Search results for "Complex experiences" in Home Design Ideas

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis
This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Photo by Jody Dole
This new mixed-use building located in a quaint village has made a name for itself. It features a third floor apartment, second floor office space, and first floor retail. The design of the building's exterior bridges the gap between new and old. The cedar shingle gable roof form and double hung window style blend with the traditional New England context of neighboring buildings. The vertical grooved siding and a sliding 'barn' door hint at an agrarian vernacular. The sliding door features sixteen sparking panels of 'glass quilts' designed by glass artist, Alan Davidson of Guilford, CT. Angular roof forms, support brackets, and trim along with the black paint color provide a modern edge. The building and the new first floor art gallery have generated much interest and excitement for the town.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

This client grew up in this 1950’s family home and has now become owner in his adult life. Designing and remodeling this childhood home that the client was very bonded and familiar with was a tall order. This modern twist of original mid-century style combined with an eclectic fusion of modern day materials and concepts fills the room with a powerful presence while maintaining its clean lined austerity and elegance. The kitchen was part of a grander complete home re-design and remodel.
A modern version of a mid-century His and Hers grand master bathroom was created to include all the amenities and nothing left behind! This bathroom has so much noticeable and hidden “POW” that commands its peaceful spa feeling with a lot of attitude. Maintaining ultra-clean lines yet delivering ample design interest at every detail, This bathroom is eclectically a one of a kind luxury statement.
The concept in the laundry room was to create a simple, easy to use and clean space with ample storage and a place removed from the central part of the home to house the necessity of the cats and their litter box needs. There was no need for glamour in the laundry room yet we were able to create a simple highly utilitarian space.
If there is one room in the home that requires frequent visitors to thoroughly enjoy with a huge element of surprise, it’s the powder room! This is a room where you know that eventually, every guest will visit. Knowing this, we created a bold statement with layers of intrigue that would leave ample room for fun conversation with your guests upon their prolonged exit. We kept the lights dim here for that intriguing experience of crafted elegance and created ambiance. The walls of peeling metallic rust are the welcoming gesture to a powder room experience of defiance and elegant mystical complexity.
It's a lucky house guest indeed who gets to stay in this newly remodeled home. This on-suite bathroom allows them their own space and privacy. Both Bedroom and Bathroom offer plenty of storage for an extended stay. Rift White Oak cabinets and sleek Silestone counters make a lovely combination in the bathroom while the bedroom showcases textured white cabinets with a dark walnut wrap.
Photo credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink
Find the right local pro for your project

