulcignohomestudio.com

Jamie Schachtel Design Group 847-433-9013, jamieschachteldesigngroup.com

• LBK Design Group 901-301-1099 lbkdesigngroup.com

REMODELING

• Airoom Architects, Builders & Remodelers 847-325-5447 airoom.com

• GTH Architects 847-715-9395 gtharchitects.com

WINDOW TREATMENTS

• Skyline Window Coverings 847-961-2626

skylinewindowcoverings.com

Facebook: @skylinewc

Instagram: @skyline_wc

LinkedIn: skyline-window-coverings-llc

Selling the Shore

The North Shore real estate market had another strong year in 2023 with inventory tighter than ever. Agents who excelled relied on their deep roots in the community and a concierge approach that goes beyond closing the sale. From sophisticated home staging strategies to savvy marketing campaigns utilizing the latest technology, North Shore brokers and agents went above and beyond to make their clients’ home dreams come true. As part of Sheridan Road’s annual Home & Design issue, we invited the North Shore’s top producers, as determined by their impressive 2023 activity, to participate in a special feature celebrating the best of the best in luxury real estate. These prestigious professionals share the secrets to their success and demonstrate why the human connection in real estate will never be replaced by technology in Selling the Shore.

PRODUCED BY KEMMIE RYAN

EDITED BY SHERRY THOMAS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CHEYANNE LENCIONI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST & MEG KOMLENAC

This feature was greeted enthusiastically and will be a recurring annual series. If you like what you see in these pages and would like to recommend an outstanding real estate professional for our 2025 feature, please contact us at features@sheridanroadmagazine.com.

AMY & DAVE CHUNG

Husband and wife team, Dave and Amy Chung, have a keen understanding of the North Shore communities they serve. As residents of the North Shore, Dave and Amy with Compass, have personal experience with the neighborhoods, schools, and organizations that make the area unique. Their deep market knowledge, mixed with a background in filmmaking, digital marketing, hospitality, and construction, make them the perfect team to guide buyers and sellers through the real estate market, no matter the climate.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

From the very beginning, our mission has always been to help our clients get from “here to there.” It may seem simple, but there are many factors and variables that make every situation unique. Those challenges drive us, and the ultimate reward is when we can help our clients achieve their goals.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

Before real estate, we both worked in tech, so we love leveraging the latest technology to enhance our client experience and market our listings. However, real estate is an extremely hands-on job. Technology can’t replace the local expertise, knowledge, and relationships that are essential when selling real estate.

What are your top staging tips?

Staging a home is all about making it feel cohesive and complete. Our primary goal is to exceed our sellers’ expectations and really “wow” buyers, but we also think of each listing as an extension of our brand. Amy is the one who stages all of our listings. Often starting preparations months in advance, she utilizes our extensive warehouse of staging materials and brings in additional items as needed.

Dave and Amy Chung are with Compass. For more information, visit daveandamychung.com.

SELLING THE SHORE

ANNIE CHALLENGER

Annie Challenger with Baird & Warner North Shore was born and raised in Winnetka. The mother of seven didn’t move far, as she chose to raise her family in Northfield before creating a successful career in real estate. She has a command on the luxury real estate market on the North Shore and continues to enjoy working with her clients. In addition, Challenger and her husband, Michael Jayko, own Your Dog’s Guru Inc., a top-level dog training business. She is a passionate community volunteer with Winnetka Community House and New Trier High School.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

My singular goal as a real estate professional is to put my clients at ease. Buying or selling a house, sometimes doing both, is more than a transaction—it’s a life changing decision.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

I am a people person. It’s why working in real estate is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. Supporting my clients through the search for a home, its inspection, and the buying and selling process is time well spent. Closing a deal, whether it be on the buying or selling side, is a thrill because I know that I’ve made a positive impact on my client’s lives. Any way you slice it, I am helping them close one chapter and begin a new one.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

Technology will never replace the importance of human connection in real estate. As cheesy as it sounds, a house is more than just the place you go to rest your head. This business is about finding a home—the place where a young couple will raise their children, where someone will find their footing after a loved one passes, or maybe where the next Steve Jobs will build something incredible in his garage. Helping people find that special place requires face to face interaction—even if it is over Zoom sometimes. AI or new software may narrow someone’s search online, but finding a home will always require a human touch.

Annie Challenger is with Baird & Warner North Shore. For more information, call 847-528-8287 or visit bairdwarner.com/agent/106135-anniechallenger.

Annie Challenger pictured with her dog, Lemmy.

SELLING THE SHORE

DENA FOX & MARLENE RUBENSTEIN

There is a reason that the Rubenstein Fox Team at Baird & Warner has been awarded as the top performing No. 1 team in the Chicago and North Shore markets since inception. Marlene Rubenstein, daughter of Holocaust survivors, whose father was both a builder and developer, and Dena Fox, a seasoned finance expert who grew up inspired by a businesswoman mother “who could sell anything,” have built their business around relationships while helping each individual client realize their housing dream. Their complementary skills provide clients with a comprehensive breadth and depth rarely found in the residential market.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

We genuinely treasure the impact we have on people’s lives, guiding them through the process of finding and securing their dream home. We love building long-term relationships with clients who become like family. Our greatest gift is the referrals we receive based on our client’s experience, confidence, and trust.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

We represent different generations and perspectives for our clients, with two different styles but complementary skill sets. Further, we cover complementary markets between the city and North Shore, in addition to south and southwest Florida, so we are able to lend our expertise no matter where clients plan on moving and can be there for them at every stage of life.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

The single most important element of our business is our

long-term, forever relationships that we both nurture and grow with our clients, colleagues, and community.

How do you win a listing?

We have developed proprietary insights and practices, including a consultation package for buyers, sellers, and renters. We have a trusted 10-step process for listing/selling homes that is unique to our team—it includes honesty, data, experience, intel, and strategy. We tell our clients what we truly believe because we always want to manage expectations, build trust, and share invaluable resources.

Marlene Rubenstein and Dena Fox are co-owners of the Rubenstein Fox Team, Baird & Warner, with multiple offices, including 579 Central Avenue in Highland Park on the North Shore, 2526 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, and 4851 Tamiami Trail North, #230, in Naples, Florida. To contact Rubenstein, text/call 847-565-6666, and to contact Fox, text/call 847-899-4666. For more information, you may also follow them on Instagram @rubensteinfoxteam or on Facebook @rubensteinfoxteam.

