This 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms showcases large windows around every turn to display the woodland view, allowing natural light to pervade the airy interior living spaces and open floor plan. Through the vaulted entry hardwood floors extend throughout the first floor. The oversized kitchen is adjacent to the large patio, making transitioning to outdoor spaces a breeze. Quartz cabinets are the finishing touch in this white kitchen. A Bosch appliance package makes cooking a luxury experience. The double-height great room features a custom steel stair rail opposite the fireplace accent wall. Hardwood floors continue up through the second-floor loft space that overlooks the great room, which residents can use as another living space, office or study space. Upstairs, children or guests can spread out among three generously sized bedrooms. Once it’s time to retire for the night, residents can enjoy a secluded retreat in the owner’s wing, with lofty vaulted ceilings in the bedroom and bath, and custom-designed closets for two. The master bathroom features a soaking tub and stunning tile design, as well as access to the first-floor laundry.

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

A dramatically rich looking custom wine cellar located just off the basement entertainment room. This beautiful cellar holds 507 bottles of wine and was built within stone and wood finishings and indirect lighting that provide a warm ambiance in the cool space. The lit arch in the back of the room is the initial focal point when entering through the massive wood doors. There is a Vintage Barrel Cooperage tabletop below the arch and front load style stemware on either side for easy access. Once you walk into the space, the beautiful custom scalloped pull out drawers invite you to want to see what fabulous wines are stored in each drawer. Continuous rope lighting helps illuminate those special wines displayed on the wine bottle angle displays around the room. A vertical column with custom doors and adjustable shelves is located in the middle of the side wall racking for additional storage and to cover up home piping. Kathy at Inviniti Cellar Design

This 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms showcases large windows around every turn to display the woodland view, allowing natural light to pervade the airy interior living spaces and open floor plan. Through the vaulted entry hardwood floors extend throughout the first floor. The oversized kitchen is adjacent to the large patio, making transitioning to outdoor spaces a breeze. Quartz cabinets are the finishing touch in this white kitchen. A Bosch appliance package makes cooking a luxury experience. The double-height great room features a custom steel stair rail opposite the fireplace accent wall. Hardwood floors continue up through the second-floor loft space that overlooks the great room, which residents can use as another living space, office or study space. Upstairs, children or guests can spread out among three generously sized bedrooms. Once it’s time to retire for the night, residents can enjoy a secluded retreat in the owner’s wing, with lofty vaulted ceilings in the bedroom and bath, and custom-designed closets for two. The master bathroom features a soaking tub and stunning tile design, as well as access to the first-floor laundry.

This homeowner came to us with her basic design ready for us to execute for her kitchen, but also asked us to design and update her entry, sunroom and fireplace. Her kitchen was 80’s standard builder grade cabinetry and laminate countertops and she had a knee wall separating her kitchen from the family room. We removed that wall and installed a custom cabinetry buffet to complement the cabinetry of the kitchen, allowing for access from all sides. We removed a desk area in the kitchen and converted it to a closed organization station complete with a charging station for phones and computers. Calcutta Quartzite countertops were used throughout and continued seamlessly up the walls as a backsplash to create a wow factor. We converted a closet into a pantry cabinet, and new stainless appliances, including a microwave drawer completed this renovation. Additionally, we updated her sunroom by removing the “popcorn” textured ceiling and gave it a fresh updated coat of paint. We installed 12x24 tile floor giving the room a simple classic transformation. Finally, we renewed the fireplace area, by building a custom mantle and adding wood paneling and trim to soften the marble fireplace face and a simple coat of paint in the entry and a new chandelier brought a lighter and fresher impact upon entering the home.

