Search results for "Choices" in Home Design Ideas

Inspiration for a huge transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances and two islands
Find the right local pro for your project

Photos by William Quarles.
Designed by Tammy Connor Interior Design.
Built by Robert Paige Cabinetry
Kids' room - large coastal girl dark wood floor and brown floor kids' room idea in Charleston with blue walls
Kids' room - large coastal girl dark wood floor and brown floor kids' room idea in Charleston with blue walls

The Home Aesthetic
Inspiration for a large country master bathroom remodel in Indianapolis
Inspiration for a large country master bathroom remodel in Indianapolis

Example of a mid-sized transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in Other with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage.
For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized.
Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed.
“Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said.
The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family.
“We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said.
The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience.
“I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison.
One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said.
The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said.
The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new.
The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime.
“They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added.
“Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said.
The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves.
“I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.”
Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home.
Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way.
“I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said.
A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby.
“I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said.
Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said.
“The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said.
“I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

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First runner-up in Timber Home Living Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards: Best Kitchen
Example of a mountain style kitchen design in New York
Example of a mountain style kitchen design in New York

Kitchen trends may come and go, but some classic choices are forever. Take antique white kitchen cabinets for instance.
White kitchen cabinets have ruled the mainstream decor for several years, and continue to do so. They not only blend seamlessly with just about any kitchen space but dramatically uplifts the ambiance with the furniture and accessories.
Antique white kitchen cabinets represent a restricted yet unique color palette. In other words, it can be considered a neutral binding color point for all the other elements like countertops, floorings, and fixtures. Besides, it serves as a great backdrop for any shades that one might pick for a semi-classic or completely modern kitchen.
Contrary to what many would like to believe, antique white kitchen cabinets are never boring, especially, if you know your way of working around it. In fact, quite the reverse, as white shaker cabinets make for a perfect pair to inclusions like marble countertops and interlocked wooden tiles.
No matter what, white kitchen cabinets bring forth the very best of depth and dimension in equal measure. If you have been planning to design your culinary space with antique white kitchen cabinets, this guide can be your first cue.
Here’s a look at 10 master tips to design a kitchen using white cabinets.
Embracing the Rustic Charm
Do you fancy a rustic styled kitchen space?
White kitchen cabinets can be paired alongside open shelves that are a picturesque setting, reminiscent of the French flea market. To add essence to the scene, opt for brick flooring connecting the space to an adjoining terrace looking over a sea or any water body.
The Eternal Black Accent
Many homeowners envision a cozy kitchen space to unwind themselves, cooking their favorite meal.
Antique white kitchen cabinets when matched with black accents readily impart a warm and inviting aura to the whole space. To spice up things, you might introduce a steel countertop and nickel made cookware.
The Old-World Bliss
Antique white cabinets are easily differentiated from others in the row owing to its classical trims and muted scrolls. When looking to create an old-world kitchen, white cabinets work fine with brass detailing on doorknobs and cabinet handles. Upholstered stools for counters, deviated barrage drawers, heavy kitchen sinks, mosaic tiles, and grey backsplashes can be other inclusions.
The Scullery Styled Kitchen
Antique white kitchen cabinets are rather an accessory of convenience for a culinary space, that also doubles up as a scullery.
Typically, such a structure is often deprived of broad daylight. Thus, it becomes more important to get the lighting done right. Start with overhead lamps or use LED light strips right under the cabinet or across the shelves overhead. With antique white kitchen cabinets, the setting of a scullery is per-designed to excel by all means. You might as well choose to include brass details, paired alongside the soapstone counters, further complemented by suspended shelves.
For the Country Hearted
Birdcage chairs placed around a pine casted table, with pendant lamps hanging above does throw in some serious country vibes. Tell you what, antique white kitchen cabinets
are seemingly the first choice for any country-inspired kitchen space. Add a few open shelves and a pair of garlands for the kitchen windows, and you are good to go!
Character Building
When it comes to designing a living space, character-building contrasts are a good way to add uncanny charm and appeal.
White shaker cabinets are a perfect choice to create a lovely nautical atmosphere paired with the right set of elements; furniture and fixtures.
Start by pairing your white cabinets with a simple toned down hemlock kitchen island. To add a dash of an urban feel, introduce counter stools in lilac.
If your budget prevails, you might as well take your designing game up a notch with a banquette type seating arrangement, using a combination of leather and acrylic fabric.
Picking Your Granite
Picking on the granite style for your antique white kitchen cabinets
can be a tad tricky.
Always aim to work with granite and glaze that are of the same color. Look for variation across granite offerings to add a little bit of jazz to your otherwise worldly setting.