Photo by Jody Dole
This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

When it comes to home improvement projects, the contractor you choose can make all the difference. A skilled, reputable general contractor delivers quality work and a smooth experience, while a poor choice can lead to problems, frustration, and wasted money. For Chicago homeowners planning exterior improvements from siding to doors and beyond — understanding how to choose a good general contractor is essential. This guide covers what to look for and how to make a smart choice for your home improvement projects.
The role of a general contractor
A general contractor plays a central role in home improvement projects, overseeing and coordinating the work to bring a project to completion. For projects that involve multiple aspects or trades, a general contractor manages the process, ensuring the various pieces come together properly. This coordination and oversight are valuable, particularly for larger or more complex projects that involve numerous details and steps.
Working with a good general contractor offers several benefits. It provides a single point of responsibility for a project, brings expertise and coordination to the work, and helps ensure the project is completed properly. For homeowners, a quality general contractor can make the difference between a smooth, successful project and a stressful, problematic one. Homeowners planning projects often look for a general contractor chicago near me to handle their improvements. Understanding the role a general contractor plays helps homeowners appreciate the value of choosing a good one for their home improvement projects, especially larger or more involved ones.
Why the choice matters
The choice of general contractor has an enormous impact on a home improvement project. From the quality of the work to the smoothness of the process to the ultimate result, the contractor shapes every aspect of the project. A skilled, reputable contractor delivers quality results and a professional experience, while a poor choice can lead to shoddy work, delays, cost overruns, and frustration.
The stakes are significant, as home improvement projects represent substantial investments and affect a home that homeowners live in and value. A project done poorly can create problems that are costly to fix and diminish rather than enhance a home. This is why choosing the right contractor is so important — it's one of the most consequential decisions in any home improvement project. Homeowners do well to approach the choice carefully rather than simply hiring the first or cheapest option. Understanding why the choice of contractor matters helps homeowners give this decision the attention it deserves, recognizing its impact on the success of their project and their satisfaction with the result.
What to look for in a contractor
Choosing a good general contractor involves looking for several important qualities. Experience and a solid reputation are key indicators of a contractor's ability to deliver quality work. A contractor with a track record of successful projects and satisfied customers is generally a safer choice than an unknown quantity. Researching a contractor's reputation and past work helps in assessing their quality.
Beyond experience and reputation, other important qualities include quality workmanship, clear communication, professionalism, and reliability. A good contractor communicates clearly, provides a clear understanding of the project and its costs, treats customers professionally, and follows through reliably. These qualities contribute to both a quality result and a positive experience. Homeowners considering exterior projects, such as new vinyl siding chicago installation, do well to evaluate contractors on these factors. Understanding what to look for in a contractor helps homeowners identify professionals likely to deliver quality work and a good experience for their projects.
Considering the specific project
When choosing a contractor, it's also important to consider the specific project and whether the contractor is well-suited to it. Different projects have different requirements, and a contractor experienced in the particular type of work is often a better choice. Whether the project involves siding, doors, a broader remodel, or other work, a contractor familiar with that type of project brings relevant expertise.
For exterior projects in particular, experience with the specific work and the demands of the Chicago climate is valuable. Siding, doors, and other exterior improvements must withstand local conditions, so a contractor who understands these demands can deliver better results. Considering whether a contractor is well-suited to your specific project helps ensure a good outcome. Homeowners planning to update their exterior doors chicago or undertake other exterior work benefit from choosing a contractor experienced in that area. Understanding the importance of matching the contractor to the project helps homeowners make choices that lead to quality results for their specific improvements.
Understanding the project scope and cost
Before committing to a contractor, understanding the full scope and cost of a project is important. A reputable contractor should provide a clear explanation of what the project involves, the materials to be used, the timeline, and the total cost. Understanding these details upfront helps homeowners avoid surprises and make informed decisions. Vague estimates or a lack of clarity are warning signs worth heeding.
Understanding the scope also means being clear about what you want and ensuring the contractor's proposal matches your needs and expectations. A clear, detailed understanding of the project protects both the homeowner and the contractor and sets the stage for a successful outcome. Taking the time to ensure you understand exactly what you're getting before work begins is worthwhile. Understanding the importance of clarity about scope and cost helps homeowners enter home improvement projects with confidence and avoid the misunderstandings that can lead to problems. Clear expectations are the foundation of a smooth, successful project.
Making your decision
With these considerations in mind the role of a general contractor, why the choice matters, what to look for, matching the contractor to the project, and understanding scope and cost homeowners are well-equipped to make a smart decision. The goal is to choose a contractor who combines experience, quality workmanship, clear communication, and reliability, and who is well-suited to the specific project, at a fair and clearly understood price.
Taking the time to research and compare contractors, rather than rushing the decision, pays off in the quality of the work and the smoothness of the project. A home improvement project is a significant investment, and the right contractor makes all the difference to the outcome. Understanding how to evaluate and choose a general contractor empowers Chicago homeowners to make decisions that lead to successful projects and results they'll be happy with. The right choice is the foundation of a home improvement project that enhances a home for years to come.
The bottom line
Choosing the right general contractor is essential to successful home improvement projects, as the contractor shapes the quality of the work, the smoothness of the process, and the ultimate result. For Chicago homeowners undertaking exterior projects like siding, doors, and more, the key factors include experience and reputation, quality workmanship, clear communication, suitability to the specific project, and clarity about scope and cost. By evaluating contractors on these factors and taking the time to make an informed choice, homeowners can find a professional who delivers quality results and a positive experience. The right contractor is the foundation of home improvements that enhance a home for years to come.

