Knowing that this was the house they would raise their family in, this Arlington Heights couple decided a complete overhaul of their kitchen was necessary. Originally, the space was cramped, with a funky layout and minimal storage. With a the help of a torn down wall, added bar, and massive island, this kitchen turned into a truly stunning feature for their forever home.

This Mid-Century home had been updated except for the kitchen and master bath. After a few years of being empty nesters, and with the neighborhood turning over drastically to infill property in the millions, this couple decided the time was right to update the last remaining rooms. Starting in the Kitchen Taking a dark, u-shaped kitchen out of the past and updating it for the future, was a dream come true for this family. They knew what they wanted in order to entertain their large extended family, which included their three kids; plus, his family, consisting of nine children, spouses, and now grandchildren. Requirements of an open space to hang out and help out, a banquet for food presentation without obstruction, bright and clean, easy storage, a place for her mother’s china decanters, and an instant hot for tea were all part of the “must haves” for this kitchen. We also needed to work around the homeowners’ existing appliances since many of them were practically new. Vaulted ceilings, lots of high windows, and large openings to other spaces in the house, were challenges that only a galley style kitchen could address. Blending and lacing the hardwood floor with new flooring required both the new and existing to be sanded down and refinished. This provided a coherent look to the entire first floor of this home. Matching casings, baseboards and base shoe helped to make the updates look fresh, but original to the house. In the kitchen, choosing the sandstone slate finish on our Wellborn Maple select series cabinets kept the space soft; but really opened it, making the space lighter and brighter. The Harmony style door choice blended with the décor in the rest of the house, while also giving straight clean lines the homeowner desired. Grounding the row of cabinets with their refrigerator and a pantry cabinet, gave symmetry to this side of the kitchen. On the opposite side, a built-in pantry cabinet mirrors the refrigerator. A row of drawer cabinets expanded the storage and banquet space, to lay out food for entertaining. Also added were some much-needed wall cabinets with glass inserts to mirror the windows and keep the space open. This also allowed the taller canister to be displayed and admired. A few smaller shelves were added above the window space, to house the smaller canisters so loved by the homeowner. An artist by trade, this homeowner added two narrow cabinets to the side of the pantry and the side of the refrigerator panel to house and create easy access to the various spices her husband loves to use while cooking. She painted them to blend with Wellborn’s Sandstone finish. The Caesarstone countertop with a 3cm eased edge in London Gray has a small pattern that is subtle and interesting. Cutting down the Caesarstone to 2 cm and carrying the same London Gray pattern up the backsplash area, lended to the clean lines and easy cleaning this homeowner requested. Choosing chrome plumbing fixtures from Moen’s Brantford line is timeless choice. Chrome is always popular and yet in today’s market, also very trendy. The Brantford faucet has a pull-down spray and one side handle, leaving space for the all-important request of a Transcape hot water dispenser, also in chrome. Scraping away the past included smoothing out the popcorn ceiling. Adding LED slope cans to the vaulted ceilings provided the necessary task lighting to elevate these homeowners’ joy of cooking. Removing the dated “popcorn look” enhanced the clean and spacious feel created by the architecture of the ceiling. Adding Top Knob chrome hardware was the final element that tied the kitchen all together. Master Bathroom The original dated Master Bathroom had dark cabinets, a huge Jacuzzi tub and a small shower stall that provided barely enough room for even a child to shower. Removing the Jacuzzi tub that was never used, opened this floor plan to a grand shower that is comfortable and spacious. For easy cleaning, these homeowners opted for a panel system in their shower. Onyx shower walls with a shower seat and recess wide shower caddy were installed in place of the old Jacuzzi style tub. The large panels were quite a challenge for our team, with an eight foot door and vaulted ceilings; but they were determined not to have a seam. These seamless panels are beautiful and very easy to clean. Keeping with the original floor plan, a double sink vanity from Wellborn’s select line with the Harmony door style in a pebble finish was installed. New Kohler Caxton under mount sinks were installed, along with the Moen Kinsley 8” wide spread faucets in chrome. Matching Kingsley 18” grab bars were added to the shower area, along with the Kohler Brantford fixed shower head and handheld slide bar. The countertop was a beautiful Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina with an eased edge and 4” back and side splash. Matching Kinsley towel hooks were added, along with mirrors the homeowner purchased and we installed for her. Top Knobs chrome cabinet hardware finished the look along with a beautiful tile floor AO Mira 1224-S Silver Maple laid in a broken joint pattern. Matching marble sills were added on top of the knee walls and threshold in the doorway. A 3/8” frameless custom shower door with fixed panels surrounded the shower creating an open airy feel to the space. Not shown: Kohler’s Wellworth highline toilet with a slow-close seat replaces the original toilet. The original shower stall became a space used to house a stackable washer and dryer, a top a safety pan and drain to slop sink in the basement. There was even enough room for small shelving to provide storage for laundry essentials. Adding a louver door keeps the laundry area behind the scene and opens the master area to multiple tasks needed. Master Bedroom Fireplace This homeowner really missed a bedroom fireplace they had in a previous home. Since we were going to be working on their master bathroom anyway; was there a way to create a fireplace without making it feel too odd in their large bedroom area? They had purchased a ventless gas fireplace and they had their original television as well. Challenged by windows, a vaulted ceiling and the natural light streaming from the back window; this divided wall was created, keeping the lighting from the other side of the room and providing a dressing area opposite the fireplace. This was a perfect idea since the closets are now in the dressing area and the creative wall houses the fireplace and TV for cold winter nights of snuggling to a movie. Better yet, the fireplace and TV are all on remote control!