SELLING THE SHORE

ANNIE ROYSTER LENZKE & KATIE MOOR

Clients have come to expect only the best from Lake Bluff/Lake Forest native Annie Royster Lenzke, and Winnetka’s Katie Moor. These North Shore-based Coldwell Banker Realty agents are part of the No. 4 team in the nation across all brokerages—the Dawn McKenna Group (DMG). Lenzke and Moor’s charm and pulse on the market, mixed with DMG’s stellar marketing, make them one of the area’s top teams, year after year.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

We love the personal impact we have on our clients’ lives. Not only are we often dealing with a very large asset, but a home has such an important impact on every day life. It is so special to be able to make a difference at such a deep level.

How do you differentiate yourself from the competition?

We listen to our clients and continue to seek out the areas that speak to them. In 2023, DMG expanded to serve Park City, Utah, in addition to our established markets in the North Shore, Western Suburbs, and Chicago—and also in destinations like Naples, Florida; New Buffalo, Michigan; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. By leveraging our vast network of team connections, we have the privilege and capability to assist our clients across markets.

How do you leverage marketing to differentiate yourself from the competition?

We adhere to a strong brand presence and apply it consistently to our marketing. DMG clients gain unparalleled exposure through our social media marketing, unique event collaborations, and high-impact print advertising—all of which is managed by our in-house DMG marketing team.

Annie Royster Lenzke and Katie Moor are with The Dawn McKenna Group of Coldwell Banker Realty. For more information, call Lenzke with the Lake Forest office at 847-414-4045, or Moor with the Winnetka office at 847-282-0291, visit dawnmckennagroup.com, or follow @TheDawnMcKennaGroup @Annie.Royster.Lenzke @northshore_katiemoor on Instagram.

Pictured at 1955 Shore Acres Drive in Lake Bluff. Listed for sale by Annie Royster Lenzke.

BONNIE TRIPTON

North Shore native Bonnie Tripton has been able to apply her intimate knowledge of the community and 19 years of experience in the real estate industry to facilitate over $170 million in sales. As a broker with @Properties Christie’s International Real Estate, she is uniquely qualified to speak from a financial and strategic viewpoint about real estate. Before finding her passion for selling homes on the North Shore, she was a financial analyst at a top investment bank and brokered the sale of retail investment properties at a commercial real estate firm. Tripton is ranked among the top ten agents selling in the New Trier district in 2023 with $29 million in sales.*

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

I go above and beyond for my clients. Each client receives a unique approach, fostering a connection where they are cared for like family. As their partner, I alleviate concerns about home renovations, guiding them to envision transforming spaces effortlessly. My firsthand experience renovating my 1914 North Shore home and independently designing and building a second North Shore home for my family—without professional design assistance—enables me to assist clients in realizing their dream home, even if it doesn’t yet exist. I’m adept at aligning clients’ renovation aspirations with practicality, shaping homes to fit their dreams.

What are some of the latest trends in the North Shore’s luxury real estate market?

I’ve witnessed a remarkable surge in health-centric preferences, particularly the insistence on incorporating a gym on the property—whether integrated into the house or discreetly positioned in a garage. There’s also been a rise in the inclusion of health amenities, like infrared saunas and pools.

What are your top staging tips? Who do you go to when staging a listing?

I believe in tailoring the staging approach for each home. Some homes require simple adjustments like depersonalization and decluttering to help buyers picture themselves within the space. Even homes with neutral colors benefit from fresh paint or touch-ups, offering a newer and cleaner feel. Collaborating closely with multiple stagers, I convey my vision for each room.

Bonnie Tripton is with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, 30 Green Bay Road in Winnetka. For more information, visit bonnietripton.com or follow her on Instagram @bonnietriptonrealestate.

*MRED, LLC, based on closed sales data, 1/2023-12/2023

SELLING THE SHORE

CARLY JONES

North Shore native Carly Jones started her career as a litigation attorney, earning a B.A. in English and Political Science from University of Michigan, followed by a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago. After taking time off to stay home with her two daughters, she wanted to use her negotiation skills and legal knowledge in a different way—turning her attention to real estate. Jones has been licensed in Illinois since 2016 and in Michigan since 2020. Today, as a residential broker for Engel & Völkers, she applies her skills to helping clients who want to buy or sell a home—advocating on their behalf to make sure they get the level of service, expertise, and results they deserve.

Why do you work so hard at real estate?

I treat my job like a business and a profession. I work hard to be successful to be an example to my girls that you can be a mom and still be successful and have your own career.

How do you leverage marketing to differentiate yourself from the competition?

Growing up in Highland Park and on the North Shore, I know how incredible the communities are and what all the different neighborhoods have to offer. I understand the emotional connections to places, neighborhoods, and houses. I love working with my clients to find that community and house that feels like home. It is not just about selling a house; it is about taking the time to create relationships, listen to my clients, and working together. Also, being licensed in both Illinois and Michigan, I can create a seamless connection for people relocating to Michigan or looking for a second home to escape to just on the other side of the lake.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

Real estate is personal. Face to face interactions, personal conversations, and a personal approach will never be replaced.

Carly Jones is a residential broker with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore, 566 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, in Winnetka and a Licensed Partner and Michigan Managing Broker with Engel & Völkers Shoreline, 23 Center Street, Unit 2, in Douglas, Michigan. For more information, call 312-391-3170 or visit carlyjones.evrealestate.com. Follow her on Facebook at carlyjonesrealestate; on Instagram @carlyjonesengelvoelkers; on LinkedIn at carlyjonesrealestate; and on YouTube at youtube.com/channel/uc87__d_fynkixht3igfgs0a.

SELLING THE SHORE

JAMIE ROTH

As a Founding Advisor of Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore, Jamie Roth is proud to provide the highest level of service for his clients. Engel & Völkers’ bespoke, luxury service—regardless of price point—and its extensive global presence aligns with Roth’s interest in architecture and European aesthetic. “I am uniquely qualified to counsel my clients in all aspects of the home buying and selling process. My emphasis on strategic insight and local market knowledge has led to my being acknowledged in the residential sales community as a top producer for more than 20 years,” says Roth, who lives in Highland Park with his wife and daughter. “With an MBA and a law degree as well as extensive experience in both commercial and residential brokerage, I am able to guide my clients throughout the process—from negotiating strategies to investment assessments to maximizing a portfolio.” As a trusted advisor, he puts the long-term needs of his clients first.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

Helping people move forward with their lives. I’ve even trademarked the slogan “Helping You Move Forward”™ so that my clients understand I’m there to help them do exactly that.

What do think separates you from other real estate professionals in business today?

My strategic approach. I recently presented at a real estate conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that was all about strengths testing and using your strengths to separate yourself from the crowd. Not surprising to me, my top five strengths are all strategy based. It has led to my clients achieving real estate success in highly varied markets for over 20 years.

