Step into this stunning open-concept home, where earthy tones and nature-inspired elements blend seamlessly. The kitchen boasts the distinguished character of Natural Quarter-Sawn White Oak cabinets, complemented by inviting earthy green painted cabinets. As one of our popular skinny shaker doors, the Reese door style adds a sleek and modern touch to this beautifully designed kitchen. Reese is known for its thin, shallow, minimalistic rails. Abundant natural light pours in, illuminating the spacious alcove cooking area and white walls, creating a bright and airy atmosphere without relying on white painted cabinets. The floating shelves by the window are perfect for showcasing the homeowner’s favorite plants, succulents, or fresh herbs, bringing a touch of authentic greenery to the space. The appliance panels help seamlessly conceal the typically large metal appliances with the warmth of natural quarter-sawn white oak. A dedicated beverage station adjacent to the kitchen provides additional storage and entertaining space for the dining area, with cabinets and a fireplace built-in featuring the “Evergreen Fog” paint color also in the Reese door style. Kitchen design by Cedar Design Build, Minnesota. Architectural Design by Becky Watson of Niche Design. Photography by Chelsie Lopez. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: https://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochures/ Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: https://www.durasupreme.com/find-a-showroom/ Want to become a Dura Supreme Dealer? Go to: https://www.durasupreme.com/become-a-dealer/

Step into this stunning open-concept home, where earthy tones and nature-inspired elements blend seamlessly. The kitchen boasts the distinguished character of Natural Quarter-Sawn White Oak cabinets, complemented by inviting earthy green painted cabinets. As one of our popular skinny shaker doors, the Reese door style adds a sleek and modern touch to this beautifully designed kitchen. Reese is known for its thin, shallow, minimalistic rails. Abundant natural light pours in, illuminating the spacious alcove cooking area and white walls, creating a bright and airy atmosphere without relying on white painted cabinets. The floating shelves by the window are perfect for showcasing the homeowner’s favorite plants, succulents, or fresh herbs, bringing a touch of authentic greenery to the space. The appliance panels help seamlessly conceal the typically large metal appliances with the warmth of natural quarter-sawn white oak. A dedicated beverage station adjacent to the kitchen provides additional storage and entertaining space for the dining area, with cabinets and a fireplace built-in featuring the “Evergreen Fog” paint color also in the Reese door style. Kitchen design by Cedar Design Build, Minnesota. Architectural Design by Becky Watson of Niche Design. Photography by Chelsie Lopez. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: https://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochures/ Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: https://www.durasupreme.com/find-a-showroom/ Want to become a Dura Supreme Dealer? Go to: https://www.durasupreme.com/become-a-dealer/

