When Maria Bilotta Distefano and her husband, George Distefano—each owners of their own home design/renovation businesses—purchased their home in North Salem, they knew they would have to make some pretty radical changes, starting with the kitchen. “It was horrific,” Bilotta says. “A bathroom opened up right into the eating area. The space was small, the cooking area crammed. Cabinets were an inexpensive stock—pickled oak—and were falling apart. And the appliances were completely out of date. It was a kitchen-company owner’s worst nightmare.” She should know. Along with siblings Regina Bilotta and Jim Bilotta, Maria owns and runs Bilotta Kitchens, a full-service kitchen and bath company that specializes in cabinetry design. Maria Bilotta's 400-square-foot kitchen boasts a large hearth area with a stainless-steel dual-fuel range surrounded by crackled rectangular tiles, sconces, and an antique glass mirror. Over the range is a handy pot filler, an item frequently recommended by Bilotta for its ease of use. On the far wall next to the hearth stands a 48-inch side-by-side Sub-Zero refrigerator paneled in the same cherry as the cabinets. The generous island is equipped with an undermount Franke stainless-steel sink with a bronze oil-rubbed faucet by Rohl, a built-in ASKO dishwasher, and a double trash pull-out. The dining table’s unique copper top, along with the copper trim on the ledge leading into the family room and along the edge of the pizza oven, are all custom made and finished by George Distefano at his custom-metal shop, Ornametal, based in Newburgh, New York. Bilotta wanted a kitchen that would not only accommodate her family’s lifestyle but embrace the best of the products and designs out there. To achieve this, she asked Mel Elion, a top designer in Bilotta’s Mamaroneck showroom, to work with architect Terry Lennon of Somers and general contractor Fred Boehmer of Boehmer Homes of La Grangeville, New York, to bring her dream kitchen to life. Bilotta looked to her past to hone her vision, recalling boisterous family gatherings where everyone pitched in to make the meal. Thus, Elion included in her design a large banquette area for casual sit-down meals and a wide multi-purpose island with three stools, designed for both food preparation and light dining. In terms of style, Bilotta favors a rustic aesthetic, complete with state-of-the-art appliances and top-of-the-line amenities. And number-one on her wish list: a pizza oven. The Old World “appliance” brings back special memories of pizza-making with her siblings, cousins, and grandfather, an Italian immigrant who brought a love of cooking with him from Arpino. To accommodate Bilotta’s request for a sophisticated country look, Elion recommended cherry cabinets from Bilotta Kitchens’ private cabinet collection, with perimeter cabinets sporting custom inset doors of rustic cherry wood and an island of antique cherry. Green Verde Vecchio granite countertops and a soft moss shade for the walls complement the warm wood. Sixteen-by-sixteen-inch honed limestone tiles used for the floors have decorative metal inserts that match the copper tabletop in the banquette area (hand-made and finished by George Distefano) and other copper accents, such as the pizza oven’s ledge. A magnificent ivory-colored cherry hearth was designed to surround the 48-inch professional Wolf range. Behind the range, framed by the crackled tile backsplash from Waterworks, hangs an antique glass mirror with metal trim from Distefano’s shop, GlasSolutions, a New York-based architectural glass and metal company. Besides providing an interesting focal point, installing a mirror behind the range has a practical purpose, allowing the chef to keep an eye on the often boisterous and energetic activities while cooking.

