This interior remodel reimagined a dated kitchen and bathroom as one cohesive, light-filled living environment. The homeowners wanted a home that felt calm, organized, and effortless to live in — spaces that support everyday routines rather than complicate them. D&G managed the entire project under a single Design-Build process: design, material selections, engineering, permitting, construction, and final quality control handled by one team with one point of accountability. The Kitchen The galley kitchen was opened into an adjacent dining area to improve flow and natural light. Soft white cabinetry pairs with quartz countertops and a full-height marble-look quartz backsplash behind the induction cooktop, creating a clean, uninterrupted surface that's as practical as it is refined. A vertical shiplap accent wall introduces subtle texture and depth, balanced by a floating natural maple shelf that echoes the wood tones throughout the home. Integrated appliance placement — a wall oven, concealed microwave shelf, and under-cabinet ventilation — keeps countertops clear and sightlines uncluttered. Adjacent to the kitchen, a custom built-in storage wall blends natural maple upper cabinetry with white base cabinetry, delivering pantry-level capacity without the visual weight of a closed pantry. Timeless, functional, and designed to age well. The Bathroom The bathroom carries the same design language as the kitchen: a natural maple vanity with raised-panel doors, brushed nickel hardware, quartz countertop with integrated backsplash, and an undermount sink. A recessed medicine cabinet extends storage without intruding on the room, while a glass-enclosed shower with a low-threshold base and window-driven natural light keeps the space open, bright, and easy to maintain. Wood-look tile flooring ties the bathroom to the wide-plank flooring used throughout the home — a detail that makes the renovation read as one intentional project rather than a series of separate updates.

This is one of our favorite kitchens! It has a large island with marble tops, it's big enough to fit the whole family or have plenty of seats for your guest while you entertain. At the end of island you will notice the refrigerator and freezer that have panels to match the cabinetry. Underneath the hood there are small cabinets for all of your spices, so they are close to where you need them, while being concealed. Just beyond the kitchen you can see the reclaimed newel post, that ties in beautifully with everything in the home.

Example of a classic laundry room design in Chicago

This ultra modern kitchen and bar combo was inspired by Florida & the Miami scene, according to the homeowner. The cabinets were beautifully crafted by Creative Cabinet Designs, LLC which carefully integrates and compliments all of the appliances. From the sleek paneling and concealed handles on the SubZero freezer and refrigerator columns to the double Wolf ovens and Miele coffee system and steam oven. Everything ties together with color-changeable accent lighting, creating endless moods for your guests.

This extensive project showcases a remarkable transformation of a 1920s Craftsman home, combining a thoughtfully designed second-story addition with a full custom remodel of the first floor. The new upper level adds a spacious primary suite, complete with a bedroom, walk-in closet, laundry room, and a stunning bathroom with a drop-in tub, custom vanity, Caesarstone quartz countertops, and a walk-in shower wrapped in green subway tile, medallion accents, and natural stone. The first floor was reimagined with a new layout to better suit modern living. The kitchen features custom cabinetry, a seamless Corian countertop with integrated sink, and copper hardware. A cozy built-in banquette and natural stone backsplash with medallion inserts bring both elegance and personality to the space. The formal dining room boasts wraparound custom millwork and hidden LED strip lighting within the crown to create ambient mood lighting. Throughout the home, you’ll find true Craftsman detailing—from solid red oak floors and Marvin wood windows to picture railing trim, cloud corbel detailing, and stained wood baseboards and casings. Skylights with concealed LED strips flood the second floor with natural light while creating atmosphere. The original fireplace was preserved and enhanced with hand-stained brick, a unique custom drywall design, and Zia handmade tile on the hearth. On the exterior, wood shingle siding and custom-built columns enclose the redesigned front porch, which features a pony wall and decorative wood corbels. The original 1920s dormer was meticulously restored, including custom rafter tail and window detailing that ties into the home’s timeless architecture. This project is a true homage to Craftsman design—blending historic charm with modern luxury and handcrafted finishes in every room.

