The bathrooms in this small urban townhouse in North Old Town Alexandria were dysfunctional and hadn’t been remodeled since the home was built in the early 1950s. So as part of a larger project, the homeowners decided to modernize and brighten them up. When remodeling three bedrooms on the home’s second floor, the design made room for a larger main bath and a walk-in closet. A new skylight brings lots of natural light into the space, brightening it up considerably. The home’s basement was also totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and den. Marble floor and wall tiles and an exotic stone vanity counter highlight this update. The bathrooms are part of a rebirth for this older home, making it come alive again for the homeowners.

Ojai, CA; 600 square foot addition and total remodel to a 5,000 square foot home on 10 acres. We designed a new entry structure, new covered outdoor room with fireplace, new primary bedroom suite, and remodel to the entire house. This was an attractive Spanish-style home, but the owners wanted to make it their own, with Feng Shui considerations and a more open, light-filled plan. Architectural Digest covered the remodel in an April 7, 2023 article, and a video is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8V3DGNNIHs

The bathrooms in this small urban townhouse in North Old Town Alexandria were dysfunctional and hadn’t been remodeled since the home was built in the early 1950s. So as part of a larger project, the homeowners decided to modernize and brighten them up. When remodeling three bedrooms on the home’s second floor, the design made room for a larger main bath and a walk-in closet. A new skylight brings lots of natural light into the space, brightening it up considerably. The home’s basement was also totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and den. Marble floor and wall tiles and an exotic stone vanity counter highlight this update. The bathrooms are part of a rebirth for this older home, making it come alive again for the homeowners.

Kitchen Remodel, was completed as a result of a sewage backup incident. Prior layout was L shape Kitchen layout with awkward angle on dishwasher end, that ended straight into the wall. Cabinets right of dishwasher and above were added including a 24 inch pantry to the right. This added considerable amount of space to the kitchen even though it required the use of a vanity cabinet in order to make that happen. Project has received new drawers for that vanity box that needed to be custom made in order to make that cabinet work. Overall customer seems extremely happy at the results.

For this kitchen remodeling project, the homeowners were tired of their old backsplash and wanted a change. We discussed several options that they might be interested in, and after careful consideration, they decided to do it. They chose a Mohawk Phase Pearl Mosaic tile backsplash and a bright white grout. We also changed out the outlets to complement the new backsplash, while also installing a new microwave. The homeowners are very happy with the final product.

The original patterned tiles of the house suffered considerable damage and required replacement. Halmann Vella created a custom-made pattern reminiscent of the traditional Maltese patterned tiles. This new pattern perfectly marries the traditional aspect of the house with its branding. Photograph by Fredrick Muscat.

For this kitchen remodeling project, the homeowners were tired of their old backsplash and wanted a change. We discussed several options that they might be interested in, and after careful consideration, they decided to do it. They chose a Mohawk Phase Pearl Mosaic tile backsplash and a bright white grout. We also changed out the outlets to complement the new backsplash, while also installing a new microwave. The homeowners are very happy with the final product.

The bathrooms in this small urban townhouse in North Old Town Alexandria were dysfunctional and hadn’t been remodeled since the home was built in the early 1950s. So as part of a larger project, the homeowners decided to modernize and brighten them up. When remodeling three bedrooms on the home’s second floor, the design made room for a larger main bath and a walk-in closet. A new skylight brings lots of natural light into the space, brightening it up considerably. The home’s basement was also totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and den. Marble floor and wall tiles and an exotic stone vanity counter highlight this update. The bathrooms are part of a rebirth for this older home, making it come alive again for the homeowners.

