Is an eco-friendly home just a trend – or a smart, long-term investment? In the Chicago suburbs and surrounding areas, more homeowners are turning to sustainable home upgrades that combine lower bills, better comfort, and a positive environmental impact.
1. Water conservation – small changes, big impact
Low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and dual-flush toilets reduce water usage without compromising comfort. Over time, you’ll notice lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
2. Solar panels – energy independence with real returns
Installing solar panels allows you to generate your own electricity while benefiting from Federal Solar Tax Credits and Illinois state incentives. It’s a green investment that pays off.
3. Green roofs & rain gardens
Green roofing systems help reduce indoor temperatures, improve insulation, and provide urban biodiversity. Plus, they look amazing and increase curb appeal – especially in suburban homes.
4. Eco-friendly insulation
Materials like cellulose, hemp, or recycled glass foam offer great thermal performance with lower carbon emissions. Better insulation means lower heating and cooling costs – and better indoor air quality.
Long-Term Benefits of Going Green Eco-conscious homes deliver:
Lower energy and water bills
Higher home resale value
Better comfort and air quality
Positive environmental impact
Sustainable building isn’t the future — it’s already here. Let’s talk about how we can help you transform your home into an energy-efficient, eco-friendly space.
📍 Serving: Chicago, Highland Park, Northbrook, Wilmette, Lake Zurich, Barrington, Winnetka & surrounding suburbs
If you live in areas like Highland Park, Wilmette, Northbrook, Lake Zurich, or Barrington, you’ve probably noticed a trend: instead of building new homes, homeowners are upgrading and modernizing existing ones. But when it’s time for change, the question remains – should you go for a renovation or a full remodel?
Here’s what you need to know before starting your next home improvement project.
Renovation – Surface-Level Improvements with Big Impact
A home renovation is typically focused on updating existing elements without changing the layout or structure of the home. This can include:
• Replacing floors, trim, or doors • Fresh paint and new lighting • Kitchen or bathroom updates • Modernizing plumbing or electrical systems
Pros of Renovating:
• Lower cost than a remodel • Quicker turnaround time • Fewer permits or inspections required • Great for refreshing outdated interiors
Things to consider:
• Hidden issues may arise (e.g., old wiring or plumbing) • Limited design flexibility • May not significantly increase property value
Remodeling – A Functional and Structural Upgrade
Remodeling involves changing the structure, layout, or purpose of a space. Projects can include:
• Opening up floor plans (e.g., combining kitchen and living areas) • Adding bathrooms, home offices, or walk-in closets • Finishing basements or attics • Building extensions or reconfiguring walls
Pros of Remodeling:
• Full design flexibility • Can greatly increase home value • Ideal for adapting your home to new needs
What works best in Highland Park, Wilmette, or Lake Zurich?
In many North Shore neighborhoods, homes were built decades ago. While the foundations are solid, layouts often don’t meet modern lifestyle needs. This is where remodeling shines — creating open concepts, adding smart storage, or converting unused rooms into functional spaces.
But if your home is structurally sound and mostly needs cosmetic upgrades, a renovation may be the perfect solution to give it a fresh, updated look without major disruption.
Need Help Deciding? We’re Here to Guide You
Whether you’re in Winnetka, Deer Park, Inverness, or the Chicago area, our experienced team can help you plan, design, and complete your project — from minor updates to full-scale remodels.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
🧰 Licensed & Insured | Experienced | Local North Shore Contractors
📍 Serving: Chicago, Wilmette, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Zurich, Barrington & beyond
Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions when remodeling or designing your home. Not only does it set the tone for your interior style, but it also needs to be durable and suit your lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular flooring options in the U.S. market – including hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, tile, and decorative concrete – and compare them based on durability, cost, and style.
🌳 Hardwood Flooring – Classic Beauty
Style: Timeless, warm, upscale
Durability: Very high (when properly maintained)
Cost: High
Solid or engineered wood flooring adds natural charm and value to your home. It’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and open floor plans. While beautiful, it does require routine maintenance and isn’t ideal for areas prone to moisture.
🧩 Laminate Flooring – Budget-Friendly Versatility
Style: Wide variety of finishes (wood, stone, concrete looks)
Durability: Medium to high
Cost: Low to medium
Laminate is a popular choice due to its affordability and ease of installation. It’s great for high-traffic areas but doesn’t handle water well, so it’s not the best fit for bathrooms or kitchens.
💧 Vinyl Plank Flooring – Waterproof and Family-Friendly
Style: Modern, available in wood and stone visuals
Durability: High
Cost: Medium
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become a go-to choice for homeowners. It’s 100% waterproof, soft underfoot, and easy to maintain—ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and households with kids or pets.
