Chicago Home + Garden magazine's Spring issue hits newsstands Thursday, February 2nd. To schedule an interview with one of our writers or editors, please contact Sam Tobias at stobias@chicagomag.com.

Issue Highlights:

Outdoor Living (cover story): It's Spring! Breathe deep. In this issue, our editors visited homes where the outdoors was a natural extension of well-designed indoor spaces–from a hidden courtyard in Bucktown to a backyard oasis (with a firepit!) in Elmhurst. That's not all. They also discovered a lush Lake Forest landscape, garages you'll want to come home to, and a French expatriate's sweet rooftop retreat in Lincoln Park.

Fresh Style: Springs wings its way into winter-weary homes with colorful pillows, glistening glassware, and other bright ideas in this feature with easy ways to bring it home.

Precision Man: Catch up with superstar interior designer Gary Lee on what he loves to wear, look at, and (good advice from an eighth-grade teacher) remembers. Check out Lee's new Mart showroom that features his private-label furniture and other classic contemporary pieces.

Head of the Class: Senior editor Gina Bazer divulges unique home shopping destinations in Forest Park and Oak Park. Yet another stylish reason to love shopping in the near-west suburbs.

Going with the Grain: The foyer is the first Wild for the way wood countertops can make a kitchen more warmly appealing? Writer Sarah White shows how to choose one that's right for you–and keep it looking splendid.