Scope of Work: Full Renovation | Fit-Out | Interior Design | Furnishing Client Type: Government-Linked Private Villa (Mayor’s Residence) ⸻ Location: La Mer, Dubai, UAE Project Overview Antonovich Group is proud to unveil this fully renovated modern villa in the prestigious coastal area of La Mer, Dubai. Designed and executed for a prominent government-related client, this project reflects the highest standards of contemporary interior design, architecture, and custom finishing. Every corner of this residence was transformed to reflect elegance, functionality, and modernity. The villa features a calming neutral palette, luxurious materials, and refined detailing that elevate the living experience while maintaining understated sophistication. ⸻ Our Full-Scope Renovation Included: • Architectural Re-planning for better space optimization • Custom Fit-Out works across all living areas and bathrooms • Luxury Interior Design in a modern minimalist style • Complete wall finishes with moldings and decorative paneling • Marble & Mosaic installation in wet areas • Designer lighting fixtures and ceiling details • Tailor-made wardrobes and vanities with brass accessories • High-end sanitaryware and fittings • Electrical layout & ambient lighting design • Turnkey furnishing and soft décor styling ⸻ Key Design Features: • Neutral base palette with white, cream, and warm gold finishes • Soft LED lighting with layered ceiling details • Custom carpentry and joinery, including modern wall paneling • Bespoke bathroom vanities with diamond-cut designs • Glamorous brass and crystal lighting for hallways and bedrooms • Walk-in wardrobes with accessory drawers for watches, belts, and more • Seamless integration of storage and technology ⸻ Project Challenges & Solutions: Our team worked with precision to overcome challenges such as existing structural constraints and required integration with municipality standards. From drawing approvals to final delivery, the project was handled by our dedicated in-house project managers, engineers, and designers. ⸻ Result: The villa was delivered turnkey-ready, on time and within scope — a perfect example of refined modern living in Dubai. Every space, from the bedroom to the bathrooms and lounge areas, was designed to be both luxurious and livable. ⸻ Ready to Renovate Your Villa in Dubai? If you’re looking to renovate or redesign your home in Dubai or across the UAE, Antonovich Group offers end-to-end solutions — from concept to completion. Showroom: Al Wasl Road, Dubai Call or WhatsApp: +971 54 299 5555 Website: www.antonovich-design.ae Email: info@antonovich-group.ae ⸻ #VillaRenovationDubai #LuxuryInteriorDesign #ModernVillaDesign #FitOutDubai #AntonovichGroup #LaMerDubai #InteriorDesignDubai #CustomFurnitureDubai #BespokeInteriors #BathroomDesign #MarbleBathrooms #WardrobeDesign #ModernLighting #WallPanelDesign #TurnkeyRenovation #DubaiHomes #LuxuryVilla #HighEndDesign #DubaiRenovation #FullFitOut #InteriorExecution #RenovationExpertsDubai #HouzzPro #HouzzUAE

For this kitchen remodeling project, the homeowner wanted to change the look of their kitchen while also adding more storage space. We got busy tearing out the existing cabinets, countertops and backsplash to get the space ready for the new cabinets. They went with a shaker door for the entire kitchen. For the perimeter and wall cabinets they went with a polar white color, while the peninsula and base cabinets were done in a pebble gray color. For the backsplash, they decided to go with a linear white subway tile for the perimeter walls and a white herringbone for the stove/vent area. To pull the new look together, they went with the Sterling quartz countertop. To finish this kitchen transformation, we added several new storage solution items like a tray divider, a mixer, trash can, and pantry pullouts. Now these homeowners have the kitchen they have been dreaming of.

Stain: Gunstock Oil-based polyurethane. ---} Finish: Satin. - Sand and refinish 2-1/4" red oak hardwood floors in Living room, dining room - 393.82 sqft - To Install Shoe Molding stained to best match

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows a complete remodel with before and after pictures including tub-to-shower conversion using 12" x 24" Porcelain wall tile, linear mosaic accent tile, shower niche, Alaska White granite shelf and step, pebble shower floor tile, and Delta Multi-Setting H2Okinetic In2ition Showerhead and Hand Shower. Bathroom floor tile is same as 12" x 24" Porcelain wall tile with tile floor based capped with Schluter Systems Jolly profile edge. Custom Factory Builder Store vanity with Alaska White granite counter top and Delta Windemere wide spread faucet.

This is an asymmetric wall cabinet used as a base to capture some valuable storage. A large support post made using a standard susan-type base impossible. The uneven front measurements — 6" on the left part of the opening and 9" on the right gives good access and allows the standard cabinet to to its left to be 15" wide.

Gone are the days of "throw-away" furniture when it comes to the kids. Creating custom bedrooms with a timeless feel and function for this generation is one of our specialties. The Europly base material has a clean, modern, no frills vibe and expresses the layered multi-ply edge detail to showcase a bespoke, gender-neutral bedroom solution. It is easily accessorized to the personal taste and whims of the occupant as they evolve through the years. Possibilities are endless, clever storage solutions abound, craftsmanship and overall composition is key. For a room shared by two kiddos of different ages, we split the room in half with a floor to ceiling room divider chocked full of open shleves, closed cabinets, a desk, drawers, and bed with a trundle below on each side. Each has their own window, wall sconce, and lighting controls while the room divider creates a perfect buffer in a shared bedroom.