This client grew up in this 1950’s family home and has now become owner in his adult life. Designing and remodeling this childhood home that the client was very bonded and familiar with was a tall order. This modern twist of original mid-century style combined with an eclectic fusion of modern day materials and concepts fills the room with a powerful presence while maintaining its clean lined austerity and elegance. The kitchen was part of a grander complete home re-design and remodel.
A modern version of a mid-century His and Hers grand master bathroom was created to include all the amenities and nothing left behind! This bathroom has so much noticeable and hidden “POW” that commands its peaceful spa feeling with a lot of attitude. Maintaining ultra-clean lines yet delivering ample design interest at every detail, This bathroom is eclectically a one of a kind luxury statement.
The concept in the laundry room was to create a simple, easy to use and clean space with ample storage and a place removed from the central part of the home to house the necessity of the cats and their litter box needs. There was no need for glamour in the laundry room yet we were able to create a simple highly utilitarian space.
If there is one room in the home that requires frequent visitors to thoroughly enjoy with a huge element of surprise, it’s the powder room! This is a room where you know that eventually, every guest will visit. Knowing this, we created a bold statement with layers of intrigue that would leave ample room for fun conversation with your guests upon their prolonged exit. We kept the lights dim here for that intriguing experience of crafted elegance and created ambiance. The walls of peeling metallic rust are the welcoming gesture to a powder room experience of defiance and elegant mystical complexity.
It's a lucky house guest indeed who gets to stay in this newly remodeled home. This on-suite bathroom allows them their own space and privacy. Both Bedroom and Bathroom offer plenty of storage for an extended stay. Rift White Oak cabinets and sleek Silestone counters make a lovely combination in the bathroom while the bedroom showcases textured white cabinets with a dark walnut wrap.
Photo credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

This client grew up in this 1950’s family home and has now become owner in his adult life. Designing and remodeling this childhood home that the client was very bonded and familiar with was a tall order. This modern twist of original mid-century style combined with an eclectic fusion of modern day materials and concepts fills the room with a powerful presence while maintaining its clean lined austerity and elegance. The kitchen was part of a grander complete home re-design and remodel.
A modern version of a mid-century His and Hers grand master bathroom was created to include all the amenities and nothing left behind! This bathroom has so much noticeable and hidden “POW” that commands its peaceful spa feeling with a lot of attitude. Maintaining ultra-clean lines yet delivering ample design interest at every detail, This bathroom is eclectically a one of a kind luxury statement.
The concept in the laundry room was to create a simple, easy to use and clean space with ample storage and a place removed from the central part of the home to house the necessity of the cats and their litter box needs. There was no need for glamour in the laundry room yet we were able to create a simple highly utilitarian space.
If there is one room in the home that requires frequent visitors to thoroughly enjoy with a huge element of surprise, it’s the powder room! This is a room where you know that eventually, every guest will visit. Knowing this, we created a bold statement with layers of intrigue that would leave ample room for fun conversation with your guests upon their prolonged exit. We kept the lights dim here for that intriguing experience of crafted elegance and created ambiance. The walls of peeling metallic rust are the welcoming gesture to a powder room experience of defiance and elegant mystical complexity.
It's a lucky house guest indeed who gets to stay in this newly remodeled home. This on-suite bathroom allows them their own space and privacy. Both Bedroom and Bathroom offer plenty of storage for an extended stay. Rift White Oak cabinets and sleek Silestone counters make a lovely combination in the bathroom while the bedroom showcases textured white cabinets with a dark walnut wrap.
Photo credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

This client grew up in this 1950’s family home and has now become owner in his adult life. Designing and remodeling this childhood home that the client was very bonded and familiar with was a tall order. This modern twist of original mid-century style combined with an eclectic fusion of modern day materials and concepts fills the room with a powerful presence while maintaining its clean lined austerity and elegance. The kitchen was part of a grander complete home re-design and remodel.
A modern version of a mid-century His and Hers grand master bathroom was created to include all the amenities and nothing left behind! This bathroom has so much noticeable and hidden “POW” that commands its peaceful spa feeling with a lot of attitude. Maintaining ultra-clean lines yet delivering ample design interest at every detail, This bathroom is eclectically a one of a kind luxury statement.
The concept in the laundry room was to create a simple, easy to use and clean space with ample storage and a place removed from the central part of the home to house the necessity of the cats and their litter box needs. There was no need for glamour in the laundry room yet we were able to create a simple highly utilitarian space.
If there is one room in the home that requires frequent visitors to thoroughly enjoy with a huge element of surprise, it’s the powder room! This is a room where you know that eventually, every guest will visit. Knowing this, we created a bold statement with layers of intrigue that would leave ample room for fun conversation with your guests upon their prolonged exit. We kept the lights dim here for that intriguing experience of crafted elegance and created ambiance. The walls of peeling metallic rust are the welcoming gesture to a powder room experience of defiance and elegant mystical complexity.
It's a lucky house guest indeed who gets to stay in this newly remodeled home. This on-suite bathroom allows them their own space and privacy. Both Bedroom and Bathroom offer plenty of storage for an extended stay. Rift White Oak cabinets and sleek Silestone counters make a lovely combination in the bathroom while the bedroom showcases textured white cabinets with a dark walnut wrap.
Photo credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