If you could help any celebrity client buy or sell a home, who would it be?

Dolly Parton. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she’s one of the quietest and most generous philanthropists out there. No one would have their Moderna vaccine without her. She’d be fascinating to get to know.

Jamie Roth is with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore, 566 Chestnut Street, Suite 7, in Winnetka. For more information, call 847-219-6400 or visit jamieroth.com.

Photography by Debra Funderwhite

COCO HARRIS

Wilmette resident and Compass real estate agent Coco Harris credits her success to skills she developed early in her career while working in sales for the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Between being raised in a real estate family and working with her husband in his luxury furniture showroom, the transition to helping buyers and sellers was seamless. She prides herself on approaching each situation with honesty, integrity, and a sense of humor while also engaging a creative eye that helps buyers visualize how they can turn a house into their home and also help a seller better position their home for sale.

What made you want to start a career in real estate?

My mom had a 40-plus year successful career in residential real estate in Connecticut. Going from the corporate sector to a commissiononly job felt both terrifying and financially risky, but my mom gave me the best advice as I weighed the decision and she encouraged me to take a leap of faith and to bet on myself.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

Human intelligence and the detailed care that we bring to the process. Technology will only take you so far. A trusted real estate professional helps protect you from mistakes with huge financial implications.

What’s one misconception about real estate you had when you first started that you’d want a new agent to understand?

Your client, not the sale of the home, is always at the center of the transaction. If you consistently act in the best interest of your client and unfailingly keep that as the priority, success will follow.

Coco Harris is with Compass, 568 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka. For more information, call 847-372-3324, email coco.harris@compass.com, or visit compass.com/agents/coco-harris. You can also follow her on Facebook at cocoharrisrealestate; on Instagram at @cocoharriscompass; or on LinkedIn at cocohatchharris.

SELLING THE SHORE

KAREN STROBLE

With licenses in both Illinois and Arizona, Compass real estate agent Karen Stroble has been connecting buyers and sellers full time since 2019. Clients appreciate her honesty, diligence, and commitment all done in an effort to help them realize their real estate goals. She also has a successful track record of getting multiple offers on the homes she lists utilizing the digital marketing strategies she has cultivated throughout her career.

How do you leverage marketing to differentiate yourself from the competition?

My background in advertising/marketing has been particularly useful when working with all clients. For my sellers, since most people begin their search online, it is important to have as many digital assets easily accessible for potential buyers to virtually experience my listings before they see it in person. I also recognize the importance of narrated video previews for my buyers in these low inventory days. It has helped us get a jump on “coming soon” properties, and get homes under contract before they even hit the MLS.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology? I came to Compass because it has an amazing technology platform that makes doing my job easier as a broker, however, technology will never be able to replace personal connections. In this day of ChatGPT, the care and concern that I have for my clients and getting their home sold or finding them a new home can’t be replicated by a computer or technology. Personal connections will always win!

If you could help any celebrity client buy or sell a home, who would it be?

I think I would say Dick Wolf producer and writer of shows like FBI, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Law and Order SVU, among others. He is obviously inspired by Chicago. He needs a place overlooking Lake Michigan on our North Shore with great bonus/outdoor spaces for writing and creating a new series!

Karen Stroble is with Compass Real Estate, 568 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka. For more information, call 847-420-9114 or visit karenscollection.net. You can also follow her on Instagram @karenstroble_realtor, on Facebook at KarenStroble-Realtor, or on LinkedIn as Karen Stroble.

JULIE FLEETWOOD

A seasoned North Shore Realtor, Julie Fleetwood brings a blend of professionalism, honesty, grit, and hustle to the world of real estate. With a background as a TV producer, Fleetwood knows how to connect with people, listen, and tell their stories. Whether it’s positioning a buyer to win in multiple offers or working with a client to sell at top dollar, Fleetwood has a reputation for achieving results.

What made you want to start a career in real estate?

My husband and I were preparing to sell our home and I was encouraged by another Realtor to get my license. So, I did! I fell in love with the process and got hooked on the ability to help others.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

I love when clients put their full trust in what I do. It’s incredibly satisfying and a tremendous responsibility. I don’t want to disappoint. There is nothing better than the feeling of helping my clients achieve their goals in such a milestone transaction.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

I am confident in what I offer and that’s the ability to listen to my clients’ specific wants and needs and use my determination, hard work, and creative thinking to get results.

How do you leverage marketing to differentiate yourself from the competition?

My marketing is about finding ways to connect with people and the community. Telling the story of a home and working to present it in a way that connects to people.

How do you win a listing?

I don’t necessarily think of it as “winning” a listing. I work with sellers who know I have their best interests at heart. The selling process is a team effort and I use my years of expertise to guide and advise them. Sellers are homeowners. They have lived and loved their homes and it’s my job to help relay their story.

What are your top staging tips? Who do you go to when staging a listing?

Let us do the work! We will come in and help oversee the whole process.

Julie Fleetwood is with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, which is located at 2934 Central Street in Evanston. For more information, call 847-902-2539 or visit juliefleetwoodresidential. com. You can also follow her on Instagram @juliefleetwoodrealestate or on Facebook at juliefleetwoodresidential.

KIKI CLARK & POLLY RICHARDSON

For teammates and longtime North Shore residents Kiki Clark and Polly Richardson of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Chicago, achieving client satisfaction is their number one priority. In a world where technology can diminish quality or isolate us, they provide concierge-level service and curate meaningful connections for their clients. Their positive and energetic approach to the buying and selling process sets them apart and is reflected in their loyal client base. Clark and Richardson continue to receive production awards year after year, putting them in the top 1 percent of national sales leaders with BHHS Chicago.

What is most rewarding about real estate?

Helping our clients find spaces they can call home in communities that reflect their lifestyle. The satisfaction that comes from guiding individuals through a significant life milestone, along with the opportunity to build lasting relationships, makes real estate incredibly gratifying.

What separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

We are dedicated advocates, making the real estate journey as seamless and rewarding an experience as possible for our clients. As local, experienced brokers, we are passionate about servicing our clients. We prioritize understanding each client’s needs, serving as a strategic partner to maximize all market opportunities available and form individual strategies to help them meet their real estate goals.

What is one misconception about real estate you had when you first started that you would want a new agent to understand?

That you have a flexible schedule. In reality, the flexibility often requires adaptability to clients’ needs, which often extends beyond traditional working hours. It is essential for new agents to understand the dynamic nature of the industry and be prepared for the demands that come with it.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

There are certain aspects in real estate that defy technological substitution. In a world where technology can make real estate increasingly transactional, we understand the intricate, individual preferences and complex negotiations involved. We are leaders in this industry because we stand on the principle that there is no substitution for the human connection.

