SHORE VS. CITY: NICOLE REGAN

NICOLE REGAN knows a beautiful home makes its first impression long before you open the front door. As founders of Perfect Pumpkins, Chicagoland’s first pumpkin concierge service, Regan and her parents, Tom and Cindy Nelson, have transformed seasonal porch styling into one of the North Shore’s most anticipated fall traditions. From design and installation to cleanup, they make it effortless to enjoy a professionally styled autumnal entrance. With a background in creating styled campaigns for national brands and work featured in Martha Stewart Living and Southern Living, Regan brings an elevated design eye to every installation. Orders for fall are now open, but not for long. Before her busiest season begins, Regan took a break from designing showstopping pumpkin displays to share her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road.

What’s on the horizon? I’m ecstatic to be heading into the fourth season of Perfect Pumpkins. We’ve always believed outdoor spaces deserve the same attention as interiors, and this year we have a very exciting collaboration in the works. Stay tuned! Mantra? Do it beautifully, or don’t do it at all Best grooming tip? Hair extensions for thickness Guilty pleasure? Bravo. No shame Favorite foods? A perfectly crisp smash burger or a spicy tuna roll Music you love? Jazz, all day, every day Best advice ever given to you? Stop waiting for the perfect time. The time is now Best advice you’ve given? Invest in the things people see. Your front door, table, and porch set the tone for everything

Earliest memory? A My Little Pony-themed party for my fourth birthday When you wake up, you? Snuggle with my 4-year-old Before bed, you? When I’m disciplined, I’m reading. When I’m not, I’m scrolling TikTok What’s on your bookshelf? Strangers You can’t live without? The four seasons. Each season changes how we dress, gather, and celebrate Love to escape to? Anywhere with a great farmers market and an antique store Advice you would give to your younger self? Go for it. It’s okay to build the plane while you’re flying it. Nobody really knows exactly what they’re doing

ON THE SHORE

Your style is? Prints, color, and pattern Can’t leave the house without? A great pair of sunglasses Transportation? Driving Driving music? Do podcasts count? Place to eat? Towne & Oak and the downstairs pub at Deer Path Inn Shop? I’m loving Third Coast, the new North Shore “elevated basics” brand. They’re having a major moment Best thing about the Shore? The lake-life influence. There’s a relaxed elegance that feels completely unique Worst thing about the Shore? You need a car. I’m occasionally jealous of city walkability The perfect day is? Nothing beats a staycation at Deer Path Inn: breakfast in the Garden Room, a bike ride to the beach on one of their complimentary bikes, shopping in downtown Lake Forest, dinner in the courtyard, and dessert and cocktails in the pub

IN THE CITY

Your style is? A little more editorial, a little more adventurous Can’t leave the house without? Good shoes Transportation? I swear by the L Driving music? Podcasts Place to eat? Adalina Prime—love the tableside martini service Shop? Batik in Lincoln Park Best thing about the City? The energy. The culture. The creativity. The wonderful weirdness. It’s impossible to replicate. Worst thing about the City? Traffic The perfect day is? A walk along the lake, an afternoon at the Art Institute or the Museum of Science and Industry, and dinner somewhere new in the West Loop.