Photo by Jody Dole
This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

This 4,500 sq ft basement in Long Island is high on luxe, style, and fun. It has a full gym, golf simulator, arcade room, home theater, bar, full bath, storage, and an entry mud area. The palette is tight with a wood tile pattern to define areas and keep the space integrated. We used an open floor plan but still kept each space defined. The golf simulator ceiling is deep blue to simulate the night sky. It works with the room/doors that are integrated into the paneling — on shiplap and blue. We also added lights on the shuffleboard and integrated inset gym mirrors into the shiplap. We integrated ductwork and HVAC into the columns and ceiling, a brass foot rail at the bar, and pop-up chargers and a USB in the theater and the bar. The center arm of the theater seats can be raised for cuddling. LED lights have been added to the stone at the threshold of the arcade, and the games in the arcade are turned on with a light switch.

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis
This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

What began as an almost inaccessible crawl space became 1,000 square feet of beautifully finished, highly functional living and entertaining space in this extensive whole-home transformation by Cutuli Homes.
Before construction, the area beneath the home was so confined that a person could barely crawl through portions of it. Cutuli Homes saw an opportunity to reclaim this otherwise unusable space and dramatically expand the way the homeowners could live, entertain, and enjoy their property.
The transformation required substantial structural work. Cutuli Homes shored and supported the existing house, excavated beneath it to create the necessary ceiling height, and constructed a new foundation for the expanded lower level. An interior staircase was added to connect the new space directly with the home's main floor, making the addition feel like an integral part of the original house rather than a separate basement.
The completed lower level includes a new kitchen, bathroom and billiards/game room, creating a comfortable destination for family gatherings and entertaining.
The renovation extended outdoors as well. Cutuli Homes created an outdoor BBQ and entertaining area, covered outdoor living space, new deck and new patio, transforming what had been an underutilized backyard and the unfinished area beneath the existing deck into a cohesive indoor-outdoor retreat.
The result is a remarkable example of how thoughtful design, complex structural construction and creative use of existing space can completely change a home's functionality. By converting an exceptionally tight crawl space into approximately 1,000 square feet of finished living area, Cutuli Homes gave the homeowners an entirely new level of their house while significantly improving the connection between the home and backyard.
This project showcases the type of challenging remodel where experience matters—from structural shoring, excavation and foundation construction to finish carpentry, interior remodeling and outdoor living construction. The finished home bears little resemblance to the once-unusable space beneath it.
Built and remodeled by Cutuli Homes, a Seattle-area custom home builder and remodeling contractor with more than 30 years of experience creating distinctive homes throughout the Puget Sound region

KC Architects, led by licensed architect Katarzyna Cimoch, specializes in residential architectural services throughout Chicago. As a Polish architect Chicago firm, we bring unique European design sensibility combined with deep understanding of local building codes and neighborhood character. Our comprehensive services include custom home design, renovations, additions, and space planning. What sets our Polish architect Chicago practice apart is our attention to detail and commitment to creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and values. We handle everything from initial concept through construction supervision, ensuring your vision becomes reality. FAQ: What services do you offer? We provide complete architectural services including design, permitting, and construction oversight. How long does the design process take? Timeline varies by project scope, typically 6-12 weeks for initial design. Do you handle permits? Yes, we manage all permitting and approval processes. What's your design philosophy? We blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, respecting neighborhood context. Do you work on historic homes? Yes, we have extensive experience with historic renovations and additions. What areas do you serve? We serve Chicago and surrounding suburbs. How do you charge for services? Our fees are based on project scope and complexity. Do you provide 3D renderings? Yes, we use advanced visualization tools for all projects. Can you work with my contractor? Absolutely, we collaborate with qualified contractors throughout the process. What makes your firm unique? Our Polish heritage brings European design sensibility to Chicago architecture.

