As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Built for the Bluff, A Sea Ranch Home is Remade from the Inside Out The house had always been grounded, on an ocean bluff at The Sea Ranch. It sits unencumbered, adjacent to one of the most dramatic stretches of the Sonoma coast with protected commons meadow to the east, uninterrupted Pacific views to the west, and a bluff trail running alongside. What it lacked was the feeling of home, one that could hold up its own against the natural landscape. The owners are entrepreneurs with deep involvement across tech, real estate, and development and they know how things are built. The Sea Ranch house had been in their lives for years, a second residence and a place for family to gather. Built for a different time, it felt more compromising than comfortable. Sitting in a closed off nook, the kitchen fit one cook at a time and turned its back on the rest of the house. The entry was dim and compressed, divided by a structural column that presented itself at exactly the wrong moment. The primary suite was small relative to the view outside it. A large rear bedroom sat behind a lowered ceiling with a bathroom that had never been added. The house was certainly worth the trouble of doing it right. What followed was not one project but four, each with its own design challenge, each addressed over a period of time. Where the House Meets the Ocean The most complex piece of the project, in both structural and spatial terms, was the kitchen expansion. The existing room was a single-person galley squeezed in as an afterthought with no meaningful connection to the dining room, the living space, or the deck outside. To make it useful for a family that cooks and gathers, it needed to grow outward into an existing patio and flow into the rooms around it. A big challenge was the roofline. Several planes at different pitches and angles converged directly where additional volume was needed. A new form had to join that geometry without reading as a correction. The solution found the simplest possible connection between the existing angles, a roofline that from outside the structure, appears entirely original. From the bluff trail where the addition is visible, there is no discernible seam. Inside, the kitchen is now open to the living and dining rooms without interruption. A large sliding glass door connects the space onto the rear deck. The deck itself was expanded and oriented so that the body of the house shields it from the coastal wind which is a common consideration that determines whether outdoor space at The Sea Ranch actually gets used. The result is a room that works for large family gatherings where no one feels cutoff, and one that makes the boundary between being inside and outside easy to ignore. Welcoming Light A structural column stood at the convergence of eight distinct roof planes in the entry. It was load-bearing, but it was also the reason the entry had always felt like a hallway rather than a welcoming arrival. With the structural engineer, a custom steel connector was designed to receive beams from six separate directions, redistributing the load through a single new continuous beam. The column was surgically removed. Three triangular skylights were then cut into the roof above, their shapes drawn from the existing geometry of the planes around them. The entry is now bright and open. The skylights feel native to the structure because they follow the logic already present in the roof. Two Suites, Two Views At opposite ends of the house, the two bedroom suites were each reconfigured, and each found a different way to introduce more of the landscape into the room. An addition to the primary suite extended the structure outward to create a wraparound plan with a loop from the bedroom through bath and closet that had not been possible before. The expansion opened a slot view from the tub and shower toward the ocean. The view is precise and private. The ocean view is present and deliberate. The rear bedroom absorbed an adjacent storage room to transform it into a full second suite with a vaulted ceiling, a large bathroom with a tub, a shower, and a sauna. A private fenced garden courtyard sits just beyond the glass bringing the outdoors inside. The tub was placed so that, looking past the courtyard and through the bedroom beyond, the ocean is visible at the far end. It is a long view and it makes the room feel larger and more settled than its footprint would suggest. Glass on Four Sides, Fire at the Center The main living and gathering room had always been caught between two competing facts: glass on four sides meant exceptional views but at The Sea Ranch, it also meant a cold room. A 360-degree cylindrical fireplace was added at the center on a raised stone base, providing radiant heat in every direction and giving the room a focal point around which a group naturally orients itself, whether that means two people at the end of the day or the whole family after dinner. Owners Who Picked Up the Tools The owner was not a passive client. they came with construction knowledge, specific ideas, and the desire to be an active part of the process, a dynamic that other architects may had found difficult, which Klopf Architecture accepted as an asset. They took it upon themselves to complete some of the work during construction, including the installation of a new radiant heating system beneath the floors. The radiant system added to the older and less-desirable forced-air setup. At The Sea Ranch, that change matters as the house sits close enough to the ocean and moving air competes with the sound of it, where radiant heat does not. Solar panels were added to the roof as part of the new system. Insulation was upgraded throughout the walls, roof, and crawl space. The house that had always had the right setting now holds warmth the way a house on the bluff should. They were also deeply involved in the design and selections throughout, and the finished house reflects both of them in ways that are specific rather than generic. The process took longer and moved through more iterations than a more arms-length relationship might have allowed. The result is more defined and personal because of it. The Landscape Holds Priority Every exterior decision was shaped by The Sea Ranch Design Standards, which require that buildings defer to the landscape around them rather than compete with it. Because this house sits on the bluff and is visible from the public trail, the additions faced a close review. Existing materials were matched. Geometries were resolved. The additions had to become indistinguishable from the original building. From the trail, the house reads exactly as it always has — low, cedar-clad, secondary to the meadow and the water. The setting holds priority. Inside, the house has been remade. Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen and Trenton Jewett
Contractor: Shawn Bettega Construction
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023
Location: The Sea Ranch, CA

