The Journal

Ideas, costs, timelines and honest advice for remodeling a Chicagoland home, from the team that designs and builds them.

Kitchens · Baths · Additions · Basements · Planning

Sunroom vs. Three-Season Room vs. Screened Porch
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November 3, 2026

Sunroom vs. Three-Season Room vs. Screened Porch

Home

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Designer marking up floor plans next to wood flooring samples and a scale model home during a remodel design consultation
What to Expect From a Design-Build Remodel in Chicagoland
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September 9, 2026

What to Expect From a Design-Build Remodel in Chicagoland

What

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Design First Builders Park Ridge open concept kitchen with large quartz island, bar seating, floating wood shelves, and view to living room
Kitchen Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026)
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September 8, 2026

Kitchen Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026)

Blog

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Arbor Mills custom bathroom vanity cabinetry with dark wood finish
Custom Cabinets Compared: AnnTucker vs. Arbor Mills
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August 31, 2026

Custom Cabinets Compared: AnnTucker vs. Arbor Mills

Blog

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A bright and elegant family room addition featuring built-in white shelving, a central fireplace with a mounted TV above, a brown leather armchair, two modern gray chairs, a round wooden coffee table, and a large Eiffel Tower wall art piece, designed in a clean, contemporary style in the Chicagoland area.
Family Room Additions in Chicagoland
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December 10, 2025

Family Room Additions in Chicagoland

Home

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Luxury finished basement remodel in Chicagoland home featuring entertainment area with custom built-ins, recessed lighting, and comfortable seating for guests
Guest Ready Homes: Remodeling Projects to Tackle Before Visitors Arrive
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November 13, 2025

Guest Ready Homes: Remodeling Projects to Tackle Before Visitors Arrive

The

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Winter Home Remodeling in Chicagoland (2026)
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November 5, 2025

Winter Home Remodeling in Chicagoland (2026)

Home

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Custom kitchen remodel with in-house cabinetry, Chicago IL
First Floor Reimagined: Open Floor Plans That Work for Holiday Gatherings
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October 29, 2025

First Floor Reimagined: Open Floor Plans That Work for Holiday Gatherings

How

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Primary Suite Design Ideas for a Cozy Winter Retreat
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October 24, 2025

Primary Suite Design Ideas for a Cozy Winter Retreat

A

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Basements Built for Fall: Cozy Family Spaces to Enjoy All Winter
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October 23, 2025

Basements Built for Fall: Cozy Family Spaces to Enjoy All Winter

As

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Holiday Hosting Headquarters: Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2025
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October 8, 2025

Holiday Hosting Headquarters: Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2025

The

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