January 30th, 2012
Sam Marts and I take our ‘hoods to the mat. Enjoy!
Posted in Architecture and Design, Old house repairs or treatments | No Comments »
January 13th, 2012
Did you get new concrete walks, patio or stairs this year? Salt will ruin the surface if used before complete curing, which takes a whole year! Use sand instead of salt for the first winter, and keep that smooth surface! And remember to have a no-shoes policy this year too, because tracked-in sand will harm your floors.
Posted in Blogroll, Floor finishes, Housekeeping and maintenance | No Comments »
January 6th, 2012
A great resource for all: shopping, eating/drinking, architecture, and art itineraries, deals, events, and general cool stuff!
www.wickerparkbucktown.com
Yes, of course Littlerock is in there:
www.wickerparkbucktown.com/business-listings/littlerock-construction-inc
Posted in ADA or accessibility; aging-in-place, Architecture and Design, Bathroom design, appliances, and fixtures, Blogroll, Construction and contractors, Custom for less, Floor finishes, Housekeeping and maintenance, Old house repairs or treatments, Real estate and property values, Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 3rd, 2012
Got a call from a client in a quandry- whether to go with the color she “wanted, but was afraid of” or the one that looked “safe”. The things we want ARE scary, but paint is a perfect place to make a plunge- it’s easy to change! This is a metaphor for the client’s life- and perhaps yours- taking the safe path with no joy. Take a small risk in your home decor- practice the action- and you may be able move beyond- to choices holding you back in your personal life!
Posted in Architecture and Design, Solutions | No Comments »
December 8th, 2011
Got this note yesterday: “Enclosed please find payment + along with it my thanks. I would never have even dreamt of this project, much less attempted this without all your guidance + support. Looking forward to more!” I LOVE my work!
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
December 1st, 2011
I’m really proud of this Georgian bath- luxurious yet understated, it fits into the home beautifully and satisfies all the owner’s wishes:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150406651289234.363028.93601209233&type=1
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November 17th, 2011
CRAZY easy way to save $ on heat this winter? Take 5-10 minutes and make sure all your windows are closed AND locked! Double hung windows often drop the top sash- not enough to notice, just enough to leak heat constantly; casements and awning windows are NOT closed all the way unless you close the locks. Locking all windows allows weatherstrip to do its job- and you save the dough!
Posted in Blogroll, Green construction or finishes, Solutions | No Comments »
November 11th, 2011

Thermal Glass Block
Glass block has always been a big problem solver- security, privacy, noise…but never has it been energy efficient, because the temperature outside transfers directly to the inside surface. Now, glass block is available with a thermal break- so the thermal transfer doesn’t occur- and even Low-E! They cost more, but this product offers comfort and energy cost savings along with all the other stuff GB is good for!
Posted in Architecture and Design, Bathroom design, appliances, and fixtures, Green construction or finishes, Solutions | No Comments »