This detailed Victorian tiled hallway at a property in Camden was overdue some much-needed repair and maintenance. The owners of the property appreciated that original period features like this add a lot of value to a property and asked me to visit the property to quote for renovating it. The property was in a terrace of similar properties most of which appeared to have retained their Victorian character. I inspected the floor and found there were a couple of loose, cracked, worn and broken tiles that needed to be replaced. In addition, the floor tiles needed a deep clean and then seal to bring back the wow factor. I was confident we could renovate the floor but at that point unsure if we would be able to find exact match replacements for the damaged tiles. Fortunately, Victorian tiles are still in demand and I knew of several companies I could check with so I was confident they could be found. We discussed how long the work would take and assuming I could source the replacements agreed a price for the full restoration of the floor. After doing some research I managed to find suitable replacements with a company called Original Style and the work was scheduled for the following month. Firstly, we prepared all areas with protective tapes to threshold edges and skirting. This was followed by spaying the tiles with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove & Go which is product designed to remove old sealers and coatings. After about ten minutes the tiles were scrubbed with black scrubbing pads and scrubbing brushes. Fresh water was used to rinse the floor and the slurry was extracted using a wet vacuum. The floor was inspected and then a second clean carried out, this time using Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a Tile and Grout cleaning agent. The same process of application was used and after rinsing and extracting the dirt the tiles were given a steam clean. This ensured all the dirt was lifted out of the pores of the tile and the floor was now as clean as it possible could be. The next step was the remove the loose and cracked tiles using the reclaimed tiles we had sourced earlier. Some cuts were necessary to get the replacements to match the originals but overall the plan worked. A quick drying adhesive was used to secure the tiles so we could apply the grout shortly after. The whole floor was then re-grouted and cleaned off to ensure a good match. The floor was left to dry off overnight, and you could already see it was now looking considerably improved. Returning the next morning we checked the floor was dry using a moisture meter, this is important as to apply a sealer to damp tiles will lead to a patchy experience. All was well so we were ready to apply the sealer. To start a single base coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer was applied to the floor and left to dry. This sealer is an impregnator that protects from within by occupying the pores in the clay tile improving colour in the process. This sealer does leave a matt finish however and the client wanted a subtle shine so one dry it was followed by four coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go. The combination of the two sealers works really well to add long lasting protection to the tiles and provide the desired finish to the floor. The floor was much improved, and the client was delighted. The detailed pattern and colours were now much more prominent, and the hallway looked much more inviting for both the owner and their guests. For the aftercare of Victorian tiles, I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner which is pH neutral and won’t prematurely erode the life of the sealer. Nigel Voyce North London Tile Doctor