CONTACT These home owners initially contacted their Designer to identify the reason that the floor in their upstairs bedroom suffered from a noticeable slant. The floor problem actually impacted a small bathroom and adjoining study also. Early on, the decision was made to re-design the footprint for the 3 rooms in conjunction with repairing the uneven floor. The approach was to gut all three spaces of walls and floors and start from scratch. The new spaces were designed with the clients needs for accessibility in mind. DESIGN The design effort included identifying the products to be used throughout the spaces. This included everything from the flooring to the wall paint. Kohler plumbing fixtures and Adelphi cabinetry were decided on first. A radiant heat grid was included for the bathroom floor. Lighting, paint and tile soon followed. Wood flooring was installed throughout the adjoining spaces. The master bedroom was redesigned to allow for entry from the study or the master bath via pocket doors. The study was given an access to the master bath also. The hardwood flooring ties the bedroom and study together and gives each room a very spacious feel. The original master bedroom was changed to incorporate a large walk-in closet that features custom storage throughout. The study that also doubles as the IT center for the home was updated with custom book cases and cabinetry from Adelphi Cabinets. When discussing the reapportioning of the entire space for the individual rooms the bathroom was given priority. The previous small bathroom did not include a window for natural light. The new design corrected that in a big way by incorporating an existing bedroom window into the new space. The decision was made early on to allow for the inclusion of a large shower with full granite walls and custom plate glass surround. The shower system includes both fixed and hand held shower heads. A thermostatic control system was included to eliminate scalding. A large bench seat of matching granite allows for relaxing while getting squeaky clean. A separate air massage tub from Kohler centered under the new windows allows for a relaxed moment while being caressed by all those tiny bubbles. His and her side by side vanity sinks allows for efficient use of the space. The Caxton sinks and coordinated toilet were selected to match the color of the tub and do so beautifully! CONSTRUCTION We started the project not knowing what we were going to find. The slanting floor upstairs was not evident in the ceiling of the first floor Once the demolition had been completed it was evident that the floor joists were at the heart of the problem. The home had been framed with floor joists that had been strung together to increase their length. Over time and with the house settling, the strung together joists started to droop from their connection point. This was concealed on the first floor by a large HVAC duct running through the garage. This was corrected by the addition of two laminated beams in the ceiling of the first floor (luckily in the garage) that re-supported the offending joists. THE END The project was a huge success in terms of problem solving and designing with budget and time frame in mind. The overall impact of the new space is impressive both visually and from a practicality point of view. The new master suite with upscale bathroom and study adds significant value to the home and the home owners quality of life!

Luxury Basement Remodel Featuring Spa, Home Gym, Gun Room, and Full Kitchen This luxury basement remodel redefines what a lower level can be, transforming unused square footage into a fully immersive lifestyle environment. Designed with intention, precision, and premium materials, this space blends wellness, security, fitness, and entertainment into one cohesive custom basement design that feels elevated, warm, and unmistakably high-end. From the moment you enter, this luxury basement remodel feels open and expansive. Wide-plank flooring flows seamlessly throughout the space, creating visual continuity while adding warmth rarely seen in traditional basements. Clean architectural lines and thoughtful zoning allow each area to stand on its own while still feeling connected as part of a complete design. Basement Spa and Sauna Retreat A standout feature of this luxury basement remodel is the private basement spa, designed to deliver a true retreat experience within the home. The custom glass-enclosed sauna acts as both a functional wellness feature and a striking architectural element. Natural wood surfaces wrap the interior, bringing warmth, texture, and a calming atmosphere that mirrors high-end resort spas. Integrated LED lighting enhances the natural wood grain while providing soft, ambient illumination. The stone sauna heater anchors the space visually while delivering consistent heat for daily use. Glass walls allow light to flow freely, preventing the space from feeling closed in and reinforcing the open feel of the overall custom basement design. This basement spa was designed not as an accessory, but as a core component of the luxury basement remodel—supporting health, relaxation, and everyday wellness. Custom Gun Room and Secure Display Space Security meets craftsmanship in the custom gun room, a defining element of this luxury basement remodel. Designed to function as both a secure storage solution and a refined display space, the room balances protection with presentation. Precision-mounted wall panels allow firearms and accessories to be displayed in a clean, organized layout. Integrated LED lighting highlights each piece while adding depth and contrast to the room. Custom wood framing ties the space into the broader custom basement design, ensuring visual consistency throughout the project. Lower cabinetry provides concealed storage while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance. Climate control and security were integrated seamlessly, creating a room that is as practical as it is visually impressive. Home Gym Basement with Professional Design This home gym basement was designed to rival commercial fitness facilities while maintaining the comfort and privacy of a residential environment. The layout supports strength training, functional workouts, and cardio without feeling crowded or overwhelming. Mirrored walls expand the space visually and provide practical training feedback. Heavy-duty flooring absorbs impact and minimizes noise, making the gym ideal for daily use. Overhead, a custom LED grid ceiling delivers even, shadow-free lighting, elevating both functionality and aesthetics. As part of the overall luxury basement remodel, the gym connects naturally to adjacent spaces, reinforcing the idea that fitness is integrated into everyday living—not isolated or hidden away. Basement with Full Kitchen and Entertaining Space Designed for hosting and everyday use, the basement with full kitchen anchors the entertainment zone of this luxury basement remodel. Custom cabinetry offers ample storage while maintaining clean lines and a refined appearance. Premium countertops provide durability and visual impact, serving as both a workspace and gathering point. Integrated appliances ensure full functionality without disrupting the design. Layered lighting enhances usability and atmosphere, making the kitchen equally suited for casual evenings or large gatherings. This basement with full kitchen allows the space to function independently from the main level, adding both convenience and long-term value. Luxury Tile Basement Details Tile plays a key role throughout this luxury tile basement, serving as a design feature rather than just a finish. Carefully selected tile textures and patterns add depth and visual interest to accent walls and functional areas. Each tile installation was executed with precision, showcasing clean transitions and expert craftsmanship. The tile selections complement the surrounding wood and stone elements, reinforcing the layered material palette that defines this custom basement design. Craftsmanship That Defines the Space What sets this luxury basement remodel apart is the attention to detail in every element. Custom millwork, seamless trim transitions, and intentional lighting design elevate the space beyond typical basement renovations. Ceilings are treated as design features, walls are crisp and refined, and built-in elements feel integrated rather than added. This level of craftsmanship ensures the basement feels timeless, durable, and thoughtfully designed. A Custom Basement Design Built for Lifestyle This project demonstrates how a custom basement design can become one of the most valuable and lived-in areas of a home. By combining a basement spa, secure gun room, home gym basement, basement with full kitchen, and luxury tile finishes, this space delivers unmatched versatility and comfort. This luxury basement remodel is not simply an upgrade—it is a complete transformation that enhances daily living while adding long-term value.

