The Best Of The North Shore

A showstopping bathroom by Scott Simpson Design Build

From home design to boutiques that shine, these businesses are raising the bar on the North Shore and beyond.

Carpets of Highwood

Dedicated to helping customers create their ideal living arrangements, Carpets of Highwood has been serving homeowners throughout the North Shore for over 35 years. Offering everything from carpets to hardwood and vinyl floors, this is a store that is dedicated to helping you refine your space. 2699 W. Waukegan Ave., Highland Park, carpetsofhighwood.com

Chalet

From comprehensive landscape services to garden essentials, pet supplies and an expansive selection of exquisite indoor and outdoor plants, this is the North Shore’s go-to destination for all things green. 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette, chaletnursery.com

Jameson Sotheby’s

Experience the grandeur of finding your dream home when working with this renowned real estate agency. Committed to expertise, this company utilizes international marketing exposure and innovative technology to connect affluent sellers and buyers throughout the North Shore. 425 W. North Ave., jamesonsir.com

John Plunkett Interiors

Impeccably appointed interiors are the hallmark of this iconic North Shore business, which offers both concierge interior design services for projects of all sizes as well as direct access to renowned home furnishing brands, all at competitive prices. Plaza del Lago, 1600 10th St., Wilmette, johnplunkettinteriors.com

For a historic Pullman Estate project, the ABL Group commissioned a custom wall mural from Street Level Studio that used digital technology to reinterpret the Asian-inspired artistry of the historic handpainted wallpaper in the home.

HOME, SWEET HOME

The ABL Group/Dovetails Cabinetry

Since 1974, The ABL Group has served as one of the leading painting and remodeling companies throughout Chicago’s North Shore. The ABL Group and Dovetails Cabinetry help clients successfully complete renovation projects while using innovative technology and updated design methods. 259 Waukegan Ave., Highwood, theablgroup.com

Abt Electronics

Whether online or in person at its mammoth, mall-sized superstore, Abt is an appliance lover’s fantasy come true— and the ultimate destination for all things electronics. Renowned for both its incredible selection and personable, professional service, this place beats the big national stores every time. 1200 N. Milwaukee Ave., abt.com

Interior designer Sarah Dippold

All Star Home Improvements

Owner Lorena Bacci has created a store whose staff is equipped to work on everything from small-scale home improvements to large-scale renovations. Bacci recently added a design team to the group that can help with kitchen design, patio and overall home renovation ideas, with the ultimate goal of elevating every client’s at-home living experience. 327 Palmer Ave., Highwood, allstarhome.

Lewis Floor & Home

Personalized service and an outstanding selection of the finest in flooring, countertops, cabinetry, window treatments and so much more are the hallmarks of this familyowned Northbrook mainstay, a North Shore go-to since 1954. 1840 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, lewisfloorandhome.com

Mariani Landscape

The largest privately owned residential landscape company in the U.S., this family-owned North Shore icon has racked up dozens of awards for its meticulously planned and executed projects, ranging from understated elegance to over-the-top estates. 300 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff , marianilandscape.com

Maze Home

This beloved lifestyle retailer boasts a delightfully curated selection of home decor, pillows and throws, tabletop, gift s, furniture and lighting and more from North Shore tastemaker Cindy Bardes Galvin. 735 Elm St., Winnetka, mazehome.com

Transitional With a Twist, a project by Morgante Wilson Architects.

Morgante Wilson Architects

With a focus on livability, this Evanston outfit puts its clients at the center of design—exactly where they belong—with projects that range from contemporary to classic, from lake houses to mountain homes in Chicagoland and far beyond. 2834 Central St., Evanston, morgantewilson.com

Sarah Dippold Design

Known for her sleek and proportional approach to architectural design, Sarah Dippold has had great success working on many commercial projects. Sarah Dippold Design works hard to create elegant, detailed designs that will make your home or building stand apart from the rest. 906 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, sarahdippold.com

Scott Simpson Design + Build

This Northbrook-based institution specializes in custom homes that are both stylish and environmentally friendly, with an impressive portfolio of completed projects across the North Shore and Chicago. The firm’s accomplished team comprises architects, builders, project management, suppliers and more, making for a seamless experience. 1529 Shermer Road, Northbrook, scottsimpsondesignbuild.com

Shake Guys

Incredible cedar shake roofing— plus eco-friendly alternatives as well as slate and asphalt—is the signature in trade of this notable Lake Zurich-based outfit, which serves residential and commercial projects in Wisconsin, Chicagoland and beyond. shakeguys.com

CHIC SHOPPING

Art Post Gallery

Specializing in large and oversized pieces, Art Post Gallery in Northbrook has been serving customers on the North Shore and beyond since 1980. Chris Bates, one of the leading art dealers in the Chicago area, has made her reputation as an expert in helping clients find exceptional pieces of artwork for their homes and businesses. Art Post Gallery takes most pride in its quality design sense and art expertise while catering to clientele nationwide. 948 E. Willow Road, Northbrook, artpostgallery.com

The rustic-chic main dining room at The Barn Steakhouse.