🧱 Ceramic or Porcelain Tile – Built to Last
Style: Classic or bold, endless design possibilities
Durability: Very high
Cost: Medium to high
Tile floors are extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and great for warm climates or underfloor heating systems. They’re commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
🪨 Decorative Concrete – Sleek and Industrial
Style: Minimalist, modern, industrial
Durability: Very high
Cost: Medium to high
Polished or stained concrete is becoming more popular in contemporary homes and loft spaces. It’s low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and pairs perfectly with radiant floor heating. However, it requires professional installation and sealing.
🛠️ Which Flooring Is Right for You?
Before you decide, consider the following:
Room function – Is it a high-moisture area like a bathroom or kitchen?
Lifestyle – Do you have kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic?
Aesthetic goals – Do you prefer cozy and warm or sleek and modern?
Budget – Don’t forget to include installation and maintenance costs.
💡 Pro Tip: The best flooring isn’t just about looks—it’s the one that fits your lifestyle and adds value to your home for years to come.
👉 Ready to upgrade your floors? Contact our team for expert advice and professional installation tailored to your space.
A home renovation is a major undertaking – both logistically and financially. Even small missteps can derail your timeline, blow through your budget, or compromise the final result. Below, we’ve compiled the 10 most common renovation mistakes along with practical tips to keep your project on track.
Skipping a Detailed Project Plan – Problem:Jumping in without a clear scope leads to scope creep, budget overruns, and confusion. – Solution: Draft a comprehensive plan that outlines all work phases, create mood boards or mockups, and set a budget with a 10–15% contingency for unexpected costs.
Choosing the Wrong Materials – Problem:Opting for the cheapest options or mismatched materials often results in premature wear and costly callbacks. – Solution: Select reputable brands, request samples of tile, paint, and flooring, and verify technical specs (e.g., wear rating, moisture resistance).
Setting an Unrealistic Timeline – Problem: Cramped schedules leave no room for delays, leading to rushed work and lower quality. – Solution:Build in buffer days for delivery delays, design changes, and weather interruptions to ensure a realistic schedule.
Poor Contractor Coordination – Problem: Multiple crews (electricians, plumbers, painters) working at the same time without coordination can cause hold-ups. – Solution: Appoint a single point of contact – either yourself or a project manager – who schedules each trade, oversees handoffs, and ensures everyone knows the sequence of work.
Neglecting Surface Preparation – Problem: Skipping proper leveling, priming, or underlayment leads to uneven finishes, cracks, and peeling. – Solution: Dedicate enough time to prep surfaces—sand, fill, level, and apply primer—before installing tiles or painting.
Misaligning Electrical and Plumbing Layouts – Problem: Outlets, switches, and fixtures end up in inconvenient spots because the layout wasn’t mapped to furniture or appliances. – Solution: At the planning stage, mark furniture, appliances, and work zones on your floor plan, then collaborate with your electrician and plumber to finalize locations.
Ordering Materials “Just in Time” – Problem: Running out of tile, paint, or trim stalls work until more materials arrive. – Solution: Order at least 10% extra of all materials to cover cuts, waste, and future repairs.
Ignoring Ventilation and Insulation – Problem: Poor airflow or inadequate insulation can lead to mold, moisture issues, and energy inefficiency. – Solution: Inspect existing insulation and vapor barriers, and install bathroom exhaust fans or fresh-air vents where needed.
Overlooking Finish Details – Problem: Hasty caulking, uneven grout lines, or crooked trim diminish the overall look. – Solution: Take your time on finishing touches – use proper tools, inspect work in natural light, and don’t cut corners on caulk or sealant.
Forgoing Quality Checks and Inspections – Problem: Accepting work without phase inspections makes fixing mistakes later more difficult and expensive. – Solution: Perform walkthroughs at each milestone, document any defects, and require contractors to correct issues before moving to the next phase.
Summary
Renovating a space can be full of challenges – especially when it comes to planning, material selection, and coordinating different stages of the work. The most common mistakes include lack of a detailed schedule, poor placement of installations, rushing the process, and overlooking finishing details. Each of these can lead to delays, unexpected expenses, and disappointing results.
To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to focus on thorough preparation, a realistic budget with a buffer, choosing high-quality materials, clear communication with contractors, and quality control at every stage. The small decisions made at the start of a renovation have a big impact on the outcome – so it’s worth taking your time and working with professionals.
In the ever-evolving world of design, new trends are constantly influencing the way we decorate our spaces. For 2025, one color has emerged as a frontrunner, celebrated by industry leaders such as Pantone and top paint companies alike. In this article, we explore how this trending color impacts interior ambiance and provide practical tips on pairing it with complementary hues to create a cohesive, stylish space.
1. Trends and Inspiration – The Hottest Color of 2025
Global design trends have highlighted a sophisticated yet distinctive hue often referred to as the shade of “Modern Elegance.”
• Impact on Interior Design: This color not only gives interiors a modern edge but also introduces calm and balance. Its versatility allows it to work beautifully in both minimalist and eclectic settings, accentuating the unique style of any space.