This remodeled kitchen has recently transitioned from an ordinary traditional design into a beautiful, transitional gourmet kitchen, making this space the perfect place for family and friends to congregate. A 2nd story wall has been removed and replaced by a modern hand railing open to the kitchen, giving the whole space a more open design. The newly remodeled kitchen makes entertaining easy and enjoyable by featuring an exquisite yet practical, spacious kitchen island complete with a prep sink and space for seating. The dated granite countertops have been replaced with light Cambria Brittanica quartz countertops that give off a marble appearance and are complimented by a classic subway tile backsplash. The Brookhaven perimeter cabinets have been stained a lighter Matte Storm Cloud gray color and have a contemporary Nova Recessed door style. The contrast of the dark island, range and bar cabinets with the lighter gray perimeter gives the kitchen an aesthetically pleasing combination of charm and sophistication. The focal point that ties this beautiful design together is the sophisticated custom cabinetry mantle range hood, flanked with pullout spice cabinets in a darker contrasting Matte Eclipse grey, pulling in the same Cambria quartz countertop in a solid slab backsplash above the range. What makes this area so unique is the subtle contrast in cabinet colors, light quartz backsplash, and creative design is what gives this kitchen an extra kick of character. A 36” Wolf Gas cooktop and side-by-side ovens makes this kitchen a dream for any aspiring chef. Custom appliance panels were installed to “blend” in with cabinets while concealing two dishwashers and a 48” Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer. The kitchen is polished off with a refined, spacious wine and beverage bar, complete with a wine refrigerator and kegerator. Adding alluring, elegant light fixtures, this kitchen has truly been designed with entertaining in mind. Jeff Garland Photography

