All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves.To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.

Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

259 Waukegan Ave

Highwood, IL 60040

View larger map

COVID-19 Update

We are taking additional precautions to protect our customers.

Health & Safety Measures

We will wear masks and gloves when we visit your home

All statements concerning COVID‑19 business operations and essential services are informational only, and are self‑reported and not verified by Angi.

Lake Forest Showhouse Kitchen & Breakfast Room…

cabinet makers202060045

The ABL Group Melds Smart Technology with Timeless Style in Lake Forest Showhouse Kitchen Historic home’s classic design aesthetics are artfully updated with contemporary state-of-the-art functionality July 28, 2020, Highwood, IL – Visitors to this year’s Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens are experiencing a unique “back to the future” design moment in the historic Pullman estate’s reimagined kitchen and breakfast room. Under the direction of The ABL Group, the space has been transformed into the ultimate combination of timeless form and high-tech function. “We’ve always been proponents of the philosophy that form follows function,” says George Markoutsas, vice president of The ABL Group. “Nowhere is this more essential than in the modern kitchen—it has become the home’s grand central station. So, in addition to looking beautiful, it has to function beautifully not only for the chef but also for the entire family. And today’s families have unique demands and expectations.” The remodeling and contracting company, which includes affiliates Dovetails Custom Cabinetry and DP Home Design, faced both challenges and opportunities when designing around this philosophy in the Pullman mansion. Built in 1906, the architecture of the sprawling 23-room manor house is traditional in style, with a look of tasteful simplicity outside and refined designer details inside. Despite several interior remodels over the years, the kitchen area has remained confined to a conventional floorplan—a relatively tight, enclosed space cut off from the home’s living areas—and a far cry from today’s trending open concept. In addition, The ABL Group design team needed to work around some existing elements the homeowner wanted to retain, including a classic black-and-white checkerboard marble floor and the abundant windows bringing light into the space. “We really wanted a high-end look that incorporated current kitchen trends like fewer upper cabinets and state-of-the-art appliances,” Markoutsas says. “But beyond that, we knew anything ultra-contemporary simply would not work aesthetically in this classic space. So, we drew on old-world style elements that are indicative of the architectural time period—such as custom inset cabinetry that looks like furniture—and then took it to the next logical level by integrating smart home automation into the sights, sounds, and activities of the kitchen with the assistance of Great Home Technologies.” Voice activation plays a big role, controlling the lighting, window treatments, and speakers. By commanding their virtual digital assistant devices, homeowners can not only turn these systems on and off but also sync them to set the mood with preprogrammed music selections and light levels. When the cook’s hands are full or messy, the no-touch Brizo faucet can be controlled with a tap or voice-activated to deliver the exact temperature and quantity of water needed. Even the countertops were selected because they offered a technological edge. “In most high-end kitchens today, the default for countertops is marble or quartzite,” Markoutsas says. “Though admittedly beautiful, they come with their fair share of maintenance and are not a solid surface. They are porous, and therefore less sterile—something top-of-mind for families right now. We specified an engineered, solid surface quartz by Cambria with the luxurious look of marble but no maintenance and the durability and hygienic qualities of stainless steel.” Other 21st century touches found throughout the space include strategically placed charging stations and small-appliance garages built into the cabinetry. Technology also played an artistic role in the adjoining breakfast room. The ABL Group bucked tradition by commissioning a custom wall mural from Street Level Studio that used digital technology to reinterpret the Asian-inspired artistry of the historic hand-painted wallpaper in the home. Additional design elements contributing to the thorough modernization of this classically beautiful space included upscale appliances from GE Monogram, brushed gold hardware from Top Knobs, a custom butcherblock from Lake County Barnwood, elegant accessories from Summer Classics Home, and a dramatically dimensional backsplash from Artistic Tile. “Our goal in designing the kitchen and breakfast room was simple,” says Markoutsas. “We want everyone who steps into the space to feel like they could live there. We created a space with functionality for the way modern families live but also with the charm, sophistication, comfort, and luxury of the past. It’s a space designed to ease the everyday and add excitement to entertaining. What more could you ask?”…

