First Audience
How music begins at home and grows into a lifelong passion BY LAURA MICHAUD AND MELISSA G. WILSON The Living Room Debut Before there are stages, spotlights, or packed auditoriums, there is almost always a living room. Or a kitchen. Or the back seat of a car. For many performers, the first audience is family—people…
Read MoreLina Shah
Luxury Property Specialist | Homes by Lina Shah For Lina Shah, real estate is grounded in service, preparation, and responsibility. Her work centers on guiding clients through significant life decisions with clarity and care. This approach has made her the top agent in the Oak Brook area for several consecutive years, placed her among the…
Read MoreWoodland Windows and Doors
Woodland Windows & Doors has spent more than half a century transforming homes across the greater Chicago area with quality, craftsmanship, and trust earned one project at a time. Founded in 1969 by John and Ann Mariotti, the company began in a small storefront and has grown into a respected full-service provider of replacement windows,…
Read MoreJacob Lukas Design
Elmhurst has welcomed a vibrant addition to its local business community with the opening of Wanderlust. This brick-and-mortar store acts as the retail counterpart to the acclaimed Jakob Lucas Design. For Kurt Miller and Lukas Mack, the duo behind the brand, opening this physical storefront fulfills a long-standing dream to bring their curated vision directly…
Read MoreStudio41
For homeowners planning a kitchen or bath renovation, the difference between a stressful process and a rewarding one often comes down to guidance. Studio41 has built its reputation around helping clients navigate complex design decisions with clarity, confidence, and an emphasis on long-term livability. With a long-standing presence in the Chicago area, Studio41 serves as…
Read MoreReliable Home Improvement
Few home remodeling companies can point to more than five decades of continuous family leadership. For 58 years, Reliable Home Improvement has remained family-owned and operated, quietly shaping homes throughout the western suburbs. What began as a small family business has grown into one of the region’s most respected remodeling firms, guided by multiple generations…
Read MoreMary Braatz
RE/MAX ENTERPRISES Mary Braatz chose a career in real estate after spending several years working in the Loop, motivated by a desire to build a profession rooted in her local community. “I wanted to work closer to home,” she said. Paired with her love of problem-solving, that decision continues to drive her work today. Whether…
Read MoreModerne Living
Established in August 2005, Moderne Living was created to bring refined European contemporary design to Chicago homeowners seeking modern sophistication with everyday comfort. From its inception, the company has prioritized curated furnishings and architectural elements defined by clean lines, premium materials, and enduring craftsmanship. Today, Moderne Living delivers comprehensive, high-end design solutions that extend well…
Read MoreMelanie Lee Interior Design
Melanie Lee acts as a creative anchor for homeowners who want their spaces to tell a story. Founded in 1999, Melanie Lee Design brings almost three decades of experience to the art of creating layered, livable, and timeless interiors. Based in Elmhurst, Illinois, Melanie has built a trusted reputation in her hometown for her ability…
Read MoreLupfer Landscaping
During a recent journey to Japan, Lupfer Landscaping president Tom Lupfer immersed himself in centuries-old garden traditions that reshaped how he approaches landscape design. Walking through historic stroll gardens in Tokyo once built for Shoguns and Daimyo, studying the quiet restraint of Zen gardens in Kyoto, and learning directly from the experts who maintain these…
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