Renovation is stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to let someone else oversee product selections, manage day-to-day issues, and bring your project to a successful completion? The owners of a two-family in Arlington recently did just that, flying off to Florida just as we began renovating their first floor unit. Of course, before they left we thoroughly discussed all aspects of the work order, which included renovating the kitchen and bathroom, painting the bedroom, and adding a laundry closet. We reviewed color and material selections, and set up a schedule for regular briefings. A handful of issues did come up. But because we had planned ahead, we were able to resolve them with very little stress for our clients. For instance, the client had chosen a bright yellow paint color for the kitchen walls, but once the new cabinets, countertop, and flooring had been installed, it was clear that yellow would clash. We suggested a more complementary Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash shade instead. In the bathroom, the clients had selected a deep inset mirrored medicine cabinet. But when the wall behind the vanity was opened, it revealed a pipe running up the wall, too close for the inset model. In this small space, a bump-out medicine cabinet would be awkward, so instead we placed a mirror over the sink and two smaller inset cabinets on either side – a solution that pleased the homeowners, who now have his-and-hers storage spaces. Finally, the homeowners had resigned themselves to the fact that the laundry closet would be too small for storing detergent and other needs. However once the units were in place, we realized that a small custom shelf could be built and had it installed to the delight of the homeowners. Photo by Shelly Harrison

Designer: Jill Dybdahl, Photographer: Inda Reid Forgeng
Example of a classic enclosed kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Transitional kitchen photo in San Diego with a double-bowl sink, light wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Woods in warm, rich medium brown tones were used to great success in this kitchen remodel in Germantown, Wisconsin. Christi Rebro, a designer on staff with Callen Construction, specified StarMark Cabinetry's Redcliff door style in Cherry finished in a popular mid-tone brown cabinet color called Toffee with Chocolate glaze. Instead of clashing, the brown cabinets and brown hardwood floors unite and complete this traditional style kitchen. The Redcliff door style has two features that make it a rich choice for traditional styling: beading around the center panel, and a center panel that is raised. Job well done by Christi! Callen Construction is a StarMark Cabinetry dealer in Muskego, Wisconsin.

View of remodeled sunroom with new direct vent gas fireplace, built-in seating and screened-in porch addition
Example of a mid-sized ornate light wood floor sunroom design in Detroit with a standard fireplace and a standard ceiling

Luxury backyard design for a residence. The expansive design included amenities such as an outdoor patio space with a barbecue counter, swimming pool and spa, and gazebo and pond. The design combines both traditional and contemporary aspects next to each other without clashing. The owners are able to immediately view the contemporary outdoor space with the barbecue, swimming pool, and spa. The traditional Chinese garden design is cleverly hidden in the corner with a gazebo surrounded by a natural pond and lush plants.

The original kitchen layout had the range located in the peninsula with a hood overhead. The previous wall cabinet units were 30"H and suspended from large soffits around the perimeter of the kitchen. The decision was made to increase cabinet storage, functionality, and just upgrade and bring current materials without clashing with the existing style of home. In doing so we removed and replaced smaller soffits over the cabinetry. As an additional feature we incorporated 4" recessed can lights into the soffits accenting the cabinetry and countertops without having the clutter of standard ceiling units.

Luxury backyard design for a residence. The expansive design included amenities such as an outdoor patio space with a barbecue counter, swimming pool and spa, and gazebo and pond. The design combines both traditional and contemporary aspects next to each other without clashing. The owners are able to immediately view the contemporary outdoor space with the barbecue, swimming pool, and spa. The traditional Chinese garden design is cleverly hidden in the corner with a gazebo surrounded by a natural pond and lush plants.

Photos by Valerie Wilcox
Example of a mid-sized danish built-in desk light wood floor and beige floor home office design in Toronto with white walls

Small trendy l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Milwaukee with raised-panel cabinets, orange cabinets, solid surface countertops, black backsplash, stone slab backsplash and no island

