Having an extra bedroom or an extra room in general can be wonderful - and it is definitely a way to add value to your Chicago real estate purchase if you're in the market. That said, if you're planning on living in the condo or home, or you currently have a spare bedroom that's not in use, you may want to consider making the most of that space by converting it into something that you love. Here are some ideas from our agents on how to make the most of that extra room in your Chicago home...

Office: Perhaps the most obvious way to use an extra room, but a home office is indeed a wonderful way to define work time from leisure time, especially if you work from home on a regular basis. Rooms with plenty of natural light, space for a large desk and a

We love Chicago - the architecture, the parks, the many amazing restaurants, the art and culture scene, and of course, the real estate. But the one thing we love the most? The many opportunities the city offers to give back. From volunteering to tutor school children, working in a soup kitchen, or simply taking an afternoon to help socialize the kittens and puppies at one of our animal shelters, Chicagoans have plenty of chances to spend time contributing to the community.

Want to help out? Volunteer Match lists over one thousand opportunities in Chicago, so there's bound to be something you're interested in. Or get little more local with ChicagoCares (you don't have the time but still want to help out, there's a donate option on the ChicagoCares

The bathroom might be the most overlooked room in your house, design-wise. We all need them, but most of us tend to stick to the basics and keep things simple. Plus, the design decisions you make in the bathroom tend to be more permanent (it's a lot harder to change up tile than it is repaint a wall, for instance). However, having a beautifully done bathroom can brighten your day - it can even become your own at-home spa experience of sorts.

Which is why we always suggest that you work with an experienced professional when designing the bathrooms in your new home! They can distill your ideas into something that truly fits your personality but also has resale value if you decide to move (or just change it up) in the future. Plus they can help you

Your home is your sanctuary - and your bedroom might be the most important aspect of that! Designing your ideal bedroom that reflects your taste, personality, and individual style that's also relaxing as well as functional is easier said than done, which is why we often recommend that our clients work with our experienced design professionals in order to make their dream bedrooms come to life. After all, it's important to have a comfortable and calming bedroom to retire to every night and start your day in every morning; in fact, your master bedroom should probably be the first room in your new home that you decorate!

What's more, your bedroom is often the most personal area of your home. Guests don't tend to hang out in the bedroom in most cases,

The living room is most likely where you spend most of your waking time when you're at home, so why not make it perfect?

There are two key factors to consider when you're creating the living room of your dreams - style and comfort.

Style is pretty obvious. You want something that fits in with your overall aesthetic as well as the architecture of your home; things should be somewhat harmonious without sacrificing your favorite pieces and colors. What's more, you probably have a few favorite items that you want to show off, such as artwork you've collected or statement pieces of furniture that you love.

Comfort is also key. For instance, a great couch or easy chair with a good view of your TV/entertainment center (as well as views of the city

There's no denying the fact that the kitchen is the center and the true heart of the home. And while the properties we list all have (or will have, in the case of new construction), beautiful kitchens with amazing finishes and high end appliances, there's something to be said for making your kitchen your very own and customizing it to suit your exact needs and desires.

Start With Your Dreams

Do you fantasize about having expansive counter space or a huge kitchen island? How about state of the art appliances so you can create meals that are true works of art? Do you want an eat-in kitchen or do you prefer a more enclosed space? And it's also important to understand the rules and regulations of the building you live in, and any guidelines from

Once you've found the perfect piece of Chicago real estate, it's time to personalize it and make your home. And while Ikea is convenient and sites like Wayfair or Joss & Main will deliver you basically anything you need, there's no reason to stick with the mainstream when Chicago is home to so many amazing interior design resources.

The Merchandise Mart - The Merchandise Mart and the surrounding River North area is home to dozens of showrooms and galleries that feature high end options and interior design studios that will help you craft the perfect living space. For instance, Haute Living is the place to go for bespoke kitchens and bathrooms, while neighboring Luminaire has high end lighting and more.

Andersonville's Design Boutiques - This

Getting an amazing education is one of the most important, enriching, and valuable endeavors that anyone can embark upon, and Chicago is one of the best places to do that - no matter where you live now! In our humble opinion, it's more than worth moving to our beautiful city to study. Whether you are interested in a Bachelor's, a masters, a PhD, medical school, law school, or studying the fine arts, Chicago could be the place for you. The city is one of the best places for international students as well - cosmopolitan but also offering the best of American life, and it is basically located in the center of the country, making it the ideal base for exploring the rest of the United States.

Here's a full list of the best colleges and universities in

We all want to live simpler, happier lives - and while we know that living in an amazing piece of real estate is one way to go about it, that's only the beginning of ways that you can improve your life. Therefore, we've compiled a list of Chicago-centric life hacks that will improve your life in the Windy City - and they are all relatively simple.

Know Your Local Parks. While Grant Park, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park tend to get all the glory (and somewhat rightfully so), there are plenty of smaller city parks that are just as lush and green, and not nearly as crowded or touristy.

The Zoo Is Free. The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago's best free activities for adults and children alike, and its surrounded by plenty of gorgeous gardens and the

There's a lot of reasons to love living above it all, especially when you live in Chicago. And that's why we love high rise living in this city in particular. Here are the top ten reasons why living multiple stories up in Chicago is so desirable...

1. We've Got Views For Days. No one doubts that some of the best views in Chicago are available from our tallest buildings, and wouldn't you like to see that for yourself? Every day from your own living room, bedroom, etc.?

2. It's Quiet (For A City). Once you're up high enough, the city noises nearly disappear.

3. These Buildings Have Gyms. And high end ones at that, so no need to pay for membership that also requires you to go outside or maybe even drive to get a workout in.

4. And Other Amenities.