Castle Ridge and Baltic Hills natural thin stone veneer create a custom and cohesive blend that adds beautiful visual appeal to the siding for this front porch. Castle Ridge is a quintessential natural thin cut limestone veneer. The warm and comforting golds, tans, and light yellows showcase classic limestone colors. Castle Ridge is cut from Wisconsin quarried dolomitic limestone which is world-renowned for its durability. The stone is known for its high tensile strength and low water absorption with the stone waste being crushed into DOT-approved gravel. Castle Ridge has been split with a hydraulic press on all four sides to create the rectangular shapes. This chopping or breaking process allows the stone to retain a rustic or natural look compared to a sawed edge. Castle Ridge’s large pieces are great for large-scale exteriors and install quickly.

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

- MIUR BENCH. Wood structure covered in multi-thickness polyurethane foam. Tufted capitonnè upholstery with plain coloured buttons or Swarovski crystal buttons. The base of the sofa is edged in metal in the following finishes: bright chrome, bright black chrome, bright light gold, matt Champagne gold and matt satined bronze. The top of the backrest has an utility shelf in the following finishes: cast brass plate, covered in the same colour, metal coordinated with the ring at the base of the seat. Given the special manufacturing process, the leather and fabric upholstery is not removable. Ø59'' x 29''1/2H. http://ow.ly/3yCKDr - CHARME BED. Bed available in two versions: - Headboard and footrest in the same concept with buttons covered in plain colour or Swarovski crystals. - With the bed base completely upholstered without buttons. The frame is in wood covered in high density polyurethane foam. The bed has a base assembled with metal corner angles which allow easy set up and the possibility of regulating the height of the bedspring. This allows the bed to be used with any type of bedspring or mattress, and it also permits the height of the mattress level to be changed. In alternative, a practical container base is available, with two levels of opening to facilitate accessibility. The interior of the storage base is covered laterally in the same upholstery as the bed, while the bottom is a removable plain colour laminate to facilitate cleaning. The container base includes the metal frame with beech wood slats with adjustable lumbar support. Given the special manufacturing process, fabric or leather upholstery is not removable. Bed frame with footrest with buttons: 88''5/8W x 94''1/2D x 43''5/8H. Other widths: 80''3/4 - 65’’. Bedframe with upholstered footrest: 88''5/8W x 91''3/4D x 43''5/8H. Other widths: 80''3/4 - 65’’. Mattress sizes: 78''3/4 x 78''3/4 - 78''3/4 x 70''7/8 - 78''3/4 x 55’’1/8. http://ow.ly/3yCKcr - PHIL NIGHSTAND. Bedside table with 2 drawers in wood in the finishes: Glossy Ebony, Glossy Canaletto Walnut, Matt Ebony, Matte Canaletto Walnut, Matte Wengè, Glossy Lacquered Ivory. Central compartment with top covered in leather or velvet from the catalogue. Metal bases in the following finishes: Bright Light Gold, Bright Black Chrome, Matte Satin Bronze. Handles in Emperador Dark marble or hide. 21''1/4W x 15''3/4D x 20’’H. http://ow.ly/3yvVDe - MONSIEUR DRESSER. Dresser in wood in the finishes: Glossy Ebony, Glossy Canaletto Walnut, Matte Ebony, Matte Canaletto Walnut, Matte Wengè, Glossy Lacquered Ivory. The upper element with three drawers is completely covered in leather from the catalogue. The central drawer has a lock. Laser cut ground metal bases in the finishes: Bright Light Gold, Bright Black Chrome, Matte Satin Bronze. Handles in hide or Emperador Dark marble. 70''7/8W x 28''3/4D x 32''1/4H. http://ow.ly/3yvVLD - NARITA WALL LAMP. Lamps in ground metal, available in the following finishes: light gold, pink gold, polished chrome, glossy black nickel, matte bronze. Lampshade in opaline Plexiglas. Illumination 12V with warm LED lighting. 11''3/8W x 6''5/8D x 37''3/8H. http://ow.ly/3yCKlL