A few months after moving into this aging 2200 s.f. 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath Spanish bungalow, a creative couple decided to renovate to better fit their lifestyle. In phase one, we demo-ed the entire downstairs to create a sunny, open-concept living area with a bar, kitchen, and dining. We also added built-in storage and a powder room, to make the home more functional. When we finished this space, not only did the rooms flow into each other, but the new interior stucco flowed throughout the house. The stucco curved around corners and the edges of ceilings, forming a seamless fireplace mantle and hood, arched passageways, and hollow storage nooks. Phase two included replacing rotting wooden doors and windows with aluminum windows and new French doors. We installed a bubble-gum pink front door with simple cut-outs that, combined with the sensual stucco, imbued a hint of coastal art deco, a la Miami. We re-stuccoed the home’s exterior and resurfaced the polished concrete roof deck. Now the former Spanish bungalow is as bright, eclectic, playful, and immediate as Venice Beach itself. Its vibe is part-vintage twee, part California contemporary, with a hint of Mediterranean in the exterior entry tire. But even with these varied influences, the space feels cohesive, clean, and airy. It’s a unique home that radiates the values (health, wellbeing, originality, and good times) of its inhabitants.

Rather than renovating their own home, this couple decided to remodel and move into the mother's home to keep her in a familiar setting and create a multi-generational home under one roof. Careful consideration was given to the design of the exterior of the home so that the second floor addition blended with the original home creating a unified façade. In addition, a portico was installed over the front entry, giving a more formal appearance and offering shelter from the elements. It was necessary to design a single-floor living space for the aging parent who had recently broken a hip. The entire first floor layout was renovated with the focus on ease of mobility while maintaining a coherent, balanced design throughout the house. To allow for a “no-step” main level, the existing sunken family room floor was raised to bring it flush with the adjacent kitchen floor then converted into a spacious dining room. A new great room was constructed which boasts a beautiful corner wood burning stove. This addition created a comfortable and accessible place to relax, at the same time offering a space for larger family gatherings.

When their bedroom was no longer needed for their young son, this couple decided to create an eclectic guest room their guests would feel cozy in. RGI combined traditional pieces with modern art for a relaxed and interesting space. An art installation creates a focal point while hotel bedding mixed with custom pieces in an updated color scheme makes for a beautiful nights sleep. MG Photography

Rather than renovating their own home, this couple decided to remodel and move into the mother's home to keep her in a familiar setting and create a multi-generational home under one roof. Careful consideration was given to the design of the exterior of the home so that the second floor addition blended with the original home creating a unified façade. In addition, a portico was installed over the front entry, giving a more formal appearance and offering shelter from the elements. It was necessary to design a single-floor living space for the aging parent who had recently broken a hip. The entire first floor layout was renovated with the focus on ease of mobility while maintaining a coherent, balanced design throughout the house. To allow for a “no-step” main level, the existing sunken family room floor was raised to bring it flush with the adjacent kitchen floor then converted into a spacious dining room. A new great room was constructed which boasts a beautiful corner wood burning stove. This addition created a comfortable and accessible place to relax, at the same time offering a space for larger family gatherings.

Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped porcelain tile and white floor enclosed kitchen idea in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

When their bedroom was no longer needed for their young son, this couple decided to create an eclectic guest room their guests would feel cozy in. RGI combined traditional pieces with modern art for a relaxed and interesting space. An art installation creates a focal point while hotel bedding mixed with custom pieces in an updated color scheme makes for a beautiful nights sleep. MG Photography

When this couple decided to build a new home for their family, they hired designer Susan Strauss. Mrs. Strauss brought them to Kuche+Cucina to select their new kitchen. Walnut DOCA kitchen was chosen and Neolith Basalt Grey counters, backsplash and hood were selected to complete this modern marvel.

This space was created as a master bath for this client and was part of a larger master suite and dance studio addition. With home prices rising and residential lots getting smaller, this Encinitas couple decided to stay in place and add on to their beloved home and neighborhood. Retired, but very active, they planned for the golden years while having fun along the way. This Master Suite now fosters their passion for dancing as a studio for practice and dance parties. With every detail meticulously designed and perfected, their new indoor/outdoor space is the highlight of their home. "We found Kerry at TaylorPro early on in our decision process. He was the only contractor to give us a detailed budgetary bid for are original vision of our addition. This level of detail was ultimately the decision factor for us to go with TaylorPro. Throughout the design process the communication was thorough, we knew exactly what was happening and didn’t feel like we were in the dark. Construction was well run and their attention to detail was a predominate character of Kerry and his team. Dancing is such a large part of our life and our new space is the loved by all that visit." ~ Liz & Gary O. Photos by: Jon Upson

This Mid-Century home had been updated except for the kitchen and master bath. After a few years of being empty nesters, and with the neighborhood turning over drastically to infill property in the millions, this couple decided the time was right to update the last remaining rooms. Starting in the Kitchen Taking a dark, u-shaped kitchen out of the past and updating it for the future, was a dream come true for this family. They knew what they wanted in order to entertain their large extended family, which included their three kids; plus, his family, consisting of nine children, spouses, and now grandchildren. Requirements of an open space to hang out and help out, a banquet for food presentation without obstruction, bright and clean, easy storage, a place for her mother’s china decanters, and an instant hot for tea were all part of the “must haves” for this kitchen. We also needed to work around the homeowners’ existing appliances since many of them were practically new. Vaulted ceilings, lots of high windows, and large openings to other spaces in the house, were challenges that only a galley style kitchen could address. Blending and lacing the hardwood floor with new flooring required both the new and existing to be sanded down and refinished. This provided a coherent look to the entire first floor of this home. Matching casings, baseboards and base shoe helped to make the updates look fresh, but original to the house. In the kitchen, choosing the sandstone slate finish on our Wellborn Maple select series cabinets kept the space soft; but really opened it, making the space lighter and brighter. The Harmony style door choice blended with the décor in the rest of the house, while also giving straight clean lines the homeowner desired. Grounding the row of cabinets with their refrigerator and a pantry cabinet, gave symmetry to this side of the kitchen. On the opposite side, a built-in pantry cabinet mirrors the refrigerator. A row of drawer cabinets expanded the storage and banquet space, to lay out food for entertaining. Also added were some much-needed wall cabinets with glass inserts to mirror the windows and keep the space open. This also allowed the taller canister to be displayed and admired. A few smaller shelves were added above the window space, to house the smaller canisters so loved by the homeowner. An artist by trade, this homeowner added two narrow cabinets to the side of the pantry and the side of the refrigerator panel to house and create easy access to the various spices her husband loves to use while cooking. She painted them to blend with Wellborn’s Sandstone finish. The Caesarstone countertop with a 3cm eased edge in London Gray has a small pattern that is subtle and interesting. Cutting down the Caesarstone to 2 cm and carrying the same London Gray pattern up the backsplash area, lended to the clean lines and easy cleaning this homeowner requested. Choosing chrome plumbing fixtures from Moen’s Brantford line is timeless choice. Chrome is always popular and yet in today’s market, also very trendy. The Brantford faucet has a pull-down spray and one side handle, leaving space for the all-important request of a Transcape hot water dispenser, also in chrome. Scraping away the past included smoothing out the popcorn ceiling. Adding LED slope cans to the vaulted ceilings provided the necessary task lighting to elevate these homeowners’ joy of cooking. Removing the dated “popcorn look” enhanced the clean and spacious feel created by the architecture of the ceiling. Adding Top Knob chrome hardware was the final element that tied the kitchen all together. Master Bathroom The original dated Master Bathroom had dark cabinets, a huge Jacuzzi tub and a small shower stall that provided barely enough room for even a child to shower. Removing the Jacuzzi tub that was never used, opened this floor plan to a grand shower that is comfortable and spacious. For easy cleaning, these homeowners opted for a panel system in their shower. Onyx shower walls with a shower seat and recess wide shower caddy were installed in place of the old Jacuzzi style tub. The large panels were quite a challenge for our team, with an eight foot door and vaulted ceilings; but they were determined not to have a seam. These seamless panels are beautiful and very easy to clean. Keeping with the original floor plan, a double sink vanity from Wellborn’s select line with the Harmony door style in a pebble finish was installed. New Kohler Caxton under mount sinks were installed, along with the Moen Kinsley 8” wide spread faucets in chrome. Matching Kingsley 18” grab bars were added to the shower area, along with the Kohler Brantford fixed shower head and handheld slide bar. The countertop was a beautiful Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina with an eased edge and 4” back and side splash. Matching Kinsley towel hooks were added, along with mirrors the homeowner purchased and we installed for her. Top Knobs chrome cabinet hardware finished the look along with a beautiful tile floor AO Mira 1224-S Silver Maple laid in a broken joint pattern. Matching marble sills were added on top of the knee walls and threshold in the doorway. A 3/8” frameless custom shower door with fixed panels surrounded the shower creating an open airy feel to the space. Not shown: Kohler’s Wellworth highline toilet with a slow-close seat replaces the original toilet. The original shower stall became a space used to house a stackable washer and dryer, a top a safety pan and drain to slop sink in the basement. There was even enough room for small shelving to provide storage for laundry essentials. Adding a louver door keeps the laundry area behind the scene and opens the master area to multiple tasks needed. Master Bedroom Fireplace This homeowner really missed a bedroom fireplace they had in a previous home. Since we were going to be working on their master bathroom anyway; was there a way to create a fireplace without making it feel too odd in their large bedroom area? They had purchased a ventless gas fireplace and they had their original television as well. Challenged by windows, a vaulted ceiling and the natural light streaming from the back window; this divided wall was created, keeping the lighting from the other side of the room and providing a dressing area opposite the fireplace. This was a perfect idea since the closets are now in the dressing area and the creative wall houses the fireplace and TV for cold winter nights of snuggling to a movie. Better yet, the fireplace and TV are all on remote control!