While buying from the store, always ask for a sample to take back home and view it under varying light conditions.
Of Balance and Symmetry
If you have a U-shaped kitchen, it is necessary to pay close attention to details.
To avoid a mismatch, you will need to keep it toned down to one theme which would have the antique white cabinets in between and trickle-down further to the stovetops, plate trails, and open shelves.
Tile Floorings in Muted Colors
When designing a kitchen space with white cabinets, glass displays are usually a preferred choice. For such a setting, it is recommended that you stick to using flooring tiles in light colors. Beige and light grey are quite a popular choice.
Dine-in Style
Antique white kitchen cabinets can be used to bring the very best out of a dine-in style kitchen. Start by pairing the cabinets with a refectory table, preferably one that mimics the 19th-century furniture style.
Throw in a couple of bamboo-casted chairs with plank floorings to render an easy-going, modern, and functional vibe.
Wrap up
Hands down, antique white kitchen cabinets are the perfect pick for just about any style kitchen. Now that you have great insight into designing your culinary space, it's time to put things into action!
White kitchen cabinets have ruled the mainstream decor for several years, and continue to do so. They not only blend seamlessly with just about any kitchen space but dramatically uplifts the ambiance with the furniture and accessories.
Antique white kitchen cabinets represent a restricted yet unique color palette. In other words, it can be considered a neutral binding color point for all the other elements like countertops, floorings, and fixtures. Besides, it serves as a great backdrop for any shades that one might pick for a semi-classic or completely modern kitchen.
Contrary to what many would like to believe, antique white kitchen cabinets are never boring, especially, if you know your way of working around it. In fact, quite the reverse, as white shaker cabinets make for a perfect pair to inclusions like marble countertops and interlocked wooden tiles.
No matter what, white kitchen cabinets bring forth the very best of depth and dimension in equal measure. If you have been planning to design your culinary space with antique white kitchen cabinets, this guide can be your first cue.
Here’s a look at 10 master tips to design a kitchen using white cabinets.
Embracing the Rustic Charm
Do you fancy a rustic styled kitchen space?
White kitchen cabinets can be paired alongside open shelves that are a picturesque setting, reminiscent of the French flea market. To add essence to the scene, opt for brick flooring connecting the space to an adjoining terrace looking over a sea or any water body.
The Eternal Black Accent
Many homeowners envision a cozy kitchen space to unwind themselves, cooking their favorite meal.
Antique white kitchen cabinets when matched with black accents readily impart a warm and inviting aura to the whole space. To spice up things, you might introduce a steel countertop and nickel made cookware.
The Old-World Bliss
Antique white cabinets are easily differentiated from others in the row owing to its classical trims and muted scrolls. When looking to create an old-world kitchen, white cabinets work fine with brass detailing on doorknobs and cabinet handles. Upholstered stools for counters, deviated barrage drawers, heavy kitchen sinks, mosaic tiles, and grey backsplashes can be other inclusions.
The Scullery Styled Kitchen
Antique white kitchen cabinets are rather an accessory of convenience for a culinary space, that also doubles up as a scullery.
Typically, such a structure is often deprived of broad daylight. Thus, it becomes more important to get the lighting done right. Start with overhead lamps or use LED light strips right under the cabinet or across the shelves overhead. With antique white kitchen cabinets, the setting of a scullery is per-designed to excel by all means. You might as well choose to include brass details, paired alongside the soapstone counters, further complemented by suspended shelves.
For the Country Hearted
Birdcage chairs placed around a pine casted table, with pendant lamps hanging above does throw in some serious country vibes. Tell you what, antique white kitchen cabinets
are seemingly the first choice for any country-inspired kitchen space. Add a few open shelves and a pair of garlands for the kitchen windows, and you are good to go!
Character Building
When it comes to designing a living space, character-building contrasts are a good way to add uncanny charm and appeal.
White shaker cabinets are a perfect choice to create a lovely nautical atmosphere paired with the right set of elements; furniture and fixtures.
Start by pairing your white cabinets with a simple toned down hemlock kitchen island. To add a dash of an urban feel, introduce counter stools in lilac.
If your budget prevails, you might as well take your designing game up a notch with a banquette type seating arrangement, using a combination of leather and acrylic fabric.
Picking Your Granite
Picking on the granite style for your antique white kitchen cabinets
can be a tad tricky.
Always aim to work with granite and glaze that are of the same color. Look for variation across granite offerings to add a little bit of jazz to your otherwise worldly setting.
While buying from the store, always ask for a sample to take back home and view it under varying light conditions.
Of Balance and Symmetry
If you have a U-shaped kitchen, it is necessary to pay close attention to details.
To avoid a mismatch, you will need to keep it toned down to one theme which would have the antique white cabinets in between and trickle-down further to the stovetops, plate trails, and open shelves.
Tile Floorings in Muted Colors
When designing a kitchen space with white cabinets, glass displays are usually a preferred choice. For such a setting, it is recommended that you stick to using flooring tiles in light colors. Beige and light grey are quite a popular choice.
Dine-in Style
Antique white kitchen cabinets can be used to bring the very best out of a dine-in style kitchen. Start by pairing the cabinets with a refectory table, preferably one that mimics the 19th-century furniture style.
Throw in a couple of bamboo-casted chairs with plank floorings to render an easy-going, modern, and functional vibe.
Wrap up
Hands down, antique white kitchen cabinets are the perfect pick for just about any style kitchen. Now that you have great insight into designing your culinary space, it's time to put things into action!

