easy way to enhance your Deck and
Outdoor deck lighting enhances your space’s safety and ambiance with options like post, step, rail, and string lights. TL Decks, a professional installer, specializes in custom lighting solutions that highlight your deck’s features while using energy-efficient, weather-resistant LED lights for long-lasting results. This ensures both style and safety, extending your deck’s use into the evening.
Everyone seems to have their favorite season and mine happens to be spring. March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, Daylight Savings – March events that bring a smile to my face as I anticipate spring’s arrival on March 20, 2025. While the Midwest offers the beauty of all four seasons, there's a unique thrill that accompanies the spring.
The grass starts turning green, less layers of clothing are needed, kids are outside playing, and I can get out on my motorcycle again! The birds chirping all around create a lively soundtrack by day, and the scent of barbecue drifting through the air becomes more frequent, signaling the return of warmer nights.
Midwesterners are well-aware that this excitement comes with its surprises, as well. After all, a spring snowstorm can still roll in as late as May—but even then, it never lasts long. We know the temperatures will quickly rise to melt away all evidence of the white blanket that once was covering the ground.
Spring is the season when our parks, downtowns, forest preserves, and neighborhoods become more alive with everyone heading outdoors to escape “cabin fever.” I’m eager to soak in the energy—whether it’s taking a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, enjoying a meal on a restaurant patio, or simply pausing to appreciate the season’s renewal. I hope to see your smiling faces around town and throughout our wonderful county! Happy March!
STEVE
ROGERS, PUBLISHER
@CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE
Crystal Lake City Lifestyle in the towns of Crystal Lake, Village of Lakewood, Prairie Grove, and Huntley.
PUBLISHER
Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Klaudia Burian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Bradburn, Sharmila Taylor
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
1—4: Local organizations come together to share their resources and services with the community at the annual People In Need Forum held at McHenry County College. 5: Staff writer Katie Bobrow joined friends in the first Ground Hog Day 5k in Woodstock 6: Huntley Chamber members were “amped up” at the Huntley Annual Chamber Rocks party. 7: Having a totally rad time at the Huntley Chamber of Commerce annual party in February.
892 Kelsey Ct 3602 Franklin Ct 9040 Edinburgh Ct 3695 Tamarack Cir
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The Spice & Tea Exchange of Crystal Lake, 57 N Williams St., celebrated their Grand Opening January 31-February 2. Offering a variety of spices, handcrafted seasonings, loose-leaf teas, salts, and more, shoppers are encouraged to open any jar and inhale the fragrances for themselves. Whether looking to fill your spice rack, or a tea enthusiast searching for a unique blend, the knowledgeable staff will guide you to your perfect match. Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/TSTECrystalLake
Mission 516 Chiropractic recently welcomed Dr. Katie Helfvog t to their team. A Marengo native and Palmer College valedictorian, Dr. Katie brings years of experience and specializes in family care, prenatal chiropractic, and the Webster Technique. She’ll be in the office Monday-Thursday; Dr. Ron maintains his regular schedule. Together, they’re ready to help individuals and families thrive. For more information about Mission 516 and Drs. Ron and Katie, visit: mission516chiro.com
With a Masters in nutrition and Doctorate in chiropractic, Dr. Lauren Biestek, opened Level Health and Wellness in Barrington and recently, a second location in Lake in the Hills. Understanding what it takes to help people function at their best, Dr. Lauren and her team are dedicated to supporting individual journeys to optimal health through personalized chiropractic and holistic treatments such as: chiropractic care, therapeutic exercise, digital x-rays, acupuncture, cupping, and cosmetic acupuncture. More info: levelhealthandwellness.com
Transform your property with a custom deck—created by a professional builder—designed for comfort, style and lasting durability.
ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRADBURN AND ALEX LARSON
With Spring arriving this month and warmer weather just around the corner, thoughts turn to spending more time outdoors, and for many homeowners, that means maximizing outdoor living spaces. Whether a cozy front porch, a sprawling deck for summer gatherings, or a versatile three-season room that seamlessly merges indoor with outdoor, having the right outdoor space can enhance both your home’s value and your lifestyle.
But creating the perfect open air retreat starts with careful planning—choosing the right design, materials, and layout to fit your needs. And working with a team who specializes in creating outdoor living spaces is key. So, we sat down with Alex Larson, owner of TL Decks in Crystal Lake, to talk design trends, materials, aesthetics, and why he is passionate about creating spaces that reflect each homeowner’s unique lifestyle.