What a privilege to work in this beautiful old Watermill! This was a really special project to be involved in and a challenge we loved embarking on. A painted in-frame shaker kitchen complete with solid oak drawer boxes was the ideal style to work with here. We used a pale ‘winter blue’ tone to lift the overall colour scheme, whilst keeping it classic. In order to reflect more light around the space, we used glass splashbacks behind the Aga and sink. Colour matching the glass panels to the walls means they really blend into the design as well as helping to reflect light. The worktops are a multi-tone granite worktop called ‘Aosta’. This particular granite features almost turquoise and plummy colours that work with both the blue furniture, and the flooring. The island is a real multi-purpose space. It provides a food prep area, integrated hob & oven, plus seating area. Designed in this way, it is the real hub of the kitchen. Previously, the kitchen had felt like two separate areas, but the run of storage units incorporating the old fridge-freezer really ties the spaces together seamlessly. Ample storage and elegant storage solutions were key to this design. Several units were tailor made on site. We designed a run of units to conceal the alarm system, consumer unit and even a hostess trolley neatly out of sight. One of our absolutely favourite areas in this kitchen is our bespoke window seat for the bay window. This little perch looks out over the water and doubles up as extra storage. A great little nook to relax into. The final touch in this kitchen is the lighting under the cabinets and bespoke mantle. At night, this creates a particularly lovely ambience against the backdrop of the running water outside.

This project in the north-central Twin Cities metro area features frameless full overlay construction and vertical grain-matched white birch exteriors. The doors and drawer fronts include matching edgebanding. Hinges are soft close concealed, and drawer boxes rest on full extension undermount soft close guides. Homeowners chose Berenson bow pulls for hardware, which not only connects well with stainless steel appliances but also ties together cabinets throughout the home.

The old wood stove was sitting on an ugly pad, in a non-symmetrical position, and was an eye-sore. The Otter street basement renovation was a fix-to-sell project. The homeowners were being relocated by the military, and they needed to do a facelift on their home before selling. The main point of contention was the basement: it had been finished in a country-barn style, and was dark and uninviting. The walls were in bad shape, and the electrical needed to be brought up to code. Also in this project, were other touch-ups including replacing the kitchen backsplashes. The main issue was a wood-burning stove that was placed on a pad of tiles, which really took up space in the room, and was an eye-sore. The solution to this was to replace it with a gas-burning efficient direct vent corner fireplace, and cut away the flooring to make a symmetrical tiled pad. The opposite corner had to have a pipe concealed, so we decided to make it look like the fireplace mantel. The fireplace mantel, the corner mantel, and the window sill were all done in red oak, and were tied together. The tops of the mantels were done with the same tiles as on the floor. The kids' playroom had new walls, ceiling, and flooring to brighten it up. This house was placed on the market after a month of renovations, and was sold within 24 hours with an offer in excess of 98% of the asking price. Now that's a Fix It 2 Sell It success!

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Shed - contemporary shed idea in Chicago

This luxury finished basement showcases a refined modern-contemporary design with warm natural materials, clean architectural lines, and intentional craftsmanship throughout, blending high-end residential construction with upscale hospitality and performance-driven spaces. The custom basement bar features solid wood cabinetry in a natural oak or white oak finish, paired with sleek matte black stone countertops that provide durability, contrast, and a timeless modern aesthetic. Vertical slat wall paneling runs behind the bar and shelving, adding texture, rhythm, and architectural depth while reinforcing a Scandinavian-inspired modern warmth that elevates the space beyond a traditional basement remodel. Floating wood shelves with integrated stemware racks create an open, airy feel while displaying glassware, bar accessories, and decorative objects in brushed brass, smoked glass, and neutral ceramics, tying together modern organic and mid-century influences. Dual glass-front beverage refrigerators with stainless steel trim anchor the wet bar, offering functional cold storage while reinforcing a high-end entertaining environment ideal for hosting, relaxing, or daily use. The black backsplash and counter surfaces ground the lighter wood tones, creating balance, contrast, and visual sophistication consistent with luxury interior design trends. Recessed ceiling lighting and flush-mount fixtures provide soft, even illumination, while accent lighting highlights textures, shelving, and materials without overpowering the space. The basement flooring appears to be wide-plank engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank in a light natural wood tone, delivering warmth, durability, and moisture resistance ideal for below-grade construction. Adjacent to the bar, the custom home gym is designed with a sleek, performance-focused aesthetic featuring rubber flooring with integrated turf training lanes, high-contrast white line markings, and commercial-grade fitness equipment. Matte black walls and ceilings create a bold, immersive workout environment, enhanced by linear LED strip lighting that adds a modern, architectural edge while providing functional task lighting. The gym includes power racks, cable machines, free weights, storage hooks, and wall-mounted accessories, emphasizing organization, efficiency, and intentional layout planning. Dark finishes, industrial textures, and minimalist detailing create a cohesive modern luxury feel that mirrors high-end boutique fitness studios while remaining integrated into the residential design language of the home. Throughout the basement, clean drywall finishes, crisp trim work, and concealed mechanical systems reflect thoughtful construction planning and attention to detail from a skilled general contractor. This basement remodel exemplifies custom home building excellence, combining entertainment, wellness, and design-forward living into a cohesive lower-level retreat. The overall style blends modern, contemporary, organic modern, Scandinavian, and subtle industrial influences, resulting in a timeless yet bold space that adds significant lifestyle value and resale appeal. Premium materials, intentional lighting, custom millwork, and durable finishes make this basement ideal for homeowners seeking elevated design, luxury construction, functional entertaining spaces, and a seamless extension of the main living areas. Designed and built with craftsmanship, precision, and modern aesthetics in mind, this basement reflects the highest standards of interior design, home renovation, custom construction, and luxury residential building.