When a professional office space needs to make a lasting impression on clients and create an inspiring environment for staff, the design details matter just as much as they do at home. This thoughtful commercial interior refresh transformed a dated, purely functional office into a warm, sophisticated, and beautifully layered space — one that feels more like a high-end boutique or luxury residence than a typical workplace. The guiding philosophy throughout was clear: every space, no matter how utilitarian its purpose, deserves intentional design. From the reception corridor to the staff break room, from the client restrooms to the storage corridor, each area received careful attention to finish, color, and texture. Restrooms Reimagined The two client-facing restrooms were the most dramatic transformations in the project. Rather than the builder-grade wallpaper and basic fixtures typically found in commercial spaces, both were treated as true design moments. The first features floor-to-ceiling wallpaper in a rich taupe with a delicate white botanical branch pattern, creating an immersive, jewel-box feel. A white shaker vanity with dark granite countertop grounds the space, while an arched frameless mirror and brushed gold wall sconce add glamour. A tall gold and glass etagere serves as both decorative storage and a sculptural element, styled with woven baskets, greenery, and stacked accessories. Framed landscape watercolor art adds a serene, organic note, and a freestanding brass toilet paper holder elevates a typically overlooked detail. The second restroom takes an entirely different but equally compelling direction — soft, dusty blue-grey grasscloth-style wallpaper printed with a tone-on-tone chevron leaf stripe wraps every wall, creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere. A weathered wood console provides casual charm beneath a large-scale botanical tulip artwork in sage and cream. The wall-mount sink with exposed plumbing adds an intentional, editorial touch. An arched mirror with a sleek multi-bulb bar sconce in brushed nickel completes the look, while a pair of sculptural brass branch wall sculptures mounted directly to the wallpaper serve as unexpected, memorable art. Storage Made Beautiful The internal storage corridor received a full wall of custom floor-to-ceiling white shaker cabinetry with chrome pulls, flanked by open shelving sections for accessible display and storage. Clean, crisp, and highly organized — this space proves that even a purely functional corridor can be architectural and refined. The Break Room & Kitchenette The staff break room was updated with white shaker cabinetry, light speckled granite countertops, stainless appliances — including a French door refrigerator, dishwasher, and over-counter microwave — and warm sage green walls that bring a restful, refreshing energy to the space. Dark hardwood luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the room, warming the look considerably. A round walnut dining table with upholstered chairs creates a proper gathering space for the team, and framed landscape oil art in an ornate gold frame adds a touch of collected character to the room. Reception & Corridor Details The reception and corridor spaces were treated with deep navy blue paint — bold, sophisticated, and unexpected in a commercial setting. A large abstract landscape painting in warm blues, blush, and gold hangs in a gilded frame against the navy wall, making an immediate statement. A brass and lucite table lamp sits on a floating brass-trimmed shelf alongside a sculptural art object, creating a vignette that communicates creativity and intentionality from the moment clients arrive. The result is a professional environment that communicates confidence, taste, and care — one that clients will remember long after their visit, and one that staff will genuinely enjoy working in every day.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

This coastal kitchen was designed with modern simplicity in mind to compliment my clients Baja lifestyle. The goal was to make the kitchen space feel larger for their daily use and entertaining purposes. Therefore, we designed the refrigerator to be positioned in the corner of the L shape custom cabinetry plan. Doing so opened the space up for even better interior access into the fridge as the French doors can now open fully. Within the custom cabinet plan, we specifically added a pair of hidden storage garage cubbies on both sides of the refrigerator compartment which gives my clients the ability to capture additional would-be wasted space perfect for hiding items typically left on the counters such as their toaster, coffee maker, bottles of vitamins, etc.. The duel material island with waterfall edges has even more character by adding a solid alder wood counter surface that marries into the quartz utility area surface. The island also has tons of hidden storage space on the front side hidden behind touch release cabinet doors to store items not used as often. Hanging above the island are a pair of glazed clay planters found locally that were transformed into really interesting light pendants through the assistance of our sister company, iron | clay | wood, for all things custom! Adding a bank of custom floating shelves in the same alder wood as the island also gave continuity and balance to the space perfect for displaying my clients collection of everyday dishes and stemware found in Rosarito.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

KC Architects, led by licensed architect Katarzyna Cimoch, specializes in residential architectural services throughout Chicago. As a Polish architect Chicago firm, we bring unique European design sensibility combined with deep understanding of local building codes and neighborhood character. Our comprehensive services include custom home design, renovations, additions, and space planning. What sets our Polish architect Chicago practice apart is our attention to detail and commitment to creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and values. We handle everything from initial concept through construction supervision, ensuring your vision becomes reality. FAQ: What services do you offer? We provide complete architectural services including design, permitting, and construction oversight. How long does the design process take? Timeline varies by project scope, typically 6-12 weeks for initial design. Do you handle permits? Yes, we manage all permitting and approval processes. What's your design philosophy? We blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, respecting neighborhood context. Do you work on historic homes? Yes, we have extensive experience with historic renovations and additions. What areas do you serve? We serve Chicago and surrounding suburbs. How do you charge for services? Our fees are based on project scope and complexity. Do you provide 3D renderings? Yes, we use advanced visualization tools for all projects. Can you work with my contractor? Absolutely, we collaborate with qualified contractors throughout the process. What makes your firm unique? Our Polish heritage brings European design sensibility to Chicago architecture.