If your architect could invent a method that provided wood products for your home with just the right amount of aging, it would look like this. The SchaferWoodTM process starts with helping you customize a full materials package, including structural timbers/logs, interior paneling, case/base, flooring, exterior siding and trim, all in your preferred colors and textures, and in sizes beyond what mainstream suppliers can offer. We then sustainably harvest the highest grade, large residual logs, and custom cut each piece for your order (leaving nothing to waste). The wood acquires its beautifully aged appearance through a proprietary process that combines heavy double brushing/hewning, charring, and finish coloring with organic, water-based materials. Finally, we deliver the complete package to your site when you need it– never too early or late. Timeless. Antique. Accurate. Intelligent. This is SchaferWood.

Smart elegance in tile design is the theme in this beautiful master bath. Large format tiles surrounding the tub have the look of marble, but are made of porcelain. Porcelain tiles are non-porous and can withstand the rigors of everyday use. In addition the tile design includes accent tile featured above the surround and behind the vanity is water jet cut genuine marble by MSI. This pattern is “Bianco Dolomite Dotty” and adds a layer of timeless extravagance to the space. Metal edging by Schluter finishes exposed tile edges, creating clean lines that do not compete with the tile. Smart Elegance Client Project Bathroom Remodel – Thank you for sharing! French Creek Designs Kitchen & Bath Designers help you to build your dream spa like bathroom with smart elegence. Include various tile designs to fit your style, comfort and budget. Take a look at our large variety of tile and mosaics in our showroom. From glass to stone and all in between, we have the choices you are looking for. We are here to help you achieve the bathroom you have been dreaming about. Whether a full remodel, or sprucing up your bathroom. Contractors are available to assist you, or bring your own and we will make the process fun and exciting! French Creek Designs Process can include: Collaborate Budget, Define Project, Material Selection, and more. French Creek Designs Showroom is a One-Stop-Shop. We have a great selection of Cabinets, Countertops, Flooring, Tile & Mosaics, Knobs & Pulls, Sinks & Faucets and so much more. Kitchen & Bath Designers are available in our Showroom for Material Selection, Design Inspiration and ALL your Design and Remodeling Needs.

Modern Apartment Interior Fit-Out and Renovation Masterpiece In the heart of Dubai’s vibrant urban landscape, Antonovich Group has once again redefined luxury living with the completion of a stunning modern apartment interior fit-out and renovation project. Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design solutions, Antonovich Group has transformed a bare apartment into a sophisticated sanctuary that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. This project exemplifies their expertise in modern apartment interior fit-out, furniture design, and renovation execution, setting a new benchmark for elite residential spaces. Comprehensive Interior Fit-Out Solutions Antonovich Group’s interior fit-out services were pivotal in bringing this project to life. The fit-out process involved transforming the raw space into a fully functional apartment, complete with custom installations and high-end finishes. Key elements of the fit-out included: • Space Optimization: The team employed clever space-planning techniques to maximize the apartment’s layout, creating an open-plan design that promotes seamless movement between living, dining, and kitchen areas. Glass partitions and sliding doors were used to maintain privacy without sacrificing the airy feel. • Premium Materials: High-quality materials such as marble flooring, hardwood accents, and sleek metal finishes were incorporated to add a touch of sophistication. These materials not only elevate the aesthetic but also ensure durability and longevity. • Smart Home Integration: The apartment features a state-of-the-art smart home system, including automated lighting, voice-controlled appliances, and climate control, enhancing convenience and modern living. This aligns with current trends in apartment renovations, as highlighted by Antonovich Group’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies. Bespoke Furniture: The Heart of the Design A standout feature of this project is the custom-made furniture designed and manufactured by Antonovich Group’s own production facilities. Each piece was tailored to complement the apartment’s modern aesthetic while maximizing functionality. Highlights include: • Statement Seating: Plush sofas and armchairs in soft, neutral fabrics create inviting seating areas in the living room, prioritizing both comfort and style. • Sleek Storage Solutions: Built-in wardrobes and cabinetry were designed to optimize space, incorporating hidden compartments and intelligent storage systems to keep the apartment clutter-free. • Elegant Dining Set: A custom dining table with marble accents serves as a focal point, blending seamlessly with the open-plan layout and adding a touch of grandeur. Renovation Execution: Precision and Craftsmanship The renovation execution phase was where Antonovich Group’s expertise truly shone. The apartment required minor structural updates to accommodate the open-plan layout and smart home integrations. The team’s ability to perform these renovations without compromising the building’s fixed structure was a testament to their experience with high-end apartment projects.