Kiki Clark and Polly Richardson are with BHHS Chicago. For more information, call Kiki at 847-804-0969 or Polly at 847-3631738. You can also visit their website at kikiclark.bhhschicao.com and pollyrichardson.bhhschicago.com or follow them on Instagram @Kiki_hamilton_clark and @polly_richardson.

SELLING THE SHORE

KAREN ARENSON

Karen Arenson of Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore and Chicago says her career in residential real estate sales is the perfect blend of everything she loves—teaching, learning, exploring, guiding, and mentoring. “My true passion is the ‘ah ha’ moment that occurs when I have helped others achieve their potential or realize an important goal,” says Arenson, who began working in residential sales with a boutique brokerage in Chicago before moving to North Shore area with her husband. “Having received a master’s degree from Northwestern University and been on the faculty at New Trier High School, Lake Forest High School, and Lake Forest Country Day School, I was already intimately familiar with the North Shore.” Today, this long-time Glencoe resident and community volunteer is an owner/license partner of Engel & Völkers shops in Chicago, the North Shore, and Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan.

What made you want to start a career in real estate?

Accidentally; flipping homes with my husband introduced me to the power of investing in real estate, and eventually, I knew that helping people empower their lives through real estate was what I wanted to do.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

My background in teaching and technology is a unique differentiator. While every brokerage has great technology tools, not everyone knows how to employ them to be more efficient or to assist their clients in the best ways. I am high touch through teaching my clients about the market, and still high-tech in pushing all of the information out for the most knowledgeable decisions to be made.

How do you win a listing?

I win listings by listening and connecting. People want to be heard and they want to know that someone has their best interests at heart.

If you could help any celebrity client buy or sell a home, who would it be?

I’d have wanted to assist Audrey Hepburn sell her home. She seems to me the epitome of classic, simple elegance, and I believe I would have liked working with her as well.

Karen Arenson is with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore & Chicago, 566 Chestnut Street, Unit 7, in Winnetka. For more information, call 773-501-6201, email karen.arenson@evrealestate.com, or visit karenarenson.evrealestate.com. You can also follow her on Facebook at KarenArensonRE; on Instagram @KarenArensonEV; on LinkedIn at karenarenson; or on YouTube @KarenArensonEV.

SELLING THE SHORE

LAURIE FIELD

As a seasoned Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore real estate advisor and Highland Park native, Laurie Field diligently keeps up with the latest trends in the North Shore real estate market. She works hard for her clients, helping them navigate any challenges, while safeguarding their interests and providing innovative solutions when issues arise. Field excels at communicating effectively, solving problems creatively, and delivering exceptional service.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

It’s important to me to build strong, trusting relationships with my clients. I like to understand why they want to buy or sell to ensure that I can help them achieve their goals. I work hard for my clients and always maintain a positive attitude.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

People buy or sell when their needs change or they have a major life event and there’s usually a lot of emotion tied into the move. The connections I build with my clients by helping them with the transition is incredibly rewarding. That is why I registered the trademark “Helping You Move Forward™.”

If you could help any celebrity client buy or sell a home, who would it be?

Brandi Carlile. She comes across as super genuine, not to mention talented, a humanitarian, and she’d generate a ton of publicity for me.

Laurie Field is with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore. For more information, call 312-504-7010 or visit lauriefield.evrealestate.com.

SELLING THE SHORE

MAXINE & MARK GOLDBERG

Mark and Maxine Goldberg are a power duo and Founding Advisors of the Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore office. Mark’s passion for structuring transactions that maximize value for clients, combined with Maxine’s passion for creating relationships, has led The Max Group to be known as a team that helps people meet their life goals. Life takes people places and The Max Group helps them get there. Raising their two sons and involvement in the North Shore community has helped The Max Group expand their vast client networking sphere. With family being a huge part of their lives, they say, “Our greatest gift is being together.”

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

It’s not just about the sale. We form ongoing friendships that build after the closing.

What’s one misconception about real estate you had when you first started that you’d want a new agent to understand?

It’s a full-time job; you are always on call. Even if you are not out with clients, work must be done to keep up with the ever-changing market.

How do you leverage marketing to differentiate yourself from the competition?

In addition to showing price trends, buys, and sales, we strive to use our social media to showcase who we are and the lighter side of our personalities.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

The relationships built through individualized service that creates a loyal client base. We are like a family tree, forever growing new branches.

How do you win a listing?

It often starts with the referral. Yet in the end, it’s by making the client confident that we have both priced optimally and that we will provide Engel & Völkers’ white glove service that discerning clients appreciate.

Mark Goldberg & Maxine Goldberg are with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore, 566 Chestnut Street, Second Floor, in Winnetka. For more information, call 847-922-4815 or email maxine.goldberg@evrealestate.com.

MERLE STYER

For more than 35 years, Merle Styer has been one of the North Shore’s top sales associates. She began her career at Kahn Realty, which became Coldwell Banker, and years later moved to Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore—a high-end boutique that offers cutting edge technology and marketing, along with access to a powerful global network of like-minded professionals. She considers herself a straight shooter and a keen negotiator, eager to help her clients meet their every need. Wherever her clients choose to call home, she will be by their side to serve their aspirations.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

Real estate is not just about looking at pretty homes. It is a 24/7 labor of love. It requires many skills—reading people, listening, problem solving, unending service with a smile, networking, marketing, developing relationships with colleagues, being trustworthy, negotiating skills, a deep understanding of the market, communication with clients, 24/7 availability, creativity, loyalty, honesty, respecting the fiduciary responsibility to my buyers and sellers, a positive attitude, and a reputation that I possess all the things that I just mentioned!

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

All of the above separates me from other realtors. When I find the right home for a buyer or the right buyer for a house, I am always elated to have put the puzzle together. I truly could shout a cheer or dance a dance. I am sincerely excited. My team is my client and me. We work together to make it happen. All decisions are made together. Lots of conversations at any hour of the day. They become my family.

If you could help any celebrity client buy or sell a home, who would it be?

Several years ago, I represented a Bear, a Bull, and a Hawk. All around the same time! That was a lot of excitement and fun. I would love to have Taylor Swift for a client. So much fun on so many levels!

Merle Styer is with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore, 566 Chestnut Street in Winnetka. For more information, call 847-922-7600 or visit merlestyer.evrealestate.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @Sty7; on Facebook at merlestyerrealestate; on X @MerleStyer; on Threads @sty.7; or on LinkedIn at Merle Styer.

