Bright colors, simple geometries and walnut accents: this busy kitchen handles everything from mac and cheese to a chef made multi course dinner with grace!

This new construction home on the North Shore of Chicago was fashioned for a busy young family with three small boys. Scott Dresner of Dresner Design created 15 different layouts before deciding on the final version. He designed a light, bright modern kitchen with plenty of prep and storage. The overall design minimizes the appearance of appliances so that the kitchen looks more like freestanding furniture. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cooking panty, which functions as a stainless steel prep kitchen used primarily for baking. Photo by Jim Tschetter

It is important to be prepared and fully equipped when you begin a new restaurant business. Of course, besides the many rules and regulations given by Chicago that you have to follow, there are many things to consider when it comes to a fully functioning kitchen. This is if you are looking to run a successful restaurant. Likewise, it is also important to have the best commercial kitchen equipment at hand if any unexpected thing happens. So, if you’re about to start your business, you probably aren’t sure of what cooking equipment you should buy. There is an extensive list of equipment you could buy for your restaurant. But some things are basic for any running restaurant. That’s why here is the essential kitchen equipment to start your business.

When you start any kind of business, it is important to be organized and sure about how to run it. So, in the restaurant business case, it involves the same. Any restaurant, hotel, institutional or corporate kitchen needs a neat organization, a place to store things, and specialized equipment. You need to make the space ready for any professional chef to work efficiently. Just imagine, for example, if you start a restaurant in Chicago, so you hire a chef. But once in his workplace, he finds out there are not the necessary appliances to cook. It sets a bad example for your restaurant. Whether you decide on used appliances in Chicago or specific equipment, it needs to be ready for people to work. Here we present to you the four categories of Commercial Kitchen Equipment.

We gave these clients plenty of storage space in their open kitchen by installing a large linen closet with a built-in pantry as well as extra large cabinets. We also wanted to give their home a modern and trendy look, so for a contrast to the bright and airy design, we installed dark stained cabinets. Our clients were extremely happy with the end result as well as our ability to work around their busy schedules. Home located in South Loop, Chicago. Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who also serve the Chicagoland area and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Evanston, Skokie, Humboldt Park, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest.

We gave these clients plenty of storage space in their open kitchen by installing a large linen closet with a built-in pantry as well as extra large cabinets. We also wanted to give their home a modern and trendy look, so for a contrast to the bright and airy design, we installed dark stained cabinets. Our clients were extremely happy with the end result as well as our ability to work around their busy schedules. Home located in South Loop, Chicago. Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who also serve the Chicagoland area and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Evanston, Skokie, Humboldt Park, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest.

Why do contractors love us? We're convenient! Residential and commercial cabinet orders are ready within no more than 3 - 5 business days! If you are looking for Quality, Affordability and Availability , visit Chicago Cabinet Center (CCC) today!

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

A 4500 SF Lakeshore Drive vintage condo gets updated for a busy entrepreneurial family who made their way back to Chicago. Brazilian design meets mid-century, meets midwestern sophistication. Each room features custom millwork and a mix of custom and vintage furniture. Every space has a different feel and purpose creating zones within this whole floor condo. Edgy luxury with lots of layers make the space feel comfortable and collected.

Modern shade sails provide shelter for employees and visitors in this sleek outdoor space. (Photos by RStarovich)
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Enjoy summer nights in a space made specially for you!☀ Our handmade rattan and maple tv stand completes the cozy feel of this sweet space.
Family room - family room idea in Chicago

Modern shade sails provide shelter for employees and visitors in this sleek outdoor space. (Photos by RStarovich)
Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Enhance your space with high-quality custom glass solutions! We specialize in glass manufacturing and professional installation in Chicago, offering shower enclosures, glass doors, windows, partitions, and more. Stop by our warehouse to see our products up close. VISIT US HERE: 712 Thomas Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106. REACH US AT OUR: Website: www.greatglass.org/?utm_source=houzz / Email: info@greatglass.org / Phone: +1 (224) 291-8643