Urban Colony by Robert Wylie, Showroom 1030 found in the LA Mart Design Center Showroom. For more information please contact Robert Wylie at robert@urbancolony.com.
urbancolony.com

The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, is a space where functionality and aesthetics coalesce. Among the myriad choices homeowners face when designing or renovating their kitchens, selecting a suitable kitchen splashback is crucial. In recent years, glass splashbacks have emerged as a versatile and universally appealing option. This article delves into the reasons why a glass kitchen splashback is suitable for everyone, blending seamlessly with diverse preferences, lifestyles, and design aesthetics.
Versatility in Design
One of the key factors that make glass kitchen splashbacks universally suitable is their versatility in design. Glass offers a neutral and timeless aesthetic, effortlessly complementing various interior styles, from modern and minimalist to classic and eclectic. Whether your kitchen embodies a sleek, contemporary vibe or a rustic, traditional charm, a glass splashback seamlessly integrates into the design landscape.
Furthermore, the transparency of glass allows it to adapt to any colour scheme or pattern in the surrounding space. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant hues or a more subdued palette, a glass splashback can be customised to match your preferences, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking design flexibility.
Enhanced Perception of Space
Glass has a unique ability to create an illusion of space and openness in a room. This quality is particularly beneficial for smaller kitchens or those with limited natural light. A glass kitchen splashback reflects sunlight, making the space brighter and more expansive. By enhancing the perception of the room, glass splashbacks contribute to an overall sense of airiness and openness, creating an inviting atmosphere that suits various home sizes and layouts.
Easy Maintenance and Hygiene
Practicality is a paramount consideration in kitchen design, and glass splashbacks excel in ease of maintenance and hygiene. Unlike porous materials such as tiles or grout, glass provides a smooth, non-absorbent surface that is easy to clean and maintain. Spills and splatters can be effortlessly wiped away with a damp cloth, ensuring a hygienic and sanitary kitchen environment.
The non-porous nature of glass also prevents mould and bacteria growth, making it a suitable choice for families with young children or individuals with allergies. The low-maintenance aspect of glass makes it a universally appealing option for those who value a clean and sanitary kitchen without the hassle of extensive upkeep.
Durability and Longevity
Glass kitchen splashbacks are known for their durability and longevity. The tempered glass commonly used in splashbacks is heat-resistant, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen without compromising its integrity. This durability makes glass splashbacks suitable for households with avid home cooks who frequently use high-temperature cooking techniques.
Moreover, the longevity of glass ensures that it remains a sustainable and cost-effective choice over the long term. Unlike some materials that may wear out or become dated, a well-maintained glass splashback retains its aesthetic appeal and functionality for years, making it an investment that stands the test of time.
Customisation Options
Personalisation is a crucial aspect of home design, and glass kitchen splashbacks offer various customisation options. From selecting the colour and pattern to incorporating personalised designs or digitally printed images, homeowners can tailor their glass splashbacks to reflect their style and preferences.
The ability to customise glass splashbacks makes them suitable for everyone, allowing individuals to express their creativity and personality in the heart of their homes. Whether you opt for a bold, statement-making design or a subtle, elegant finish, the customisation options inherent in glass splashbacks ensure a perfect fit for diverse tastes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the universality of glass kitchen splashbacks lies in their ability to seamlessly integrate into various design styles, enhance the perception of space, offer easy maintenance and hygiene, exhibit durability, and provide many customisation options. As a versatile and timeless choice, glass splashbacks cater to homeowners' preferences and practical needs across different demographics.
Whether you reside in a compact urban apartment or a spacious suburban home, whether your aesthetic leans towards modern minimalism or classic elegance, a glass kitchen splashback is a fitting and universal solution. Its adaptability to different lifestyles and design preferences positions it as a versatile and enduring element in the ever-evolving kitchen design landscape.

