Latest kitchen ideas featured on Parenthesis Kitchen Walk
For almost one-quarter century homeowners interested in remodeling their kitchens or building new houses have traveled to Oak Park and River Forest for the annual Parenthesis Kitchen Walk.
This year the walk is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
Even people who are not interested in remodeling their own kitchens realize this is an opportunity to get views inside amazing homes. From prairie style and Arts & Crafts to Victorian and contemporary, these 10 homes have it all.
Large kitchens, small kitchens, cozy cottage and dramatic black and white designs have their own stages.
Cabinets range from yellow to satiny white, cherry, mahogany, quarter-sawn oak and alderwood.
Other materials include marble, granite, chrome and concrete.
And that's not to mention elaborate painting techniques and a variety of tiles and artglass.
Admission is $40 in advance through Friday and $45 at Parenthesis Parent Child Center, 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park. To order in advance, call (708) 848-2227 or visit kitchenwalk.info. A box lunch can be ordered.
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day
Earth Day, April 22, is in the middle of the week this year, so watch for celebrations this coming weekend, April 18 and 19, and next weekend, April 25 and 26.
The Morton Arboretum will hold a special Earth Day Green Tea fundraiser from 1-3 p.m. on the day itself, April 22. Models will show clothing made from materials such as bamboo, hemp and Japanese paper, including dresses like this by Chicago designer Alice Berry. Tea and treats from local and organic suppliers will be served. Tickets are $47, less for members. Call (630) 725-2066 or visit mortonarb.org.
At 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, astronaut Mark Lee will show a video and talk about how his observations from space inspired him to plant more than 140,000 trees on his farm. The $12 tickets include admission to the arboretum.
On the same day "The Green Boutique" will be open selling environmentally friendly products.
Arbor Day is a big holiday for the arboretum, and festivities spread throughout Arbor Week. Admission is free on Friday, April 24, which is the actual day. The annual plant sale opens to the public on Sunday, April 26, after members get a few days to shop.
The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe hosts the American Daffodil Society's National Show on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. More than 1,000 of the cheery spring flowers will be displayed. Hours are from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission to the botanic garden is free, but parking costs $20 per car. Call (847) 835-8440 or visit chicagobotanic.org.
Many stores will feature "green products" for Earth Day, and Walmart is running a contest to honor schools with "green projects." The grand prize is a $20,000 grant. The deadline is May 1. Visit earthdayeverydaychallenge.com.