Sweetwater, now New Line Tavern (201 N. Clinton St.; 312-212-5463): Happy-hour options for downtown drinkers have been popping up practically every payday. On Friday we sent our photographer over to New Line, a new tap from the minds behind Seven Ten Lanes and Daily Bar & Grill in the old Powerhouse Building..." /> Sweetwater, now New Line Tavern (201 N. Clinton St.; 312-212-5463): Happy-hour options for downtown drinkers have been popping up practically every payday. On Friday we sent our photographer over to New Line, a new tap from the minds behind Seven Ten Lanes and Daily Bar & Grill in the old Powerhouse Building..." /> Sweetwater, now New Line Tavern (201 N. Clinton St.; 312-212-5463): Happy-hour options for downtown drinkers have been popping up practically every payday. On Friday we sent our photographer over to New Line, a new tap from the minds behind Seven Ten Lanes and Daily Bar & Grill in the old Powerhouse Building..." />
   

It’s no secret that a whole lot of people who love home design also love their pets. Interior designers Todd Haley, Susan Fredman, and the owners of Hudson Home are all gaga about their dogs; I just came across this interview with Nate Berkus about living with furry friends in Tails magazine. Seems like the pros don’t worry too much about dog hair on their furniture or paw marks on their floors. (Cats are a different story… if you’ve got clawing kitties, we’ve got tips here. If you truly love your pet, then perhaps you need a plaque made in its honor. Made by local artist Kristen Romaniszak (out of gouache and ink on paper, glued to wood) these quirky portraits are available through Asrai Garden ($60 for 4-by-4 inch size; $140 for 5-by-7). All you need do is provide a photo of your beloved; delivery time is about two weeks.

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Don't-miss picks for 10.21.09 through 10.27.09: Frankenstein plays it avant-garde … Steve Martin plays it straight … Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard play it cool … plus, Michael Chabon, Aleksandar Hemon, Augusten Burroughs … and more Read more
Don't-miss picks for 10.07.09 through 10.13.09: A tale of two Lucindas … and two Joshes … plus, two much-anticipated stage adaptations … a free peek at Lincoln's pockets … free days at the MSI … and more Read more
Window treatments intimidate me. There are a lot of premade panels, blinds, poles, and gewgaws for hanging available, but I’m never sure where to measure or hang the rods, and I’m not a fan of big contrasting buttons, tabs, or clips. My partner Peter and I have been talking about changing up our sunroom window situation for quite some time... Read more
Joanne Trestrail, one of Chicago Home + Garden’s senior editors, wears a lot of hats. In addition to being a fellow copy-cat, she runs all over town as a food critic for Chicago magazine, has taught photography at Jane Addams Hull House, and is an accomplished artist. Read more
Over the past few months, as the new 47-story condo tower at Van Buren and Franklin Streets has taken shape, it’s become clear that the city has another Ralph Johnson dazzler on its hands. Known as 235 Van Buren, the building impresses from all viewpoints, be it the seemingly crazy pattern of box balconies projecting off the south side; the ribbon of concrete running... Read more