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.

Example of a transitional bedroom design in Chicago

In the basement, a standard closet that once exposed the water heater and venting was converted into a smart, efficient laundry space. A stacking washer and dryer freed up space for navy cabinetry, full-height storage, and a new closet that neatly conceals the water heater. A concrete-look countertop, stainless hanging rod, and oil-rubbed bronze hardware echo finishes used elsewhere in the home, tying the spaces together.

Artful and functional, this stunning wall adjacent to the fireplace beautifully blends display and storage. Crisp white shaker-style cabinets provide ample concealed storage, while floating wood shelves add warmth and a natural element to the space. A frame TV doubles as sophisticated artwork, anchoring the wall and creating a gallery-like focal point. The textured stone detail ties in seamlessly with the fireplace surround, creating a cohesive and modern yet cozy aesthetic. Perfect for showcasing curated decor pieces while keeping clutter out of sight.

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.

Custom-built in the early eighties, this contemporary home was cloaked in all brown board siding with brown windows and a cumbersome street-facing carport. The current owners had raised their family there on property that borders serene conservation land. Now they were ready for a new, brighter exterior look that would include all new windows to take in the exquisite view, unobscured by the fog of failing window seals; new siding that wouldn’t be subject to woodpecker wear and tear; a refinished screen porch; a new garage to replace the undersized carport; and new entry access. On the interior, they wanted the new, fresh vibe to extend to the design of three renovated modern bathrooms. In response, KHS proposed black-framed windows throughout in simpler configurations; fiber-cement (and PVC) exterior cladding in three textures to differentiate functions and features; a unifying light-gray and white palette teamed with clear-finished mahogany/sapele to carry across the exterior as well as the bathroom renovations; a stream-lined screen porch with cable rails; a new shed-roofed garage to resolve the exterior massing; and a new covered walkway entrance delivering those arriving into a repurposed interior space. Once the overall design was resolved, the owners elected to complete the work in phases over several years. Phase 1 included renovating the powder room, guest bathroom, and primary bathroom, and refreshing the screen porch. See the reconceived modern bathrooms here on the KHS website. Next came constructing the new garage and entry, which on the interior included new floor tile and a new entry wall-paneling system to conceal electrical, solar, and security panels/controls. Phase III involved installing the rest of the new windows and completing the comprehensive new exterior cladding and palette to tie the earlier phases together. To cap it off, KHS worked with the owners to select new clean-lined furnishings for the living area in colors inspired by their coastal view.

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Inspiration for a timeless home office remodel in Chicago

This project centered on helping a wonderful client and her equally fantastic dog transform her condo into a space that truly reflected her style and simplified her life. Eager to create a home that was both beautiful and functional, she envisioned a haven in the heart of the city. Before: Feeling Disconnected Before the renovation, our client felt disconnected from her condo. The builder-grade kitchen was a constant source of frustration, with an awkward peninsula that hindered the flow of the space. The condo overall felt outdated and no longer captured her vibrant personality. The foyer and laundry areas were cramped and lacked organization, while the mismatched hardwood flooring only added to the disjointed atmosphere. As for the bathrooms, they felt frozen in time, desperately needing an update. Worries and Concerns Like many homeowners, our client had heard her fair share of renovation horror stories—tales of projects gone awry and the frustrations of managing multiple contractors. She was understandably cautious and needed a trustworthy, experienced team she could rely on to handle the project with care and expertise. The Solution: A Personalized Transformation We took the time to listen carefully to our client’s needs and concerns and developed a tailored plan to address each of her pain points. For the kitchen, we preserved the existing layout but reimagined the space entirely. The awkward peninsula was redesigned to improve traffic flow and provide much-needed storage and counter space. Clever storage solutions, such as pull-outs, shelving, concealed drawers in the toe kicks, and an appliance garage, were incorporated. The kitchen now boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, with light wood-tone lower cabinetry, off-white upper cabinets, and brushed nickel hardware that ties it all together. The laundry room, once cramped and chaotic, was transformed into an organized, efficient space. We added custom cabinetry with pull-outs for hanging clothes, open storage above, a laundry sink, and a spacious counter for folding—no more piles of laundry! Both the en-suite and shared bathrooms underwent complete renovations. Custom cabinetry was installed, including a floor-to-ceiling linen closet, and light grey and brown-toned tiles were selected, with contrasting hexagonal tiles for the shower floor. A heated flooring system was added for luxury and comfort year-round. The mismatched flooring throughout the condo was replaced with cohesive vinyl and porcelain tiles, creating a seamless, modern aesthetic throughout the space. Overcoming Challenges As with any renovation, there were challenges to navigate. One of the key obstacles was managing the condo board’s renovation rules and policies while coordinating the delivery schedules for finishes and fixtures, especially during the busy holiday season. With careful planning, we ensured the project stayed on track. Additionally, we encountered a height variation between the tile and vinyl flooring. To resolve this, we used self-leveling material under the vinyl, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition between the two flooring types. The Grand Reveal: A Dream Come True The final result is simply stunning. The kitchen is now a chef’s dream, with custom-built cabinets, smooth quartz countertops, and a matching stone backsplash. Brushed nickel and stainless steel plumbing fixtures, elegant cabinet hardware, and LED lighting under the upper cabinets add the perfect finishing touches. Custom organizers in the foyer and laundry closets provide ample storage and keep everything neatly in place. The bathrooms have been transformed into spa-like retreats, with beautiful porcelain tiles and custom cabinetry. The new vinyl flooring throughout the main living areas and bedroom unifies the space, creating a cohesive and modern atmosphere. Life Transformed Our client’s life has been completely transformed. As a passionate cook, she now relishes spending time in her beautiful and functional kitchen. The single-bowl sink makes cleanup a breeze, and the thoughtfully designed storage solutions have brought a sense of calm and order to her home. The refreshed flooring and neutral paint palette have created a relaxing, comfortable environment she truly loves. A Memorable Journey This project was more than just a renovation—it was a collaboration. Our client valued our guidance throughout the design process, particularly when faced with the overwhelming number of decisions. We built a strong relationship with her, and we are immensely grateful for the trust she placed in our team.