While Alex has a lifelong appreciation for natural surroundings and outdoor activities, the past few years have reinforced just how valuable our homes— and the spaces surrounding them—truly are.
As he explains, “If there’s one lasting lesson from the COVID era, it’s that the ability to gather comfortably and create a functional and inviting outdoor space to extend our living areas, isn’t just a luxury; it’s a priority.”
With years of experience in designing and building custom decks and porches, Alex and his team at TL Decks have built a reputation for transforming backyards into stunning, functional spaces, guiding homeowners through the process of choosing the best materials and layouts for their specific needs.
While traditional wood decks were once the standard, today’s trends are increasingly turning to composite decking (a blend of wood fibers and plastic) and poly-resin materials for durability and low maintenance. Railings, too, have evolved with a variety of styles and finishes from traditional to low profile and everything in between. With a wide range of prices, finishes, and styles, having guidance from someone whose business focuses on decking makes all the difference.
Alex takes pride in his dedication to meeting the clients where they are at. He stresses the importance of open communication between the homeowner and the contractor; an opportunity for each to ask questions and provide clarity. To create a space that reflects the homeowner’s vision, it is essential to understand how they plan to use the space. For instance, do they enjoy their morning coffee on their front porch? Do they regularly eat dinner in their backyard where the late day sun beats down? Do they like to walk around on their deck barefooted?
In turn, homeowners would benefit from educating themselves about the products, including maintenance, longevity, and the amount of heat they produce. Alex explains, “If we don’t have these conversations up front, the homeowner may end up disappointed with the finished product.” He also adds that when considering contractors, look for someone innovative with up-to-date knowledge of, and experience with, the current products and trends.
A thoughtfully designed deck can transform your outdoor space, creating a beautiful and inviting retreat. Whether you’re looking to refresh an aging structure or create something entirely new, don’t go it alone, trust a specialist to bring your vision to life. With the right design and materials, your backyard or front porch can become a haven for quiet mornings, lively summer evenings, and everything in between.
“Creating a functional and inviting outdoor space to extend our living areas, isn’t just a luxury; it’s a priority.”
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
BY DAVID BRADBURN AND HOME OWNER
Blending Heritage with Modern Living
In a world where we are often seduced by the new and shiny, it is important to remember that new is not always better. Age offers a certain patina, a history, and a story worth preserving. This is true not only for ourselves and our belongings but especially for our homes. While older homes come with challenges, they also provide strong bones, unique character, and a sense of place that newer homes often lack. However, as our way of living evolves, these homes must be thoughtfully modified to accommodate modern needs.
One such home stands proudly on W. Crystal Lake Avenue, a testament to resilience and renewal. Facing the threat of demolition, this house, well over a century old according to Sanborn maps provided by the Crystal Lake Historical Society, found new life through the dedication of one family who saw potential where others saw decay.
The home’s rich history begins in 1931 when May and Melvin Ahern moved in. May’s parents lived next door in a beautiful house that no longer stands. Her father, Frank Schramm, was a well-known local flower grower, celebrated for his roses and gardenias. By 1920, Frank had six large greenhouses stretching across five acres of open field between W. Crystal Lake Avenue and Dole Avenue. Melvin Ahern, eager to learn from his father-in-law, absorbed everything he could about floriculture. After Frank’s passing, May and Melvin decided to expand their own business, purchasing an old peony farm at the corner of Routes 14 and 176. And in 1949, Flowerwood was born.
The Aherns remained in their Crystal Lake Avenue home until their retirement in 1983. What happened in the years following remains somewhat of a mystery, but by the spring of 2016, the once-lovely home sat vacant and deteriorating. Many would have seen a structure beyond saving, but one young couple just starting their family, saw a home in need of love, some creativity, and a lot of rehabilitation. With elbow grease, vision, and the right crew, the couple transformed the old house back into a home. Much of its original character had been lost to previous renovations and the ravages of time, not to mention the raccoons who had taken up residence. But with determination, they evicted their unwelcome tenants and got to work.