This home office was crafted within an unconventional footprint—a space that originally served as a hallway and bathroom in a former golf course clubhouse before its conversion into a private residence. Our primary challenge was transforming this narrow, unique area into a functional, visually refined workspace that brought the client’s vision for custom-painted shelving alcoves to life.
Through close collaboration with the builder, we designed shelving with precise proportions, ensuring every alcove felt intentional and balanced. To maximize openness and visual continuity, we finished both the walls and shelving in SW 9019 Natural Linen. Carrying this warm tone throughout the entire space prevented visual fragmentation, allowing the architectural detailing to feel perfectly integrated. While a contrasting white finish was considered, we chose the monochromatic approach to preserve the cohesion and softness of the room.
The result is a space defined by elegance, sophistication, and quiet distinction. A cherished photographic art piece served as our focal point, establishing a color direction filled with warm neutrals, subtle depth, and organic movement. We carefully curated and scaled accessories to each alcove, including soft gold sculptural elements, clear resin accents, and earth-inspired objects, to create interest without the clutter.
We are honored that this space has been recognized with 3rd Place in the Dream Room Awards and 1st Place in the People's Choice Awards for the Home Office category.
At Clark Team Designs, we believe in "Real-Life Luxury". By managing every detail of this complex transformation, we provided an effortless, elevated experience that resulted in a home office our clients truly love.

