10 Architectural Home Styles To Know

Cities and suburbs across the United States are home to several different architectural house styles. Many old homes are still full of character, reflecting their original design. Not to be confused with the categories of homes—single-family, multi-family, condo, apartment, and co-op, etc. —we’re talking about a home’s architectural type based on its features like the trim, roofline, number of floors, building materials, and the windows’ and doors’ shape, size, and placement, as well as exterior features like porches.

Due to America’s worldly population,  it’s no wonder that our architecture varies so drastically depending on where you live. Ranch-style homes are popular in the midwest, while Colonial Revival styles of houses can be found along the East Coast, and Spanish Colonials reign in California. Because of the varying geographical influences on these design styles, it can be difficult to distinguish each type of home from the one next to it.

Regardless of where you live, it’s helpful to identify what style of home you love or hate since it can help you decide where to move and which homes to consider. To teach you how to spot your favorites, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 Architectural Home Styles To Know:

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Best Patios For Outdoor Dining In Chicago

There is nothing quite like the reward of Chicago in the summertime. After our brutal winter and wishy-washy spring, Chicagoans don’t take the summer warmth and sunshine for granted; naturally, we take advantage of every day it’s nice out. The best way to take advantage of “Summertime-Chi” is by spending the day on a patio, of course!

When the weather is pleasant, dining al-fresco is the way to go! Grab a seat on a sidewalk table that affords great people-watching, the sun on your back, and ice-cold drinks to beat the heat. While there are always new patio options popping up around the city, these 5 patios are some of our favorites and provide some of the best places to enjoy great food and drinks outside in the city!

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Gurnee Farmers Market

It’s the season of farmer’s markets, and the home of our newest office, Gurnee, is no stranger to the trend! These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local farmers and vendors. These markets not only provide access to fresh and healthy food options but also provide a space for community members to gather, socialize, and support their local farmers and small businesses. 

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10 Chicago Beaches Worth Checking Out This Summer

“Summertime-Chi” is popular for many reasons, but perhaps the most prominent being its sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan. The 28-mile-long freshwater shoreline is east of the city and offers ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, hiking, and much more! There are even designated dog beaches if your furry friends want to have some fun in the sun! Long days in the sun also call for refreshing drinks and yummy food, and luckily you can stop at one of the many beachside bars and restaurants to refuel! 

Chicagoans only get four short sun-filled months a year to enjoy the city’s beaches thoroughly, so here are 10 Chicago Beaches Worth Checking Out This Summer:

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Chicago: City + Suburbs Saturday Farmer’s Markets

It’s the season of farmer’s markets, and Chicagoland has a vibrant scene, with markets operating all throughout the city and suburbs. These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local farmers and vendors. These markets not only provide access to fresh and healthy food options but also provide a space for community members to gather, socialize, and support their local farmers and small businesses. 

With markets happening all throughout the city and suburbs on various days and times, there is sure to be one that works for everyone’s schedule!

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Mental Health Checklist

Coming into the summer season can mean busier schedules in both your personal and professional life. Days filled with work and socializing can be taxing on your mental health and, in many cases, can lead to burnout.

Taking care of your mental health is important because it can improve your overall well-being and quality of life. It can help you manage stress, maintain healthy relationships, increase productivity, and cope with life’s challenges. Good mental health also has physical benefits, such as better sleep, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Prioritizing your mental health, self-care, and seeking support when needed can improve your overall quality of life and help you better manage stress and challenges. Use this Mental Health Checklist to check in with yourself daily, weekly, and monthly:

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Financially Planning For Home Improvements

With being a homeowner comes the responsibility of handling home upgrades and repairs, especially if you moved into a fixer-upper or have been in your home for several years. Having a financial plan for when these situations arise is crucial. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to home improvements, and one of those vital components is your finances. When financially preparing for home improvements, consider developing a plan, evaluating your financial standing, researching financing options, and setting up a savings account specifically for improvements and repairs.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have moved several times, and no matter what you are planning to improve about your home, it’s always important to stay organized throughout the process. Consider these tips to financially prepare for home improvements to limit stress and gain more structure:   Continue reading

Make Chicago Home: Andersonville

Known for and still embracing its Swedish roots, Andersonville is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Arguably it’s one of the most popular and established Northside locations, it’s also home to one of the city’s largest LGBTQ communities. Andersonville offers an array of modern favorites like Sweet Green and Lost Larson to local haunts like Simon’s, the Brown Elephant, and Swedish bakeries galore. Of course, you can find plenty more shopping and dining along the popular commercial strip, Clark Street. This laid-back expanse of charming 19th-century row homes offers endless character and lush green tree-lined streets.

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7 Emerging Home Color Trends

So far, in 2023, we have seen paint being used creatively throughout our living spaces to blend the beauty of nature with personal expression. The spring and summer months offer new bright, clean, and vibrant color palettes that can freshen up these spaces and make them more reflective of our environment outside, offering many biophilic benefits. Layering warm, soothing, and nourishing colors and textures around the home can help people feel calm, connected, and renewed within their space.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable and quickest ways to breathe this new life into your space instantly. It not only re-invigorates your senses and ensures your home feels up to date, but it covers up those inevitable blemishes and lends a crisp, refined finish. As you decide what color to dip that roller in for your home refresh, consider these 7 Emerging Home Color Trends:

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