Step into this stunning open-concept home, where earthy tones and nature-inspired elements blend seamlessly. The kitchen boasts the distinguished character of Natural Quarter-Sawn White Oak cabinets, complemented by inviting earthy green painted cabinets. As one of our popular skinny shaker doors, the Reese door style adds a sleek and modern touch to this beautifully designed kitchen. Reese is known for its thin, shallow, minimalistic rails. Abundant natural light pours in, illuminating the spacious alcove cooking area and white walls, creating a bright and airy atmosphere without relying on white painted cabinets. The floating shelves by the window are perfect for showcasing the homeowner’s favorite plants, succulents, or fresh herbs, bringing a touch of authentic greenery to the space. The appliance panels help seamlessly conceal the typically large metal appliances with the warmth of natural quarter-sawn white oak. A dedicated beverage station adjacent to the kitchen provides additional storage and entertaining space for the dining area, with cabinets and a fireplace built-in featuring the “Evergreen Fog” paint color also in the Reese door style. Kitchen design by Cedar Design Build, Minnesota. Architectural Design by Becky Watson of Niche Design. Photography by Chelsie Lopez. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: https://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochures/ Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: https://www.durasupreme.com/find-a-showroom/ Want to become a Dura Supreme Dealer? Go to: https://www.durasupreme.com/become-a-dealer/

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

Step into this stunning open-concept home, where earthy tones and nature-inspired elements blend seamlessly. The kitchen boasts the distinguished character of Natural Quarter-Sawn White Oak cabinets, complemented by inviting earthy green painted cabinets. As one of our popular skinny shaker doors, the Reese door style adds a sleek and modern touch to this beautifully designed kitchen. Reese is known for its thin, shallow, minimalistic rails. Abundant natural light pours in, illuminating the spacious alcove cooking area and white walls, creating a bright and airy atmosphere without relying on white painted cabinets. The floating shelves by the window are perfect for showcasing the homeowner’s favorite plants, succulents, or fresh herbs, bringing a touch of authentic greenery to the space. The appliance panels help seamlessly conceal the typically large metal appliances with the warmth of natural quarter-sawn white oak. A dedicated beverage station adjacent to the kitchen provides additional storage and entertaining space for the dining area, with cabinets and a fireplace built-in featuring the “Evergreen Fog” paint color also in the Reese door style. Kitchen design by Cedar Design Build, Minnesota. Architectural Design by Becky Watson of Niche Design. Photography by Chelsie Lopez. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: https://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochures/ Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: https://www.durasupreme.com/find-a-showroom/ Want to become a Dura Supreme Dealer? Go to: https://www.durasupreme.com/become-a-dealer/

Step into this stunning open-concept home, where earthy tones and nature-inspired elements blend seamlessly. The kitchen boasts the distinguished character of Natural Quarter-Sawn White Oak cabinets, complemented by inviting earthy green painted cabinets. As one of our popular skinny shaker doors, the Reese door style adds a sleek and modern touch to this beautifully designed kitchen. Reese is known for its thin, shallow, minimalistic rails. Abundant natural light pours in, illuminating the spacious alcove cooking area and white walls, creating a bright and airy atmosphere without relying on white painted cabinets. The floating shelves by the window are perfect for showcasing the homeowner’s favorite plants, succulents, or fresh herbs, bringing a touch of authentic greenery to the space. The appliance panels help seamlessly conceal the typically large metal appliances with the warmth of natural quarter-sawn white oak. A dedicated beverage station adjacent to the kitchen provides additional storage and entertaining space for the dining area, with cabinets and a fireplace built-in featuring the “Evergreen Fog” paint color also in the Reese door style. Kitchen design by Cedar Design Build, Minnesota. Architectural Design by Becky Watson of Niche Design. Photography by Chelsie Lopez. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: https://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochures/ Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: https://www.durasupreme.com/find-a-showroom/ Want to become a Dura Supreme Dealer? Go to: https://www.durasupreme.com/become-a-dealer/