Athene

Opened in 2016, Athene carries a wide variety of chic designers, such as Isabel Marant, Golden Goose and Capricho, to name a few. Owner Ashley Quicksilver’s attention to detail and knowledge of style have made Athene a reputable staple of North Shore shopping. 837 Elm St., Winnetka, shopathene.com

Burdeen’s Jewelry

A Chicagoland institution since 1983, this dazzling boutique continues to thrive under the guidance of second-generation owners Matthew and Rada Burdeen and is a go-to for engagement rings, fine jewelry and timepieces, estate jewelry and more. The original Buffalo Grove location is now joined by a recently opened Mag Mile destination. 1151 W. Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove; 909 N. Michigan Ave., burdeens.com

Hubba-Hubba

A one-of-a-kind fashion boutique that has been serving the Chicago area for 33 years, Hubba-Hubba continues to offer unique experiences for customers like hosting personal shopping appointments and parties for guests. The best part? You can even enjoy a drink during your shopping excursion. 1105 Central Ave., Wilmette, hubbahubbawilmette.com

Razny Jewelers

Inside this Highland Park boutique—which recently expanded to 9,800 square feet, nearly 10 times its previous size—you’ll find a new in-house Rolex boutique plus other leading Swiss timepiece brands like Patek Philippe, Cartier and Breitling, all alongside custom and designer jewelry from the industry’s top innovators. Razny boasts virtuoso watchmakers and artisans to complete repairs, assist in custom designs and provide expert customer care and support. Bonus: an entire room dedicated to diamond artisans, including Rahaminov, Kwiat and Penny Preville. 1700 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, razny.com

The patio at Found Kitchen and Social House

Shack/Share

These two side-by-side boutiques give downtown Wilmette a double dose of style: Shack is a beachy-keen lifestyle shop packed with surf-ready swim apparel and beach gear, while Share offers expertly curated home decor and more. 1177-81 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, shopshackwilmette.com; shopsharewilmette.com

Valentina

Valentina’s boho chic style sets its boutiques apart by offering a distinctive mix of clothing, shoes, jewelry and candles. Shop new arrivals from brands like Alice + Olivia and Ba&sh Paris to add some extra flair to your spring style. 556 Chestnut St., Ste. 2, Winnetka; 341 Park Ave., Glencoe; 227 E. Westminster, Lake Forest, shopvalentina.com

Vibrato Boutique

Known for its extensive variety of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories, this boutique offers a wide range of choices, featuring brands like Sarah Liller and Joseph Ribkoff. Vibrato continues to lead as one of the North Shore’s most trusted fashion destinations with a mission to help women of all ages feel beautiful. 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, vibratoboutique.com

ICONIC EATS

The Barn Steakhouse/ Found Kitchen and Social House

These two restaurants from industry veteran Amy Morton have completely different concepts—one is a sophisticated steakhouse fit for special occasions, the other a delightfully eclectic neighborhood gathering space with a bohemian vibe—but they both share one crucial ingredient: Morton’s impeccable and inviting sense of hospitality. Rear, 1016 Church St., Evanston, thebarnsteakhouse.com; 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, foundkitchen.com

Sumptuous scallops are among the seafood offerings at Pescadero.

Catering by Michaels

Quality, presentation and a commitment to detail are the hallmarks of this longstanding North Shore catering company. Established in 1980, it has been proudly serving at weddings, social events and corporate events by engaging in sustainable practices and working closely with clients to bring their culinary visions to life. 6203 Park Ave., Morton Grove, cateringbymichaels.com

The Happ Inn Bar & Grill/Taco Nano

Beloved North Shore chef Carlos Nieto is at the helm of these two appealing and approachable concepts: Happ Inn scores with a cozy tavern vibe and a wideranging menu that goes from burgers to fish and chips and seared tuna steak sandwiches; Taco Nano serves up toothsome, made-to-order tacos, quesadillas and more. 305 Happ Road, Northfield, thehappinn.com; 1743 Orchard Lane, Northfield, taconano.com

