This Bonita Springs home, nestled in the golf course community of Bonita Bay, had never been renovated and lacked sufficient space to accommodate these homeowners’ needs. Working initially with preliminary drawings provided by their daughter who is a licensed architect, Progressive Design Build helped the homeowners establish a preliminary budget and set a construction schedule. Once the couple knew what they wanted and had a design brief in hand, they set about creating a new, traditional and functional room addition. Progressive Design Build teamed up with the architect to produce a final set of working drawings. The house addition consisted of a new master bedroom and master bathroom with vaulted ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and porcelain tile floors. To improve indoor/outdoor flow, Progressive Deign Build also renovated the homeowner’s pool deck. Upon project completion, this project received top honors for remodeling excellence from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), receiving a Contractor of the Year (CotY) award. One of the major challenges, other than a very limited lot size, was the threat of a massive hurricane during construction. Construction had to cease for over a week to ensure that there was no damage to the home, property or adjacent properties. Due to the inclement weather situations, the project went two weeks over the estimated time frame. Since completion, Progressive Design Build designed and built two other remodeling projects for this southwest Florida homeowner.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

This Bonita Springs home, nestled in the golf course community of Bonita Bay, had never been renovated and lacked sufficient space to accommodate these homeowners’ needs. Working initially with preliminary drawings provided by their daughter who is a licensed architect, Progressive Design Build helped the homeowners establish a preliminary budget and set a construction schedule. Once the couple knew what they wanted and had a design brief in hand, they set about creating a new, traditional and functional room addition. Progressive Design Build teamed up with the architect to produce a final set of working drawings. The house addition consisted of a new master bedroom and master bathroom with vaulted ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and porcelain tile floors. To improve indoor/outdoor flow, Progressive Deign Build also renovated the homeowner’s pool deck. Upon project completion, this project received top honors for remodeling excellence from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), receiving a Contractor of the Year (CotY) award. One of the major challenges, other than a very limited lot size, was the threat of a massive hurricane during construction. Construction had to cease for over a week to ensure that there was no damage to the home, property or adjacent properties. Due to the inclement weather situations, the project went two weeks over the estimated time frame. Since completion, Progressive Design Build designed and built two other remodeling projects for this southwest Florida homeowner.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, one of our challenges of this job was to provide a practical and useable home for a couple who worked hard and played hard. They wanted a home that would be comfortable for them and since they entertained often, they required function yet desired drama and style. We worked with them from the ground up, selecting finishes, materials and fixtures for the entire home. We achieved comfort by using deep furniture pieces with white goose down cushions, suitable for curling up on. Colors and materials were selected based on rich tones and textures to provide drama while keeping with the practicality they desired. We also used eclectic pieces like the oversized chair and ottoman in the great room to add an unexpected yet comfortable touch. The chair is of a Balinese style with a unique wood frame offering a graceful balance of curved and straight lines. The floor plan was created to be conducive to traffic flow, necessary for entertaining. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shares a similar color palette, attention to detail and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies and accessories provide individuality to each room.

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, one of our challenges of this job was to provide a practical and useable home for a couple who worked hard and played hard. They wanted a home that would be comfortable for them and since they entertained often, they required function yet desired drama and style. We worked with them from the ground up, selecting finishes, materials and fixtures for the entire home. We achieved comfort by using deep furniture pieces with white goose down cushions, suitable for curling up on. Colors and materials were selected based on rich tones and textures to provide drama while keeping with the practicality they desired. We also used eclectic pieces like the oversized chair and ottoman in the great room to add an unexpected yet comfortable touch. The chair is of a Balinese style with a unique wood frame offering a graceful balance of curved and straight lines. The floor plan was created to be conducive to traffic flow, necessary for entertaining. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shares a similar color palette, attention to detail and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies and accessories provide individuality to each room.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the bathroom remodeling contractor for this Delafield master bath and closet. This black and white boho bathrooom has industrial touches and warm wood accents. The original space was like a labyrinth, with a complicated layout of walls and doors. The homeowners wanted to improve the functionality and modernize the space. The main entry of the bathroom/closet was a single door that lead to the vanity. Around the left was the closet and around the right was the rest of the bathroom. The bathroom area consisted of two separate closets, a bathtub/shower combo, a small walk-in shower and a toilet. To fix the choppy layout, we separated the two spaces with separate doors – one to the master closet and one to the bathroom. We installed pocket doors for each doorway to keep a streamlined look and save space. BLACK & WHITE BOHO BATHROOM This master bath is a light, airy space with a boho vibe. The couple opted for a large walk-in shower featuring a Dreamline Shower enclosure. Moving the shower to the corner gave us room for a black vanity, quartz counters, two sinks, and plenty of storage and counter space. The toilet is tucked in the far corner behind a half wall. BOHO DESIGN The design is contemporary and features black and white finishes. We used a white cararra marble hexagon tile for the backsplash and the shower floor. The Hinkley light fixtures are matte black and chrome. The space is warmed up with luxury vinyl plank wood flooring and a teak shelf in the shower. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “Kowalske just finished our master bathroom/closet and left us very satisfied. Within a few weeks of involving Kowalske, they helped us finish our designs and planned out the whole project. Once they started, they finished work before deadlines, were so easy to communicate with, and kept expectations clear. They didn’t leave us wondering when their skilled craftsmen (all of which were professional and great guys) were coming and going or how far away the finish line was, each week was planned. Lastly, the quality of the finished product is second to none and worth every penny. I highly recommend Kowalske.” – Mitch, Facebook Review

