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Frosted glass triple sliding door pantry room. Island is 13 feet long. Custom walnut cabinetry and floating shelves. Island features sleek electric Jenn Air cooktop with a telescoping downdraft ventilation system.
Jenn Air JJW2830WS double convection oven
EPCO aluminum drawer pulls, Quartz countertops from ONE Quartz SIMPLY WHITE
NQ76. Minimal backsplash with simple a 1" quartz curb.
Flooring is European oak in a UV oil finish by Amazon wood flooring - Modani series

Providing a little shade, the pergola structure was hoisted into the back yard by crane and welded to the support posts. The support posts were then wrapped in veneer stone and cedar to match the support posts for the deck at the back of the home. Note the outdoor lighting in the rafters which highlight the stonework on the fireplace. What a spot to be in the evening!
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Moving from their 1880's row house downtown, the Fisher's greatest challenge was in furnishing their new digs. "This home was much larger than our previous home and our existing furniture wasn’t really a good fit," Bobbie explains, "This house really dictates what kinds of furnishings will work in it. "
Driven by the home's inherent style and her own determination, Bobbie turned to auctions and flea markets to outfit the spaces. Much to her surprise, she had the furnished within a year.
The bookshelf is an unmarked Craigslist find. Combining open shelves with cabinetry keeps the piece from feeling overly massive, and offers an opportunity for Bobbie to display her vintage ceramic collection.
Overman Swivel Chair, vintage
Bertoia Chair, vintage
Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2013 Houzz

Large tuscan l-shaped travertine floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Tampa with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and beige countertops

The home was in need of a new railing because the previous one was barely together and missing in some spots! We put a simple modern rail into the home to give it some more character as well as stairwell support.

This rooftop deck on the roof of the boathouse makes a perfect spot to enjoy the lake beyond.
Large trendy rooftop deck photo in Milwaukee with no cover
Large trendy rooftop deck photo in Milwaukee with no cover

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Iron Fence Painting in Wicker Park: A Windy City Painters Case Study
Iron fence painting in Wicker Park is one of the most requested exterior services Windy City Painters performs each season, and this recent project shows exactly why. Set behind an ornate 1890s greystone two-flat, the client's wrought iron fence had endured years of Chicago winters without professional attention. Rust had spread across the pickets, the original black enamel was flaking away in sheets, and the fence's structural hardware had begun to loosen at several joints.
As the trusted local expert for Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, Windy City Painters approached this project the same way we approach every iron fence painting job in Wicker Park: with a methodical, multi-step process designed to outlast Midwest weather rather than simply mask the damage.
The Process, Step by Step
Step 1 — Rust Removal and Surface Preparation. Our crew wire-brushed and mechanically ground every rusted section down to clean, stable metal. For pitted or heavily corroded areas, we applied a chemical rust converter to neutralize corrosion at the molecular level before any coating touched the surface. Furthermore, because this greystone was built well before 1978, Windy City Painters tested the existing paint layers for lead and followed strict containment protocols throughout the removal process.
Step 2 — Spot Repairs. Loose pickets were re-secured, small pits were filled, and hardware at the gate hinges was tightened. In contrast to a quick spray-paint refresh, this stage ensures the fence is structurally sound before a single drop of primer goes on.
Step 3 — Priming. A full coat of rust-inhibiting primer, engineered specifically for ferrous metal, was applied by brush to every surface — with particular attention to welds and joints where moisture tends to collect and restart the corrosion cycle.
Step 4 — Topcoat Application. Two finish coats of industrial-grade, direct-to-metal enamel were applied by brush and roller. This built a durable, uniform barrier in classic gloss black, the most popular finish among Wicker Park's historic properties. Finally, our team inspected every inch of the fence for thin spots or missed sections before calling the job complete.
Project Specs
Surface: Ornamental wrought iron fence, posts, and gate hardware
Products used: Rust-inhibiting DTM primer, chemical rust converter, industrial-grade direct-to-metal enamel
Coats applied: 1 primer coat, 2 finish coats
Finish: Gloss black
Timeline: Completed in under two days
Advice for Wicker Park Homeowners
Before starting a similar iron fence painting project in Wicker Park, homeowners should keep a few things in mind. Notably, never paint directly over active rust — trapped moisture underneath will cause the new coat to fail within a season. Additionally, always ask whether a contractor tests for lead paint on pre-1978 homes, since many Wicker Park greystones fall into that category. Meanwhile, hand brushwork matters: the intricate scrollwork common on Wicker Park ironwork requires careful, detailed application that spray equipment simply cannot replicate. Therefore, hiring a crew experienced specifically in historic Chicago ironwork, like Windy City Painters, makes a measurable difference in the finished result.
Windy City Painters also handles related exterior and interior work for Wicker Park properties, including interior painting, drywall and plaster repair, and additional metal refinishing for porches and railings.
Iron fence painting in Wicker Park protects one of the neighborhood's most defining architectural features while restoring curb appeal instantly. As a result, this greystone now has a fence that matches the quality of the home behind it — and will hold up through many more Chicago winters.
See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com.
Ready to transform your Wicker Park home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

