Interior Designer: Michael Abrams

Selecting an interior designer may seem like a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be. All that it requires is some initial research and asking a lot of great questions.

After you’ve perused Refined Haystack, reviewed designers’ websites, and taken a look at their social media channels, you should have a solid list of designers that you want to meet with to discuss the vision for your home.

Once the information gathering and appointment setting is done, it’s time to interview designers to find the very best fit for your project. Continue reading

As the leaves begin to turn and we await the arrival of sweater weather, it’s time to start thinking about fall landscaping. If you’re a home seller, this is important because attractive landscaping helps create curb appeal.

Here are some things to remember to get your terrain ready for fall and the cold months ahead. Continue reading

Just like fresh notebooks with untouched pages, brand new sneakers and a crisp breeze that blows across an otherwise smoldering hot day at Foster beach, pumpkin spice drinks are one of the first signs that autumn is on its way.

Whether you’re a fan of the spicy-squashy $6 coffee drinks or lotions or scones, or you’re not so keen on sipping it or slathering it on your body, you can still celebrate this autumnal trend right in your own home.

We’ve harvested a few favorite ways to bring pops of pumpkin spice into your living space so you can enjoy just enough of it all season (or year) long. Continue reading

Whether you’ve already signed the papers or you’re still looking around for the perfect place, it’s important to prepare yourself for your new space.

If this is your first home, you might feel a little overwhelmed with how much furniture you’ll need to fill up your new space. You probably have a lot of the smaller household items but what about the bigger ticket items like sofas, tables and beds? How do you decide which one to buy? What do you even buy first?

Going through the milestone of furnishing your first home is a big deal that comes with big purchases. So it’s important to stick to your budget and prioritize your needs. Here are the five essential pieces to start off with to build your space. Continue reading

Art is an essential component of any home, from a studio apartment to a sprawling estate. But, starting an art collection can be a perplexing, sometimes intimidating endeavor. After all, few objects are more subjective than a piece of artwork.

However, the reality is that collecting art can be a fun and affordable adventure. Here are a few ideas for anyone looking to adorn the walls of a new home, invite variety into an existing collection, or even acquire that first piece of art.

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When you move into a new home, it can take awhile before it begins to feel like your own. Until you can paint the space, redo the floors or renovate your kitchen, accessorizing is an easy and inexpensive way to make your new house feel like home.

“It’s amazing how a pop of color and a few new accents can give a room a whole new feel,” said Caitie Smithe Jisa, a designer for Walter E. Smithe. “Start with a big sweep of your space and select which accessories you still love and want to keep around.  Any accessories that you feel are tired, boring, or out of place should be purged.” Continue reading

Designing or remodeling your home doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank. When you determine the true purpose of the project, set a comfortable budget range, and partner with a designer to create your desired aesthetic, the design process can be both enjoyable and gratifying. Read on for our tips to build – and stick to – an interior design budget that will allow you to create a beautiful yet functional space. Continue reading

It’s official: you’ve found your dream home, your offer was accepted, and you’ve finally – finally – finished unpacking boxes. That makes throwing a party the natural next step in making new home ownership feel like a done deal.

If you want to throw a memorable housewarming party to show off your brand new digs – and of course, keep it completely stress-free – the key is to keep it simple. Your guests will know that you just moved and they won’t be expecting a five star soiree just yet. Continue reading

Home remodeling isn’t just good for the planet—rejuvenating your home to be more eco-conscious is beneficial to your family’s health and your home’s bottom line.

These days, with the majority of homeowners preferring to go green, there are more options than ever to appeal to both your conscience and your aesthetic. Continue reading

As the weather gets colder, cuddling up with a book by the fire sounds better and better. A wonderful home library can be the perfect setting for those chilly fall nights. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best home libraries throughout the Chicagoland area. With a library like any of these, you’d definitely be able to reach peak relaxation.

Check them out and let us know which one is your favorite! Continue reading