Ask a kitchen designer in Chicago which countertop question comes up most and you will hear the same answer: white or off-white quartz, and which shade. Homeowners walk into showrooms with a photo saved on their phone, usually a bright, veined slab from a magazine spread, and leave an hour later realizing there are a dozen versions of that same look. The confusion is not about taste. It is about the fact that "white quartz" covers a huge range of patterns, undertones, and price points, and nobody explains the differences before the sale. Older bungalows and newer builds alike are getting stripped of their dated laminate and butcher block in favor of quartz, and the reasons are practical rather than trendy. Quartz does not need sealing, resists the kind of staining that granite can suffer over decades, and holds up to the freeze-thaw humidity swings that Chicago basements and kitchens go through every year. Once a homeowner commits to quartz, though, the real decision starts: which white, and does the pattern justify the difference in cost. This piece walks through three specific slabs that keep showing up in Chicago renovation projects, why designers reach for them in different rooms, and what actually separates a flat white surface from one with real depth. None of this requires a design background to follow. It is mostly about paying attention to how a slab behaves under kitchen lighting, how busy the vending gets, and how it photographs versus how it looks in person. Why White Quartz Took Over Chicago Kitchens Ten years ago, granite dominated Chicago kitchen remodels almost by default. It was durable, it looked expensive, and every fabricator in the metro area carried a wide range of colors. Quartz has since taken over that position, and the shift happened faster than most contractors expected. Engineered stone gave homeowners a more predictable surface, since natural granite varies slab to slab while quartz is manufactured to a consistent pattern batch after batch. The other driver is light. Chicago winters are long and gray, and a lot of kitchens, especially in older two-flats and courtyard buildings, do not get much direct sun. A dark granite countertop in a dim kitchen can make the whole room feel smaller. White and light-toned quartz reflects what little natural light comes through the windows, and it makes a galley kitchen or a north-facing space feel noticeably brighter without touching the cabinetry or the layout. There is also a resale argument that local real estate agents bring up constantly. White quartz photographs well for listings, reads as updated and low-maintenance to buyers touring in person, and does not compete visually with whatever cabinet color the next owner might prefer. It is a safer bet than a bold veined marble look or a colored quartz that might feel dated in five years. Arctic White and the Cost Question Among the flatter, more uniform whites, arctic white quartz price comes up constantly in budget conversations because the slab sits at a more approachable point than the heavily veined Italian-marble-inspired patterns. It reads as clean and bright without the busy movement that some homeowners find overwhelming in a small kitchen. Fabricators in the Chicago area tend to keep it in stock precisely because demand stays steady across both new construction and remodel projects. Part of what keeps this slab affordable relative to its heavily patterned cousins comes down to manufacturing complexity. A quartz surface with minimal veining and a consistent white base is simpler to produce at scale than one that mimics the irregular, high-contrast movement of natural Calacatta marble. That production difference shows up directly in what a homeowner pays per square foot, and it is worth asking a fabricator to walk through that pricing before assuming every white quartz costs the same. Homeowners planning a full kitchen, including an island, backsplash, and perimeter counters, often use a flatter white like this specifically because it lets other elements carry the visual interest. A patterned tile backsplash or a bold cabinet color reads more clearly against a calm countertop than against one already fighting for attention with heavy veining. Designers frequently pair simpler whites with statement lighting fixtures for exactly this reason. What Makes Calacatta Patterns Different Calacatta refers to a family of marble originally quarried in Italy, known for a bright white background broken up by bold, often gold-toned veining that moves in thick, dramatic streaks rather than thin gray lines. Natural Calacatta marble is soft, porous, and expensive to maintain, which is exactly why quartz manufacturers spent years developing engineered versions that replicate the look without the upkeep headaches. The challenge with any Calacatta-style quartz is getting the veining to look organic instead of printed. Early generations of engineered stone struggled with repetitive patterns that gave away the fact the slab was manufactured rather than cut from actual marble. Modern digital printing and layering techniques have closed that gap considerably, and the better Calacatta-inspired quartz lines now vary the veining across each slab batch so two counters in the same kitchen do not look identical. Chicago designers gravitate toward Calacatta patterns for kitchens that function as the visual centerpiece of an open floor plan, which describes a large share of the gut renovations happening in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, and the North Shore suburbs. When the kitchen island is visible