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

A Study in Oak - Custom Built-In Library & Storage System This custom-built oak library was designed as a refined architectural feature that seamlessly blends storage, functionality, and timeless elegance. Floor-to-ceiling shelving creates a strong visual rhythm while maintaining a warm, natural presence within the space. The project features custom millwork in natural oak, with carefully proportioned open shelves for books and décor, paired with integrated lower cabinetry for concealed storage. The clean, handle-less design keeps the composition minimal and uncluttered. A custom sliding library ladder system provides easy access to upper shelves while adding a classic European library character. Every element - from shelf depth and spacing to wood grain alignment - was meticulously planned and fabricated to fit the space precisely. Designed for long-term use, this project reflects our approach to bespoke systems design, where aesthetics, ergonomics, and craftsmanship work together to elevate everyday living.

A comprehensive master plan for this property brought fresh vision to a time worn landscape surrounding this vintage home. Evolved through numerous iterations, the plan addressed the complexities of the site to achieve the objectives of the new owners. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where a refurbished gate opens to a new gravel driveway and auto court welcoming family and friends. An expanded entrance terrace directs visitors to the front door while passing a quietly flowing fountain backdropped by lush landscape plantings. The expansive main terrace along the back of the home was redesigned at a single contiguous level. A new pool, spa and cold plunge were placed parallel to the main terrace allowing a generous lawn to bring continuity to the property. A guest house was sited to take advantage of views across the landscape with access through an adjacent olive tree shaded dining area. A detached garage with carport was tucked into the site providing buffer of a sport court and chicken coop. A hedged garden added at the kitchen wing of the home adds privacy to the side entrance and a place for kitchen gardening in a raised steel bed. Trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, and lawns were planned to meld with desirable aspects of the former landscape.

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

A comprehensive master plan for this property brought fresh vision to a time worn landscape surrounding this vintage home. Evolved through numerous iterations, the plan addressed the complexities of the site to achieve the objectives of the new owners. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where a refurbished gate opens to a new gravel driveway and auto court welcoming family and friends. An expanded entrance terrace directs visitors to the front door while passing a quietly flowing fountain backdropped by lush landscape plantings. The expansive main terrace along the back of the home was redesigned at a single contiguous level. A new pool, spa and cold plunge were placed parallel to the main terrace allowing a generous lawn to bring continuity to the property. A guest house was sited to take advantage of views across the landscape with access through an adjacent olive tree shaded dining area. A detached garage with carport was tucked into the site providing buffer of a sport court and chicken coop. A hedged garden added at the kitchen wing of the home adds privacy to the side entrance and a place for kitchen gardening in a raised steel bed. Trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, and lawns were planned to meld with desirable aspects of the former landscape.

This is a rear yard landscape in Old Town, Chicago. The major defining element that we designed and build was the Ipe deck. The design and installation of the deck allowed for functional use and unobstructed views out to the landscape. The deck is blind fastened and the railings are stainless steel cable with ipe caps. The fence is completely rebuilt using cedar.. There is a decorative screen next to the planter boxes, which helps to bring down the scale of the neighboring house. The patio is travertine laid in a random pattern, and continues underneath the elevated deck. We added a mexican pebble bed on the edge of the patio which will help show a future sculpture/art piece. A stone walkway at the edge of the patio leads under the canopy of the upright trees, to access to the doorway that is underneath the deck. The landscape consists of two types of ground cover. The inner circle is a lower, purple-leafed, ajuga, and the outer edge is pachysandra. The fence and deck posts have climbing hydrangea planted underneath which will eventually grow to cover the vertical elements.

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

A comprehensive master plan for this property brought fresh vision to a time worn landscape surrounding this vintage home. Evolved through numerous iterations, the plan addressed the complexities of the site to achieve the objectives of the new owners. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where a refurbished gate opens to a new gravel driveway and auto court welcoming family and friends. An expanded entrance terrace directs visitors to the front door while passing a quietly flowing fountain backdropped by lush landscape plantings. The expansive main terrace along the back of the home was redesigned at a single contiguous level. A new pool, spa and cold plunge were placed parallel to the main terrace allowing a generous lawn to bring continuity to the property. A guest house was sited to take advantage of views across the landscape with access through an adjacent olive tree shaded dining area. A detached garage with carport was tucked into the site providing buffer of a sport court and chicken coop. A hedged garden added at the kitchen wing of the home adds privacy to the side entrance and a place for kitchen gardening in a raised steel bed. Trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, and lawns were planned to meld with desirable aspects of the former landscape.