View project

Description

The ABL Group provides you with a single source for all your decorating and remodeling needs. Our group of dedicated professionals, artists and craftsman handle each or every element of your project - beginning with its design, continuing through its construction and decoration, and even maintaining the space after we've finished. For more than 30 years, The ABL Group has provided outstanding value and superior customer service up and down the North Shore and throughout its surrounding communities. When you are ready to enhance your built environment, contact The ABL Group. We are "Uniquely Professional." 12 employees. uses subs for plumbing, electrical & hvac. cost is determined by the job. no travel charges. additional contact: howard lipsky. additional email: howard@theablgroup.com. dba abl decorating & remodeling inc. Award winning....

Deals

$500 Credit Toward Windows…

OFFERED BY

The ABL Group…

4.9

(163)

$500 Credit Toward Interior Painting…

OFFERED BY

The ABL Group…

4.9

(163)

Verified Reviews

4.9

(163) Verified Reviews

Write a review

Ratings Distribution

145

Rating Details

Price

4.5

Professionalism

4.9

Punctuality

4.9

Quality

5.0

Responsiveness

4.9

Read reviews by category

interior painting (106)house painting (51)handyman (38)home remodeling (32)woodworking (27)drywall (20)flooring (15)window replacement (13)door installation (12)lighting (11)electrician (10)plumbers (9)

Showing 1-10 of 163 reviews

5.0

06/25/2021

ABL did a 5-star job for us. Howard arrived to provide a quote for refinishing our door and we learned then, that they also handled other types of work. We were able to have four different areas of interior repair addressed, plus the front door. They scheduled soon after providing the estimate, and completed all the work in the time frame promised. The crew was wonderful; the work tidy and impecca...

Description of Work
Refinish and seal front door; repair water damage.

Category appliance repair,plastering,woodworking,interior painters

Cost $6,600

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 06/01/2021

5.0

06/18/2021

Such a great experience from start to finish. Howard and his team did an AMAZING job painting our preschool. As you can imagine, the walls at the school take a lot of wear and tear and after his team was finished, it was as if it was BRAND new. They were also able to work with both our timeline and around school hours. Will definitely work with ABL again on our next project.

Description of Work
Wall painting & plaster/repair

Category appliance repair,plastering,interior painters

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 06/05/2021

1.0

06/08/2021

took forever to get someone out, Mitch came out, after Michelle cancelled twice, he was very courteous and professional and took measurements, HOWEVER I never received any follow-up whatsoever. It was apparent they didn't want the job, and this was for a FULL bath remodel

Description of Work
bathroom remodel

Category appliance repair,home remodeling

Work Completed On 04/30/2021

Service Provider Response

Hi [Member Name Removed] - We just left you a message and are confused by this review. 1st off we are very sorry about the rescheduling, Michelle was dealing with a family member who was ill. With regard to the follow-up, we did send out the proposal to you May 14, 2021 with 2 follow up emails each week after the initial one was sent. We are wondering if perhaps you could check your JUNK folder? O...

5.0

02/01/2021

We have used the ABL group for years now for various projects, most recently a home gym and some new looks throughout the house.(new color to kitchen island, random new furniture and art, very cool wallpaper) They are the best, we love working with their Interior Designer Michelle, so fun and easy to work with plus Lico is the man but really they all are, will use them again when the needs arise

Description of Work
Home Updates

Category custom cabinets,countertops,drywall,electrician,flooring contractor,handyman service,interior designers,lighting,masonry,remodeling,wallpaper,replacement windows,woodworking,marble & granite,home remodeling,house painters,interior painters,cabinet refacing,doors,basement remodeling

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 02/01/2021

5.0

12/19/2020

The quality of work that The ABL Group does is beyond all expectations. They were very polite, efficient, and were an absolute pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend The ABL Group for any remodeling and painting needs and will be using them again in the future!!!!

Description of Work
Barbershop Transformation

Category plastering,interior painters

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 12/18/2020

Service Provider Response

Thank you [Member Name Removed] for the review and your kind words!!!