This guest bathroom renovation in the heart of Yorkville maximizes style and functionality in a compact space. The project features a Schluter Kerdi shower base with a Vario Linear drain for a sleek and efficient waterproofing solution. We installed a Tenzo Signature shower system with precision controls and a slide bar for a modern, spa-like experience. To enhance luxury and comfort, we incorporated an Aquadesign recessed ceiling rain shower head, paired with a Fleurco glass shower door. Storage and lighting were addressed with a Fleurco Lune LED mirror and a Fleurco Luna recessed medicine cabinet, offering both elegance and utility. The bathroom is completed with a Toto toilet, known for its clean lines and reliable performance. This project is a perfect example of a small bathroom remodel done right—balancing smart design choices with high-quality materials to elevate everyday living.

The inspiration for the Dune began with the simple idea to seamlessly connect the kitchen to the living space. Dune is a unique contemporary kitchen cabinet design without handles. It is defined by asymmetrically curved base units and echoing flowing forms found in nature. Opening is achieved by a groove on the edge of the extra thick 23mm front panel (base units) or by a vertical aluminum profile (tall units). Drawers in the curved units allow Pedini to offer this remarkable Italian kitchen design without compromising the environment, ergonomics or functionality. Dune contemporary kitchens offer a high component of adaptability and individual variations, which allows room for harmony between the functional aspects of the house. Dune truly adapts to the nature of it’s surrounding. Soft technology. Pedini makes daily living more practical thanks to the quality of the opening systems of doors and drawers, and with an automated closing mechanism, great storage capacity, and the total personalization of the spaces. Dune aesthetics provide attractive contrasts between wood veneers, steel, and quartz worktops. Modern kitchen designs like Dune are a perfect fit in any home. Dune, like all of Pedini’s contemporary kitchens, was designed with ease of function in mind. Dune is a flexible product for diversified solutions. Among the various possibilities of Dune, the option of the island allows complete access from more sides of the working area. Deep drawers are also a staple of the Dune line. Dune is available in natural or stained eco friendly walnut as well as matte, high gloss and textured lacquer in any color. Aluminum profiles and plinths are available in white, gray, black or matte silver. Complementary glass fronts available with walnut frame and 6 colors of mirror glass.

Custom table with walnut top on polished stainless steel base.
Example of a minimalist dining room design in Chicago

Details below of a restorative clean and seal that I recently completed on a Quarry tiled hallway at a house in the small village of Riseley, North Bedfordshire. The floor was a mix of fantastic black and red tiles; however, it had lost its character after a long period without professional maintenance. My client commissioned me to strip off the old sealer from the floor and replace it, but not before providing a thorough clean, including tackling some adhesive staining and inherent grout haze. The first task involved mixing our high alkaline cleaner, known as Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, with water to form a strong solution. The solution was applied to the tiled floor and left to dwell for a short period. This dwelling time allows for the Pro-Clean to seep into the stone to get underneath the ingrained dirt and lift it out. Pro-Clean also contains stripping properties, and thus helped to break down the old (and now ineffectual) sealer. After completing this initial clean I rinsed the floor using a standard mop and bucket method. With the old sealer removed, it became evident that there was also plaster residue marking the tiles, as well as inherent grout haze on the surface of the tile probably from the original installation. To tack these problems I used Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up, which is an acid-based cleaner that dissolves the adhesive and the grout. Being an acid you have to be careful and ensure the floor is rinsed thoroughly after use and if you’re considering using this product yourself read the label and make sure you use the right protective equipment. After the floor was thoroughly rinsed with water it was dried as much as possible using a wet vacuum which literally sucks the water off the floor. The floor was then left to dry for four days, with the help of several air movers. By the time I returned to the house, the floor was completely dry and ready to take the seal. I opted to use a combination of sealers, including one coat of our colour enhancing, impregnating sealer, known as Colour Grow, followed by three coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go to provide a truly robust and aesthetically pleasing surface seal. The photographs demonstrate the finished results better than words can and I think you will agree the floor is quite transformed. Andrew Evans Bedfordshire Tile Doctor

CLIENT GOALS This spectacular Victorian was built in 1890 for Joseph Budde, an inventor, patent holder, and major manufacturer of the flush toilet. Through its more than 130-year life, this home evolved with the many incarnations of the Haight District. The most significant was the street modification that made way for the Haight Street railway line in the early 1920s. At that time, streets and sidewalks widened, causing the straight-line, two-story staircase to take a turn. In the 1920s, stucco and terrazzo were considered modern and low-maintenance materials and were often used to replace the handmade residential carpentry that would have graced this spectacular staircase. Sometime during the 1990s, the entire entry door assembly was removed and replaced with another “modern” solution. Our clients challenged Centoni to recreate the original staircase and entry. OUR DESIGN SOLUTION Through a partnership with local artisans and support from San Francisco Historical Planners, team Centoni sourced information from the public library that included original photographs, writings on Cranston and Keenan, and the history of the Haight. Though no specific photo has yet to be sourced, we are confident the design choices are in the spirit of the original and are based on remnants of the original porch discovered under the 1920s stucco. Through this journey, the staircase foundation was reengineered, the staircase designed and built, the original entry doors recreated, the stained glass transom created (including replication of the original hand-painted bird-theme rondels, many rotted decorated elements hand-carved, new and historic lighting installed, and a new iron handrail designed and fabricated.