This highly functional, luxury walk-in butler's pantry maximizes storage and utility while continuing the home's signature warm minimalist aesthetic. The space features custom flat-panel cabinetry in a soft, light gray finish, accented by heavy-duty machined brass finger pulls. An L-shaped white quartz countertop provides ample workspace, highlighted by a stunning, floor-to-ceiling vertical fluted or ribbed ceramic tile backsplash that catches the light beautifully. Designed with modern convenience in mind, the left pantry wall boasts custom open shelving storage towers acting as an appliance garage and custom coffee station, perfectly housing a built-in espresso machine, air fryer, and kitchen tools. A black-framed picture window draws in natural light, framing outdoor residential views and highlighting a miniature potted plant accent. Warm white oak hardwood flooring runs underfoot, while built-in side open-shelving units allow easy access to everyday cookbooks and pantry essentials.

The goal for Bonnie's master bathroom was to create a spa-like retreat by upgrading the core features while preserving elements that were still in great shape. The layout remained the same, but the finishes and functionality were completely transformed. A zero-threshold shower was built with the floor raised to match the rest of the bathroom. The shower floor features white elongated hex tiles, and the walls are covered in large-format Lenci White polished porcelain tiles stacked horizontally for a sleek, continuous look. Delta Kayra fixtures in Brilliance Stainless were installed, including a handheld sprayer and relocated valve for easy access. The shower was finished with a recessed niche, corner bench, and a frameless glass with brushed nickel clips. The original tub was replaced with a 59” Avano St. Croix acrylic drop-in bathtub. Tile from the same Lenci collection was used around the deck, wall, and tub face to create a cohesive visual connection with the shower. Cabinetry was kept but enhanced with soft-close hidden hinges and brushed satin nickel pulls. The countertop was replaced with Ripieno Honed quartz from Arizona Tile, finished with an eased edge and a 4” backsplash. Two new undermount porcelain sinks and Delta Kayra faucets in Brilliance Stainless were installed, along with all-new under-sink plumbing and angle stops. Accessories including towel rings, robe hooks, and a toilet paper holder were also updated to match the new hardware and fixtures.

Pull-out wood trays provide accessible pantry storage beside the range in this Scarborough kitchen renovation. The angled view shows the open tall door, stacked trays and matching upper cupboard, with the surrounding cabinet fronts and countertop keeping the storage integrated. Part of Cedarstone Group Inc.’s 2024 whole-home renovation and second-storey addition in Scarborough, Toronto. This custom kitchen is part of a complete main-floor renovation and whole-home remodel. Coordinated kitchen cabinetry, carefully planned storage and continuous work surfaces support the layout of the renovated home. For homeowners researching a kitchen renovation in Scarborough or a custom kitchen remodel in Toronto, this project shows how cabinet design, appliance placement and interior finishing can be developed together within a larger home transformation. Explore this project and Cedarstone Group Inc.’s renovation work at cedarstonereno.com.

A comprehensive master plan for this property brought fresh vision to a time worn landscape surrounding this vintage home. Evolved through numerous iterations, the plan addressed the complexities of the site to achieve the objectives of the new owners. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where a refurbished gate opens to a new gravel driveway and auto court welcoming family and friends. An expanded entrance terrace directs visitors to the front door while passing a quietly flowing fountain backdropped by lush landscape plantings. The expansive main terrace along the back of the home was redesigned at a single contiguous level. A new pool, spa and cold plunge were placed parallel to the main terrace allowing a generous lawn to bring continuity to the property. A guest house was sited to take advantage of views across the landscape with access through an adjacent olive tree shaded dining area. A detached garage with carport was tucked into the site providing buffer of a sport court and chicken coop. A hedged garden added at the kitchen wing of the home adds privacy to the side entrance and a place for kitchen gardening in a raised steel bed. Trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, and lawns were planned to meld with desirable aspects of the former landscape.