SELLING THE SHORE

SELLING THE SHORE

PAIGE DOOLEY

When you meet Compass real estate broker Paige Dooley, you can immediately feel the positive energy. This 30-year resident of Winnetka is intimately familiar with all of North Shore communities and clients she represents. Her expertise as a market analyst and creative problem solver, plus her unwavering work ethic, are respected by her clients. A long-time market leader in Winnetka and New Trier, Dooley has sold more than $1 billion in real estate. Her clients appreciate her passionate approach where data meets design. Combined with the service of her exceptional team, Dooley brings a 360-degree approach to navigating the art and science of real estate.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

My clients value my tireless dedication along with my depth of experience, hyper-local market expertise, and unique insights driven by a passion for deep data digs. My commitment to the local community and a strong ethical foundation has earned the respect of both clients and agents over my 30-plus year career. Driven by the mantra of “beyond excellence,” I am an invaluable advisor and partner in strategy and negotiation for both buyers and sellers—all while maintaining positive energy and finding time to laugh together along the way.

How do you leverage marketing to differentiate yourself from the competition?

With an early career in consumer marketing and advertising brands such as Mr. Clean, I learned the value of specialized strategic marketing. For each home, I integrate a concentric approach including digital reach, social media, targeted trade advertising, and personal communication with high performing agents via several local and national networks.

What are some of the latest trends in the North Shore’s luxury real estate market?

Luxury is not just a price point; it’s an experience. Most of North Shore real estate is considered luxury and the trends are value-adds, not “trendy” elements. Current luxury trends surround wellness amenities, smart home technology, sustainable features, private outdoor spaces, home offices, and high-end customization. These trends reflect the growing demand for health-focused, technologically advanced, and personalized living that elevate the space called “home.”

Paige Dooley and the Paige Dooley Team is with Compass. For more information, visit compass.com/agents/paige-dooley.

STACY BURGOON

Winnetka resident and Compass real estate broker

Stacy Burgoon has loved raising her four children on the North Shore. She began her real estate career in 2015 after previously working as a buyer in corporate retail. Burgoon’s savvy skill set of analyzing market trends, leading negotiations, and attention to detail has translated perfectly to the North Shore’s luxury real estate market. She takes it one step further with an approachable, hands-on attitude and a proven success rate in helping her clients seamlessly navigate the sometimes challenging buying and selling process.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

Helping make the process of moving less stressful for my clients. It is so rewarding to see my clients enjoy and make memories in homes that we have found together.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

I go above and beyond for my clients because I truly care that they are genuinely happy. For me, it’s not transactional—it’s personal—and I think I bring that to every element of working together.

What’s one misconception about real estate you had when you first started that you’d want a new agent to understand?

You are always working to stay up to date on a constantly changing market. It is so important to tour every available property, even when you don’t have a specific client for it because being current and knowledgeable about the micro details of the market is the extra value that you bring to your clients.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

Technology can provide many benefits in real estate, but it cannot replace the human factor of connection. The process of moving involves many emotional elements and a personal touch from someone who understands and facilitates that is hard to replicate with technology alone.

How do you win a listing?

I listen to my client’s priorities and develop a custom strategy that takes their needs into account while also always being flexible and willing to pivot. Every property and every client are different; I function how my client needs me to in order to make the process as seamless and successful as possible.

Stacy Burgoon is a licensed real estate broker with Compass. For more information, call 773-559-5100 or visit compass. com/agents/stacy-burgoon. You can also follow her on Instagram @stacyburgoonrealestate.

SELLING THE SHORE

PAM MACPHERSON

Pam Gottfred MacPherson, president of the MacPherson Group with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, does it all. She’s honest with her clients about what needs to be done to get top dollar and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty during the staging process. “Many homes have great bones and potential,” she says. “I love helping the seller stage their home to help attract today’s buyer and adjust to the ever-changing demands of the market.” MacPherson and her team specialize in luxury markets on the North Shore, in Chicago, and the Western Suburbs—with particular expertise in helping clients make a smooth transition from the city to the suburbs. Her competitive nature, strong negotiation skills, staging design experience, and extensive market knowledge bring a unique advantage for her clients.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

We specialize in pocket listings. We have built an amazing network of agents and are able to offer the most exclusive listings before they hit the market.

How do you leverage marketing to differentiate yourself from the competition?

It’s about the work you do for your current clients that is the best marketing around. We go above and beyond the transaction for our clients so they are constantly referring us and marketing for us organically.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

Nothing will ever be replaced by technology. Every deal is different, and every client has unique needs. This is a people business and deeply personal and always will be.

What are your top staging tips?Who do you go for when staging a listing?

We have our own full-time stager and decluttering assistant on our team along with our own warehouse of furniture and staging accessories. We pride ourselves in being a one-stop all-inclusive shop for our clients.

Pam MacPherson and her MacPherson Group are with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, with offices at 30 Green Bay Road in Winnetka and 1800 Glenview Road in Glenview. For more information, call 847-508-8048 or visit mac-westgroup.com.

SELLING THE S HORE

SUSAN MAMAN

North Shore @properties Christie’s International Real Estate broker Susan Maman says her passion for curating exquisite living experiences and an appreciation for architecture and design is what first drew her to a career in the industry.

“The North Shore, with its upscale properties and discerning clientele, presented an exciting opportunity to blend my love for aesthetics and people and turn it into a dynamic career,” adds Maman, a 60-year North Shore resident who has ranked in the top 1 percent of brokers for the past 12 consecutive years. With $400 million-plus in sales success and a track record as a top broker in the New Trier School District—including being No. 1 in Glencoe for the past five consecutive years and Top 15 Illinois individual real estate professionals— Maman has become a trusted name, delivering exceptional results.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

Being able to guide my clients through what can be an anxious time in their lives and help lessen their emotional, financial, and physical stress.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

What separates me from other real estate professionals is my ability to listen to my clients rather than talk about myself. My extensive knowledge of the North Shore and its lifestyle is organic. I know how it feels to grow up here, raise my children here, and live here as an adult. I prioritize understanding the unique needs of each client, ensuring a seamless and exclusive experience tailored to the high standards of the consumer.

In real estate, what will never be replaced by technology?

The personal touch and the ability to truly understand a client’s desires and emotions are irreplaceable. While technology can streamline processes, the art of negotiation, building trust, and interpreting nuanced preferences are skills that define successful real estate professionals, especially in the luxury market.

What are some of the latest trends in the North Shore’s luxury real estate market?

Sustainable and energy-efficient features are gaining prominence. Smart home technology, private amenities, and a focus on wellness and outdoor spaces are also influencing buyer preferences.

Susan Maman is with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, 30 Green Bay Road in Winnetka and 356 Park Avenue in Glencoe. For more information, call 847-8810200 or 847-878-5235 or visit susanmaman.com.