Pescadero

A North Shore seafood favorite, this cheerful Wilmette dining spot boasts impressive raw bar offerings (Gulf shrimp cocktail with caper berry cocktail sauce, mmm) plus lobster mac and cheese, crab legs, sea scallops and wood-grilled ahi tuna, as well as a smattering of salads and burgers to boot. 1167 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, pescaderofish.com

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Egea Spa

Award-winning medspa Egea focuses on wellness and skin treatments to ensure holistic health. Among its treatments is laser skin tightening, which utilizes heat from infrared technology to treat wrinkles and sagg ing skin without damaging the upper layer of the skin. Another facial treatment to consider: the HydraFacial. With a plethora of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, imperfections are targeted and skin is hydrated and protected. 1521 Sherman Ave., Evanston, egeaspa.com

FreshSkin Medical Spa and Wellness Center

Led by Dr. Josie L. Tenore, FreshSkin combines aesthetic medicine practices with health maintenance. Its Boot Camp for Your Skin program includes three personalized services—BBL photorejuvenation, chemical peel and microlaser peel—over a period of six weeks to decrease redness and blemishes. FreshSkin also provides weight loss programs and carries beauty products, including Tenore’s private line. 595 Elm Place, Highland Park, myfreshskin.com

Hairlab Chicago

Aft er their own strugg les with hair loss, founders Debbie Martinez and Chanel Kwak came together to create Hairlab Chicago. With over 45 years of combined experience, Martinez and Kwak help to treat clients with hereditary hair loss and hair loss due to medical conditions. Hairlab Chicago offers private consultations with clients to help find solutions for their specific haircare needs. 281 N. Waukegan Road, Ste. 2, Northfield, hairlabchicago.com

Magdalena Med Spa

With advanced technological skincare and enhancement equipment, beauty meets luxury at Magdalena Med Spa. Magdalena’s facials give skin the chance to rejuvenate while delivering dramatic results. Schedule your total-body pamper with additional services like face and body waxing, as well as lash extensions. 272 E. Deerpath Road, Ste. 102, Lake Forest, magdalenamedspa.com

Paul Rehder Salon

The staff at Paul Rehder utilizes its expertise with everything from basic cuts and coloring to Japanese straightening, a process that permanently straightens hair and keeps it free of frizz. The team also offers unique keratin express treatments, which are one-hour processes that give hair luxurious softness and shine. 952 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 70 E. Walton St., Chicago, paulrehdersalon.com

The North Shore’s spa offerings are second to none.

Power Plate

If you’re looking for a new way to achieve your fitness goals, Power Plate will give you a full-body workout with ease and convenience. The machine’s vibrating platform helps increase strength, all while building bone density and reducing fatigue. Its stateof- the-art technology helps clients redefine exercise while championing confidence in people of all ages. powerplate.com

Teddie Kossof

This upscale Northfield salon offers luxe hair treatments featuring Milbon Hair Care, as well as hair color correction services and at-home care kits. Teddie Kosoff has spent more than 45 years serving the North Shore while maintaining a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere with a dedication to excellent haircare. 281 N. Waukegan Road, Northfield, teddiekossof.com

SERVICES, ETC.

Bedhead Photography With a 100% female staff and years of experience making women of all sizes look their best and feel like supermodels for the day, this studio specializing in boudoir photography makes for the ultimate anniversary or wedding gift—or for any occasion at all. 72 Abbottsford Road, Winnetka, bedheadphotography.com

Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger, LLP

From prenups and divorce to paternity, spousal support and appeals, this renowned family law firm specializes in serving the interest of high-net-worth individuals and their spouses across the Chicagoland area. 250 S. Wacker Drive, dwkllp.com

Davis Imperial Cleaners

Family-owned for more than 50 years, this service earns raves for its meticulous care and cleaning of the most precious of garments. 1920 Harrison St., Evanston; 3325 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, davisimperial.com

Ravinia Festival

The longest-running music festival in North America, Ravinia beckons visitors to its 36-acre park venue all summer long with a siren soundtrack of countless concerts, including orchestral performances, pop artists, jazz legends and more. Don’t forget to bring a picnic basket, a bottle of wine and a blanket. Ravinia returns this year after canceling its 2020 season and introduces new president and CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon and new chief conductor and curator Marin Alsop. 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, ravinia.org

Studio L Design

Founder and veteran creative Lisa Pighetti heads this Highwood-based firm that serves the North Shore and specializes in brand strategy and identity, web design and a complete range of collateral needs, from packaging and business cards to brochures, stationery, signage and more. studioldesign.com

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