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SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Once Upon restaurateur tells his stories. P26
SPORTS
Sam Yavitt and the New Trier boys water polo team set their sights on a state title. P43
SOCIAL SCENE
Novel Affair welcomed authors and artists for a weekend of creativity and conversation in support of the Ragdale Foundation. P18 FOLLOW US:
NO. 241 | A JWC MEDIA PUBLICATION
NEWS
Tom Ricketts to LFC grads: Find your quest in life BY DONALD LIEBENSON DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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om Ricketts, executive chairman and co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, addressed Lake Forest College’s Class of 2017 on May 14 and hoped for them what he himself had been able to achieve as part of a winning team that transformed the Cubs from “loveable losers” into World Series champions. “I really hope and pray you will all find a quest in your life,” he said. “Having a fulfilling job is great, but being on a quest is truly incredible, particularly if you’re on that quest with people you respect and admire.” It was a beautiful day for a graduation at the friendly confines of Ravinia Festival’s Pavilion in Highland Park; a mix of clouds and Continued on PG 12
Luxury Kitchens: Heart of the Home 21st century kitchen the center of modern life BY BILL MCLEAN DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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here was a time when the kitchen was off limits to anybody who did not cook food — except for those culinarily challenged family members who tiptoed late at night to make trips to the fridge for a snack. The kitchen today? It has been called a home’s hub, heartbeat, gathering place. Children are completing homework assignments at the kitchen island, while battling teardrops as Mom or Dad cuts onions for that night’s dinner salad. Guests no longer converse in living rooms; they’re either interacting with the hosts near the kitchen’s fully integrated refrigerator or maybe marveling at the kitchen’s old-is-new-again apron sink under the hands-free faucet. “Kitchens are getting so jazzed up,” says Karey Walker of Highland Park. “It’s not a space you want to hide; it’s a place you want to show off.” Since it’s the most important room in the house, with the most foot traffic, kitchens — particularly those of the luxury variety — are getting bigger and contain pieces that used to be staples in dining rooms and even studies. “Parents and their children are recharging their devices while sitting at the kitchen island,” says Lyana Aldamuy, a kitchen and bath designer at the Studio 41 Home Design Showroom in Highland Park. “It’s no longer just
Luxury kitchens like this one from Studio 41 are getting bigger and better than ever.
an area where the family gets together to eat. “Remember the sounds of kitchen drawers and cabinets slamming shut?” she adds. “You’re not hearing those as much now, because more homeowners are choosing to install slow-close drawers and cabinets. Most people put more money into the kitchen than they do in any other room
in the house.” Scott Ryan — a showroom director at Studio 41’s 40,000-square-foot, state-of-theart store on Skokie Valley Road — gives a tour of the showroom to a visitor, who asks, “White is still the most popular color for a kitchen, right?” Ryan then informs the soonto-be-enlightened visitor that yes,
white will likely always be a go-to tone for the kitchen, but to also keep an eye out for “greige.”His audience requests an explanation. “It’s a color combination of gray and beige,” Ryan explains. “It’s more of a color direction, driven by designers. We’re seeing customers who want two-toned kitchens — light colors around the top, darker colors near the
floor. Kitchens today are essentially entertainment places, and that’s why you’re seeing people interested in adding a ‘wow’ factor to the place. “Our biggest thing here is our one-stop element,” he adds, noting Studio 41 also operates three Kohler stores. “All of our Continued on PG 12
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