The Sunset West La Jolla Swivel Rocking Club Chair is where comfort meets functionality. Designed with a smooth swivel and gentle rocking motion, this club chair is your new go-to spot for unwinding outdoors—whether you're sipping morning coffee or catching the sunset with a glass of wine.
Built with a fully welded, powder-coated aluminum frame in a stylish Graphite finish, it’s resistant to rust, corrosion, and the elements. The plush, all-weather cushions offer sink-in comfort and are wrapped in performance fabric for easy care. Its clean lines and neutral palette make this piece a timeless addition to any outdoor living space.

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters
Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last.
Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything.
The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage
The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases.
Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it.
The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal.
The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting
Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years.
Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts.
Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation.
Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season.
Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build.
Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system.
Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties
Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred.
In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment.
Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners
Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following:
Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential.
Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles.
Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows.
Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure.
Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent.
Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor
Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment.
See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com.
Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

Ever notice how your iron fence looks worse every spring after another Chicago winter? That slow deterioration is not cosmetic - it is active metal failure that compounds every freeze-thaw cycle until replacement becomes the only option. Windy City Painters works with homeowners across the Chicago North Side and Near West Side to restore original iron fencing on greystones, two-flats, Victorian brownstones, and coach houses before that point is reached.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This iron fence restoration involved a classic Chicago residential property with original wrought iron fencing showing surface rust across the majority of pickets, flaking previous paint coats, and localized deep pitting near the base rails. A structural check identified two loose pickets requiring welding before any surface preparation or coating began. Total linear footage fell in the mid-range for a standard Chicago residential lot.
MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS
Windy City Painters selected Ospho rust converter for chemically neutralizing active iron oxide before priming. Ospho reacts with rust to form a stable phosphate compound that stops corrosion progression rather than simply sealing over it. Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive primer was applied to all bare and converted surfaces, followed by two finish coats of Rust-Oleum DTM in satin black. DTM - direct to metal - formulas provide corrosion inhibitors built into the coating matrix, which matters significantly in Chicago's climate.
THE PROCESS
Step 1 - Structural Assessment and Welding Coordination. Before any surface preparation begins, Windy City Painters inspects every picket and rail connection for structural integrity. Loose or cracked iron must be welded before coating. Paint applied over a compromised joint will fail within one season as movement continues to break the bond. On this project, two pickets were tack-welded by a coordinating welder before prep started.
Step 2 - Wire Wheel Grinding and Needle Gun Descaling. All rusted sections were ground to bare or near-bare metal using wire wheel attachments and needle gun descaling tools. This step removes loose scale, flaking previous coatings, and surface contamination that would prevent primer adhesion. Skipping mechanical prep is the single most common reason iron fence paint fails prematurely on Chicago properties.
Step 3 - Ospho Rust Converter Application. Ospho was brushed into all pitted and converted areas and allowed to cure fully. The phosphoric acid chemistry converts iron oxide into iron phosphate, arresting active rust and creating a surface that accepts primer more effectively than bare metal alone. Corroseal is an equivalent alternative used on projects with heavier pitting.
Step 4 - DTM Primer and Finish Coat Application. Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive primer was applied across all prepared surfaces. Two topcoats of Rust-Oleum DTM in satin black followed after full primer cure. DTM finish coats add a second corrosion-inhibiting layer and provide the UV and weather resistance needed for Chicago exterior iron work.
CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES
