Area homeowners win annual Painted Ladies contest
Some of the most beautiful homes are found in Chicago and its suburbs. For 30 years, a suburban trade group for the paint industry has identified some of the more exceptional examples for its annual Painted Ladies competition.
This year, three Elgin homes, including one painted by Habitat for Humanity volunteers, have won this prestigious designation.
The Chicago's Finest Painted Ladies & Her Court competition is sponsored by the Schaumburg-based Chicago Paint & Coatings Association. Now in its 30th year, this unusual beautification project for homes has received national attention. Several past winners were featured in the book "Painted Ladies, U.S.A." by Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada.
This year's grand prize winner is located in Riverside. It was selected for Best Use of Colors for a Victorian Home in the professionally painted category.
"Based on the wide range of beautiful entries, it underscores the fact that paint and coatings are the most affordable ways to improve and accent a home or business appearance," said the association's spokesman, Bill Heiden, who works with a team of judges to select the winners.
"The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers estimates that a good first appearance of a home can add as much as 5 percent to 10 percent to the value of the home," he said.
The winners were honored at an awards dinner on Thursday, Oct. 20, at Maggiano's in Schaumburg.
The Painted Ladies contest is open to homes and businesses throughout the Chicago area. The style, size or age of the property is not a factor in selecting winners. However, beauty and craftsmanship of the paint application, and how well it complements the structure of the building, is essential to judges, Heiden said.
Information on next year's competition can be found on the association's website, www.chicagopaint.org.
2016 WINNERS
CHICAGO'S FINEST PAINTED LADIES
1) Grand Prize
Best Use of Colors for a Victorian Home
Professionally painted
Scott and Dawn Totorella
169 Herrick Road, Riverside
Painted by Ronbo's Fine Paint
2) Best Use of Expressive Colors
Not professionally painted
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley
489 St. Charles St., Elgin
3) Best Use of Color for the Style of the Home
Professionally painted
Bill and Peggy Becker
9324 S. Damen Ave., Chicago
Painted by Kelso Painting & Decorating
4) Best Use of a Bold Color Combination
Professionally painted
John and Dawn Laskey
711 Douglas Ave, Elgin
Painted by Quality Painting & Carpentry
5) Best Use of Paint Detail
Professionally painted
Paul Linse and Melissa Sutthiwan
287 Commonwealth Ave., Elgin
Painted by Josh's Painting