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

This coastal kitchen was designed with modern simplicity in mind to compliment my clients Baja lifestyle. The goal was to make the kitchen space feel larger for their daily use and entertaining purposes. Therefore, we designed the refrigerator to be positioned in the corner of the L shape custom cabinetry plan. Doing so opened the space up for even better interior access into the fridge as the French doors can now open fully. Within the custom cabinet plan, we specifically added a pair of hidden storage garage cubbies on both sides of the refrigerator compartment which gives my clients the ability to capture additional would-be wasted space perfect for hiding items typically left on the counters such as their toaster, coffee maker, bottles of vitamins, etc.. The duel material island with waterfall edges has even more character by adding a solid alder wood counter surface that marries into the quartz utility area surface. The island also has tons of hidden storage space on the front side hidden behind touch release cabinet doors to store items not used as often. Hanging above the island are a pair of glazed clay planters found locally that were transformed into really interesting light pendants through the assistance of our sister company, iron | clay | wood, for all things custom! Adding a bank of custom floating shelves in the same alder wood as the island also gave continuity and balance to the space perfect for displaying my clients collection of everyday dishes and stemware found in Rosarito.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

A bento box is more than just a lunch container—it’s a reflection of Japanese culture, mindful eating, and balanced nutrition. Traditionally used in Japan, bento boxes have gained global popularity due to their practicality, aesthetic appeal, and ability to promote healthy eating habits. What Is a Bento Box? A bento box is a single-portion packed meal, neatly arranged in a compartmentalized container. The word “bento” originates from the Chinese term meaning convenient, which perfectly describes its purpose. A typical bento includes rice or noodles, protein like fish, meat, or tofu, and a variety of vegetables or side dishes, all placed in separate sections to maintain flavor and presentation. Cultural Significance of Bento Boxes In Japan, bento boxes represent care, effort, and balance. Parents often prepare bento meals for their children as a symbol of love, while office workers rely on them for nutritious meals during busy days. Special versions like ekiben (railway station bento) and character bento (decorated meals shaped like animals or cartoons) highlight the creativity and cultural importance of bento-making. Health Benefits of Using a Bento Box One of the biggest advantages of a bento box is its role in portion control and balanced nutrition. Since the box has fixed compartments, it encourages variety without overeating. A well-prepared bento typically follows the principle of: 40–50% carbohydrates 30–40% vegetables 20–30% protein This balance helps maintain energy levels, supports digestion, and reduces the reliance on unhealthy fast food. Modern Bento Boxes and Their Uses Today’s bento boxes are designed to suit modern lifestyles. They are available in microwave-safe, leak-proof, and eco-friendly materials such as stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and bamboo fiber. Many come with insulated layers, sauce containers, and cutlery, making them ideal for: Office lunches School meals Travel and picnics Fitness and meal-prep routines With the rise of sustainable living, reusable bento boxes also help reduce single-use plastic waste. Bento Boxes in Everyday Life Bento boxes are no longer limited to Japanese cuisine. People worldwide use them to pack Indian, Western, vegan, or keto meals. From chapati and sabzi to pasta and salads, bento boxes adapt easily to different food preferences while keeping meals fresh and organized. Why Bento Boxes Are So Popular Today The popularity of bento boxes is driven by busy schedules, health awareness, and social media trends. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest showcase beautifully arranged bento meals, inspiring people to eat better and enjoy the process of food preparation. They combine functionality, aesthetics, and mindfulness, making meals more enjoyable. Conclusion A bento box is a smart and stylish way to enjoy homemade meals while staying healthy and organized. Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, save money, or reduce environmental impact, a bento box offers a simple yet effective solution. With its deep cultural roots and modern versatility, the bento box continues to be a timeless companion for everyday meals.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.