As a builder of custom homes primarily on the Northshore of Chicago, Raugstad has been building custom homes, and homes on speculation for three generations. Our commitment is always to the client. From commencement of the project all the way through to completion and the finishing touches, we are right there with you – one hundred percent. As your go-to Northshore Chicago custom home builder, we are proud to put our name on every completed Raugstad home.

Experience the elegance of a full kitchen remodel designed to maximize both style and functionality. The project commenced with the removal of the soffit, allowing for taller upper cabinets that perfectly complement the custom kitchen layout. Carefully crafted cabinetry and a beautifully designed island were tailored to fit the unique space, creating a seamless and cohesive look. The kitchen is illuminated by a combination of can lights, under-cabinet lighting, and stylish pendant fixtures, ensuring a well-lit and inviting atmosphere. The stunning backsplash features ceramic tile arranged in a chic chevron pattern, adding a contemporary flair that catches the eye. With durable and luxurious quartz countertops, the kitchen not only exudes sophistication but offers practicality for everyday use. Floating shelving adds an open, airy feel while providing additional storage and display options, making this kitchen both a culinary haven and a welcoming gathering place for family and friends. This remodel truly transforms the kitchen into a modern masterpiece, where functionality meets aesthetic appeal.

Kitchen - kitchen idea in Nashville

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Elegant Oasis: Maximizing Entertaining Space In reimagining this 14,233 sqft lot, the goal was to create a high-impact, space-efficient outdoor environment, where space meets sophistication for unrivaled outdoor entertaining. This presentation outlines the thoughtfully designed elements which were meticulously integrated to maximize entertaining space within the constraints of the property. The project commenced with relocating the pool to the furthest reaches of the property, respecting property line setbacks to amplify the area available for entertainment. Adjacent to the back door, a covered built-in kitchen and intimate seating area offer protection from both bugs and the scorching afternoon sun, thanks to a convenient drop-down screen. The 18'x36' pool serves as the focal point, backed by an 18" masonry wall adorned with LED lighting accents. Behind this backdrop, a hedge of long-blooming hydrangeas and espalier-shaped European hornbeams complements the formal design, infusing the space with timeless elegance. The pool deck features a sturdy 5" rebar-reinforced concrete overlay with Valders Dove White and gray stone laid in a herringbone pattern (5'x18" pieces). To address stormwater retention, a large drywell behind the pool was repurposed as the base for a putting green, encircled by permeable gravel and stone coping. Landscape lighting makes it perfect for endless fun, day and night. To minimize the “fence feeling” and to distinguish the detached garage driveway, a grand outdoor fireplace and wall were constructed. This space also includes an outdoor TV and speaker system. A pergola, built from large steel I-beams and cedar, provides respite from the summer sun. For continuity and aesthetic impact, the hydrangea hedge extends the entire length of the property, maximizing the use of the narrow 36" side. The front of the property is equally striking. A heated concrete driveway, saw-cut into 5'x5' squares, provides a grand entrance. The front porch and walkway feature heated, randomly patterned bluestone, expertly set on a concrete sub-base. Two sets of garden walls enclose the front yard, with the closest to the front door boasting three water scuppers and a pondless waterfall system, creating a captivating ambiance for arriving guests. The property's front and rear areas are adorned with various planting beds and containers, which are seasonally adapted to ensure a vibrant landscape year-round. Formal, columnar trees, such as slender silhouette sweetgum, columnar tulip trees, sheared European hornbeams, and shaped tricolor beech, were chosen to harmonize with the property's architecture. Crushed blue granite gravel was used to cover all planting beds, maintaining a clean and low-maintenance appearance. In conclusion, our project has not only met but exceeded our client's expectations by delivering a low-maintenance, high-impact, and space-efficient outdoor haven.

Porch photo in Nashville

Kitchen photo in Nashville

Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Nashville

This is an example of a porch design in Nashville.

Custom, southeastern-facing 2 bedroom, 2 bath with panoramic NYC, Hudson River & downtown Jersey City views and parking in Observer Plaza, a steel & concrete elevator building. Expansive, open floorplan with custom built-ins and walls of windows that lead to a large private terrace. Chef’s kitchen with corian counters and stainless steel appliances. Oversized en-suite master bedroom. Other features include; hardwood floors, recessed lighting, automated blinds, tons of custom built-ins with massive amounts of storage. Building has a new, state-of-the-art gym and a great downtown location only minutes to PATH, ferry, waterfront, restaurants, and nightlife. Lobby renovation expected to commence late fall 2017.

Porch photo in Nashville

This is an example of a porch design in Nashville.

Example of a kitchen design in Nashville

Kitchen photo in Nashville

Monica Perrone
Inspiration for a mid-century modern landscaping in San Francisco.