This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings.
Our blown glass chandeliers are made totally custom to fit perfectly in your unique space. We work with you to capture the inner essence you wish to express.
Our client wished to add color to their sun room. This Deep Cobalt chandelier looks absolutely brilliant, as the outside sun and internal light of the chandelier converge in a kaleidoscope of blue. The glass dining room table and casual wooden chairs combined with the outside forestry make for a phenomenal combination.
This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. It looks stunning over this wooden kitchen island.
Our custom-made glass lighting fixtures are perfect for your foyer, entryway, stairwell, living room, dining room, kitchen, or any room in your home. All of our chandeliers and custom blown glass lighting is fully customizable and tailored to fit your unique space. No two works are the same, each piece is custom made exactly for you.
This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle.
This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle.
We are a three generation family business, with over 50 years of experience. We have installations all over the world, for governments, civic memorials, public works, interior designers, decorators, architects, engineers, museums, art galleries, hotels, restaurants, corporations, corporate clients, businesses, ranches, oceanfront properties, apartment buildings, condominiums, and numerous private clients.
This floral custom dining room chandelier chandelier looks like an upside down flower pot miraculously suspended in mid-air. The reds in the chandelier match the red painted walls, while the yellows bring out the bamboo floors and light wood dining room table and dining room chairs. There is also plenty of natural sunlight from big sky windows. This home is traditional with a touch of contemporary in the furniture.
For this particular client living in Malibu, we procured for them a chandelier to fit the ultra-contemporary decor of their interior, enhance their home's natural light, and compliment the sun-abundant environment in which they live.
48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Orange, Fire Red, Yellow This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing effect.
48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Aqua Blue, Lime, Emerald Green, Violet This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing.
48" high x 48" wide x 24" deep These Opal White sconces seem to work in any space, as their internal lights cast a soft, agreeable glow. This particular pair adds a subtle touch to a forest view, and softens the juxtaposition between inside and out. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs.
50" high x 46" wide x 26" deep This is a honey, wood, and grey sconce we produced for a client to accentuate a warm, wooden, yet contemporary feel. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs.
72" high x 60" wide x 24" deep This wall sconce is simply fun. Vibrant colors play with each other, yet match because they fall in the same color spectrum, as the client's sitting room is transformed into a display of modern art. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs.
We serve the entire United States and Canada. We service all 50 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Florida, Miami, Coral Gables, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. In California, we specifically service Orange County, Los Angeles, LA County, and Malibu. Zip code 90210. In the Washington D.C. area, we specifically serve Alexandria, Arlington, Loudon, Bethesda, Upper Marlboro, Kalorama, and the Palisades. In Connecticut, we specifically serve Greenwich. Zip codes 22314 and 2203.
Our custom made, blown glass chandeliers are functional glass art and can be customized for apartments, condos, a client’s foyer, living room, dining room, great room, family room, kitchen, kitchen island, even bathroom and bedroom.
Our fully custom glass art chandeliers are all blown here in the United States of America. We customize them to go with all furnishings, including one’s mahogany dining room table, wood dining room table, contemporary dining room table, traditional dining room table, and modern dining room table. They also match one’s marble kitchen island, skylight, coffee table, custom wallpaper, other lighting fixtures, custom wall sconces, dining room chairs, marble countertops. They look phenomenal in large or small homes, and seaside villas. Ocean front properties are a speciality of ours as well.
A closeup photo of the outdoor patio chandelier, displaying the incredible detail and craftsmanship in each individual piece. This picture is art unto itself.
We provide full personalized service, including Lighting Design, Lighting Manufacturer, Custom Lighting, Custom Chandeliers, Multi-story Chandeliers, Multi-level Chandeliers, Glass Lighting, Pendant Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Residential Lighting, Blown Glass, Fused Glass, Bubble Glass Lighting, Bubble Chandeliers, Dining Room Lighting, Kitchen Pendants, Lighting Design Consultation.
All chandeliers are hand crafted by our talented artists here in the USA. That’s right, all of our artists and craftsmen are here in the U.S. Each piece is a truly functional work of art. We like to think of it as art primarily, it just happens to be functional! It is true artistic creativity combined with engineering and architectural practicality. At Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net, you are the creator. We like to push the limits of light, color and texture, with our dramatic custom lighting and decor made from our exotic, fused & blown glass.
As a lighting and glass manufacturer, Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net is as unique as the products we offer. We're small enough to provide an unparalleled level of service and craftsmanship. That said, we are large enough to handle residential and commercial jobs of any size. Not found everywhere, you can see our exotic materials displayed around the globe.
Whether you have a vision or you're looking for one, or several, our artists can create something way beyond the expected.
Let us create something exceptional for you.
This is the chandelier in full of the previous closeup photo. We produced this vibrantly colored outdoor chandelier for a client's roofed patio area. Do not be deceived by the thin wires; we use taut, aircraft-strength cables that keep the chandelier stable in virtually any weather condition. Please again note the closeup photo of this chandelier, as it is exemplary of the world class quality we are so proud of in our glasswork.
This totally fun sculpture was created for a client's wine cellar. Your vision is our direction. You are only restricted by the contents of your imagination.
Lotus Rain Glass Sculpture Dimensions 36" high x 144" long x 38" wide All clear. Large and contemporary.
"Crystal Clear Sphere." Classic grand style for a fraction of the price. Lovely cone spiraling.
This client wished to have a tropical chandelier while also employing her favorite color: lavender. We played the opaque lavender horns with the transparent ruby and yellow, and green gourds for a wonderfully fun, tropical chandelier that also serve functions as the main dining room light.
This is a closeup of an individual platter sconce. These can be used in a large group, like the previous picture, yet are equally elegant hanging alone. These are backlit, just like our chandeliers and other sconces, with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs.
Our glass art comes in any color and/or color combination imaginable, including purple, grey, clear, gold, silver, white, black, green, yellow, purple, taupe, turquoise, blue, baby blue, lavender, violet, red, and orange.
Organic, perforated glass spheres with a lace-like texture. Made from our unique blown glass. Available as individual pendants or multi-pendant chandeliers. Multiple sizes and colors are available.
Our modern Custom Glass Lighting perfect for your entryway, foyer, stairwell, living room, dining room, kitchen, and any room in your home. Our dramatic lighting that is fully customizable and tailored to fit your space perfectly. No two pieces are the same
72" high x 48" wide This eclectic and highly complex chandelier was designed to be reminiscent of a coral reef
96" high x 60" wide x 60" deep Absolutely humongous and stunning chandelier we produced for an javascript:;exceptionally large foyer. Appropriately dubbed "Autumn" because it reminds one of the leaves turning from green to red and slowly falling.
We produced our spectacular "Summer Fire" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C. This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them.
Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to the exact brightness to fit any mood.
We produced our spectacular "Summer Fire" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C. This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them. Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to your exact specifications.
We produced our spectacular "Miami Sunrise" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C.
This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them.
Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to the exact brightness to fit any mood.
We produced our spectacular "Summer Fire" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C. This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them.
Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to the exact brightness to fit any mood. Our blown glass chandeliers are made totally custom for your unique tastes and home. We work with you to not only capture the colors and style that fit your space perfectly, but also your unique desired “vibe.”
Our client wished to add color to their sun room. This Deep Cobalt chandelier looks absolutely brilliant, as the outside sun and internal light of the chandelier converge in a kaleidoscope of blue. The glass dining room table and casual wooden chairs combined with the outside forestry make for a phenomenal combination.
This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. It looks stunning over this wooden kitchen island.
Our custom-made glass lighting fixtures are perfect for your foyer, entryway, stairwell, living room, dining room, kitchen, or any room in your home. All of our chandeliers and custom blown glass lighting is fully customizable and tailored to fit your unique space. No two works are the same, each piece is custom made exactly for you.
This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle.
This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle.
This floral custom dining room chandelier chandelier looks like an upside down flower pot miraculously suspended in mid-air. The reds in the chandelier match the red painted walls, while the yellows bring out the bamboo floors and light wood dining room table and dining room chairs. There is also plenty of natural sunlight from big sky windows. This home is traditional with a touch of contemporary in the furniture.
For this particular client living in Malibu, we procured for them a chandelier to fit the ultra-contemporary decor of their interior, enhance their home's natural light, and compliment the sun-abundant environment in which they live.
48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Orange, Fire Red, Yellow This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing effect.
48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Aqua Blue, Lime, Emerald Green, Violet This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing.
48" high x 48" wide x 24" deep These Opal White sconces seem to work in any space, as their internal lights cast a soft, agreeable glow. This particular pair adds a subtle touch to a forest view, and softens the juxtaposition between inside and out. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs.
50" high x 46" wide x 26" deep This is a honey, wood, and grey sconce we produced for a client to accentuate a warm, wooden, yet contemporary feel. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs.
72" high x 60" wide x 24" deep This wall sconce is simply fun. Vibrant colors play with each other, yet match because they fall in the same color spectrum, as the client's sitting room is transformed into a display of modern art. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs.
We serve the entire United States and Canada. We service all 50 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Florida, Miami, Coral Gables, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. In California, we specifically service Orange County, Los Angeles, LA County, and Malibu. Zip code 90210. In the Washington D.C. area, we specifically serve Alexandria, Arlington, Loudon, Bethesda, Upper Marlboro, Kalorama, and the Palisades. In Connecticut, we specifically serve Greenwich. Zip codes 22314 and 2203.
Our custom made, blown glass chandeliers are functional glass art and can be customized for apartments, condos, a client’s foyer, living room, dining room, great room, family room, kitchen, kitchen island, even bathroom and bedroom.
Our fully custom glass art chandeliers are all blown here in the United States of America. We customize them to go with all furnishings, including one’s mahogany dining room table, wood dining room table, contemporary dining room table, traditional dining room table, and modern dining room table. They also match one’s marble kitchen island, skylight, coffee table, custom wallpaper, other lighting fixtures, custom wall sconces, dining room chairs, marble countertops. They look phenomenal in large or small homes, and seaside villas. Ocean front properties are a speciality of ours as well.
A closeup photo of the outdoor patio chandelier, displaying the incredible detail and craftsmanship in each individual piece. This picture is art unto itself.
We provide full personalized service, including Lighting Design, Lighting Manufacturer, Custom Lighting, Custom Chandeliers, Multi-story Chandeliers, Multi-level Chandeliers, Glass Lighting, Pendant Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Residential Lighting, Blown Glass, Fused Glass, Bubble Glass Lighting, Bubble Chandeliers, Dining Room Lighting, Kitchen Pendants, Lighting Design Consultation.
All chandeliers are hand crafted by our talented artists here in the USA. That’s right, all of our artists and craftsmen are here in the U.S. Each piece is a truly functional work of art. We like to think of it as art primarily, it just happens to be functional! It is true artistic creativity combined with engineering and architectural practicality. At Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net, you are the creator. We like to push the limits of light, color and texture, with our dramatic custom lighting and decor made from our exotic, fused & blown glass.
As a lighting and glass manufacturer, Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net is as unique as the products we offer. We're small enough to provide an unparalleled level of service and craftsmanship. That said, we are large enough to handle residential and commercial jobs of any size. Not found everywhere, you can see our exotic materials displayed around the globe.
Whether you have a vision or you're looking for one, or several, our artists can create something way beyond the expected.
Let us create something exceptional for you.
This is the chandelier in full of th