Ojai, CA; 600 square foot addition and total remodel to a 5,000 square foot home on 10 acres. We designed a new entry structure, new covered outdoor room with fireplace, new primary bedroom suite, and remodel to the entire house. This was an attractive Spanish-style home, but the owners wanted to make it their own, with Feng Shui considerations and a more open, light-filled plan. Architectural Digest covered the remodel in an April 7, 2023 article, and a video is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8V3DGNNIHs

Be surprised to walk in to a cozy 1986 mid-size home and look out on a panorama of woods in the back--the view that sold these new owners when they moved to Minnesota. And it was the prime age home for considerable updating and improving. Crystal Kitchen Center redefined the kitchen space into an eat-in kitchen/hearth room where they spend most of their at-home time. Durable vinyl walnut flooring was key due to the two Burmese mountain dogs who happily romp in the space. Green elements include locally supplied Crystal white cabinets, granite countertops, glass and copper subway tile, low VOC finishes, LED lighting as well as energy star appliances. A new stacked stone fireplace is the focal point of this intimate, warm room. Traditional kitchen, painted white cabinets, Crystal Cabinets, Remodeled kitchen, green cabinets, Meili induction cooktop, Steam Oven, Colonial Cream granite counter top, Kohler Aspen sink, Armstrong vinyl wood floors, Glass brick deco backsplash, kitchen office

Ojai, CA; 600 square foot addition and total remodel to a 5,000 square foot home on 10 acres. We designed a new entry structure, new covered outdoor room with fireplace, new primary bedroom suite, and remodel to the entire house. This was an attractive Spanish-style home, but the owners wanted to make it their own, with Feng Shui considerations and a more open, light-filled plan. Architectural Digest covered the remodel in an April 7, 2023 article, and a video is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8V3DGNNIHs

The original patterned tiles of the house suffered considerable damage and required replacement. Halmann Vella created a custom-made pattern reminiscent of the traditional Maltese patterned tiles. This new pattern perfectly marries the traditional aspect of the house with its branding. Photograph by Fredrick Muscat.

Kitchen Remodel, was completed as a result of a sewage backup incident. Prior layout was L shape Kitchen layout with awkward angle on dishwasher end, that ended straight into the wall. Cabinets right of dishwasher and above were added including a 24 inch pantry to the right. This added considerable amount of space to the kitchen even though it required the use of a vanity cabinet in order to make that happen. Project has received new drawers for that vanity box that needed to be custom made in order to make that cabinet work. Overall customer seems extremely happy at the results.

Kitchen Remodel, was completed as a result of a sewage backup incident. Prior layout was L shape Kitchen layout with awkward angle on dishwasher end, that ended straight into the wall. Cabinets right of dishwasher and above were added including a 24 inch pantry to the right. This added considerable amount of space to the kitchen even though it required the use of a vanity cabinet in order to make that happen. Project has received new drawers for that vanity box that needed to be custom made in order to make that cabinet work. Overall customer seems extremely happy at the results.

The tile design concept of a deep blue sea washing a sparkling wave onto the shore was meticulously created with the careful consideration of each section of tile in the room and how the eye would comprehend the effect, from the deep blue wall behind the vanity down to and across the floor, and into the shower. As the pattern is applied across the room, the tiles gradually become lighter and less condensed, just like water as it washes across the sand. ~Jackson Design and Remodeling

Designing and building a kitchen addition is a complex process that involves multiple steps and considerations. Here is a general outline to help you get started on your kitchen addition project: Define Your Goals and Budget: • Determine the purpose of the kitchen addition. Is it for more cooking space, a dining area, or a combination of both? • Establish a realistic budget for your project. Consider all costs, including construction, permits, materials, and furnishings. Hire a Design Professional: • Seek the services of a design build company who specializes in kitchen additions. • Discuss your vision, needs, and budget with the design professional to create a design concept. Site Evaluation: • Assess the existing space and structural condition of your home to ensure it can support the addition. • Consider factors like zoning regulations, setbacks, and building codes. Design Development: • Collaborate with your design professional to refine the concept, including the layout, size, and architectural style. • Choose materials, finishes, and fixtures that fit your design and budget. Obtain Permits: • Consult with your local design build contractor to determine the necessary permits and approvals. • Prepare and submit all required documents, including architectural drawings and engineering plans. Create Construction Documents: • Work with your design build professional to develop detailed construction drawings and specifications. • These documents will serve as a guide for contractors during construction. Hire a design build contractor: • Check references, credentials, and licenses before selecting a contractor. • Sign a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. Construction Phase: • Demolition: If needed, remove any existing structures or walls. • Foundation: Construct the foundation for the addition. • Framing: Build the structural framework of the addition. • Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC: Install or update utilities as required. • Insulation: Ensure proper insulation for energy efficiency. • Drywall and Finish Work: Complete the walls and ceilings. • Flooring and Cabinetry: Install flooring and kitchen cabinets. • Appliances and Fixtures: Add appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. • Paint and Finish: Apply paint and finishes to achieve the desired look. • Final Inspection: Schedule inspections to ensure compliance with building codes. Final Inspections and Approvals: • Arrange for final inspections to ensure the addition meets all safety and code requirements. • Obtain any necessary certificates of occupancy or compliance. Move In and Enjoy: • Once all inspections and approvals are received, you can move into your new kitchen addition and start enjoying it. Remember that every kitchen addition project is unique, so adapt this outline to your specific needs and circumstances. Consulting with professionals and obtaining the required permits and inspections is crucial to a successful and safe project.