2. How to Pair the Trending Color with Other Hues
Introducing the hottest color of 2025 into your décor is a fantastic way to add a signature touch to your interiors. Here are some tips for combining this trendsetting shade with other colors:
• Neutral Backdrops: Use whites, grays, or beiges as the base so that the trending color can shine as an accent. This combination adds lightness and sophistication while highlighting the modern aesthetic.
• Contrasting Accents: For a dynamic look, combine the trending color with contrasting shades. Deep navy, bottle green, or even black and charcoal accents can deliver a bold, luxurious feel.
• Soft Pastel Hues: Pairing the color with subtle pastels (such as blush pink or mint green) creates a harmonious, serene atmosphere—perfect for bedrooms or living areas where relaxation is key.
3. Practical Applications in Interior Design
There are many ways to incorporate the hottest color of 2025 into your decor. Consider these ideas:
• Accent Walls: Painting one wall in the trending color offers a bold statement while keeping the remaining walls neutral to maintain balance.
• Furniture and Accessories: Instead of repainting an entire room, introduce the color through furniture pieces, pillows, curtains, or rugs. These accents can add character and a contemporary finish to your space.
• Lighting and Decorative Pieces: Thoughtfully chosen artwork, lamps, or decorative accents in the trending color can subtly enhance the overall ambiance, giving your interior a unique and cohesive look.
Choosing the hottest color of 2025 is not just about following trends—it’s an opportunity to create an interior that exudes harmony and style. Whether you opt for an accent wall, statement furniture, or small decorative touches, the key to success is blending the trending color with neutral tones, bold contrasts, and gentle pastels. Experiment with this captivating hue to design a space that is both functional and fashion-forward.
The right lighting can completely transform the character of a room, enhancing both its ambiance and functionality. In today’s post, we offer practical tips to help you select the perfect light sources for your kitchen, living room, and bedroom. We’ll explore different types of lighting, modern trends, and energy-efficient solutions that are gaining popularity.
Types of Lighting and Their Applications
General Lighting
General lighting provides an even level of illumination throughout the room.
• Kitchen: A ceiling light or flush mount with a diffuser provides bright, uniform illumination for cooking and meal prep.
• Living Room: A central light fixture or a set of ceiling lights creates the foundational lighting for further accenting.
• Bedroom: Soft, diffused light—preferably with dimming capabilities—sets a relaxing mood.
• Task Lighting
Task lighting focuses on specific areas, offering concentrated illumination where you need it most.
• Kitchen: Recessed spotlights or under-cabinet lights make food preparation easier.
• Living Room: Floor lamps or wall sconces highlight reading areas or accent decorative features.
• Bedroom: Small bedside lamps or adjustable wall sconces provide comfortable light for reading before sleep.
• Accent Lighting
Accent lighting adds a decorative touch and enhances the style of your interior.
• Kitchen: Under-cabinet LED strips or designer pendant lights add a modern twist.
• Living Room: LED tape lights, chandeliers, or decorative lamps help emphasize style and create a cozy atmosphere.
• Bedroom: Ambient lights with warm hues contribute to an intimate mood.
. Energy-Efficient Light Sources and Modern Trends
With growing environmental awareness, energy efficiency and modern technology are taking center stage.
• LED Lighting
LEDs are the most popular light source today, known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Their benefits include:
• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume far less energy than traditional bulbs, helping reduce your electricity bills.
• Long Lifespan: With a longer operational life, LEDs require less frequent replacement.
• Color Temperature Adjustability: LEDs are available in various color temperatures, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower temperatures (around 2700–3000 K) produce warm, inviting light ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, while higher temperatures (around 4000–5000 K) deliver cooler, more neutral light perfect for kitchens and workspaces. This versatility ensures you can tailor your lighting to the function and style of each room.
• Smart Lighting Systems
These modern solutions allow for remote control of your lighting, including adjusting brightness and color settings. When integrated with smart home systems, they offer:
• Customization according to the time of day,
• The ability to change the mood of your space,
• Energy savings through automated scheduling.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lighting is a key element in interior design. Depending on the room’s function, combining general, task, and accent lighting creates a balanced and stylish environment. Energy-efficient LEDs not only help the environment but also let you precisely adjust color temperatures – from warm, relaxing tones to cooler, more functional settings. Meanwhile, smart lighting systems enhance user comfort and introduce a modern dimension to your home design. We encourage you to experiment with different light sources to create a space that is both functional and stylish.
JackStone is acertified general contractor offering exclusive construction solutionsto the most discerning clients in the United States. We specialize in residential and commercial projects, providing turnkey services that blend innovative approaches, superior craftsmanship, andtransparent communication. Our commitment to on-time delivery and uncompromising quality results in properties that stand as symbols of success and prestige, giving our clients the assurance of the highest standards at every stage of their investment.