What began as an almost inaccessible crawl space became 1,000 square feet of beautifully finished, highly functional living and entertaining space in this extensive whole-home transformation by Cutuli Homes.
Before construction, the area beneath the home was so confined that a person could barely crawl through portions of it. Cutuli Homes saw an opportunity to reclaim this otherwise unusable space and dramatically expand the way the homeowners could live, entertain, and enjoy their property.
The transformation required substantial structural work. Cutuli Homes shored and supported the existing house, excavated beneath it to create the necessary ceiling height, and constructed a new foundation for the expanded lower level. An interior staircase was added to connect the new space directly with the home's main floor, making the addition feel like an integral part of the original house rather than a separate basement.
The completed lower level includes a new kitchen, bathroom and billiards/game room, creating a comfortable destination for family gatherings and entertaining.
The renovation extended outdoors as well. Cutuli Homes created an outdoor BBQ and entertaining area, covered outdoor living space, new deck and new patio, transforming what had been an underutilized backyard and the unfinished area beneath the existing deck into a cohesive indoor-outdoor retreat.
The result is a remarkable example of how thoughtful design, complex structural construction and creative use of existing space can completely change a home's functionality. By converting an exceptionally tight crawl space into approximately 1,000 square feet of finished living area, Cutuli Homes gave the homeowners an entirely new level of their house while significantly improving the connection between the home and backyard.
This project showcases the type of challenging remodel where experience matters—from structural shoring, excavation and foundation construction to finish carpentry, interior remodeling and outdoor living construction. The finished home bears little resemblance to the once-unusable space beneath it.
Built and remodeled by Cutuli Homes, a Seattle-area custom home builder and remodeling contractor with more than 30 years of experience creating distinctive homes throughout the Puget Sound region