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the bathroom remodeling contractor for this Delafield master bath and closet. This black and white boho bathrooom has industrial touches and warm wood accents. The original space was like a labyrinth, with a complicated layout of walls and doors. The homeowners wanted to improve the functionality and modernize the space. The main entry of the bathroom/closet was a single door that lead to the vanity. Around the left was the closet and around the right was the rest of the bathroom. The bathroom area consisted of two separate closets, a bathtub/shower combo, a small walk-in shower and a toilet. To fix the choppy layout, we separated the two spaces with separate doors – one to the master closet and one to the bathroom. We installed pocket doors for each doorway to keep a streamlined look and save space. BLACK & WHITE BOHO BATHROOM This master bath is a light, airy space with a boho vibe. The couple opted for a large walk-in shower featuring a Dreamline Shower enclosure. Moving the shower to the corner gave us room for a black vanity, quartz counters, two sinks, and plenty of storage and counter space. The toilet is tucked in the far corner behind a half wall. BOHO DESIGN The design is contemporary and features black and white finishes. We used a white cararra marble hexagon tile for the backsplash and the shower floor. The Hinkley light fixtures are matte black and chrome. The space is warmed up with luxury vinyl plank wood flooring and a teak shelf in the shower. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “Kowalske just finished our master bathroom/closet and left us very satisfied. Within a few weeks of involving Kowalske, they helped us finish our designs and planned out the whole project. Once they started, they finished work before deadlines, were so easy to communicate with, and kept expectations clear. They didn’t leave us wondering when their skilled craftsmen (all of which were professional and great guys) were coming and going or how far away the finish line was, each week was planned. Lastly, the quality of the finished product is second to none and worth every penny. I highly recommend Kowalske.” – Mitch, Facebook Review

- ROLLKING CHAISE LOUNGE. Rollking consists of padded elements embellished by capitonné machining, totally handcrafted, contemporary the backrest in roll that can be freely moved, for a personalized comfort. The structure is of wood, padded with polyurethane with differentiated density and is coated with a protective tissue coupled. The cover, in fabric and leather, is not removable. 88''5/8W x 49''1/4D x 15''3/8H. Other Widths: 72''7/8 - 104''3/8. Back cushions: D. 7''7/8 x 23''5/8. Cushions: 23''5/8 x 23''5/8. http://ow.ly/3z89Ux - DABLIU IN COFFEE TABLE. The collection features a slim and elegant, tubular metal cross-structure in the polished silver or matt titanium finish. Gloss lacquered circular tops with shaped edges. Ø47''1/4 x 13''3/4H Base width: 28''. Ø35''3/8 x 13''3/4H Base width: 18''1/2. Ø19''5/8 x 17''3/8H Base width: 11''7/8. http://ow.ly/3z4gMn

Privately commissioned freehand painted geometric in-home mural. Created for a couple in Brighton, CO. One of the owners of the house has been a flight attendant for 19+ years, so we created something that was very personal to her. When she comes home, she has "Landed". She is in her safe place. Consistent place. Steady space. With her beloved husband and pup. Mural Size: approximately 114” L x 154” W. gneural™ is the creative studio of artist and innovative surface designer Debbie Clapper. Drawing nearly every day since the age of 9, Debbie has mastered the art of freehand drawing and painting without the aid of a ruler or straight edge. She has built a lush career around pattern illustration via her passion for abstract optical illusion art. Heavily inspired by M.C. Escher and graffiti, Debbie’s work strives to inspire and ignite imagination in all who interact with it. For 18 years she ran an award-winning graphic design studio, and now she focuses on creating innovative surface design and inspiring creativity. Contact Debbie today to discuss your own, one-of-a-kind, home or business project.

