It all about taking stock of what you have (and what you could live without.) With that in mind designing the laundry room was easy. I never fold the clothes in the laundry room; I always dump the clothes on the bed and fold/hung up from there. So having the washer and dryer under the counter with lots of counter space was not necessary, stacked units worked better for space and gave more pantry storage. A laundry sink was a must for bathing the dogs. I wanted a desk and filing system and a place to store craft items, wrapping paper, beach towels, junk drawer (includes a drawer dedicated to batteries) and tall storage (for Christmas boxes). There now is storage for the dog dishes and robot vacuum under the desk (keeping the mess out of my kitchen or bathroom.)

Home Exterior Project - Deerfield IL -- We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts. At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area. Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more. Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.” Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.

The client wanted to update a kitchen originally renovated in the 1970s to better reflect the home’s historical character. The layout presented a few constraints: limited space for cabinetry, fixed window and door placements, and the need to maintain the exterior appearance due to Heritage Hill Historical Society guidelines. Additionally, the homeowners had some original cabinetry they wished to preserve or reuse, which added another layer of complexity. After exploring several layout options, we ultimately arrived at a design that balanced both functionality and historical integrity. Finishes and Flooring: Once the layout was finalized, we moved on to finish selections. The biggest challenge here was the flooring. While the client initially preferred a large-format tile, the age of the home and previous additions had left the floor uneven and unsuitable for such materials. Thankfully, the contractor was able to level the floor, making tile installation possible. Interestingly, the client had originally chosen a different tile, but due to long lead times, she had to make a last-minute change—and in doing so, discovered the stunning flooring you see in the photos. A happy accident that truly elevated the space! It was a pleasure working on this beautiful historic home—and even more so with such wonderful homeowners.

Our clients purchased this 1950 ranch style cottage knowing it needed to be updated. They fell in love with the location, being within walking distance to White Rock Lake. They wanted to redesign the layout of the house to improve the flow and function of the spaces while maintaining a cozy feel. They wanted to explore the idea of opening up the kitchen and possibly even relocating it. A laundry room and mudroom space needed to be added to that space, as well. Both bathrooms needed a complete update and they wanted to enlarge the master bath if possible, to have a double vanity and more efficient storage. With two small boys and one on the way, they ideally wanted to add a 3rd bedroom to the house within the existing footprint but were open to possibly designing an addition, if that wasn’t possible. In the end, we gave them everything they wanted, without having to put an addition on to the home. They absolutely love the openness of their new kitchen and living spaces and we even added a small bar! They have their much-needed laundry room and mudroom off the back patio, so their “drop zone” is out of the way. We were able to add storage and double vanity to the master bathroom by enclosing what used to be a coat closet near the entryway and using that sq. ft. in the bathroom. The functionality of this house has completely changed and has definitely changed the lives of our clients for the better!

When culinary photographer, chef, and media personality Megan and her husband Mark came to us for his- and hers- bathroom remodels, We knew the collaboration would yield incredible results! They had exciting inspirations for their baths and were willing to explore some out-of-box design concepts that made the dual project especially enticing. In the hallway bath, they were hoping to make better use of adjacent space and enlarge the room to create a spa getaway for Megan. Meanwhile, their en suite master bath was outdated and seriously lacking in both style and storage for Mark's taste. They came prepared to our initial consultation with several inspiration photos to work off of for both space planning and material selections. Megan’s inspirations were light, airy, and leaned into some beautiful physical and visual textures. Mark’s inspirations were dark, moody, and included woodworking details and wainscoting reminiscent of a cigar lounge or country club.

This project was to create a “virtual art gallery exhibit” featuring all six. Have any of you noticed that a lot of shops and galleries don’t seem to be open these days ;) - well I thought with the help of some online and my open digital assets I might be able to create at least a part of the experience. (Albeit without the wine and cheese snacks) So here is my virtual exhibit. I painted all the originals on 12 x 12 canvas. The “exhibit” would be what 24 x 24 inch framed prints would appear like together. The quality of the images used to produce the prints is high enough to go up to 36 x 36 with good confidence. Framed those are substantial pieces of artwork in either residential or office settings. In the future I’ll try going bigger and share the quality with you. Also what is showing in this virtual setting would be traditional framing and matting over giclee, acrylic sealed or metal prints. The frames for canvas wrap prints would look much better using the floating frame format - especially if you choose the option for having the artwork image “wrap” over the sides. You can explore the possibilities at the web address below. https://www.wmcreativeart.com/shop-prints The following six images give a little more detail about materials used including special formulas of metallic powder and acrylic media that achieve a unique shimmering effect beyond what can be achieved with acrylic paints alone. For more closeups of the details please have a look at my youtube channel for artwork overviews. shorturl.at/HIM89

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Imagine your soft leather Affinity chaise sectional sofa with 3 seats on the left or on the right of the soon-to-be sought-after chaise. Modern yet casual, Affinity is neat looking with its biscuit tufted backs, and daydream conjuring with its comfortable seating. 125"Wx65"Dx35"H. There's never been a better time to explore Bassett Furniture's entire leather Affinity collection offering a Small and Large L-shaped Sectional Sofa, U-shaped Sectional Sofa, Right Chaise Sectional, Sofa, and Ottoman. Choose Affinity Espresso or Affinity Sand. Wooden legs have a warm Walnut finish.

CertainTeed vinyl siding gave this Dartmouth, MA home loads of curb appeal! This homeowner eliminated the costly maintenance of painting every 5-7 years by choosing CertainTeed’s Restoration Classic vinyl siding in the color, Midnight Blue. Manufactured for both beauty and durability, this siding mimics the wood grain and shadow lines of painted, cedar clapboard siding. The realistic texture lines and fade-resistant colors make this siding an easy choice for homeowners who want to worry less and live more! CertainTeed, a leader in the vinyl siding industry, offers a gorgeous collection of colors that will suit your personal style. Whether you prefer deep colors, like Midnight Blue, or soft shades of gray and taupe – CertainTeed vinyl siding gives homeowners a lifetime of curb appeal. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report, vinyl siding offers a 74.7% return on investment. This means vinyl siding offers one of the highest returns when compared to other home remodeling projects. Thanks to our CertainTeed 5 Star Siding Contractor status, our customers know they are working with a company that is held to the highest industry standards. Since 1978, our family business has provided professional residential and construction services to thousands of Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Rhode Island homeowners. We have over 40 years of success in business and have been an Accredited, A+ Rated Member of the Better Business Bureau for over 25 years. Explore our online portfolio and extensive list of industry credentials and awards to see why many of your town neighbors have chosen Care Free Homes, Inc. as their preferred contractor. We ask for absolutely no money down and have financing options available for qualified homeowners. Get started on your siding, roofing, window, or construction project with a FREE quote! Call (508) 997-1111 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Make your house a Care Free home!