By pairing a reach-in wardrobe with a built-in credenza, this elegant mid-century-inspired master closet provides storage and classic style. • Lago® Roman Walnut creates a rich and classic look. • Bronze powder coated Aluminum sliding doors with Frosted glass inserts add texture and conceal clothing. • Warm white ribbon light illuminates the space. • Push-to-open door hardware offers ease of use. • Oil-rubbed bronze finger pull drawer hardware adds a minimalistic accent. • Deep texture slab door and drawer fronts bring texture and depth to the space. • Belt, tie, and valet accessories ensure organization.

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Home office - contemporary home office idea in Chicago

By pairing a reach-in wardrobe with a built-in credenza, this elegant mid-century-inspired master closet provides storage and classic style. • Lago® Roman Walnut creates a rich and classic look. • Bronze powder coated Aluminum sliding doors with Frosted glass inserts add texture and conceal clothing. • Warm white ribbon light illuminates the space. • Push-to-open door hardware offers ease of use. • Oil-rubbed bronze finger pull drawer hardware adds a minimalistic accent. • Deep texture slab door and drawer fronts bring texture and depth to the space. • Belt, tie, and valet accessories ensure organization.

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.

Example of a transitional bedroom design in Chicago

Meaning “line” in Swahili, the Mstari Safari Task Lounge itself is accented with clean wooden lines, as well as dramatic contrasts of hammered gold and reflective obsidian desk-drawers. A custom-made industrial, mid-century desk—the room’s focal point—is perfect for centering focus while going over the day’s workload. Behind, a tiger painting ties the African motif together. Contrasting pendant lights illuminate the workspace, permeating the sharp, angular design with more organic forms. Outside the task lounge, a custom barn door conceals the client’s entry coat closet. A patchwork of Mexican retablos—turn of the century religious relics—celebrate the client’s eclectic style and love of antique cultural art, while a large wrought-iron turned handle and barn door track unify the composition. A home as tactfully curated as the Mstari deserved a proper entryway. We knew that right as guests entered the home, they needed to be wowed. So rather than opting for a traditional drywall header, we engineered an undulating I-beam that spanned the opening. The I-beam’s spine incorporated steel ribbing, leaving a striking impression of a Gaudiesque spine.

The Owner selected stamped concrete for their terrace after reviewing natural stone. Stacked snapstone was installed to conceal old railroad tie walls.

The Owner selected stamped concrete for their terrace after reviewing natural stone. Stacked snapstone was installed to conceal old railroad tie walls.

Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in Chicago

Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in Chicago

Design-build remodel in Wakefield, MA, featuring a kitchen with a bar area and mudroom space. (#ProjectEclecticEnvy) This remodel showcases painted frameless cabinetry in Rookwood Green, with a white textured subway tile backsplash, seamlessly integrated into a U-shaped layout with a peninsula for seating. The appliance suite in matte black adds contrast, accented with brass and German bronze hardware. A Silgranit apron sink with a fabric skirt and a brass bridge faucet introduce traditional charm. The bar area features a medium gray quartz countertop that mimics concrete, a highly textured geometric backsplash, and a concealed framed television. The mudroom space includes custom built-in storage with a stained bench top and continues the bar area’s backsplash tile. An 8” charcoal hexagon floor tile and Hygge & West Piedmont Wallpaper in Pine - a large-scale patterned wallpaper featuring foxes, birds, and florals - tie the space together with bold character.