Kitchen Remodel, was completed as a result of a sewage backup incident. Prior layout was L shape Kitchen layout with awkward angle on dishwasher end, that ended straight into the wall. Cabinets right of dishwasher and above were added including a 24 inch pantry to the right. This added considerable amount of space to the kitchen even though it required the use of a vanity cabinet in order to make that happen. Project has received new drawers for that vanity box that needed to be custom made in order to make that cabinet work. Overall customer seems extremely happy at the results.

Ask a kitchen designer in Chicago which countertop question comes up most and you will hear the same answer: white or off-white quartz, and which shade. Homeowners walk into showrooms with a photo saved on their phone, usually a bright, veined slab from a magazine spread, and leave an hour later realizing there are a dozen versions of that same look. The confusion is not about taste. It is about the fact that "white quartz" covers a huge range of patterns, undertones, and price points, and nobody explains the differences before the sale. Older bungalows and newer builds alike are getting stripped of their dated laminate and butcher block in favor of quartz, and the reasons are practical rather than trendy. Quartz does not need sealing, resists the kind of staining that granite can suffer over decades, and holds up to the freeze-thaw humidity swings that Chicago basements and kitchens go through every year. Once a homeowner commits to quartz, though, the real decision starts: which white, and does the pattern justify the difference in cost. This piece walks through three specific slabs that keep showing up in Chicago renovation projects, why designers reach for them in different rooms, and what actually separates a flat white surface from one with real depth. None of this requires a design background to follow. It is mostly about paying attention to how a slab behaves under kitchen lighting, how busy the vending gets, and how it photographs versus how it looks in person. Why White Quartz Took Over Chicago Kitchens Ten years ago, granite dominated Chicago kitchen remodels almost by default. It was durable, it looked expensive, and every fabricator in the metro area carried a wide range of colors. Quartz has since taken over that position, and the shift happened faster than most contractors expected. Engineered stone gave homeowners a more predictable surface, since natural granite varies slab to slab while quartz is manufactured to a consistent pattern batch after batch. The other driver is light. Chicago winters are long and gray, and a lot of kitchens, especially in older two-flats and courtyard buildings, do not get much direct sun. A dark granite countertop in a dim kitchen can make the whole room feel smaller. White and light-toned quartz reflects what little natural light comes through the windows, and it makes a galley kitchen or a north-facing space feel noticeably brighter without touching the cabinetry or the layout. There is also a resale argument that local real estate agents bring up constantly. White quartz photographs well for listings, reads as updated and low-maintenance to buyers touring in person, and does not compete visually with whatever cabinet color the next owner might prefer. It is a safer bet than a bold veined marble look or a colored quartz that might feel dated in five years. Arctic White and the Cost Question Among the flatter, more uniform whites, arctic white quartz price comes up constantly in budget conversations because the slab sits at a more approachable point than the heavily veined Italian-marble-inspired patterns. It reads as clean and bright without the busy movement that some homeowners find overwhelming in a small kitchen. Fabricators in the Chicago area tend to keep it in stock precisely because demand stays steady across both new construction and remodel projects. Part of what keeps this slab affordable relative to its heavily patterned cousins comes down to manufacturing complexity. A quartz surface with minimal veining and a consistent white base is simpler to produce at scale than one that mimics the irregular, high-contrast movement of natural Calacatta marble. That production difference shows up directly in what a homeowner pays per square foot, and it is worth asking a fabricator to walk through that pricing before assuming every white quartz costs the same. Homeowners planning a full kitchen, including an island, backsplash, and perimeter counters, often use a flatter white like this specifically because it lets other elements carry the visual interest. A patterned tile backsplash or a bold cabinet color reads more clearly against a calm countertop than against one already fighting for attention with heavy veining. Designers frequently pair simpler whites with statement lighting fixtures for exactly this reason. What Makes Calacatta Patterns Different Calacatta refers to a family of marble originally quarried in Italy, known for a bright white background broken up by bold, often gold-toned veining that moves in thick, dramatic streaks rather than thin gray lines. Natural Calacatta marble is soft, porous, and expensive to maintain, which is exactly why quartz manufacturers spent years developing engineered versions that replicate the look without the upkeep headaches. The challenge with any Calacatta-style quartz is getting the veining to look organic instead of printed. Early generations of engineered stone struggled with repetitive patterns that gave away the fact the slab was manufactured rather than cut from actual marble. Modern digital printing and layering techniques have closed that gap considerably, and the better Calacatta-inspired quartz lines now vary the veining across each slab batch so two counters in the same kitchen do not look identical. Chicago designers