Chicago iron fencing faces conditions that accelerate corrosion faster than most US markets. Lake humidity keeps metal surface moisture elevated through much of the year. Road salt splash from winter maintenance reaches fencing along parkways and sidewalk edges, introducing chlorides that aggressively attack iron. Freeze-thaw cycles expand any rust pocket that has formed under paint, lifting coatings from the inside and creating the classic bubbled-paint appearance homeowners notice every spring.
WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM
With Ospho conversion, DTM primer, and two DTM finish coats properly applied over mechanically prepared surfaces, most Chicago residential iron fences hold 5-8 years before needing significant touch-up. Annual visual inspection for any chips or bare spots, with immediate touch-up using Rust-Oleum DTM, extends that window considerably.
PRO TIPS
Tip 1 - Address any bare metal spot the same season you notice it. A pinhole of exposed iron becomes a rust bubble within one Chicago winter and a flaking section by the following spring.
Tip 2 - Never paint over active rust without a converter step. Ospho or Corroseal is inexpensive insurance against a complete repaint two years early.
Tip 3 - Check picket bases at grade level every spring. Ground contact accelerates corrosion at the base faster than anywhere else on the fence. Catching it early keeps welding out of the equation.
Contact Windy City Painters at windypainters.com for a project estimate.
FAQ
Q: What does iron fence painting cost in Chicago? A: Residential iron fence painting with proper rust prep typically runs $300-$900 for standard lot footage. Windy City Painters provides itemized estimates based on linear footage, rust severity, and whether structural welding is required before surface preparation begins.
Q: Do you paint over rust or remove it first? A: Windy City Painters always addresses active rust before priming. Ospho or Corroseal rust converter chemically neutralizes iron oxide, and wire wheel grinding removes loose scale - coating over unaddressed rust guarantees early failure on Chicago iron fences.
Q: When does an iron fence need welding before painting? A: Loose pickets, cracked rails, or connections with visible movement require welding before any coating work begins. Paint cannot stabilize a structural joint - Windy City Painters coordinates with welders when this condition is identified during initial assessment.
Q: How long does iron fence paint last in Chicago? A: With mechanical prep, Ospho conversion, and Sherwin-Williams or Rust-Oleum DTM coatings, properly restored iron fencing holds 5-8 years in Chicago's freeze-thaw climate before needing significant maintenance.
Q: Is Ospho better than Corroseal for Chicago iron fences? A: Both are effective rust converters. Ospho is a liquid phosphoric acid treatment suited for moderate rust and pitting. Corroseal is a latex-based converter-primer hybrid better suited to heavier rust profiles. Windy City Painters selects based on site conditions.
Q: What finish sheen works best on iron fencing? A: Satin or semi-gloss black is the traditional and most durable choice for Chicago greystone and brownstone properties. Satin hides minor surface imperfections better than gloss while still providing adequate UV and moisture resistance.
Q: Can iron fence painting be done in spring or fall in Chicago? A: Yes. Windy City Painters schedules iron fence work in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit with low ambient humidity - spring and early fall are often ideal windows that avoid both winter cold and peak summer humidity.

Featured in furniture for Nest armchair - hand made 5,000 spot welds that form a light, transparent volumes - and to the tissues: natural linen, leather , velvet and velor Ratier Belaggio Bruges.

Single Bowl 15" x 15" Undermount Bar Prep Sink is Canadian designed and meets the highest plumbing standards for North America. Designed for a home bar or entertaining areas or for use as an extra sink in a large kitchen. This stainless steel bar prep sink features a noise undercoating sprayed over extra thick rubber pads to create a noticeably overall very quiet sink. This undercoating also helps prevent water condensation. This singe bowl undermount bar prep sink has drains towards the rear, for better utilization of the space under the sink cabinet. Also, the sink basin has X-pattern drain grooves for optimal drainage. Handmade from surgical grade SUS 304 stainless steel 18 gauge, with an optimized 18pct chromium and 10pct nickel content, this sink is superbly crafted to provide excellent strength and hardness. The specially chosen satin finish will hide water spots and maintain a uniform patina finish as the sink ages. All welds and corners are perfectly blended through an automated machine buffing system, and carefully hand polished, for a luxurious finish. This undermount bar prep sink has an elegant and smooth to touch 0.4" radius in the corners for easy cleaning, it also gives it a bold look. The deep basin design not only accommodates pots and pans easily, but it also hides dirty dishes in the sink basin and under the countertop line, so you can leave dishes and wash them later, without them showing. This single bowl undermount bar prep sink comes with one perfect fir bottom grid, to protect the sink from dents and scratches and a stainless steel luxury basket drain strainer, which is deeper and much more functional for catching food scraps than the regular strainers. Also included with the sink is the cutting template and mounting brackets for easy installation. If you are looking for a small sink that can be used for different spaces, such as a bar, a kitchen island, a prep sink or any small space, this is the sink you need.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