With children raised and the work of establishing a career behind them, Dennis and Helene Liotta decided it was time to simplify life and downsize—by moving up. They sold their 5,000 sq. ft. family home (complete with the requisite pool and expansive yard), in favor of a 3,600 sq. ft. residence on the 47th floor of The Sovereign, a sleek mixed-use tower located in Atlanta’s Buckhead district. Realizing they wanted to enlist a talented decorative collaborator for all phases of the project, the couple sought the assistance of Mercedes Williams, design consultant at Cantoni Atlanta. Having helped the couple’s sons with purchases in the past, he came highly recommended. “I know the Liotta’s were thrilled to have the opportunity to personally conceptualize their new home,” recalls Mercedes. “They wanted my input to customize the space—confirming paint, tile, flooring, and finish choices—and they wanted help choosing furniture that would create an elegant yet warm and comfortable living environment.” “Dennis and Helene also had a vision for how they wanted the space to flow,” he explains. “The large, open floor plan for the main living room included the kitchen and dining areas, so we had to delineate the spaces while creating visual interest…without using a lot of furniture.” Choosing pieces with impact, and looks that simultaneously celebrated texture, scale, finish, and color, was the key to success. The dining table and large wool rug were custom-made by Cantoni and colored to coordinate with some of the couple’s key glass collectibles. “We also made the salt water aquarium a focal point in the living area because Dennis and Helene love the beach and ocean,” explains Mercedes. Along with additional new furnishings from Cantoni the couple wanted to incorporate other existing pieces from their extensive art and glass collection. Given the size of their former residence, an editing session was in order, so the Liotta’s took a novel approach to the task at hand. “We had a huge ‘Sovereign’ moving party and let friends and family take some of the things we knew we could part with,” says Helene. Dennis and Helene have been settled into their new digs since November. He continues to work as a professor at Emory University, and she enjoys searching for premium wines sold at Wine Gallery + Market, a family-owned gourmet emporium in Atlanta. With two bedrooms and a study, there remains room enough for the grandkids to sleep over—and a large dining table was selected so the couple could continue to accommodate multi-generational gatherings. “This project was a dream job for me,” reflects Mercedes, with enthusiasm. “The Liotta’s have excellent taste and wanted to create a fun and inviting environment that evokes luxury without stuffiness. They knew what they wanted, but needed a little help getting there. I’m flattered they chose me and Cantoni to help them realize the life they dreamed of living at The Sovereign.”

