Upon setting foot in Living on Main in downtown Dubuque, it’s evident that owner Kris Gorton has a keen eye for what makes a space work well. Her philosophy? “A space has to be functional,” Gorton said. “But it can also be aesthetically beautiful. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. You don’t have to trade in...
Home. We’ve spent a lot of time there in the past year. It’s become the place where we not only live but also work, teach and, in some cases, spend our vacation days. The pandemic forced us to make those changes, but now that we’re slowly but surely inching toward normalcy, many people have found...
With spring brings certain colors. Perhaps yellow and lilac come to mind. These days, unexpected colors and pairings are considered modern and fresh. Many of the colors are warm surprises but on trend and modern. Here are some spring color tips: 1. Consider mustard tones instead of traditional pale shades of yellow. 2. Mix different...
The COVID-19 pandemic permanently evolved our definition of “home,” inspiring us to reconsider how we use and live in our spaces. For many, it’s no longer just the place where we relax and regroup at the end of the day. It’s also an office, day care, eatery, gym or classroom. Whether you’re looking to create...
Are you crafty? Do you like to build with your hands? We all have a creative side. It just shows in different ways. This past year my husband, John, found his hidden, creative talent — woodworking. He built me a standing desk, perfect for my height. Then, he created a quilt rack by reusing spindles...
Spring has sprung, and gardeners are busy. But so is the local wildlife. Wildlife, in particular deer and rabbits, can raze a garden of vegetables or flowers in no time. And while gardeners rationally know animals are just trying to find sustenance, it’s frustrating when hours of hard work are diminished to nothing more than...
Chances are you’ve spent more time in the kitchen this past year. And the COVID-19 cooking craze hasn’t only been about putting dinner on the table; it has been a great way to tune out and decompress from the stress of living through a pandemic. Now that you have (almost) perfected your sourdough, it’s time...
Kitchen upgrades make a huge impact. Not only do they have daily “good feeling” appeal for current homeowners, but they also can offer a great return on investment when it’s time to sell. They’ve also become an ideal gathering space for friends and families. It’s no surprise that kitchens were the second leading site of...
Whether you are looking for a new home, selling yours or just visiting open houses for the heck of it, it helps to understand real estate lingo. Here are some translations: New listing — owner confident; wait a few weeks. Owner transferred — owner nervous. Priced to sell — owner desperate. Nonconforming fourth bedroom —...
As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and if you want to get the most out of your buds, you’ll have to take the proper steps to carefully design your spring garden. If you haven’t started on your garden this season, it’s not too late. Garden Gate magazine says depending on the temperatures...