5.0

08/30/2020

Working with Howard and the entire ABL team was terrific. It is rare to find a company where the team has been together for as long as they have been at ABL. They are truly a family and that shows in the quality of workmanship, professionalism and customer service. We could not be happier with the results of the work. It is high quality and the project price was fair given the terrific workmanship...

Description of Work
Whole house exterior painting, siding repair, window replacement/addition in master br

Category siding,replacement windows,house painters

Cost $14,000

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 08/17/2020

Service Provider Response

Thank you for the review and your incredibly kind words. It is truly appreciated.

5.0

08/27/2020

Over the past ten years there has always been extremely superior work and service.

Description of Work
Over ten years just about everything from partial reconstruction of the residence to solving rodent access problems.

Category appliance repair,ceramic tile,concrete repair,decks,electrician,fencing,flooring contractor,handyman service,hardwood floor,interior designers,lighting,masonry,plastering,remodeling,roofing,wallpaper removal,wallpaper,water damage restoration,replacement windows,garage builders,home builders,home & garage organization,woodworking,home remodeling,house painters,interior painters,cabinet refacing,doors,drain cleaning,sunrooms,basement remodeling

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 07/01/2020

Service Provider Response

Thank you for the review and your incredibly kind words. It is truly appreciated.

5.0

07/10/2020

The ABL team was efficient, clean, and paid close attention to detail. The entire process from quoting through the final inspection was excellent. The associates are well-trained, hard-working, professional, and friendly. I've paid less to have this house painted but the quality of workmanship and warranty is less than The ABL Group has provided. This company does quality work!

Description of Work
Exterior 2-Story House Painting

Category house painters

Cost $16,000

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 06/23/2020

Images

Review for The ABL Group - 259 Waukegan Ave, Highwood, IL - 38709207

Service Provider Response

Thank you for the review and your incredibly kind words. It is truly appreciated.

5.0

04/05/2020

Howard and his team are the best! We needed to update our entry area and dining room, and convert an old iron staircase railing into a modern wooden one. The whole team was easy to work with, started and finished exactly when they said they would, and the result is just beautiful. We are completely satisfied and will hire them again. Many thanks!

Description of Work
Painting and a new stairway

Category wallpaper removal,woodworking,interior painters

Cost $12,000

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 02/01/2020

Images

Review for The ABL Group - 259 Waukegan Ave, Highwood, IL - 38481186

Service Provider Response

Thank you for the review and your incredibly kind words. It is truly appreciated.

5.0

02/15/2020

Outstanding, meticulous, and top professional job by the paint crew lead by Valentin. The work took just four days and they were always on time, hard working, and left everyday with my condo clean and furniture carefully back in place. Valentin also went above and beyond by proactively unfreezing the hot and cold water valves servicing my washing machine and installing new hoses for me. Howard Lip...

Description of Work
Painted entire interior of 1,500 square foot condominium.

Category interior painters

Cost $7,600

Services Performed? Yes

Hire Again? Yes

Work Completed On 02/07/2020

Service Provider Response

Thank you for the review and your incredibly kind words. It is truly appreciated.

3D Rendering, Attic Conversion, Basement Design & Remodeling, Bathroom Design & Remodeling, Demolition, Floor Plans, Flooring Installation, Garage Building, Green Building, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions & Remodeling, Home Theater Design,Kitchen Design & Remodeling, Laundry Room Design, Lighting Design, Project Management, Universal Design, Custom Bathroom Vanities, Custom Kitchen Cabinets, Custom Pantries, Custom Walk-in Closets, Door Installation, Window Installation, Painting

Ask for details

General Information

Free Estimates

Yes

Eco-Friendly Accreditations

Yes

Payment Options

Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

Senior Discount

Warranties

Yes

The ABL Group

Awards and Badges

Business Highlights

Service Categories

Licensing

Hours

Company Contact

Description

Deals

$500 Credit Toward Windows…

$500 Credit Toward Interior Painting…

Verified Reviews

Ratings Distribution

Rating Details

Images

Images

Services Offered

Services Not Offered