As the world gets used to working from home, new routines and norms are being formed, and with the Illinois Shelter in Place getting extended another 5 weeks, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed. We have found that it is very helpful to find ways to create a healthy work/life balance from your home. If you're looking for inspiration and solutions for creating a balance these designers specialize in transforming small spaces and have provided ideas for daily routines and flexible work spaces. 

Ordering takeout from the restaurants in your neighborhood is one of the best ways you can support their businesses. It has truly been incredible to hear about people reaching out and doing their part to help keep local businesses afloat.  Another way you can support them is by purchasing their cookbooks and cocktail books and taking a whirl at making some of your favorite dishes and drinks from the comfort of your own home. 

We love a design that draws natural light to the space. This unique design was meant to reflect the industrial touch of Danish farms while preserving the smells, sounds, and atmosphere of a traditional mountain cabin. 

"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in a social-distanced world, it's still possible to make a difference in the fight against climate change with individual actions that start at home." 

Now is the time to learn how we can be a part of fighting climate change by switching up how we would typically do our laundry, clean our countertops, getting our veggies, etc. 

With all of the changes taking place recently, many events around the U.S. have had to cancel or reschedule and weddings were among these. However, three couples chose to move forward with their ceremonies while foregoing their guest lists, receptions, and honeymoons. One couple married on their front porch in Ukrainian Village while another couple still had their ceremony at the church they originally planned on, simultaneously live streaming to their guests. The couples expressed that through this pandemic they realized it wasn't all about the parties and the details, but ultimately about their marriage itself. 

Showing Avondale Bowl some more love while spotlighting Range Design & Architecture, one of the teams that was a part of bringing AVB back to life. Check out this interview with Architectural Digest Pro and the Range team to read the behind the scenes on how this design came together. 

Does this circular shaped desk remind you of the one from The Grand Budapest Hotel? Well that is because it was inspired by the popular Wes Anderson Film. Take a look at this historic Detroit charter school whose design was inspired by Wes Anderson, vintage art, and the original character of the school. 

Homeowners this is a MUST read/listen! If you have been affected financially by the coronavirus outbreak you may be eligible for mortgage relief or forbearance for up to 12 months. Contact your server/lender to work out a payment plan. You can verbally testify that you are in financial distress and the paperwork will come later as your lender needs to provide relief quickly. 

Please note this is NOT a forgiveness of debt or free money. Do not stop paying your loan without first reaching out to your lender to work out a plan, whether that is reduced payments or a complete pause.

**If you have any questions on this please reach out to us.**

"When it comes to the renovation itself, know that washing dishes in the bathtub gets old really fast, renovations are extremely stressful, and everything will cost more and take longer than you plan for. Here are 10 lessons my experience yielded:" -Stephanie Krikorian

Logan Square's Cards Against Humanity board game cafe and event space is now open. The cafe offers more than 300 games, 7 games on a rotating tap, and 2 escape rooms. Visit their website for menus and reservations.

Cafe hours: 4PM-12AM (daily)
Cuisine: Vietnamese & Spanish

At a whopping 900 feet in the air this New York City terrace on the 90th floor of 15 Hudson Yards is the city's highest outdoor residential amenity. With a 60ft glass curtain wall protecting you from wind, this outdoor space offers views of the city and water while also offering an indoor lounge and private dining.  

We like to switch it up from working in the office to cafes, hotel lobbies, coffee shops, etc. We find it helps with our creativity and motivation. If you're looking for a new co-working space or a coffee shop/cafe to work from check out these 21 spots that Block Club Chicago's reporters put together from their own list of faves.

Not meant to be a form of art, but more of the idea that "form follows fun." Stacking and building installations with his own furniture and random objects, Berry Dijkstra created a new narrative with interesting compositions. 

Avondale Bowl is now open! This has been an exciting start to the new year for us to see Luke's project and vision come to life. If you have yet to check it out, you MUST GO! 

Avondale Bowl Hours:
Mon-Thurs 3PM - CL
Fri-Sun 11AM - CL 

The lobby of a hotel is the first thing guests see as they walk in and these 20 hotels have that 'wow' factor. 

Join the F|B Team in supporting the Brentano Math & Science Academy by sponsoring and/or donating to their 4th annual fundraiser. Reach out to us with any questions/interest.

"Save the date for our big fundraiser of the year: The 4th Annual Celebrate Brentano Benefit will be on Friday, March 13, at Michelle's Ballroom. We are currently seeking sponsorships and donations to our silent and online auction. Please reach out for more information if you or businesses you know would like to be a sponsor or donate to our event. All sponsorships/donations are tax-deductible. Proceeds go back directly to our school." -Friends of Brentano

This short memoir about buying a home in Seattle is funny (see chicken names and personality descriptions), entirely relevant regarding thoughtful city living, and makes you love chickens even if you were raised in a high-rise. Every buyer always has a story and hearing this one made us smile.

Luxembourg's and the Netherlands' Chiqueolatte will open it's first U.S. location in Logan Square. The chocolate cafe will be taking over the old Half Italian deli, but an opening date has not been set. 

Chiqueolatte will offer hand-crafted chocolate, fresh-milled coffee, tea & patries, and chocolate themed shakes. 

Sounds like a chocolate paradise!

From "Pussy Hats," Teslas, iPads, and "designer babies" - The past 10 years of design have definitely kept us on our feet. Take a look back at the 14 "most important design ideas of the decade." 

It's not all lattes and avocado toast for millennials these days! According to the National Association of Realtors, millennials make up 37% of the home-buyer population, the largest group of home buyers.