gravitate toward Calacatta patterns for kitchens that function as the visual centerpiece of an open floor plan, which describes a large share of the gut renovations happening in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, and the North Shore suburbs. When the kitchen island is visible from the living room and dining area, a dramatic veined surface becomes part of the home's overall design language rather than a purely functional work surface. Calacatta Arno Under Kitchen Lighting One of the more popular options in this category, calacatta arno quartz, balances a warm white base with soft gray and gold veining that avoids looking too stark under the cooler LED lighting common in newer Chicago builds. Homeowners touring showrooms sometimes make the mistake of judging a slab entirely under warm incandescent lighting, then get surprised when the same surface looks slightly different once installed under their kitchen's actual fixtures. What separates this particular pattern from flatter competitors is how the veining clusters rather than spreading evenly across the slab. That clustering mimics the way real quarried marble forms, with denser mineral deposits in some sections and cleaner stretches in others. Fabricators cutting a large island slab from a single piece will often orient the pattern intentionally so the busiest veining lands somewhere visually interesting rather than getting cut off at an edge. Because the background reads warmer than a stark white, this pattern tends to pair well with brass or matte gold hardware, a combination that has been showing up repeatedly in Chicago kitchen remodels over the past few renovation seasons. Cabinet painters report a similar trend, with more clients requesting warm white or greige cabinet colors specifically because they complement this kind of veined quartz better than a cooler, blue-toned white would. Silestone's Version of the Calacatta Look Manufacturers compete directly in this Calacatta-inspired category, and silestone eternal calacatta gold represents one brand's specific take on the pattern, distinguished by richer gold veining set against a brighter white base than some competing slabs in the same family. Silestone has built a reputation around anti-bacterial surface treatments in addition to the standard quartz durability, a detail some homeowners specifically ask about for kitchens used heavily by families with young children. The veining in this particular slab tends to run in longer, more continuous lines compared to the clustered pattern found in some other Calacatta-style options, which gives large island surfaces a sense of visual flow from one end to the other. Fabricators working with bigger islands, the kind increasingly common in open-concept Chicago remodels, often favor patterns like this because there is less need to worry about seams interrupting a busy, disconnected pattern. Price positioning for this slab tends to sit toward the upper end of the engineered quartz category, reflecting both the brand's manufacturing process and the complexity of replicating that continuous gold veining consistently across production batches. Homeowners weighing this option against other Calacatta-style quartz should ask their fabricator directly about batch availability, since premium patterns sometimes have longer lead times than standard stock colors. Living With Quartz Day to Day Beyond how a slab looks in a showroom or a listing photo, the daily experience of owning quartz countertops matters more once the renovation dust settles. Quartz resists scratching far better than laminate and holds up to the acidic spills, hot pans, and general abuse of an active kitchen without the sealing maintenance that natural stone requires every year or two. That low-maintenance reputation is a large part of why quartz overtook granite in the first place. Heat resistance is a detail that gets less attention than it should. While quartz handles moderate heat well, manufacturers generally recommend using a trivet or pad for very hot pots straight off the stove, since sudden temperature shock can occasionally cause stress marks in the resin binder that holds the engineered stone together. This is a minor precaution rather than a major limitation, but it is worth mentioning to anyone assuming quartz is entirely indestructible. Cleaning routines stay simple across almost every pattern in this category. A damp cloth and mild soap handle daily messes, and the nonporous surface means wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces do not soak in the way they can with unsealed granite or marble. Homeowners moving from an older stone counter often mention how much less they worry about everyday spills once quartz is installed, which is a quality-of-life change that rarely makes it into the initial design conversation. Choosing Between the Three There is no single correct answer among these three slabs, and that is exactly why they keep coming up together in the same design conversations across Chicago renovation projects. A flatter white with minimal veining suits kitchens where other elements need to carry the visual interest, while a bolder Calacatta-inspired pattern makes sense when the countertop itself is meant to be the centerpiece of an open floor plan. Budget matters too, and it is worth having a direct conversation with a fabricator about where each option lands before falling in love with a specific slab in a showroom. Lighting, cabinet color, and how the kitchen connects to the rest of the home all play into which pattern will actually look right once installation is finished rather than just in a photo. Whatever direction a homeowner leans, seeing a full slab in person under actual kitchen lighting remains the single most useful step before signing off. Photos only go so far once the countertop is sitting in the room it will live in for years.