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis
This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

design: Carrie Preston (Studio TOOP) and Jasper Helmantel (Cruydt Hoeck), 2011
location: Appeltern, NL
status: built in 2012 by Appeltern Model Garden Complex
photos: Jolanthe Lalkens, October 2012
Designed as assignment from both the Dutch gardening magazine Groei & Bloei and the television and radio nature program Vara's Vroege Vogels, this garden serves as a model of how homeowners can incorporate lots of plant life and wildlife into the design but without sacrificing practicality or aesthetics. The garden is deliberately contemporary in its style to emphasize that nature-rich gardens need not look a certain way - insects and birds don't care if the lines are straight or curved.
At the same time the garden makes use of affordable, simple, no-nonsense materials. The 40x60 cm paving stones are one of the most common and affordable paving options in the Netherlands, available en masse for free on the Internet. Conceptually we imagined a garden completely paved with the tiles (as to many gardens are) and what would happen if took out some of these stones, used them to build benches and structure and added plants where the tiles had been. In the construction of the benches we include other materials such as bamboo sticks and insulation bricks that create habitat for insects such as solitary bees.
The plant palette is based on a selection of native and host plants in combination with the 26 plants plan set up by Groei & Boei -- a list of plants aimed at making the use of more plants in gardens accessible and less intimidating. The choice for the number 26 corresponds with the number of letters in the alphabet in line with the famous Dutch garden designer Mien Ruy's comment that if we only need 26 letters to create a whole language, we should be able to combine and mix 26 plants to express far more than we think.

Photo by Jody Dole
This new mixed-use building located in a quaint village has made a name for itself. It features a third floor apartment, second floor office space, and first floor retail. The design of the building's exterior bridges the gap between new and old. The cedar shingle gable roof form and double hung window style blend with the traditional New England context of neighboring buildings. The vertical grooved siding and a sliding 'barn' door hint at an agrarian vernacular. The sliding door features sixteen sparking panels of 'glass quilts' designed by glass artist, Alan Davidson of Guilford, CT. Angular roof forms, support brackets, and trim along with the black paint color provide a modern edge. The building and the new first floor art gallery have generated much interest and excitement for the town.
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place.
At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise.
A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings.
Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure.
Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.
16