from the living room and dining area, a dramatic veined surface becomes part of the home's overall design language rather than a purely functional work surface. Calacatta Arno Under Kitchen Lighting One of the more popular options in this category, calacatta arno quartz, balances a warm white base with soft gray and gold veining that avoids looking too stark under the cooler LED lighting common in newer Chicago builds. Homeowners touring showrooms sometimes make the mistake of judging a slab entirely under warm incandescent lighting, then get surprised when the same surface looks slightly different once installed under their kitchen's actual fixtures. What separates this particular pattern from flatter competitors is how the veining clusters rather than spreading evenly across the slab. That clustering mimics the way real quarried marble forms, with denser mineral deposits in some sections and cleaner stretches in others. Fabricators cutting a large island slab from a single piece will often orient the pattern intentionally so the busiest veining lands somewhere visually interesting rather than getting cut off at an edge. Because the background reads warmer than a stark white, this pattern tends to pair well with brass or matte gold hardware, a combination that has been showing up repeatedly in Chicago kitchen remodels over the past few renovation seasons. Cabinet painters report a similar trend, with more clients requesting warm white or greige cabinet colors specifically because they complement this kind of veined quartz better than a cooler, blue-toned white would. Silestone's Version of the Calacatta Look Manufacturers compete directly in this Calacatta-inspired category, and silestone eternal calacatta gold represents one brand's specific take on the pattern, distinguished by richer gold veining set against a brighter white base than some competing slabs in the same family. Silestone has built a reputation around anti-bacterial surface treatments in addition to the standard quartz durability, a detail some homeowners specifically ask about for kitchens used heavily by families with young children. The veining in this particular slab tends to run in longer, more continuous lines compared to the clustered pattern found in some other Calacatta-style options, which gives large island surfaces a sense of visual flow from one end to the other. Fabricators working with bigger islands, the kind increasingly common in open-concept Chicago remodels, often favor patterns like this because there is less need to worry about seams interrupting a busy, disconnected pattern. Price positioning for this slab tends to sit toward the upper end of the engineered quartz category, reflecting both the brand's manufacturing process and the complexity of replicating that continuous gold veining consistently across production batches. Homeowners weighing this option against other Calacatta-style quartz should ask their fabricator directly about batch availability, since premium patterns sometimes have longer lead times than standard stock colors. Living With Quartz Day to Day Beyond how a slab looks in a showroom or a listing photo, the daily experience of owning quartz countertops matters more once the renovation dust settles. Quartz resists scratching far better than laminate and holds up to the acidic spills, hot pans, and general abuse of an active kitchen without the sealing maintenance that natural stone requires every year or two. That low-maintenance reputation is a large part of why quartz overtook granite in the first place. Heat resistance is a detail that gets less attention than it should. While quartz handles moderate heat well, manufacturers generally recommend using a trivet or pad for very hot pots straight off the stove, since sudden temperature shock can occasionally cause stress marks in the resin binder that holds the engineered stone together. This is a minor precaution rather than a major limitation, but it is worth mentioning to anyone assuming quartz is entirely indestructible. Cleaning routines stay simple across almost every pattern in this category. A damp cloth and mild soap handle daily messes, and the nonporous surface means wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces do not soak in the way they can with unsealed granite or marble. Homeowners moving from an older stone counter often mention how much less they worry about everyday spills once quartz is installed, which is a quality-of-life change that rarely makes it into the initial design conversation. Choosing Between the Three There is no single correct answer among these three slabs, and that is exactly why they keep coming up together in the same design conversations across Chicago renovation projects. A flatter white with minimal veining suits kitchens where other elements need to carry the visual interest, while a bolder Calacatta-inspired pattern makes sense when the countertop itself is meant to be the centerpiece of an open floor plan. Budget matters too, and it is worth having a direct conversation with a fabricator about where each option lands before falling in love with a specific slab in a showroom. Lighting, cabinet color, and how the kitchen connects to the rest of the home all play into which pattern will actually look right once installation is finished rather than just in a photo. Whatever direction a homeowner leans, seeing a full slab in person under actual kitchen lighting remains the single most useful step before signing off. Photos only go so far once the countertop is sitting in the room it will live in for years.