This 30" x 18" single basin undermount kitchen sink with basket strainer and grid is Canadian designed and meets the highest plumbing standards for North America. The undermount kitchen sink has drains towards the rear, for better utilization of the space under the sink cabinet. Also, the sink basin has drain grooves for optimal drainage. Made from surgical grade SUS 304 stainless steel 16 gauge, with an optimized 18pct chromium and 10pct nickel content, this single bowl undermount kitchen sink is superbly crafted to provide excellent strength and hardness. The specially chosen satin finish will hide water spots and maintain a uniform patina finish as the sink ages. All welds and corners are perfectly blended through an automated machine buffing system, and careful hand polished, for a luxurious finish. This singe bowl kitchen sink with basket strainer and bottom grid has an elegant and smooth to touch 0.4" radius in the corners for easy cleaning and bold looking. This stainless steel kitchen sink comes with a noise undercoating sprayed over extra thick rubber pads to create a noticeably lower-tone and overall very quiet sinks and prevent water condensation. The deep design not only accommodates pots and pans easily, but it also hides dirty dishes in the sink basin and under the countertop line. This single bowl kitchen sink comes with a luxury basket drain strainer, which is deeper and much more functional for catching food scraps than the regular strainers, and 100% stainless steel bottom grids which help to protect the bottom of the sink. Experience luxury and efficiency with the beautiful stainless steel single bowl undermount kitchen sink.

Another entertaining highlight is the 5.5’ x 7.5’ custom spa which features a charcoal welded in place 60 mil vinyl liner that withstands spa temperatures. Six powerful spa jets make this a favourite spot to sooth some aching muscles, or just wind down from a busy day.

Single Bowl 14" x 18" Undermount Bar Sink is Canadian designed and meets the highest plumbing standards for North America. This singe bowl undermount sink has drains towards the rear, for better utilization of the space under the sink cabinet. Also, the sink basin has X-pattern drain grooves for optimal drainage. Handmade from surgical grade SUS 304 stainless steel 18 gauge, with an optimized 18pct chromium and 10pct nickel content, this sink is superbly crafted to provide excellent strength and hardness. The specially chosen satin finish will hide water spots and maintain a uniform patina finish as the sink ages. All welds and corners are perfectly blended through an automated machine buffing system, and carefully hand polished, for a luxurious finish. This undermount bar sink has an elegant and smooth to touch 0.4" radius in the corners for easy cleaning, it also gives it a bold look. This stainless steel sink also features a noise undercoating sprayed over extra thick rubber pads to create a noticeably lower-tone and overall a very quiet sink. This undercoating also helps prevent water condensation. Specifically designed for the busy parent and young professional in mind, the deep design not only accommodates pots and pans easily, but it also hides dirty dishes in the sink basin and under the countertop line. This single bowl undermount bar sink comes with one perfect fir bottom grid, to protect the sink from dents and scratches and a stainless steel luxury basket drain strainer, which is deeper and much more functional for catching food scraps than the regular strainers. Also included with the sink is the cutting template and mounting brackets. Trusted by architects and builders for upscale projects and modern makeovers, this undermount single bowl stainless steel bar sink is what you have been looking for.

We collaborated with Alicia Jonik of Tracy Lynn Studios to create this custom counter height stool. The finish we came up with for this table was a custom mix of mid tone earth browns that are accented by whitewashed grain. This tied it to other light tones in the room and matched a dining table we in an adjacent room.
The bulk of the chair is made of solid Ash wood. Each chair has over 16 connection points that are composed of a welded joint or floating mortise and tenons. This chair is extremely stable and durable. However, the star of this show are the metal accented foot rests. Not only will they stand up to abuse but combining wood and steel in a piece of furniture always creates visual interest that we love! Each foot rest was individually welded together and then bolted in the mitered dado slot for a snug fit. The foot of the stool is made up of a small 4 sided taper that was then blackened to match the color of the steel. The upholstery on top adds another layer of texture to the design while of course making it a very comfortable spot to park and enjoy the view of the beautifully designed kitchen.
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