This space was created as a master bath for this client and was part of a larger master suite and dance studio addition. Textured tile makes a perfect transition between the shower wall tile, porcelain plank flooring, and shower floor in this soothing space. Brushed nickel hardware and fixtures also serve to tie the space together. Blue glass mosaic tile on the side of the corner seat echoes the backsplash above the vanity, as well as one of the shower cubbies. With home prices rising and residential lots getting smaller, this Encinitas couple decided to stay in place and add on to their beloved home and neighborhood. Retired, but very active, they planned for the golden years while having fun along the way. This Master Suite now fosters their passion for dancing as a studio for practice and dance parties. With every detail meticulously designed and perfected, their new indoor/outdoor space is the highlight of their home. "We found Kerry at TaylorPro early on in our decision process. He was the only contractor to give us a detailed budgetary bid for are original vision of our addition. This level of detail was ultimately the decision factor for us to go with TaylorPro. Throughout the design process the communication was thorough, we knew exactly what was happening and didn’t feel like we were in the dark. Construction was well run and their attention to detail was a predominate character of Kerry and his team. Dancing is such a large part of our life and our new space is the loved by all that visit." ~ Liz & Gary O. Photos by: Jon Upson

Homes that are big and luxurious are now emerging in the fields of the Hamptons, and this young couple decided to invest in one! They were drawn to the strong construction and the generous space the home offered, as well as the large exterior they found perfect for their young child. These clients wanted to offer an outdoor environment which they don't have during the week while staying in their Soho loft. We went with a warm modern design, combining clean lines with earth tones and organic elements. The wooden accents anchor down the feeling of coziness as well as matches the beautiful exterior of the home.

Homes that are big and luxurious are now emerging in the fields of the Hamptons, and this young couple decided to invest in one! They were drawn to the strong construction and the generous space the home offered, as well as the large exterior they found perfect for their young child. These clients wanted to offer an outdoor environment which they don't have during the week while staying in their Soho loft. We went with a warm modern design, combining clean lines with earth tones and organic elements. The wooden accents anchor down the feeling of coziness as well as matches the beautiful exterior of the home.

Photo: Sarah Dowlin © 2018 Houzz
Inspiration for an industrial home design remodel in Cincinnati

When this couple decided to build a new home for their family, they hired designer Susan Strauss. Mrs. Strauss brought them to Kuche+Cucina to select their new kitchen. Walnut DOCA kitchen was chosen and Neolith Basalt Grey counters, backsplash and hood were selected to complete this modern marvel.

A few months after moving into this aging 2200 s.f. 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath Spanish bungalow, a creative couple decided to renovate to better fit their lifestyle. In phase one, we demo-ed the entire downstairs to create a sunny, open-concept living area with a bar, kitchen, and dining. We also added built-in storage and a powder room, to make the home more functional. When we finished this space, not only did the rooms flow into each other, but the new interior stucco flowed throughout the house. The stucco curved around corners and the edges of ceilings, forming a seamless fireplace mantle and hood, arched passageways, and hollow storage nooks. Phase two included replacing rotting wooden doors and windows with aluminum windows and new French doors. We installed a bubble-gum pink front door with simple cut-outs that, combined with the sensual stucco, imbued a hint of coastal art deco, a la Miami. We re-stuccoed the home’s exterior and resurfaced the polished concrete roof deck. Now the former Spanish bungalow is as bright, eclectic, playful, and immediate as Venice Beach itself. Its vibe is part-vintage twee, part California contemporary, with a hint of Mediterranean in the exterior entry tire. But even with these varied influences, the space feels cohesive, clean, and airy. It’s a unique home that radiates the values (health, wellbeing, originality, and good times) of its inhabitants.

Knowing that this was the house they would raise their family in, this Arlington Heights couple decided a complete overhaul of their kitchen was necessary. Originally, the space was cramped, with a funky layout and minimal storage. With a the help of a torn down wall, added bar, and massive island, this kitchen turned into a truly stunning feature for their forever home.