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Material Masterpiece Great clients with great vision. The best of Selah Pools & Custom Outdoor Environments starts with our client's willingness to participate in the design process as we build their custom dream. Ultra-Luxe design is found in the details. Each hand cut & placed dry stack stone in this scene, from their outdoor kitchen to the booted patio extension column, throughout the raised spa, the water feature wall, and the fire bowl columns are placed for depth & dimensional effect. The 1x1 glass tile forming the spa spillway attracts the waterfall like a magnet to deliver a gentle edgeless connection to the swimming pool. With carefully cut & placed tile match on the "rolled beam" of the spa interior, the entire spa scene gleams with intent as it delivers smooth, restful comfort. Completing the scene with an expansive pool deck color matched to bring it all together and leaving plenty of room for sports, play & relaxation delivers the total residential dream oasis.

Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Due to its versatility, metal-plastic entrance doors are perfect for both private houses and shops, offices, and administrative buildings. Our doors have several superior features: Metal-plastic doors – lighter (around 120lbs for a door unit) than iron and steel doors, but no less strong and reliable! Scratch and impact resistance, ease of care, and environmentally friendly. In principle, we use only all-welded reinforcement, 1/10" thick (!) for the entrance doors. Such reinforcement is a necessary condition for real burglary resistance. We use an aluminum threshold with a special thermal insert that cuts off the cold from the room. We also complete with an amplifier to securely fix the bottom of the door and cut off the cold. 1 1/4" thick HPL sandwich panel, consists of foamed extruded Styrofoam, with rigid PVC overlays high pressure on both sides. Energy savings double-glazed safety windows. Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing the Manux collection of modern metal-plastic doors in a sleek Black Matte color. These doors are expertly crafted from durable metal-plastic material and feature European roller hinges and an aluminum threshold, ensuring both longevity and security for your home. The exterior design boasts five No Glass panels, creating a modern and stylish look that will enhance the curb appeal of any home. The Black Matte color provides a sophisticated and contemporary feel, perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their entrance. The interior design also features five No Glass panels, creating a cohesive and stylish look throughout the home. With the Manux collection, you can have both style and function. These modern front doors are perfect for homeowners who want to elevate the look of their home's exterior while also ensuring their property's safety and security. And with our easy ordering process and user-friendly website, you can have your new door delivered right to your doorstep. Upgrade your home's curb appeal and make a statement with the Manux collection of modern metal-plastic doors in sleek Black Matte. Order yours today and experience the perfect combination of style and function. Specifications: Model - 8415 Manux Core - Metal-plastic Color - Black Matte Door thickness - 2 1/3" Door slab width — 29" Frame thickness - 2 3/4" Swing direction - Inswing only, right or left