Inspiration for a contemporary closet remodel in Chicago

To help make this family room in Wexford more functional and cohesive, we added new custom built-in storage around the brick fireplace. On the left side, an existing built-in was situated in between the fireplace and a small closet, which also contained a sink. We started by peeling away these elements to create a larger space. Adding symmetry to the room, we designed new cabinetry which included a mix of hidden and open shelf storage. Behind full-height pocketing doors on the left, a new wet bar with a tiled backsplash and quartz countertop. On the right, another set of pocketing doors conceals three large drawers, plus overflow toy storage for the adjacent playroom. Immediately flanking the fireplace, bookshelves provide a space to display favorite items with even more storage beneath. To balance the room’s rich wood tones and multi-tonal red brick, we helped the clients select a neutral color palette to make the space feel more relaxed. Complimentary colors and textures are added through the playful wallpaper lining the back of the shelves, and hexagon backsplash tile. A stylish new fireplace faceplate, gallery lighting, and cabinet hardware — each in a dark metal finish — help to tie everything together.

To help make this family room in Wexford more functional and cohesive, we added new custom built-in storage around the brick fireplace. On the left side, an existing built-in was situated in between the fireplace and a small closet, which also contained a sink. We started by peeling away these elements to create a larger space. Adding symmetry to the room, we designed new cabinetry which included a mix of hidden and open shelf storage. Behind full-height pocketing doors on the left, a new wet bar with a tiled backsplash and quartz countertop. On the right, another set of pocketing doors conceals three large drawers, plus overflow toy storage for the adjacent playroom. Immediately flanking the fireplace, bookshelves provide a space to display favorite items with even more storage beneath. To balance the room’s rich wood tones and multi-tonal red brick, we helped the clients select a neutral color palette to make the space feel more relaxed. Complimentary colors and textures are added through the playful wallpaper lining the back of the shelves, and hexagon backsplash tile. A stylish new fireplace faceplate, gallery lighting, and cabinet hardware — each in a dark metal finish — help to tie everything together.

This extensive project showcases a remarkable transformation of a 1920s Craftsman home, combining a thoughtfully designed second-story addition with a full custom remodel of the first floor. The new upper level adds a spacious primary suite, complete with a bedroom, walk-in closet, laundry room, and a stunning bathroom with a drop-in tub, custom vanity, Caesarstone quartz countertops, and a walk-in shower wrapped in green subway tile, medallion accents, and natural stone. The first floor was reimagined with a new layout to better suit modern living. The kitchen features custom cabinetry, a seamless Corian countertop with integrated sink, and copper hardware. A cozy built-in banquette and natural stone backsplash with medallion inserts bring both elegance and personality to the space. The formal dining room boasts wraparound custom millwork and hidden LED strip lighting within the crown to create ambient mood lighting. Throughout the home, you’ll find true Craftsman detailing—from solid red oak floors and Marvin wood windows to picture railing trim, cloud corbel detailing, and stained wood baseboards and casings. Skylights with concealed LED strips flood the second floor with natural light while creating atmosphere. The original fireplace was preserved and enhanced with hand-stained brick, a unique custom drywall design, and Zia handmade tile on the hearth. On the exterior, wood shingle siding and custom-built columns enclose the redesigned front porch, which features a pony wall and decorative wood corbels. The original 1920s dormer was meticulously restored, including custom rafter tail and window detailing that ties into the home’s timeless architecture. This project is a true homage to Craftsman design—blending historic charm with modern luxury and handcrafted finishes in every room.

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Elegant closet photo in Chicago

Inspiration for a timeless laundry room remodel in Chicago