Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Welcome to the Big Sky… where the possibilities are limitless! Enjoy all the best parts about barndominium living in this two-level floor plan with a generously sized shop. If outdoor living and entertaining are your “thing”, this is certainly the floor plan for you! Covered porches flank each side of the home, opening up to a massive covered patio with plenty of room for all your friends and family. Enter the great room through your glass garage door, and prepare for some serious “wow” factor, with a dual-sided fireplace and large kitchen (adjacent to an awesome butler’s pantry!). Further recreational and entertaining options abound with an indoor gym, flex/storage space, and loft-level bar out in the shop. When it’s time to unwind, you can relax in your generous master suite, or, kick back in the loft, overlooking your beautiful barndominium. This plan has many features that can be easily modified to fit your needs, such as the ability to add a third bedroom in the loft, or change up the office space downstairs to add an oversized mudroom. Ask our design team how you can put your own spin on this fantastic layout!

Small Army is an advertising agency that takes pride in its ability to craft very personal stories for their clients. I knew the space itself needed to reflect the DIY spirit of the agency. Together with The MakersCo. I concepted and designed every aspect of this project. Walls were leveled and walls were built. Floor plans, colors, material palettes, custom built furniture, signage, art and decor were all within my scope. In the end every room and every choice was touched by me. Christian Williams

Space for all you need each morning. Store backpacks, coats, shoes, boots, briefcases, and anything else you'll need to get out the door each morning with minimal fuss.

Sunset time accentuating its architecture & landscape, showing how this home will always receive natural light from every aspect of its space.
Design ideas for a large modern three-story and backyard outdoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court in San Francisco with decking.

For this project, we used bold straight lines, accenting the landscape with etched paving, to achieve a modern look which complements this modern home. The 3D rendering, seen below, gives us the ability to pan and orbit around the model, providing useful birds eye and ground level views. 3D rendering is a sophisticated, highly detailed approach to landscape architecture and design. It allows our clients to view their properties anytime from sunrise to sunset which provides the exact look and feel of the property at various times of day.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

The residence on the third level of this live/work space is completely private. The large living room features a brick wall with a long linear fireplace and gray toned furniture with leather accents. The dining room features banquette seating with a custom table with built in leaves to extend the table for dinner parties. The kitchen also has the ability to grow with its custom one of a kind island including a pullout table. An ARDA for indoor living goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Visbeen Architects, Inc. with Vision Interiors by Visbeen From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Concrete has the ability to blend with all kinds of styles. The home has a rustic/contemporary feel and Dancer Concrete Design was able to complete the look with polished natural gray concrete. Many times, clients request a highly reflective, high-shine floor. In this case, we wanted a floor that looked natural and soft so it was finished to a 200-Grit level that is still very strong, but did not have a modern shiny look. While color was not added to the concrete itself, the control joints were filled with a warm stone filler. This polished floor flows throughout the kitchen and into the pantry and dinning area. It compliments the home and creates a unified look.

Small Army is an advertising agency that takes pride in its ability to craft very personal stories for their clients. I knew the space itself needed to reflect the DIY spirit of the agency. Together with The MakersCo. I concepted and designed every aspect of this project. Walls were leveled and walls were built. Floor plans, colors, material palettes, custom built furniture, signage, art and decor were all within my scope. In the end every room and every choice was touched by me. Christian Williams

At our company, we take great pride in our expertise and craftsmanship when it comes to bathroom remodels in Akron. It is always a pleasure for us to work with clients who appreciate the value we bring to the table. With our skills and attention to detail, we have the ability to transform any space from a blank canvas into something truly stunning. From selecting the perfect tiles and fixtures to designing a functional layout, we go above and beyond to create a bathroom that exceeds our client's expectations. It is this level of dedication and passion that sets us apart in the industry and keeps our clients coming back for future projects.

Photo of a large contemporary partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Las Vegas with a fire pit.

The outdoor living area on this traditional split level has it all when it come to low maintenance and a space you can really enjoy. TimberTech Earthwood Teak decking, a custom bronze colored patio cover with solar bronze panels overhead, CRL aluminum picket rails, and custom wood framed spa enclosure with frosted glass panels around. Photo By Doug Woodside, Decks and Patio Covers

Small Army is an advertising agency that takes pride in its ability to craft very personal stories for their clients. I knew the space itself needed to reflect the DIY spirit of the agency. Together with The MakersCo. I concepted and designed every aspect of this project. Walls were leveled and walls were built. Floor plans, colors, material palettes, custom built furniture, signage, art and decor were all within my scope. In the end every room and every choice was touched by me. Christian Williams

At our company, we take great pride in our expertise and craftsmanship when it comes to bathroom remodels in Akron. It is always a pleasure for us to work with clients who appreciate the value we bring to the table. With our skills and attention to detail, we have the ability to transform any space from a blank canvas into something truly stunning. From selecting the perfect tiles and fixtures to designing a functional layout, we go above and beyond to create a bathroom that exceeds our client's expectations. It is this level of dedication and passion that sets us apart in the industry and keeps our clients coming back for future projects.

The Gold Fork is a contemporary mid-century design with clean lines, large windows, and the perfect mix of stone and wood. Taking that design aesthetic to an open floor plan offers great opportunities for functional living spaces, smart storage solutions, and beautifully appointed finishes. Always the heart of the home, the kitchen is sleek in design with a full-service butler pantry complete with a refrigerator and loads of storage space. With a nod to modern lifestyle, the tech room is centrally located to create an exciting mixed-use space for the ability to work and live.

At our company, we take great pride in our expertise and craftsmanship when it comes to bathroom remodels in Akron. It is always a pleasure for us to work with clients who appreciate the value we bring to the table. With our skills and attention to detail, we have the ability to transform any space from a blank canvas into something truly stunning. From selecting the perfect tiles and fixtures to designing a functional layout, we go above and beyond to create a bathroom that exceeds our client's expectations. It is this level of dedication and passion that sets us apart in the industry and keeps our clients coming back for future projects.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in DC Metro

Habitus Cork Mosaic "Penny" Tile featured in a Shower Application for Blesso Properties. Shown in Natural Cork Color. Habitus Cork Mosaic “Penny” Tiles are the forward-looking green finish material! And like all cork products; Cork Mosaic Tile is a renewable resource. It is literally recycled from the wine stopper industry from Spain and Portugal. Chips are selected and fashioned by hand on sheets and installed to walls and floors, including wet areas, using thin-set mortar and tile grout. Similar procedures as for any typical ceramic or other mosaic tile. It can also be stained colors and finished in many ways using products we supply or recommend.