Modern Redux (Gallery)

A bold makeover of a 1990s house makes geometry gorgeous

A lush penthouse retreat has the Merchandise Mart for a neighbor—and views that put urban life in perspective

A century-old building in a historic neighborhood gets a state-of-the-art terrace with all the comforts of home—and plenty of reasons for friends to relax and stay awhile.

Feeling organic? Surround yourself with shapes and textures inspired by growing, chirping things

A sculptural, spiral-in-a-square staircase.

North Lincoln Avenue's home-design stores make for great decade-hopping shopping

Raj Peddada's bold rugs and neo-retro sterling silver tabletop pieces

Live it up— way up; Millennium Park, closer to home; The heat of the moment

The modern, bold work of Oak Park's Fun Quilts

When Rick Bayless isn't overseeing things at his famed Frontera Grill, he's often making dinner for friends in his North Side back yard. Here, the chef—whose outdoor kitchen appears on his show, Mexico: One Plate at a Time, on PBS—talks about the joys of entertaining alfresco.

The sky's the limit for luxurious outdoor kitchens with all the conveniences of the indoor kind—and then some

Terry Ledford, owner of White Attic, says a little in-hue-ition goes a long way.

Renowned interior designer Alessandra Branca opens part of her studio to sell fine furniture and antique accessories with a twist