  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

- ROLLKING CHAISE LOUNGE. Rollking consists of padded elements embellished by capitonné machining, totally handcrafted, contemporary the backrest in roll that can be freely moved, for a personalized comfort. The structure is of wood, padded with polyurethane with differentiated density and is coated with a protective tissue coupled. The cover, in fabric and leather, is not removable. 88''5/8W x 49''1/4D x 15''3/8H. Other Widths: 72''7/8 - 104''3/8. Back cushions: D. 7''7/8 x 23''5/8. Cushions: 23''5/8 x 23''5/8. http://ow.ly/3z4hwJ - DABLIU IN COFFEE TABLE. The collection features a slim and elegant, tubular metal cross-structure in the polished silver or matt titanium finish. Gloss lacquered circular tops with shaped edges. Ø47''1/4 x 13''3/4H Base width: 28''. Ø35''3/8 x 13''3/4H Base width: 18''1/2. Ø19''5/8 x 17''3/8H Base width: 11''7/8. http://ow.ly/3z4gMn

  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

Nestled in the pristine beauty of the north woods of Wisconsin is the natural landscape of majestic trees, clear spring fed lakes, fascinating wildlife and exhilarating outdoor recreational activities. It is inviting to many families, friends and couples throughout the year The lakes in particular provide for an enormous amount of fun and relaxation. For those so fortunate to have a property it is customary to have a boathouse to store your swimming or boating gear and equipment. Recently Parrett was selected to provide windows and doors for a new boathouse and replacement windows and doors for an existing home. The boathouse windows consisted of folding windows and doors allowing for opening the windows the complete 10 foot expanse. These same doors were backed by a full length horizontal pulled screen. The folding window system was set on the second level loft designed as an elevated viewing area of the lake. Mulled directly to the top of the folding window was a Napoleon shaped direct set. On the opposite side of the second level was a window system matching the shape of the lakeside window system. The upper mulled window was a duplicate of the window on the lake side however the window below consisted of four awning windows. Due to the awnings being elevated from the lower floor and not easily accessible the windows were set up with individual electronic motors for operation which can be operated by either a switch or a remote control. The system allows for operating all of the windows at once or individually. The windows were made out of solid mahogany to the interior and a high performance woodgrain aluminum clad to the exterior. The lower boathouse door is a four panel solid mahogany plank style folding door system with a horizontal pull screen. Greeting anyone entering the boathouse is a custom designed entry door which has a carved pattern to the exterior emulating an owl. The owl door was made out of solid white oak and bordered with a 10 inch wide flat casing with a 12 inch keystone and plinth blocks located on top. Parrett was proud to be part of this fun, picturesque and very functional project.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

  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

Nestled in the pristine beauty of the north woods of Wisconsin is the natural landscape of majestic trees, clear spring fed lakes, fascinating wildlife and exhilarating outdoor recreational activities. It is inviting to many families, friends and couples throughout the year The lakes in particular provide for an enormous amount of fun and relaxation. For those so fortunate to have a property it is customary to have a boathouse to store your swimming or boating gear and equipment. Recently Parrett was selected to provide windows and doors for a new boathouse and replacement windows and doors for an existing home. The boathouse windows consisted of folding windows and doors allowing for opening the windows the complete 10 foot expanse. These same doors were backed by a full length horizontal pulled screen. The folding window system was set on the second level loft designed as an elevated viewing area of the lake. Mulled directly to the top of the folding window was a Napoleon shaped direct set. On the opposite side of the second level was a window system matching the shape of the lakeside window system. The upper mulled window was a duplicate of the window on the lake side however the window below consisted of four awning windows. Due to the awnings being elevated from the lower floor and not easily accessible the windows were set up with individual electronic motors for operation which can be operated by either a switch or a remote control. The system allows for operating all of the windows at once or individually. The windows were made out of solid mahogany to the interior and a high performance woodgrain aluminum clad to the exterior. The lower boathouse door is a four panel solid mahogany plank style folding door system with a horizontal pull screen. Greeting anyone entering the boathouse is a custom designed entry door which has a carved pattern to the exterior emulating an owl. The owl door was made out of solid white oak and bordered with a 10 inch wide flat casing with a 12 inch keystone and plinth blocks located on top. Parrett was proud to be part of this fun, picturesque and very functional project.