While many of the home’s walls had to be rebuilt, the new owners ensured that its soul remained intact. They preserved the original floor plan as much as possible, making thoughtful modifications for modern living, such as opening the kitchen to the dining room and adding warm carpeting upstairs. The rest of the home blends old and new seamlessly. Rich textures, carefully chosen patterns, and reclaimed materials and furniture create a warm and cohesive space that pays homage to its past while embracing modern life.
Walking through the home today, one can feel its history whispering through the walls. The craftsmanship of the past meets the functionality of the present, proving that with care and vision, old homes can live on. Not just as relics, but as multidimensional spaces with stories to tell and places for new memories to unfold. The big white house on W. Crystal Lake Avenue is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to honor what came before.
Home design is always evolving, and right now, the biggest shift is blending the past with the present. Instead of the stark minimalism and neutral palettes that have dominated interiors for years, homeowners are leaning into warmth, character, and a more personal touch. This trend isn't about chasing perfection, it’s about creating a home that feels welcoming, lived-in, and filled with pieces that tell a story. We recently sat down with Niki Ryan, head of design at Tristone Development to talk about how people are mixing old and new to create homes that feel authentic and meaningful.
One of the biggest changes is a return to craftsmanship. Ornate molding, coffered ceilings, built-ins, and detailed trim work are making a comeback. Instead of open-concept layouts, more people are choosing dedicated rooms, creating functional spaces that feel cozy and intentional.
Color is also making a return. White and grey-dominated interiors are giving way to deeper, richer tones. Painting walls, trim, and even ceilings the same bold color
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRISTONE DEVELOPMENT
(known as color drenching) is becoming more popular, creating a warm and inviting feel. Wallpaper and fabric-covered walls are also making a comeback, adding texture and character that plain painted walls don’t offer.
Niki points out another big part of this trend is mixing old and new. Instead of making everything match perfectly, people are blending antique furniture with modern pieces. Using an old dresser as a bathroom vanity or opting for soapstone countertops instead of engineered stone to add character. Homeowners are also leaving natural wood and stone unpainted, letting the materials speak for themselves.
Brass accents are showing up more, whether in hardware, lighting, or furniture details. Elements like arches, scalloped edges, and mixed patterns are adding personality to spaces. Combining different textures such as smooth stone with worn wood or sleek metal with woven fabrics, creates a layered and interesting look.
Another shift is moving away from overly staged, impersonal decor. Fake plants and mass-produced art are being replaced with real greenery and meaningful objects. Instead of a rigidly designed space, people want their homes to tell a story, filled with pieces that have history and purpose. Artifacts picked up on a family vacation, or grandma’s silver serving platter, now have a place in the home to be displayed.
The good news is you don’t need a full renovation to bring this look into your home. Small changes can make a big impact. Swap out modern
hardware for vintage-inspired pieces. Layer different fabrics and add an antique rug. Introduce bold color, or try wallpaper, in one room. Choose natural materials like wood and stone over synthetic ones. Most importantly, decorate with things that have meaning. Family heirlooms, thrifted finds, or artisan-made pieces that reflect your style and bring you joy can now be part of your decor.
This trend is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about embracing a way of living that values history, craftsmanship, and authenticity. By incorporating elements that feel personal and meaningful, your home becomes a place of comfort and connection. Instead of striving for a picture-perfect showroom, people are opting for spaces that evolve over time, reflecting their lives, experiences, and unique tastes. A home should feel like a sanctuary, not a staged set, and blending old with new is a perfect way to achieve that balance.
High Finance Farm is curating a special group of boarders, share boarders and riders to join our barn family. Special attention for our more mature Equestrians from riding instruction to group activities. A calm and beautiful home for horses and riders.
Big, comfy house—yet everyone still squeezes into the warm, cozy kitchen, sharing nibbles and laughter
Creating a warm, inviting kitchen is easier than you think. Adding plants—whether edible or decorative—brings life and texture. Letting in sunshine and playing music set the tone, making every day feel just as special as the rest.