SELLING THE SHORE

TEAM MANGEL: KATHRYN & KELLY MANGEL

Kathryn Bader Mangel and Kelly O’Connell Mangel (aka Team Mangel) bring a combined 50 years of experience living on the North Shore to their clients. Proud to offer a turnkey solution to real estate, their corporate backgrounds taught them to understand the value of customer service, identify what clients really need, and instilled in them the importance of listening and creating solutions. From Lake Forest to Evanston, this pair of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate agents has the North Shore competely covered.

What’s most rewarding about real estate?

We love our clients and how our relationships with them bloom into friendships, referrals, and their family’s happily ever after. It is so fulfilling to relocate families to the North Shore, transition clients to other states, purchase second homes, or move them out of the country and cheer on their successes.

What do you think separates you from other real estate professionals in the business today?

We grew up on the North Shore and are raising our families here. We have a concierge approach to our business and are always handling every aspect of our clients move or relocation personally.

What’s one misconception about real estate you had when you first started that you’d want a new agent to understand? We work 24/7, 365 days out of the year. But when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life!

What are some of the latest trends in the North Shore’s luxury real estate market?

We are seeing some dynamic personalization and technology in North Shore kitchens, bathrooms, recreation rooms, and offices. People are renovating or building homes with couture customization for their families.

Kathryn and Kelly Mangel are with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, 30 Green Bay Road in Winnetka. For more information, visit teammangel.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @teammangel.

Interior styling by Mary Nigh Design. Makeup by Melanie Narbutis.

Kelly O’Connell Mangel

Kathryn Bader Mangel

TED PICKUS

Highland Park broker Ted Pickus has an extensive background in the home industry. Before beginning his successful career with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate 13 years ago, Ted honed his skills working in his family-owned construction business—building homes and developing multi-family buildings and residential subdivisions.

What do you like most about real estate?

I love knowing I am helping my clients move onto the next chapter of their lives. Be it a first-time home buyer, empty nester downsizing, or anyone in between, knowing they are moving on is the BEST!

How do you differentiate yourself from the competition?

Three principles: caring, integrity and tenacity. First and foremost, I care about my clients’ needs and I’m concerned that their goals and interests are always represented. I not only want what is best for all parties in every transaction, but what is most ethical. I don’t give up until we reach success.

Market trends you anticipate in 2024?

I think 2024 will continue to be a seller’s market. There are still more buyers in the market than sellers and I don’t see that changing in 2024.

Ted Pickus is with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. For more information, call 847-417-0520 or visit pickushomes.com.

PUBLISHER’S PROFILE

AT THE FOREFRONT

From a new location in Northbrook, doctors at the University of Chicago Medicine Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery offer exceptional, research-based care to women in the Northern Suburbs.

WORDS BY MITCH HURST / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY MARGARETA KOMLENAC

UChicago Medicine’s newest location in Northbrook offers the highest quality, cutting-edge urogynecology care for women in and around the Northern Suburbs. The practice’s four doctors—Sarah Collins, M.D., Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, M.D., Margaret Mueller, M.D., and Kimberly Kenton, M.D., M.S., are all highly skilled pelvic reconstruction surgeons, treating pelvic floor disorders (PFD) including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

In general, PFDs are a group of conditions that affect the pelvic floor, including the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, and bowel). PFDs are very prevalent, and while they are more common in older women, they can occur at any age. In fact, twenty percent of American women undergo surgery for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, which causes bulging in the vagina.

The four doctors practiced together in Lake Forest and downtown Chicago for more than a decade. This year, they strategically moved to UChicago Medicine and set out to establish the institution’s first footprint on the Northern Suburbs. Now, women north of Chicago have convenient access to the cutting-edge clinical care and research that the South Side academic medical center is known for.

“We are an established, academic, boutique practice with almost 25 years of experience addressing the depth and breadth of pelvic floor disorders,” says Dr. Kenton, who resides in Glenview. Dr. Collins, who lives in Western Springs adds, “We are renowned for offering patients customized solutions to their specific needs and goals, including a shared decision-making approach to treatment decisions.”

At its core, the practice’s philosophy is about improving women’s quality of life. “Pelvic floor disorders fall into two categories— incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse, essentially when ‘things’ fall down outside the body, often forcing women to cut back on activities,” says Glencoe resident Dr. Mueller. “As surgeons, we provide a variety of minimally invasive procedures and surgeries to help restore women’s active lifestyles. We also offer some non-surgical options for those looking for help but aren’t ready or interested in pursuing the surgical path.”

“We are fellowship-trained and board certified, meaning we have as many years of training as a neurosurgeon,” Dr. LewickyGaupp, a Winnetka resident. “The advantage of our rigorous training, combined with our involvement in academics, means we are always abreast of new research, technologies, and treatments.

The pipeline to innovation is facilitated by federally funded, National Institute of Health clinical trials. The doctors are currently involved in several research projects that will lead to better outcomes and results for patients.

Thanks to research, these surgeon-scientists have shifted the paradigm of recovery expectations. After surgery, women often received antiquated counseling about activity restrictions, such as avoiding high-impact activities, exercise or lifting. These traditional restrictions are not scientifically justified, and newer ones have been shown to be safe. “One of the unique perspectives that sets us apart is our encouragement for patients to maintain their lifestyle. They don’t have to stop exercising; they can have their procedure and be back to running within two or three days,” explains Dr. Kenton. “This approach is based on a large study that our group conducted and published.”

Evidence-based medicine. A commitment to patient-centered care. Innovative surgical options. Just a few reasons why UChicago Medicine’s Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery practice is one of the best in the country.

University of Chicago Medicine Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery is located at 400 Skokie Blvd, Suite 300, in Northbrook, 773-795-8777, uchicagomedicine.org/urogynecology.

Dr. Margaret Mueller, Dr. Sarah Collins, Dr. Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, and Dr. Kimberly Kenton

PUBLISHER’S PROFILE

A WINNETKA STORE AND SO MUCH MORE

Design expert Courtney Chessen styles the North Shore.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Courtney Chessen was introduced to interior design while growing up in New York and Connecticut. Her aunt and mother’s best friend were both designers, and Courtney developed an interest in fabrics and wallpaper early on. “Instead of buying a Barbie house,” she recalls, “I made one out of boxes and wallpapered and decorated it with fabric samples.” After ten years in finance, she got into the design world by chance. Now the owner of Mandarine Home, a retail store and full-service design firm, her path there was not straight and narrow.