Enhance your space with high-quality custom glass solutions! We specialize in glass manufacturing and professional installation in Chicago, offering shower enclosures, glass doors, windows, partitions, and more. Stop by our warehouse to see our products up close. VISIT US HERE: 712 Thomas Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106. REACH US AT OUR: Website: www.greatglass.org/?utm_source=houzz / Email: info@greatglass.org / Phone: +1 (224) 291-8643

We installed solar control window film throughout this Chicago home, significantly reducing heat gain and lowering energy bills. Our energy-saving window film blocks up to 79% of solar heat while maintaining natural light. Perfect for Chicago homes and businesses looking to cut HVAC costs year-round.

When your busy family entertains around food, and your sister happens to be a renown chef, well.... a cramped kitchen, cornered off in the back of the house, just won't do. We opened up the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, allowing the peninsula to spill over with some additional seating and creating a true display kitchen environment - perfect for quick breakfast or long family throw downs. The owner's love for all things Mexican talavera, but tempered with the reality of a Chicago lifestyle, drove the vibrant blue cabinets and tile selections. Careful space planning packed in a plethora of appliances without sacrificing storage or functionality.

Enhance your space with high-quality custom glass solutions! We specialize in glass manufacturing and professional installation in Chicago, offering shower enclosures, glass doors, windows, partitions, and more. Stop by our warehouse to see our products up close. VISIT US HERE: 712 Thomas Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106. REACH US AT OUR: Website: www.greatglass.org/?utm_source=houzz / Email: info@greatglass.org / Phone: +1 (224) 291-8643

Refresh Your Space with the Best Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Chicago! Looking for a Kitchen Cabinet Painting Transformation in Wicker Park? Our premier Chicago painting company just completed this stunning cabinet refinishing project, proving that you don't need a full remodel to achieve a high-end, designer look. As local Chicago painters specializing in professional cabinet painting, we understand the unique aesthetic of Windy City homes—from historic bungalows to modern West Loop condos. Our team focuses on high-durability finishes and meticulous cabinet spraying techniques that deliver a smooth, factory-like appearance. From thorough degreasing and sanding to the final topcoat, every step is handled with the expert care your home deserves. These Wicker Park homeowners are absolutely thrilled with their kitchen's modern new vibe! Kitchen Cabinet Painting: Frequently Asked Questions How long does the professional kitchen cabinet painting process typically take from start to finish? Most residential projects take between five to seven business days. This timeframe includes the removal of doors for off-site spraying, meticulous on-site masking of your kitchen "shell," and the necessary curing time between coats to ensure a rock-hard, durable finish. What type of paint or finish do you use to ensure the cabinets don't chip or peel over time? We utilize industrial-grade Italian coatings or high-end waterborne alkyd enamels specifically formulated for cabinetry. These products are much harder than standard wall paint, providing superior resistance to moisture, kitchen grease, and the daily wear and tear of a busy Chicago household. Do I need to empty all of my kitchen cabinets and drawers before the painters arrive? While you don't necessarily need to empty the backs of the shelves, we require all items to be moved at least six inches back from the front edges. However, for the best dust-free results, we highly recommend emptying them completely to protect your cookware. Can you paint cabinets that are made of laminate, thermofoil, or or dark-stained oak? Yes, we can! The secret lies in the bonding primer. We use specialized high-adhesion primers that "bite" into slick surfaces like laminate or seal the grain of deep oak, ensuring the color stays vibrant and the surface remains perfectly smooth without peeling. How should I clean and maintain my newly painted cabinets to keep them looking fresh for years? To maintain the finish, simply wipe them down with a soft microfiber cloth and a gentle mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive scrubbing pads, or wax-based polishes, as these can break down the protective topcoat over time.