This stunning 8,600 sf single-family home gracefully blends contemporary aesthetic with historic architecture. Situated on a tight, urban lot in the bustling Wicker Park neighborhood, the project presented unique challenges associated with constructing a new structure while preserving and renovating the circa 1880’s coach house. Several notable elements: the use of 3 different window systems (including Chicago’s first installation of the “Thermal Evolution Technology” Hopes Windows), a structurally glazed 3-sided glass link seamlessly connecting the new home to the historical coach house, an exterior zinc metal panel system on the rear façade, polished terrazzo flooring, Carlisle Optimistic Stone wide plank flooring on the 2nd floor, and radiant floor heat throughout. Architect/Designer: Wheeler Kearns Architects Photography: Hedrich Blessing

This elegant U-shaped staircase rises in a home blessed with mountain views and abundant natural light. Positioned to the right of the front door and adjacent to the panoramic open living space, the staircase features thick natural wood treads and a post-to-post handrail that complement the home's beautiful woodwork throughout. White-painted newels and risers keep the design feeling fresh and bright. A two-floor overlook balcony with matching white railing extends above, creating visual connection between levels while framing views of the surrounding mountains. The result is a staircase that feels both simple and refined, letting the home's natural setting and architectural details take center stage. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Large kitchens are such a blessing for many. This particular client already had the space, but needed an update on the materials and style. Stainless stell appliances adorn each side of the kitchen, while a large rectangular island houses the sink. Rich and beautiful stained cabinets accent on the versailles pattern travertine floor. A few upper cabinets allow for decorative displays with glass front doors. Bronze cabinet pulls, plumbing fittings, and light fixture enhance the traditional style of the kitchen.

Designed and built in conjunction with Freemont #2, this home pays homage to surrounding architecture, including that of St. James Lutheran Church. The home is comprised of stately, well-proportioned rooms; significant architectural detailing; appropriate spaces for today's active family; and sophisticated wiring to service any HD video, audio, lighting, HVAC and / or security needs. The focal point of the first floor is the sweeping curved staircase, ascending through all three floors of the home and topped with skylights. Surrounding this staircase on the main floor are the formal living and dining rooms, as well as the beautifully-detailed Butler's Pantry. A gourmet kitchen and great room, designed to receive considerable eastern light, is at the rear of the house, connected to the lower level family room by a rear staircase. Four bedrooms (two en-suite) make up the second floor, with a fifth bedroom on the third floor and a sixth bedroom in the lower level. A third floor recreation room is at the top of the staircase, adjacent to the 400SF roof deck. A connected, heated garage is accessible from the rear staircase of the home, as well as the rear yard and garage roof deck. This home went under contract after being on the MLS for one day. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

This elegant U-shaped staircase rises in a home blessed with mountain views and abundant natural light. Positioned to the right of the front door and adjacent to the panoramic open living space, the staircase features thick natural wood treads and a post-to-post handrail that complement the home's beautiful woodwork throughout. White-painted newels and risers keep the design feeling fresh and bright. A two-floor overlook balcony with matching white railing extends above, creating visual connection between levels while framing views of the surrounding mountains. The result is a staircase that feels both simple and refined, letting the home's natural setting and architectural details take center stage. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This elegant U-shaped staircase rises in a home blessed with mountain views and abundant natural light. Positioned to the right of the front door and adjacent to the panoramic open living space, the staircase features thick natural wood treads and a post-to-post handrail that complement the home's beautiful woodwork throughout. White-painted newels and risers keep the design feeling fresh and bright. A two-floor overlook balcony with matching white railing extends above, creating visual connection between levels while framing views of the surrounding mountains. The result is a staircase that feels both simple and refined, letting the home's natural setting and architectural details take center stage. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Fleetwood Aluminum Sliding Doors, Fixed and Awning Windows Steve Hall - Hedrich Blessing
Trendy patio photo in Chicago

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

This elegant U-shaped staircase rises in a home blessed with mountain views and abundant natural light. Positioned to the right of the front door and adjacent to the panoramic open living space, the staircase features thick natural wood treads and a post-to-post handrail that complement the home's beautiful woodwork throughout. White-painted newels and risers keep the design feeling fresh and bright. A two-floor overlook balcony with matching white railing extends above, creating visual connection between levels while framing views of the surrounding mountains. The result is a staircase that feels both simple and refined, letting the home's natural setting and architectural details take center stage. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Interior design by Roseanne Guaglianone Photography by Gina Taro
Inspiration for a transitional entryway remodel in Other

California's sunshine is a blessing, but sometimes it can feel like too much of a good thing. R-SHADE™ premium custom insulated pergolas offer a stylish and functional solution. These durable aluminum patio covers provide the perfect balance of shade and open-air living, allowing you to enjoy your backyard all year round.