Courtney studied art history and economics at Dartmouth College before launching a career in finance with positions at Brown Brothers Harriman, Lehman Brothers, and JP Morgan Asset Management. After completing her CFA and a three-year stint in Buenos Aires, she returned to the States to attend Columbia Business School. In her time off before school began, she took classes at the New York School of Interior Design. “I never felt so excited,” shares Courtney. “I had found my passion.”

After starting a family in Darien, Connecticut, a move to Chicago’s North Shore followed. Walking her son to school one day, Courtney came across Susan Kroeger Ltd. in Winnetka, at the corner of Tower and Green Bay Road. Still outfitting her new house, she approached Susan about a job and, as fate would have it, there was an opening. It wasn’t long before Courtney got the itch to run her own show, but as she readily admits, “In this business, you must work with a mentor for at least two years to understand all the aspects of it. You need to see a lot, learn all the brands and the business side.” Eventually, she and a partner started a business in Glenview called Mandarine Home. When she and her business partner parted ways, Courtney opened a new Mandarine Home in Winnetka and also operates a second store in Darien, Connecticut. In both locations, Courtney has built a great team that offers excellent customer service and is adept with accounting software.

“Both stores are set up with several vignettes that we change frequently to represent our style, sense of comfort, and offer a representation of brands,” says Courtney. “I love color and texture, but we can create neutral and more modern spaces as well. The store has several wallpaper lines, art, our private label upholstery, and a good representation of pieces from various furniture sources—allowing customers to view the quality in person. We take three buying trips a year, and because we work directly with the vendors our prices can be pretty amazing.”

In addition to offering a masterfully curated array of products, Mandarine Home

provides expert designer services. “A lot of people think we are just a retail store, but 80 percent of our business is full-service design,” notes Courtney. “We love any project from a whole home build or remodel to a single room redo or even just accessorizing bookcases. Making it personalized is all in the attention to detail.”

Courtney works with a range of clients and prides herself on her adaptability and readiness to understand their needs. “I am not one to focus on trends, but I am curious about changes in client’s desires and lifestyles. I keep these in mind as I work to provide them with a timeless and comfortable home. My style incorporates the old and new so when you get tired of a look, you might just need to change pillows, accessories, or art. People’s taste changes with the more they see. Mine definitely has.”

For more information, visit mandarinehome.com.

Mandarine Home owner Courtney Chessen

Mandarine Home vignette

PUBLISHER’S PROFILE

A DOSE OF PREVENTION

In the face of an opioid crisis, local pharmacy students and local foundation deliver innovative training.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ROSALIND FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE

As opioid-associated emergencies and overdose-related deaths have increased over the past decade, health care provider training is crucial to the provision of emergency care services. The College of Pharmacy students at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) in North Chicago are on the frontline of care in responding to the challenges presented by the opioid crisis.

A key component of their education is real-world training through RFU’s Department of Healthcare Simulation, which provides safe spaces for students to practice their clinical skills in simulated emergency situations. Students participate in a simulation exercise with intranasal naloxone (also known as Narcan®), a quick-acting opioid-reversal agent that can save lives if given in a timely manner.

Each year, student pharmacists participate in a high-fidelity simulation training. Under the guidance of faculty, students develop their clinical skills in the setting of an opioid-associated emergency and administer naloxone to state-of-the-art manikins, which are full-body simulated patients.

Working in teams, the pharmacy students evaluate and care for a simulated patient—in this simulated case, a 45-year-old patient brought in by EMS after a car accident. The patient is found behind the wheel with lacerations to the face and hands. The patient has shallow respirations and is lightly in and out of consciousness.

Through this simulation, students learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, identify appropriate use of the naloxone rescue product, identify the appropriate dosing for naloxone intranasal spray, and calculate an appropriate naloxone infusion dose and rate. This training is aimed directly at making the students field-ready to respond to emergencies as they move into residency and practice.

The university also forges valuable partnerships with academic, health care, business, government, and community organizations

across Lake County to advance the mission of improving health outcomes. Through a partnership with the Lake Forest-based GPF Foundation—which works to save lives by supporting education, appropriate treatment, and overall awareness of the dangers related to recreational drug use—more innovative training opportunities were developed.

RFU and the Foundation collaborated on an educational tool that launched on the Full Code Medical Simulation online training platform in 2022. The case helps frontline medical providers more accurately diagnose and effectively treat patients experiencing adverse effects of psychostimulant use.

RFU was honored in 2022 with the Foundation’s Harm Reduction Award for the university’s educational initiatives to save lives that otherwise might be lost due to recreational drug use.

“Our educational and research collaborations with the GPF Foundation are a testament to our frontline training designed to address the opioid crisis,” say RFU President and CEO Dr. Wendy Rheault who accepted the award. “RFU creates an environment where students can learn, from and with each other, with the goal of enabling effective collaboration. This is the key to redefining health care as a coordinated team effort to support the well-being of people and their communities.”

RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. To learn more about its programs and efforts to improve health and wellness, visit rosalindfranklin.edu.

Danielle Candelario, PharmD, BCPS, associate director of pharmacy skills education and associate professor of pharmacy practice at RFU’s College of Pharmacy, discusses the importance of training students to treat opioid overdoses and conducts a simulation exercise for second year pharmacy students.

Providing rescue breaths using a mask and ventilation bag can be necessary when responding to opioid emergencies.

SHANA VITEK

DIVORCE WITHOUT COURT

Divorce is a very personal and emotional process that often involves children. However, anyone with an internet connection can access most divorce court documents. Additionally, divorce court often takes place on Zoom and is broadcast on YouTube where anyone can log on and watch.

It is concerning that children can go online to read the details of their parents’ divorce, or that a nosy neighbor could pull up another family’s divorce paperwork on their phone.

There is simply no reason the details of any divorce need to be public. Even the most contentious divorces can be handled without going to court. Better options are available if both parties agree they want to keep their divorce private. Alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce are very effective ways to accomplish this goal in the most efficient manner possible.

Shana Vitek is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in Illinois. For over 20 years, she has practiced family law exclusively and is trained in mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law. For more information, visit www.beermannlaw.com/team/shana-l-vitek.

312.621.1263

slvitek@beermannlaw.com

PUBLISHER’S PROFILE

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY MEG KOMLENAC

Whether you own a family home in the suburbs, a vacation home on the coast, or a brownstone or condominium in the city, you never want to see your home damaged. But losses happen to cherished homes all the time—from weather, accidents, fires, and more.

In fact, according to insurance claim data from Chubb, a premium personal lines insurer, the number one source of property damage to homes is water from non-weather-related events, such as leaking pipes, broken appliances like washers or dishwashers, and backed-up sewers and drains.

Regardless of how your home is damaged, the terms and conditions of your homeowner’s insurance policy can impact your plans for restoring the home to its pre-loss condition.