From starting the day off with breakfast to returning home from a long day of work, the kitchen is the gathering place where hungry folks look for something to sink their teeth into. Treating everyday as a holiday, and every meal a celebration of color
and nourishment, can make the people living in the home feel like a VIP. People naturally crave connection, and where there’s love, warmth, and nibbles, people will draw in. And what better way to do so than with a themed appetizer board, often taking inspiration from a French charcuterie board, popular for many years—and for good reason. "Nibble" boards are so versatile and create an informal, free-flowing, and low-pressure way to nourish at the counter. Since they offer a little
ARTICLE BY KLAUDIA BURIAN
something for everyone, boards are a wonderful way to welcome family or guests to connect. Creating a nibble board of whatever is leftover in the fridge, or about ready to leave the fruit bowl in the corner, is an artful way to make it disappear. In this month’s
issue, we play around with a kaleidoscope of bites for a busy breakfast or casual brunch - one that has a little something for anyone grazing their way through the counter, or leaning up against it, chewing on a juicy story with a loved one.
*All of our recipes are tested on adults and kiddos. This board satisfies 4 people and takes 20 minutes to assemble.
Ingredients:
• Apples and strawberries
• 1 cup Plain coconut yogurt
• 5 soft boiled eggs
• Thinly sliced smoked savory pork butt
• Pumpkin waffles
• Mustard
• Fig jam
• Maple syrup
• Arugula
• Salt and pepper
• ¾ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
While waffles cook, arrange accompanying nibbles on the board. Choose a gluten-free waffle mix (we used pumpkin) if desired. Substitute pancakes, any fruit, or meat you have on hand. Add cheese, nuts, and really let whatever other ingredients inspire you.
For the fruit dip, mix plain coconut yogurt with ½ tsp cinnamon and 2 tsp maple syrup. Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon. For a perfect soft boiled egg, place eggs into cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, take off the heat, keep covered, and let stand 4 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
Try these tasty combos: Egg with mayo, mustard, pork, and arugula. Or a waffle burrito with yogurt, fig jam, and maple syrup. Pair with a glass of milk. Yum!
STOP WAITING: THERE’S NO TIME LIKE NOW TO GET ORGANIZED.
ARTICLE BY JAMIE TREWARTHA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Just as your home reflects your unique personality, so can your storage spaces.
March is the perfect time to fall in love — with organization! If 2025 is the year you want to improve your home organization, now’s the perfect time to tackle this issue.
Home organization doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. Look for ways to make it fun. Before you begin a new project, turn on some lively music. Or, if there’s an upbeat podcast you’ve wanted to hear, pop in some earbuds and listen while you sort. When it’s time to reorganize your pantry, begin by throwing out expired goods in time with the music. Next, consider your lifestyle, and divide your pantry into cooking categories that work for you. For instance, you might group foods by type (baking goods, condiments, canned items, etc.), by meal (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner), or by some method unique to you. Add a little zest by choosing multicolored canisters to store dry goods such as pasta, rice, and cereal, but be sure the containers are see-through, so you can tell with a glance when it’s time to restock.
Just as your home reflects your unique personality, so can your storage spaces. Brighten up your bedroom closet by painting or wallpapering a wall. Use shower rings to snap purses onto a closet rod so you can quickly choose the right one. Instead of piling your jewelry in a box, add a custom jewelry organization drawer to your walk-in closet or vanity so you can admire your treasures easily and also clearly see what you have.
Don’t feel that you have to follow anyone else’s rules of home organization or style.
If your home office feels cluttered, find some fun containers to rein in the chaos. Place pens, pencils, scissors, etc. in coffee cans you’ve painted or wrapped with scrapbook paper. Use mason jars or pottery cups to hold paper clips, staples, or stamps.
Because they yield quicker results, small spaces are usually more fun to organize. But rearranging a large space, like a garage, can be more satisfying in the long run. Tackle an overcrowded or messy garage by creating five piles: keep, sell, donate, recycle, and toss. Keep only the items you need and use regularly. Sell tools or machines that are taking up space and collecting dust. Donate items that would benefit your favorite charity. Check with your local government to see where to dispose of hard-to-recycle items, such as old paint, cleaning products, batteries, and LED light bulbs. Not only have you now created a tidy garage where you can find what you’re looking for easily, but you’ve also made some extra cash, supported a good cause, and helped the environment.
When you’re feeling less than enthusiastic about home organization, make a list of all the benefits you’ll see when your task is complete. The benefits may be specific to a particular room, or more general, such as saving you time and money, eliminating stress, and freeing up more time to spend with family and friends.
No matter what sort of storage assistance you're looking for, Closets By Design can help. Jamie Trewartha is co-owner along with Paul Paluch. Visit chicagonorth.closetsbydesign.com to learn more.
“Home organization doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. Look for ways to make it fun.”
