Archive for the ‘Custom for less’ Category
Friday, February 5th, 2010
They don’t have a website with lots of flash but the photos will show you what they’re capable of.
For building address numbers in entry transoms or sidelights- photo shows insulated transom painted with numerals on back side, before installation. Original glass behind is protected and the gold paint is, too.
http://www.chicagoldsigns.com/index.html
Posted in Custom for less, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
“Layered” lighting: using varied sources of light to add interest and FUNCTION to your kitchen. Types: ambient, task, and accent lighting. Scrimp on your cabinets and tops, but add layers of lighting for upscale feeling and flexibility. Under-cabinet lighting is recognized as functional “task” lighting, but over-cabinet lighting adds major impact for minor dollars. High-end kitchens should have 5 or more layers.
Don’t forget the dimmers, same reasons- more impact, less cost.
Posted in Custom for less, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Lighting | No Comments »
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
Transoms and other stained glass for your home- see Arthur Melville Pearson’s work, inspired by nature and perfect for your Arts and Craft (or any) home.
Or, see his work in person at “sOUTh of the Loop” art exhibition
and sale at the Hotel Florence in Pullman. The opening reception is December 11, and the event – featuring more than a dozen artists in various media – runs through December 18.
http://www.ampjr.net/
Posted in Custom for less, Furnishings, Old house repairs or treatments, Window treatments | No Comments »
Sunday, November 15th, 2009
Article about Remodeling in Phases- with quotes and photos. (See the actual paper for photos of the project) Page 1 of Money & Real Estate section, concluding on page 15.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-restate-phased-remodel-1115nov15,0,5680009.story
Posted in Custom for less, Old house repairs or treatments, Real estate and property values, Solutions | No Comments »
Friday, August 7th, 2009
The Rebuilding Exchange in Chicago has GREEN materials at great prices- a very rare combo! All from Meegan and her crew at the Rebuilding Exchange.
Source: www.rebuildingexchange.org
The mission of the ReBuilding Exchange is to divert building materials from the waste stream and make them accessible to the public for reuse, protecting community health, creating jobs and saving resources. …
Posted in Custom for less, Furnishings, Green construction or finishes, Lighting | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Now is the perfect time to do small projects on your home, because you’ll get better service than you would have in YEARS, from suppliers and contractors. Even my contractor friends say supply houses are more attentive to smaller orders. The days of being ignored at the lumber yard are over, ladies (and gentlemen)!
Posted in Construction and contractors, Custom for less, Real estate and property values | No Comments »
Friday, July 10th, 2009
New newel post carved to match original 1887 newel post upstairs, in Wicker Park home. Superb craftsmanship.
Posted in Construction and contractors, Custom for less, Solutions | No Comments »
Friday, July 10th, 2009
Original newel post at top of Wicker Park stairs- see next post for new newel post carved to match by stair wright. 
Posted in Construction and contractors, Custom for less, Solutions | No Comments »
Saturday, July 4th, 2009
Green seat for not-a-lotta-green
Perfect for dorm room or contemporary green home, these (comfy!) chairs assemble easily, could not be more recyclable, or cheap: $14.95!
Available at Green Home Chicago, www.ghcdesigncenter.com.
Posted in Custom for less, Green construction or finishes, Solutions, Wall treatments | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
The Delta Institute in Chicago accepts your building materials and sells you someone else’s. Adding older elements to your renovation or decorating- a vintage medicine cabinet- heavy timber repurposed as mantle- creative reuse of surfacing material- adds texture and creativity that just can’t be bought at the big box store. And, it’s green. Way, way greener than buying something new that’s “renewable” or recycled.
Posted in Bathroom design, appliances, and fixtures, Custom for less, Floor finishes, Green construction or finishes, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions, Wall treatments | Comments Off