Not all insurance is alike.

While standard insurance may be suitable for some, successful individuals and families with high-value homes may need premium insurance that affords insureds higher limits and tailored coverage.

Older homes often have unique details and surfaces that are difficult to find and install or that may need to be upgraded to comply with modern building codes. Premium insurance may pay for those upgrades, specialized craftspeople, or materials, while many insurance policies will not.

Sometimes, it’s not even about the money, but about the time and flexibility that a premium insurance policy provides. For example, if your home is damaged and you cannot live there while it’s being repaired, a premium insurance policy may allow you to be set up in a rental home or hotel in the same neighborhood with no stated limit, so you can go about your daily life as normal.

The far-reaching effects of insurance.

Your home is more than the building itself. It’s full of memories that you’ve accumulated over time. So, if you experience a claim, you’ll want to lean on an insurance company that will help you get your life back and help you rebuild your home without hassles, headaches, or delay. That’s where a premium insurance policy comes in.

While it’s important to get your home repaired quickly and efficiently, the right insurance will reach beyond your immediate needs. For example, if your home isn’t repaired to its original specifications and you want to sell it later, the quality and scope

of the repair work may become an issue with the buyer and could complicate the closing or sale price.

The importance of selecting the right agent.

The right insurance agent can help ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs. Chubb is pleased to partner with independent insurance agents like Andrew Price and Matty Price Collins at Price Insurance in Lake Forest. Price Insurance is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated agency, with strong roots in the Lake Forest community and surrounding areas. Founded in 1937 by their great grandfather, Paul T. Price, Price Insurance specializes in writing a full range of insurance and financial products including High Value Home, Automobile, Specialty Vehicles, Umbrella, Boat, Valuable Articles, Group Health, Life & Commercial Insurance.

For more information, contact Andrew Price & Matty Price Collins with Price Insurance at 847-234-0411, price@ptprice.com, or visit priceinsurance.us.

Matty Price Collins, Andrew Price

OPublisher’s Profile

WORDS BY STEVEN BLOCH, M.D. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE: TUMMY TUCK

ne of the most frequent requests that I get is for a “Tummy Tuck.” Many patients find that despite diet and exercise they cannot achieve the shaped, toned, flat abdomen they desire.

In assessing a patient for a “Tummy Tuck” multiple factors are taken into account.

1. What is the status of the overlying skin and the degree of laxity? Is the laxity confined to the lower or upper part of the abdomen or both?

2. What is the status of the underlying muscles? Do they meet in the mid line or are they separated from pregnancies or intra-abdominal fat?

3. What is the distribution of excess fat? Is it diffuse or localized in the lower upper abdomen? Does it extend to the flanks?

Depending upon the above assessment a customized operation can be performed to address these concerns. Multiple procedures or techniques can be employed.

The procedures vary from non-invasive to full abdominoplasty or some combination. Methods include:

1. Non invasive CoolSculpting or CoolTone.

2. Minimally invasive BodyTite or Renuvion for skin tightening.

3. Vaser liposuction for fat reduction.

4. Modified abdominoplasty for the lower abdomen.

5. Full abdominoplasty combining liposuction, repositioning umbilicus, skin tightening, and underlying muscle repair.

The above procedures can often be combined to give you a customized operation to achieve the results you desire.

For additional information, visit bodybybloch.com or Dr. Bloch can be reached at his Highland Park office at 847-432-0840.

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Steven Bloch MDBodybybloch

PARTING WORDS

BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

Wilmette’s Sandra Casparriello designs with interiors in mind.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

There is the interior design of one’s home, and then there is interior design—the mindful cultivation of one’s inner self to enhance a stronger connection with core intentions and values. Sandra Casparriello is on a journey to integrate both.

Since founding S.C. Murphy LLC 12 years ago, Casparriello has been an active fixture in the design world— manufacturing fabric, wallpaper, rugs, and furniture and beautifying residential and commercial spaces on the North Shore and far beyond. “On every project, big or small, I learn my clients’ aesthetic preferences, get to know who they are and what they love, and then communicate that in the custom designs,” she explains.

Her interest in design began as a young girl growing up in the Philippines in expat-rich Manila. Here, Casparriello saw firsthand how construction and design would ebb and flow, reflecting the desires of different demographics and cultures from all over the globe. More importantly, she realized, even then, that to be a creative “maker” was a source of empowerment and a means for social change.

Her latest island project was a stem-to-stern renovation in the Virgin Islands, where she also helped islanders rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. “From the roof to the driveway and everything in between,” says Casparriello. Each aspect of the project was co-created between Casparriello and her clients and then custom-made.

But this productive season was preceded by a difficult time of lessons and change. The COVID pandemic and its chaotic aftermath threw much into disarray, forcing Casparriello into a major life review. “I used the principles and processes of my interior design practice to re-evaluate my life,” she recalls, “and discovered that there were many areas of constriction, restriction, negligence, and struggle that were holding me in negative thought patterns, inhibiting my ability to fulfill the authentic, happy, peaceful, and truthful life I strived for and dreamed of as a child.”

As she sought to reconnect to a fulfilling life, Casparriello happened upon Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty. In this award-winning memoir, Dr. Doty, a neurosurgeon and entrepreneur, depicts how he reshaped his life through the transformative power of mindfulness and compassion and founded the Center for Compassion and Altruism at Stanford Medical Center to help others harness these powers. Reading the book compelled Casparriello to learn how to open her heart “to use the magic of love in my life to be a positive influence in the world. So, I closed the book and immediately signed up for an 8-week course at the center,” she says.

There was much to learn. Chief among the wisdom? “I learned

to let go of the negative dialogues in my life through a process of self-compassion and mindfulness,” she says. “And as I become more aware of ‘being’ with myself in a compassionate way, I was able to recognize and experience a stronger connection with my deeper core values and intentions.” Things like expanding her vision for her family, creating a more fulfilling work/life balance, and being a more valuable resource to her clients and design partners.

For Casparriello, this includes a regular meditation practice, yoga somewhere in the week, prioritizing health and time with her two kids, and being attentive to client and work opportunities in a new and deeper way.

“Training the mind toward a more compassionate, resilient, and authentic life is so vital. It rebalances our over-developed habit of ‘doing’ with one of ‘being.’ Life changes naturally stem from that. I want this for everyone be it through interior design or interior design,” she concludes.

For more information visit, scmurphyllc.com.

Come grow old with me...

I am ready for a full life

as I have been restored and enhanced with true love and passion. I can outshine anything brand new as I was built to last the test of time.

I can entertain

with grace and elegance which can never be duplicated. I can protect from above as I am perched so high.