Music festival season is in full swing in the Midwest, with Lollapalooza bringing dozens of acts from around the world to Chicago’s Grant Park this weekend.

From legendary bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers to modern icons like Billie Eilish – both of whom are headlining at Lollapalooza this weekend, – music superstars have crafted a reputation for embracing a flamboyant and extravagant lifestyle. And their luxurious living spaces often reflect their larger-than-life personas with high-end finishes and out-of-this-world amenities. After all, rock stars push boundaries with their style and creativity, so it comes as no surprise that their living spaces occasionally do the same.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be rock star to live like one. The following is a selection of local homes that are on the market right now, offering amenities that can help the Flea, Kendrick or Carly Rae in all of us create the perfect haven to relax and unwind. Read (and rock) on.

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The Barbie Dreamhouse has been an iconic symbol of imagination and play for over six decades. Since Barbie bought her first home in 1962 – quite a feat, considering women couldn’t even apply for a credit card alone at the time– the toy has captivated children around the world. Now, according to Mattel, a Barbie Dreamhouse is sold every two minutes. And the premiere of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” has only amplified interest in the toy, with cast-led video tours of the set and a replica Dreamhouse Airbnb in Malibu part of the movie’s promotion.

From its humble cardboard beginnings in the 1960s to the modern-day version fit for an influencer, this fantastical dream house has undergone many transformations that have reflected the world’s changing social and economic landscape.

Read on for a breakdown of the history of the illustrious Barbie Dreamhouse.

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It’s summertime in Chicago, which has us thinking about catching some rays. But when it comes to owning a home, there are plenty of reasons to soak up the sun all year round thanks to the many environmental and financial benefits associated with solar energy.

Solar energy and home design actually has a long history in Illinois. According to the Chicago Tribune, creating a solar house was a guiding concept for the “House of Tomorrow” at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Chicago architect George Fred Keck designed a 12-sided, three-story building made mostly of glass. (It was transported to Indiana after the fair.)

Today, Illinois ranks second in the Midwest for renewable power capacity, according to the Illinois Environmental Council. And with more incentives being offered, solar installations are on the rise. As the state tries to meet aggressive renewable energy goals, now might be a good time to make the switch to solar.

Here are five reasons to consider installing solar panels on your home.

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Here’s the dilemma: it’s a beautiful summer evening, the sun is setting, and the air feels just right. But you’ve been dying to catch up on your favorite TV series, and you know you’ll feel guilty about spending such a perfect night inside on the living room sofa. What if you could watch that show or ballgame or movie under the stars? With the growing popularity of outdoor media rooms, it’s easy to blend entertainment with relaxation in natural environments.

Transforming your backyard or rooftop deck into a fully functional media room has become quite popular since the early days of the pandemic motivated us to seek outdoor entertainment in droves. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential elements to create a warm and welcoming outdoor entertainment space, including outdoor TVs, audio systems, furniture, lighting and convenient kitchen amenities. Let’s dive in!

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There are over 100 villages and towns spanning 10,286 square miles in Chicagoland. While many of them offer an environment one would expect of a typical Midwestern suburb, there are plenty of communities around Chicago with much more urban amenities. No longer are highly-rated restaurants, chic boutiques, transit options, and a vibrant local culture confined to the city limits. These five suburbs prove it.

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It’s no secret we have a deep appreciation for all aspects of Chicago, and Logan Square is no exception. The @properties Christie’s International Real Estate office near the intersection of Milwaukee and California gives us a great vantage point to enjoy all this neighborhood has to offer, from coffee shops to Blue Line stops to standing in line for a mango paleta from a local cart vendor. It’s easy to see why Logan Square was named one of the coolest communities in the country, so the next time you find yourself in the area, here’s what you can’t miss:

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Originally popularized in the 1950s, the split-level home plan continues to steal the hearts of homebuyers and it’s easy to understand why. Providing an open and airy feel, this style is a perfect match for those who crave affordability, functionality, and benefits like multiple common living spaces, more privacy, and ample natural light. While some might shy away from a split-level home based on the name alone, these timeless properties have plenty to offer. Rediscover the iconic design with a brief history of bi-level home plans, the nuances between the four main styles, and the unique advantages offered by split-levels.

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Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the office, the Illinois Department of Transportation launches a 3-year construction project on the Kennedy Expressway, and suddenly those downtown workers from points north and northwest, who had slowly been returning to the office, made one big collective U-turn.

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The NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament has tipped off, and basketball fans around the country (this writer included) are keeping the mouse cursor hovered over the Boss Button in case they need to click away from the games.

But why just watch the action when you can have your very own basketball court right in your own backyard? Or basement. Or rooftop.

From an old school hoop in the attic of a North Shore estate to a full-length outdoor court in Lake Geneva, Wisc., we’ve rounded up five amazing properties that feature sports courts, so you can shoot hoops when your bracket goes up flames.

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Spring market is already underway. But if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, there’s still time to take advantage of real estate’s busy season – and even tackle a few projects that may be on your to-do list. In fact, there are plenty of small home improvement tasks that can be accomplished in a single weekend and can go a long way in enhancing your home’s presentation.

Whether you’re looking to get your home in optimal showing condition or just want to refresh your space, here are five projects that are an easy weekend undertaking.

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