This 3 car garage was in desperate need for organization for a family of 6. THis design included two base cabinets with drawers for tool storage, two tall cabinets and upper cabinets with a hook board and a bench. A utility sink was included as well, we also installed our PVC flooring in a unique pattern using four colors and some carpet tiles near the cabinetry as well as a bike rack. New efficient LED lightning was also added and a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling to finish it off.

THE SETUP While the existing layout wasn’t inherently flawed, this primary bathroom felt outdated and lacked the desired aesthetic appeal for our client. The goal was to revitalize the space, catering to her refined taste while ensuring a bright, inviting ambiance. The client wanted a comfortable and classy gender-neutral design that would retain its updated look and have broad appeal for eventual resale. Design Objectives: Create a spacious, luxurious shower enclosure Incorporate ample storage for towels, linens and an extensive hair care collection Embrace a transitional design style that blends contemporary and classic elements Establish a harmonious color palette that complements the home’s new black window frames Ensure a future-proof design to maximize resale potential Design Challenges: Integrating a spacious shower within the existing layout Ensuring accessible towel and robe storage near the shower and tub areas Providing ample lighting and mirror space without cluttering the vanity area Finding dedicated storage for hair care essentials and accessories Maximizing linen storage while minimizing clutter Decluttering the tub niche area Tall angled ceiling almost too dramatic THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Frameless glass shower enclosure with a recessed niche (in the half wall) for body care products Strategically placed robe/towel hooks on shower glass facing shower and tub Illuminated, oversized mirrors with integrated lighting Multiple large pull-out drawers with electrical outlets in the vanity Dedicated base cabinet with countertop for towel/linen storage and decor Single, spacious tub niche for products and decorative accents Subtle horizontal trim lines at standard ceiling height to visually ground the space This primary bathroom remodel seamlessly blends style and functionality, catering to the client’s discerning taste while ensuring adaptability for future needs. The harmonious fusion of contemporary and classic design elements, coupled with innovative storage solutions and thoughtful lighting choices, creates a timeless sanctuary that exudes elegance and comfort.

Katia Provencher-Photographer 680 Sq. Ft. condo Model Suite. It is a small condo but feels like there is a lot of room. The colours were based on Rainy Day artwork and metal art Nick-Nacks by Olivia Salazar. If you would like a home staging consultation or redesign of the interior of your house, give us a call. Unique Home Solutions Inc. has been in business since 2006. Joanne Vroom 514-222-5553

Sustainable Design Meets Smart Technology This home featured a request from the client to use as many environmentally friendly materials and fabrics as possible. Many common shade manufacturers use materials with PVC plastic, which is known for off-gassing hazardous chemicals that linger in the air in the home for years. The main floor roller shades met the client’s request for an eco-friendly fabric by utilizing motorized shades with GreenScreen fabric. In other rooms, the designer and client wanted the classic look and soft fabrics with roman shades and drapery tracks on several windows in the house. By partnering with the interior designer and fabric workroom, we were able to provide a custom solution for motorization of roman shades and drapery. Lighting Control The client is able control all of the lighting and window treatments in the house with a single control system. This eliminates the need for extra devices on the wall or remote controls that clutter up the space and get lost. By utilizing the custom window treatments, the house is able to conserve energy by keeping the house warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer by providing insulation and blocking sunlight. The lighting control system further helps to conserve energy by beautifully dimming LED lights as well as using quick buttons that turn off all of the lights in the house, or un-occupied rooms, with the press of a single button. Motorized Window Treatments Motorized window treatments add a high level of convenience to any project, especially those with many windows in hard to reach places. The challenge with many manufacturers is a limitation of style and fabric selection, some may be as basic as only roller shades. Often times these come with un-reliable, wireless controls. On this Birmingham, MI project completed in March 2019, we partnered with the interior designer and drapery workroom to provide a truly unique solution. The homeowner and designer’s requests included many different styles of window treatments including rollers shades, roman shades and motorized draperies. Typically, this would result in a collection of various shade manufacturers with unsightly remotes scattered across each room or stuck to the wall for control. Utilizing standard offerings, coupled with an incredible team effort by the designer and drapery workroom, we provided all of the requested styles of window treatments, and were able to control them all on a single system. This means that each room has a single, elegant keypad built into the wall that controls not only the window treatments, but the lighting as well. When leaving/entering the home, all of the window coverings can be raised or lowered with a single button press. Shades and draperies can also be set to operate based on the time of day for automatic day-to-day operation using sunlight as a guide. In the end, we achieved convenience, function and sophisticated style.