THE SETUP Upon moving to Glen Ellyn, the homeowners were eager to infuse their new residence with a style that resonated with their modern aesthetic sensibilities. The primary bathroom, while spacious and structurally impressive with its dramatic high ceilings, presented a dated, overly traditional appearance that clashed with their vision. Design objectives: Transform the space into a serene, modern spa-like sanctuary. Integrate a palette of deep, earthy tones to create a rich, enveloping ambiance. Employ a blend of organic and natural textures to foster a connection with nature. THE REMODEL Design challenges: Take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling Source unique marble that is more grounding than fanciful Design minimal, modern cabinetry with a natural, organic finish Offer a unique lighting plan to create a sexy, Zen vibe Design solutions: To highlight the vaulted ceiling, we extended the shower tile to the ceiling and added a skylight to bathe the area in natural light. Sourced unique marble with raw, chiseled edges that provide a tactile, earthy element. Our custom-designed cabinetry in a minimal, modern style features a natural finish, complementing the organic theme. A truly creative layered lighting strategy dials in the perfect Zen-like atmosphere. The wavy protruding wall tile lights triggered our inspiration but came with an unintended harsh direct-light effect so we sourced a solution: bespoke diffusers measured and cut for the top and bottom of each tile light gap. THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners dreamed of a tranquil, luxurious retreat that embraced natural materials and a captivating color scheme. Our collaborative effort brought this vision to life, creating a bathroom that not only meets the clients’ functional needs but also serves as a daily sanctuary. The carefully chosen materials and lighting design enable the space to shift its character with the changing light of day. “Trust the process and it will all come together,” the home owners shared. “Sometimes we just stand here and think, ‘Wow, this is lovely!'”

Luxury backyard design for a residence. The expansive design included amenities such as an outdoor patio space with a barbecue counter, swimming pool and spa, and gazebo and pond. The design combines both traditional and contemporary aspects next to each other without clashing. The owners are able to immediately view the contemporary outdoor space with the barbecue, swimming pool, and spa. The traditional Chinese garden design is cleverly hidden in the corner with a gazebo surrounded by a natural pond and lush plants.

THE SETUP Upon moving to Glen Ellyn, the homeowners were eager to infuse their new residence with a style that resonated with their modern aesthetic sensibilities. The primary bathroom, while spacious and structurally impressive with its dramatic high ceilings, presented a dated, overly traditional appearance that clashed with their vision. Design objectives: Transform the space into a serene, modern spa-like sanctuary. Integrate a palette of deep, earthy tones to create a rich, enveloping ambiance. Employ a blend of organic and natural textures to foster a connection with nature. THE REMODEL Design challenges: Take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling Source unique marble that is more grounding than fanciful Design minimal, modern cabinetry with a natural, organic finish Offer a unique lighting plan to create a sexy, Zen vibe Design solutions: To highlight the vaulted ceiling, we extended the shower tile to the ceiling and added a skylight to bathe the area in natural light. Sourced unique marble with raw, chiseled edges that provide a tactile, earthy element. Our custom-designed cabinetry in a minimal, modern style features a natural finish, complementing the organic theme. A truly creative layered lighting strategy dials in the perfect Zen-like atmosphere. The wavy protruding wall tile lights triggered our inspiration but came with an unintended harsh direct-light effect so we sourced a solution: bespoke diffusers measured and cut for the top and bottom of each tile light gap. THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners dreamed of a tranquil, luxurious retreat that embraced natural materials and a captivating color scheme. Our collaborative effort brought this vision to life, creating a bathroom that not only meets the clients’ functional needs but also serves as a daily sanctuary. The carefully chosen materials and lighting design enable the space to shift its character with the changing light of day. “Trust the process and it will all come together,” the home owners shared. “Sometimes we just stand here and think, ‘Wow, this is lovely!'”

Dave Henderson
Mid-sized trendy enclosed carpeted living room photo in Boston with yellow walls

This very nice smaller home had basic builder-grade cabinets. We replaced them with a beautiful Semi-custom cabinet by Centra. Staying well with in a reasonable budget, we transformed the whole look and feel of this kitchen and added much more storage. We took the cabinets to the ceiling (adding 1 shelf all the way around) and continued the cabinets on the sink wall 30" with the large countertop cabinet. The old cabinets were re-purposed in the laundry room and garage.

Stripes and checks work together in this living room because they have similar tones. They complement each other instead of clashing.
Living room photo in Atlanta

Room for two! Big Bear Remodeling updated a hall bathroom AND created a second bathroom by converting a portion of the master bedroom. After moving a few walls, the hall bath was updated with a Kohler Entity Soaking Tub and Carrara Tile surround. A new Kohler Memoirs Stately Toilet, Moen Brantford brushed nickel fixtures were installed. Around the corner, the new master bathroom has a walk-in shower in Carrara Tile. The floor is tiled with Virginia Tile Clash Essence. A double sink vanity was created with Fabuwood Allure Luna Cabinets in Dove topped with Calacatta Cola Quartz countertop. To set it apart, matte black Moen Gibson fixtures and accessories were used throughout.

Nice outdoor escape in Camp Mabry area Austin Texas
Deck - craftsman deck idea in Austin

Dramatically updated and reconfigured master bathroom. The new design includes his and hers separate sinks for added convenience, a linen cabinet for extra storage, and a luxurious shower featuring a herringbone mosaic tile floor, 3x12 tile walls with a built-in bench and niche, and heated tile flooring for added comfort.