This year I exhibited at the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association Expo. It doesn’t matter if your house is a bungalow or Victorian, historic or otherwise, it’s a great way to meet local vendors and craftsmen. Here are just a few of the people and companies you should know.
Clockwise from top left: Frank M. Glapa of FMG Designs, demonstrating how he makes Craftsman-style original designs in metal and wood; Plain and Simple of Evanston, specializing in “Simply elegant Amish made furniture”; US Heritage Group, providing mortar and stone restoration; Oak Park Home & Hardware, a great source for Arts & Crafts and similar styles of not just hardware but lighting, tile, garden items and more.
(Left) Heritage Tile of Oak Park, who reproduces original, historically-authentic tilework of pre-war homes. (Right) Wood refinishing samples from Peter’s Wood Refinishing. I’ve used them for multiple projects and highly recommend! (www.peterswoodrefinishing.com; www.oakparktile.com)
The Expo gave me a chance to talk to potential clients in person and tell them what I’m all about. It was great meeting all the attendees who love their older homes. As the proud owner of a 100-year-old two-flat I know a lot about the highs and lows of older houses.
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