Minimalist home decor is more than a trend — it's a method of simplifying your space and creating a clean, serene environment for your home. Like the Konmari Method that took the world by storm, minimalist decorating can also be a jumping-off point for self-improvement and more conscious consumption. If you're interested in bringing minimalist design into your space, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Choose a neutral color palette
Shades of white are what first come to mind when envisioning a minimalist color palette, but clean, white decor is not always the most realistic color for every lifestyle — especially one that comes with children and four-legged friends. I...
Daylight savings time has come and gone, and we're officially in the darkest season of the year.
Don't get us wrong. Our real estate agents love winter in Chicagoland, but we could all use a little more illumination this time of year. These tips for improving your home's lighting will help you live in a brighter, cheerier space just in time for the holidays.
Let In More Natural Light
Natural light is more important than ever during the season when there isn't as much of it to go around. Depending on your home's layout, you could take advantage of sunlight from every angle, but the south-facing portions of your home tend to get the most light. Use lighter curtains for privacy, but keep thick drapes open as much as possible during daylight hours. You could als...
The holidays are upon us in Chicago, and there's always a lot to do before the whole family arrives for big holiday meals. If you find yourself running out of time for tasks like baking, don't worry. Our real estate agents are here to help.
Thanks to the folks at these outstanding local bakeries, you can leave the pie-making to somebody else this year. No matter where in Chicagoland you call home, there's a great pie shop nearby.
With the official start of winter on the horizon, it's what our real estate agents like to call "cozy season" in Chicago. It's the perfect time of year to check into a homey bed and breakfast for a little holiday getaway.
Visitors looking for a place to stay or locals seeking a winter "staycation" will find no shortage of options in each of Chicago's distinct neighborhoods. These are some of our favorite bed and breakfasts in Chicagoland.
Chicago:
We're thrilled to announce that after nearly 40 years, we have a new look. Our new brand identity is part of our 170th anniversary celebration — we're paying homage to our past while looking ahead to the future.

"Throughout our 169-year history, Baird & Warner has always been about reinvention and reinvestment with the goal of transforming the brokerage for the future while staying committed to our values," says Steve Baird, president and CEO.
With that in mind, every element of the new brand is closely tied to our history, our community and the brokerage we hope to be for the next 170 years.
Our palette shifted from black to Deep Lake blue, a nod to Lake Michigan and a reference to our deep history. Amber Wheat elevates the previous yellow color and symbolizes our resilience, culture of empowerment, and — of course — our strong Midwest values.
We visited the archives to revive a classic brand element and give it a modern update, taking our 1855 founding date to design a unique, modern icon. Using the Baird & Warner initials, we created two more patterns that harken to prestigious heritage brands.

Combined with aspirational, lifestyle photography and a custom-designed typeface (named BW Bow Tie after the iconic fashion accessory of the late John W. Baird), the look evokes a sophisticated, elevated identity.

"Today's agents, buyers and sellers are more sophisticated than ever, so the changes we have made both externally and internally represent our dedication to meet them where they are in the marketplace and reinforce Baird & Warner's position as a sophisticated lifestyle brand."