I used 'feather' jewelry as embellishments... {click the links above to view available items for sale!}
Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Miami

This elegant U-shaped staircase rises in a home blessed with mountain views and abundant natural light. Positioned to the right of the front door and adjacent to the panoramic open living space, the staircase features thick natural wood treads and a post-to-post handrail that complement the home's beautiful woodwork throughout. White-painted newels and risers keep the design feeling fresh and bright. A two-floor overlook balcony with matching white railing extends above, creating visual connection between levels while framing views of the surrounding mountains. The result is a staircase that feels both simple and refined, letting the home's natural setting and architectural details take center stage. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Creating spaces that make connections between the indoors and out, while making the most of the panoramic lake views and lush landscape that surround were two key goals of this seasonal home’s design. Central entrance into the residence brings you to an open dining and lounge space, with natural light flooding in through rooftop skylights. Soaring ceilings and subdued color palettes give the adjacent kitchen and living room an airy and expansive feeling, while the large, sliding glass doors and picture windows bring the warmth of the outdoors in. The family room, located in one of the two zinc-clad connector spaces, offers a more intimate lounge area and leads into the master suite wing, complete with vaulted ceilings and sleek lines. Three additional guest suites can be found in the opposite wing of the home, providing ideally separate living spaces for a multi-generational family. Photographer: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing Architect: Booth Hansen

Void of color yet rich with contrast, this single-family home in downtown Chicago is distinguished by stately architectural enhancements that frame a lifetime’s collection of important furnishings and art. Photos by Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing.

You've seen the world, tasted its finest flavors, beheld its proudest splendors. Wanderlust romanced and beauty stayed you. EXPERIENCE THE INTERACTIVE FILM. An Iconic, World-Class Destination Neighbor to the Ritz Carlton and newly built Montage, you're at home with a standard of living consistent with the world's finest resorts. Whether in its days as a private retreat for A-list celebrities or as a home to its discerning designer, Hale Ali'i has always been a generous host. Within the Kapalua resort, your complimentary shuttle drives you and your guests to local restaurants, shops, beaches, and hiking trails. Five-star restaurants, shopping, and world-famous spas call this resort community home. One of America's best surf spots is minutes north while "America's best beach" (Conde Nast Traveler) is a short walk south. The quiet, white sand beach of Oneloa Bay is a single step from your backyard just past the plumeria tree. Inspired Hawaiian Living Tastefully decorated and furnished by world-renowned designer Mary Philpotts, this Hawaiian plantation revival residence accommodates a wide range of tastes – from traditional formal to contemporary casual. Home to a wide range of the world's most coveted woods, luxury finishes, and modern conveniences, the structure is built to exacting standards. From African Sapele Mahogany cabinetry to a myriad of floor-to-ceiling pocket sliding walls, no expense was spared in crafting the finest estate on Maui's coast. Designed according to the timeless principles of feng shui, Hale Ali'i invites nature in, protects on all sides, and honors the elements. Appraised by feng shui expert Kanoe Merino and blessed by Hawaiian native and cultural advisor to the Ritz Carlton, Clifford Nae'ole, this iconic Maui estate brings life, energy, and peace to those who call it home. For Life Abundant In concert with whitewater ocean views, warm fragrant breezes, and the rolling of the Pacific, Hale Ali'i harmonizes luxurious features with a genuine spirit. It's a comfortable place, yet never taken for granted. Each feature, flower, and fauna inspires a spirit of hospitality. Investments in modern conveniences, stately finishes, and ethereal design inspire the life within. An abundant life amongst the world's most magnificent landscape. Designed according to the timeless principles of feng shui, Hale Ali'i invites nature in, protects on all sides, and honors the elements. E Komo Mai, traveler. It's been worth the wait.

Tailored material palette manifests the residents' love for black and white; And inspired by materiality of a courtyard in an exotic retreat, the new design is an exemplary interplay of monochromatic and contrasting texture, with tints of greens and light brass. Shades vary from ceramic tiles, stones, timber-veins, to hand-crafted plastering, silk-like upholstery, further adorned by soft rugs and fabrics in wool, and vivacious greenery. Hard and soft textures blend in, and the repertoire is jazzed up by the family's collections, featuring a petrified wood sculpture, and a porcelain vase, which shimmer with a sense of history as well as a Chinese blessing. Photo by: HIR Studio