The Impact of One Life
In the past few years—probably since turning 40—I’ve decided the meaning of my life is the connections I make with other humans. I want to be sure I make ... Read more.
My Home Remodel, Part 12: Custom Cabinetry by a Carpenter Who Cares
My mother-in-law watches Clare, my three-year-old daughter, on Mondays and Tuesdays while I work on retrofit from my basement office. A few mornings ago, I over... Read more.
Chicago’s Historic Cook County Hospital Is Redeveloped into a Hotel and Food Hall
Built in 1914, Cook County Hospital often has been referred to as Chicago’s Ellis Island. The 2-block-long, 8-story Beaux-Arts building, constructed just outs... Read more.
What a Difference a Year Can Make
One year ago, I struggled with the words for this column. COVID-19 had gripped our country and the world, and most of us were experiencing some form of lockdown... Read more.
My Home Remodel, Part 11: A Sink Is a Beautiful Thing
When my husband Bart and I got married, I was buying a few items for our ceremony and reception at a craft store. Near the checkout, I spotted a magnet that sai... Read more.
My Home Remodel, Part 10: Celebrating Countertops
I agonized about countertops as I was choosing finishes for my kitchen. Last summer, my husband Bart and I decided to browse a stone center to figure out what I... Read more.
The Introduction of retrofit home
About a decade ago, a family in my area of Iowa purchased a 24- by 40-foot Presbyterian church built in 1879 and transformed it into their home. The couple actu... Read more.
My Home Remodel, Part 9: Restoring Hardwood Floors
I have always loved history and been drawn to old, or shall we say vintage, items. When Bart, my husband, brought home the abstract of title for our house, I re... Read more.
My Home Remodel, Part 8: Happy Wife, Happy Life
I hadn’t planned to change any of our appliances as part of our kitchen remodel. All of them are fairly new, purchased when my husband bought our house (b... Read more.
The Incomparable Dan Burke
Our hearts are broken. One of our own, our salesperson extraordinaire, Dan Burke, passed away unexpectedly in early December 2020. Those of you who read retrofi... Read more.