Kitchen featuring Omega Cabinetry's Brentwood Maple Beaded Inset door style in Smokey Hills finish and Caesarstone Topus Concrete quartz countertop. The Backsplash is Marquette Large Basketweave Honed from Soci paired with 4X12 gray limestone tiles. The cabinetry features Pavillion glass inserts and various organizational solutions such as a base pantry pullout, mixer stand, pullout wastebasket, 2 tall pantry pullouts and a tall pantry with swing out shelves.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

THE SETUP Multiple ovens, multiple workspaces, multiple sinks – when you think about it, non-jewish kitchens have been adapting the criteria of kosher kitchens for years. Gladys’ clients in West Rogers Park are Orthodox Jewish. The house they bought already had a kosher kitchen – it just wasn’t done that well. It needed some more things to be duplicated for the dairy side and the meat side. Plus, it was dark and the configuration wasn’t very conducive for a family of eight. It was time for a remodel. Design Objectives Improve kosher kitchen Add more storage in the island Better lighting More open, lighter feel Change the wood floor in the kitchen to tile THE REMODEL Design Challenges - We had originally planned on removing a wing wall by the breakfast area. During demolition, we learned it contained a support beam. - The kitchen is a substantial size, but having two sinks, dishwashers, and ovens presented a challenge – how do we fit it all in and make it flow with the storage still accessible near the work areas? Where do you stop the materials for the new space? - -- The right tile, paint, lighting, etc. would be needed to make the remodeled area cohesive with the rest of the main floor. - An existing column limited cabinet options and thus, storage capacity. Could we conceal it without disrupting the cabinetry flow? Design Solutions - We had to keep the wing wall, but decided to continue the tile on the sides of the cabinets and maintain the height of the tile to line up with the rest of the backsplash. This actually presented a very nice and cohesive look, especially since the opposite side has a wing wall to the left of the refrigerator. - We used “L-shaped” corner sinks instead of the rectangular ones set on an angle. This gave us more of the legs of the triangles versus the hypotenuse, which allowed for the two dishwashers, and the pullout utensil canisters and spice pullouts while still keeping the 3-drawer cabinets on either side of the range (by the sinks). The old island had the recess for stools which the family never used. By extending the width of the island 6” and utilizing this leg space, we were able to fit 18”-deep cabinets on this side – adding lots of accessible storage. The family can now work simultaneously on the dairy side (the side with the fridge) and the meat side (opposite) without getting in each other’s way. We separated the cooking by using the range oven for the meat and a built-in microwave in the base cabinet. The wall oven with built-in microwave on top is for dairy. - Corner sinks opened up the middle area for a wider range – we went from a 30” to a 36”. Removing all the wall cabinets (on the range wall) made a big difference. That opened up the entire space while adding some visual impact. (Not pictured: We also made the cabinets directly opposite the range wall tall and removed the countertop, resulting in more room for rollouts and even more storage!) The kitchen now has more storage than it did before. - We ended up painting the ceiling of the kitchen into the hallway that leads to the foyer. The living and dining rooms were separated by a soffit, so that became a natural boundary. We kept the tile in the kitchen by stopping it short of the hallway and lining it up with the pantry wall. This creates a border between the breakfast area and family room. The rest of the existing wood floors were refinished to refresh and make the hue darker. We also painted a dark accent wall and carried it into the breakfast area to make the rooms look deeper. - The in-the-way column housed plumbing and couldn’t be moved. We still built cabinets in that spot – we just had to build a chase inside it to conceal the pipes. There was still plenty of room for new storage. We also took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The continuous tall cabinets added a functional elegance to the space. THE RENEWED SPACE The client’s long-awaited dream of a better kosher kitchen has finally been achieved, beautifully combining enhanced storage solutions with adherence to the family’s orthodox dietary laws. The kitchen’s standout feature, an expanded island, now offers a spacious and efficient workspace. This allows several family members to cook together comfortably, without the inconvenience of bumping into each other, ensuring a harmonious and productive cooking environment.