Happiness Project
On a scale of cheerfulness (with Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” at the low end and a yellow smiley face at the high), local artist David Lee Csicsko’s work ranks as just the right amount of happy. Which is perhaps why his beautiful, uplifting stained glass was the perfect choice for the chapel at the new Lurie Children’s Hospital and his cheeky mosaic murals at the Belmont el station are just the ticket for raising the spirits of grumpy commuters. Csicsko, who has a long resume of public works projects, also did these lovely French doors in a Gold Coast townhouse. Want a little Csicsko in your house? He recently created a line of ceramic tiles that are available through House Fifty-Two. There are ten different styles in a variety of sizes and colors. Whether used for backsplashes or coasters, they’re guaranteed to make you smile. —Gina Bazer
Garden Walking
I just checked the weather forecast and it’s only going to be in the 90s this weekend, so why not hit the Sheffield Garden Walk July 21 and 22? People have been doing this walk for 44 years. Don’t tell me a little sweat is going to keep you away from such a time-honored tradition. There will be self-guided tours of more than 80 gardens, guided architectural tours, live music, food, drinks . . . and shade, people! Think of all those lovely shade gardens. If you get too hot, you should probably resist the temptation to lie down among the hostas and maybe just stand under a tree and smell the roses. Suggested donation is $7, $10 after 3 p.m. —GB
Moving on Down
This fall, Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings is moving from the 15th floor to the 14th floor of the Merchandise Mart, and that means great deals now through September 10 at his current location. A Lilly Pulitzer chair that was $2,979 is currently marked down to $1,450. A Hotel Maison side table, originally $1,260, is now $680. Why the clear-out? Ludwig has to make room for his own line, which he is launching to coincide with the move. He will have six collections, each inspired by a different area Chicagoans know well: the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Lake Geneva, Harbor County, and Lake Forest. Can’t wait to see how he does it! After 20 years in the biz, the man knows his stuff. —GB
Perfect 10
Ten years ago, American Idol first appeared on television, Vanilla Coke started showing up on grocery store shelves, and Linly Designs opened for business. But while Idol has seen judges come and go and Vanilla Coke lasted only a few years, Linly Designs has gotten better with age. The shop is celebrating its first decade with a sale today through Saturday in its 7,600-square-foot space in Clarendon Hills. You’ll find silk floral arrangements, chandeliers, linens, furniture, artwork, and accessories like this cute tea set at up to 40 percent off. And while you’re there, check out Linly’s personalized design help. They do custom window treatments and furniture and also offer an Accessory Call service that lets you see how artwork, accessories, and floral designs might look in your home before purchasing them. —Alice Oglethorpe
Go Pro
Does the idea of working with an architect fill you with confusion and dread (some of us get a similar feeling when we think about making croissants from scratch or changing a flat tire in the rain)? Then an upcoming free seminar put on by the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects is for you, whether you have a huge renovation or a smaller-scale project in mind. You’ll learn about choosing an architect, figuring out zoning and permit regulations, and avoiding expensive surprises. Bring photos, plans, or drawings of your remodeling project or home, if you want—residential architects will stick around after the talk for free, 15-minute, one-on-one consultations. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 29 at the Rebuilding Exchange at Ashland and Webster avenues. To sign up, email workshops@rebuildingexchange.org and include your name and phone number. —AO