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

- RIM DINING TABLE. Tables in ground iron laser cut and assembled. Frame finishes: Glossy black nickel, satined bronze. Top finishes: Glass: Black Painted Glass, Bronze Mirror Glass, Wood Covered In Leather, Marble: Calacatta Oro, White Marble Emperador Dark, Brown Marble Wood: Glossy Ebony, Tobacco Tinted Oak, Grey Tinted Oak. 98''3/8W x 46''1/2D x 30’’H. http://ow.ly/3yyHf1 - DAMSEL CHAIR. Iron load-bearing frame with elastic webbing, padding in high density cold moulded foam. Given the special processing, both the leather and fabric upholsteries are not removable. 18''1/8W x 19''5/8D x 37’’H. Seat height: 18’’1/8. http://ow.ly/3yyEfa - LADY CUPBOARD. Wooden case available in glossy ebony, grey tinted oak, tobacco tinted oak or wood covered in leather. Wooden panels covered in leather with marble handles. Internal part satin covered with a glass shelf and lighted with LEDs. Ground iron base with drawer, laser cut in glossy black nickel or satined bronze finishes. 32''5/8W x 18''1/2D x 65’’H. http://ow.ly/3yvEHl - PARIS FLOOR LAMP. Ground iron frame, with glossy black nickel or satined bronze finish. Lampshade white or black outside and gold inside, or satin fabric. Electrification 220v e 27. Ø23''5/8 x 70''7/8H. http://ow.ly/3yvs02

Material Masterpiece Great clients with great vision. The best of Selah Pools & Custom Outdoor Environments starts with our client's willingness to participate in the design process as we build their custom dream. Ultra-Luxe design is found in the details. Each hand cut & placed dry stack stone in this scene, from their outdoor kitchen to the booted patio extension column, throughout the raised spa, the water feature wall, and the fire bowl columns are placed for depth & dimensional effect. The 1x1 glass tile forming the spa spillway attracts the waterfall like a magnet to deliver a gentle edgeless connection to the swimming pool. With carefully cut & placed tile match on the "rolled beam" of the spa interior, the entire spa scene gleams with intent as it delivers smooth, restful comfort. Completing the scene with an expansive pool deck color matched to bring it all together and leaving plenty of room for sports, play & relaxation delivers the total residential dream oasis.

Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Due to its versatility, metal-plastic entrance doors are perfect for both private houses and shops, offices and administrative buildings. Our doors have several superior features: - Metal-plastic doors – lighter (around 120lbs for a door unit) than iron and steel doors, but no less strong and reliable! Scratch and impact resistance, easy of care and environmentally friendly - In principle, we use only all-welded reinforcement, 1/10" thick (!) for the entrance doors. Such reinforcement is a necessary condition for real burglary resistance. - We use an aluminum threshold with a special thermal insert that cuts off the cold from the room. We also complete with an amplifier to securely fix the bottom of the door and cut off the cold. - 1 1/4" thick HPL sandwich panel, consists of foamed extruded Styrofoam, with rigid PVC overlays high pressure on both sides. - Energy savings double-glazed safety windows. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing the Manux collection of modern metal-plastic doors in a sleek matte black color. These doors are expertly crafted from durable metal-plastic material and feature European roller hinges and an aluminum threshold, ensuring both longevity and security for your home. The exterior design features stainless steel strips on the solid part and clear glass lines on the frosted glass panel, creating a bold and contemporary look that will enhance the curb appeal of any home. The matte black color provides a sophisticated and modern feel, perfect for those who want to make a statement with their entrance. The interior design also features stainless steel strips on the solid part and clear glass lines on the frosted glass panel, creating a cohesive and stylish look throughout the home. With the Manux collection, you can have both style and function. These modern front doors are perfect for homeowners who want to elevate the look of their home's exterior while also ensuring their property's safety and security. And with our easy ordering process and user-friendly website, you can have your new door delivered right to your doorstep. Upgrade your home's curb appeal and make a bold statement with the Manux collection of modern metal-plastic doors in sleek matte black with stainless steel strips and clear glass lines. Order yours today and experience the perfect combination of style and function. Model - 8088 Manux Core - Metal-plastic Color – Matte Black Door thickness - 2 1/3" Frame thickness – 2 1/3" Design – stainless steel strips on solid part; clear glass lines on frosted glass panel Swing direction – Inswing only – right or left Hardware included: - Metal-plastic 2 1/3" thick frame - Aluminum threshold. - European roller hinges (3D adjustment). - Handle set with lock Vorne and cylinder (5 keys included) - Sealants - 2 rows of seals protect against blowing.

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.