Designing and building a kitchen addition is a complex process that involves multiple steps and considerations. Here is a general outline to help you get started on your kitchen addition project: Define Your Goals and Budget: • Determine the purpose of the kitchen addition. Is it for more cooking space, a dining area, or a combination of both? • Establish a realistic budget for your project. Consider all costs, including construction, permits, materials, and furnishings. Hire a Design Professional: • Seek the services of a design build company who specializes in kitchen additions. • Discuss your vision, needs, and budget with the design professional to create a design concept. Site Evaluation: • Assess the existing space and structural condition of your home to ensure it can support the addition. • Consider factors like zoning regulations, setbacks, and building codes. Design Development: • Collaborate with your design professional to refine the concept, including the layout, size, and architectural style. • Choose materials, finishes, and fixtures that fit your design and budget. Obtain Permits: • Consult with your local design build contractor to determine the necessary permits and approvals. • Prepare and submit all required documents, including architectural drawings and engineering plans. Create Construction Documents: • Work with your design build professional to develop detailed construction drawings and specifications. • These documents will serve as a guide for contractors during construction. Hire a design build contractor: • Check references, credentials, and licenses before selecting a contractor. • Sign a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. Construction Phase: • Demolition: If needed, remove any existing structures or walls. • Foundation: Construct the foundation for the addition. • Framing: Build the structural framework of the addition. • Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC: Install or update utilities as required. • Insulation: Ensure proper insulation for energy efficiency. • Drywall and Finish Work: Complete the walls and ceilings. • Flooring and Cabinetry: Install flooring and kitchen cabinets. • Appliances and Fixtures: Add appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. • Paint and Finish: Apply paint and finishes to achieve the desired look. • Final Inspection: Schedule inspections to ensure compliance with building codes. Final Inspections and Approvals: • Arrange for final inspections to ensure the addition meets all safety and code requirements. • Obtain any necessary certificates of occupancy or compliance. Move In and Enjoy: • Once all inspections and approvals are received, you can move into your new kitchen addition and start enjoying it. Remember that every kitchen addition project is unique, so adapt this outline to your specific needs and circumstances. Consulting with professionals and obtaining the required permits and inspections is crucial to a successful and safe project.