Starbuck International Showroom 1239 found in the LA Mart Design Center. For more information please contact Carol Jean Clark at duendeln@yahoo.com
Inspiration for a timeless bedroom remodel in Los Angeles
Inspiration for a timeless bedroom remodel in Los Angeles

MacQueen Home Showroom 140 found in the LA Mart Design Center. For more information please contact Sheena Evans at sheena@macqueenhome.com
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Los Angeles
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Los Angeles

Bright orange flowers cover this native 'California Fuchsia' for a month in late summer.
This is an example of a mid-century modern full sun landscaping in Portland for fall.
This is an example of a mid-century modern full sun landscaping in Portland for fall.

The Versatility Of Oak Furniture
A home is made, among other things with beautiful furniture as well. So it does make a lot of sense to look for oak furniture because it offers many advantages such as:
• Versatility.
• Durability.
• Design choices.
• Convenience of buying it online too.
When it comes to buying oak furniture for your home, office, commercial establishment and for almost any other area, the best thing you can do is turn to the internet and pick up oak furniture online.
Look for range
It would be a good idea for you to look for retailers who offer a wide range of choices. These choices should encompass:
• Products for various kinds of rooms.
• Different size options in each product category.
• Detailed images and descriptions for products.
• Design choices that allow you to choose from contemporary, modern, classic lines.
What can you buy?
When looking for oak furniture online, you can pick up virtually any product your heart desires or your lifestyle needs. Some of the choices are:
• Bookcases.
• Desks.
• Dining tables and chairs.
• Bedside cabinets.
• Sideboards.
• Display cabinets.
• Console tables and so on.
Get into the details
Online shopping sites will give you quite a large number of details pertaining to products and it is a good idea to peruse these details. You can check out the prices of the products and the size specifications. You can also find out if there are products available on a sale so you can enjoy even lower prices on the products you love. Delivery times and images are also something that will be interesting and useful information.
Get an idea
It would be very useful for you to do a bit of homework even before you go shopping for oak furniture online. This homework should primarily involve getting the sizes of the spaces you want to fill. This is especially important for large pieces of furniture such as display cabinets and book shelves. This will allow you to surf the many options that are available online before settling on the right one for you space and budget.
Undeniably, buying furniture online has become easy and convenient. All you have to do is look at a website that offers good quality oak furniture and place your orders. The products will reach your doorstep in the specified time and you simply have to ask the delivery men to install the furniture in the location that you have earmarked for it.
Online Furniture World, one of the leading online retailers who pride ourselves on supplying quality furniture together with a quality customer service for the domestic market.

Dedicated laundry room - small transitional single-wall dedicated laundry room idea in Other with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, laminate countertops and a side-by-side washer/dryer

The Home Aesthetic
Large country master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and multicolored floor bathroom photo in Indianapolis with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door
Large country master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and multicolored floor bathroom photo in Indianapolis with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of a mid-sized eclectic medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and white appliances
Example of a mid-sized eclectic medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and white appliances

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage.
For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized.
Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed.
“Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said.
The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family.
“We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said.
The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience.
“I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison.
One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said.
The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said.
The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new.
The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime.
“They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added.
“Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said.
The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves.
“I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.”
Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home.
Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way.
“I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said.
A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby.
“I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said.
Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said.
“The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said.
“I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”
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