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Mid-sized traditional gray two-story exterior home idea in Raleigh with a gambrel roof

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

Simply stunning describes this spacious floor plan. Starting with the open foyer, dining and great rooms, this plan does not disappoint those who seek an open layout. The truly remarkable master suite accesses the rear porch through French doors. A large dressing area grants luxury within the closet space, and the large master bath with center garden tub is a true retreat. For fans of outdoor entertaining, the screen porch's outdoor grill promotes alfresco meals. Chefs will love the spacious kitchen and adjacent breakfast room, along with the large pantry. Note the large utility room. Upstairs are three bedrooms that share two baths and are in close proximity to the huge bonus room, where attic storage is plentiful.

Words cannot describe the level of transformation this beautiful 60’s ranch has undergone. The home was blessed with a ton of natural light, however the sectioned rooms made for large awkward spaces without much functionality. By removing the dividing walls and reworking a few key functioning walls, this home is ready to entertain friends and family for all occasions. The large island has dual ovens for serious bake-off competitions accompanied with an inset induction cooktop equipped with a pop-up ventilation system. Plenty of storage surrounds the cooking stations providing large countertop space and seating nook for two. The beautiful natural quartzite is a show stopper throughout with it’s honed finish and serene blue/green hue providing a touch of color. Mother-of-Pearl backsplash tiles compliment the quartzite countertops and soft linen cabinets. The level of functionality has been elevated by moving the washer & dryer to a newly created closet situated behind the refrigerator and keeps hidden by a ceiling mounted barn-door. The new laundry room and storage closet opposite provide a functional solution for maintaining easy access to both areas without door swings restricting the path to the family room. Full height pantry cabinet make up the rest of the wall providing plenty of storage space and a natural division between casual dining to formal dining. Built-in cabinetry with glass doors provides the opportunity to showcase family dishes and heirlooms accented with in-cabinet lighting. With the wall partitions removed, the dining room easily flows into the rest of the home while maintaining its special moment. A large peninsula divides the kitchen space from the seating room providing plentiful storage including countertop cabinets for hidden storage, a charging nook, and a custom doggy station for the beloved dog with an elevated bowl deck and shallow drawer for leashes and treats! Beautiful large format tiles with a touch of modern flair bring all these spaces together providing a texture and color unlike any other with spots of iridescence, brushed concrete, and hues of blue and green. The original master bath and closet was divided into two parts separated by a hallway and door leading to the outside. This created an itty-bitty bathroom and plenty of untapped floor space with potential! By removing the interior walls and bringing the new bathroom space into the bedroom, we created a functional bathroom and walk-in closet space. By reconfiguration the bathroom layout to accommodate a walk-in shower and dual vanity, we took advantage of every square inch and made it functional and beautiful! A pocket door leads into the bathroom suite and a large full-length mirror on a mosaic accent wall greets you upon entering. To the left is a pocket door leading into the walk-in closet, and to the right is the new master bath. A natural marble floor mosaic in a basket weave pattern is warm to the touch thanks to the heating system underneath. Large format white wall tiles with glass mosaic accent in the shower and continues as a wainscot throughout the bathroom providing a modern touch and compliment the classic marble floor. A crisp white double vanity furniture piece completes the space. The journey of the Yosemite project is one we will never forget. Not only were we given the opportunity to transform this beautiful home into a more functional and beautiful space, we were blessed with such amazing clients who were endlessly appreciative of TVL – and for that we are grateful!

Wow! What a “Great Room!” This phrase, taken in both its literal & literary meanings is one of the best ways to describe this amazing project. “Great room” def: a large room in a house that combines features of a living room with those of a dining room or family room. Check! We designed this project to extend the livable space of the house. With its wide A Frame porch, it allows for ample space to gather around the fireplace, relax in the mid-day heat or simply sit & marvel at the craftsmanship. We held nothing back on the detail, using reclaimed barn wood to create gorgeous beams, crown molding that wraps around the room, and custom curved detailing in the open gable. Reaching out to the side, we enter an intimate dining space featuring a built-in kitchen, a vinyl pergola & continued the stonework over, tying everything together! Lighting throughout the job was picked out by the homeowner & installed by our tech’s Plus, we built it with low maintenance products; Timbertech decking & Keylink aluminum railing – meaning, there is no sanding or staining!

After: White acrylic paint on spindles and risers, espresso toned lacquer on handrail, tread and balustrades. A simple transformation with minimal impact for an elegant and updated look

These are just a few words we use to describe our company, our people and our commitment to build homes that move you. We promise to be right there with you every step of the way in creating a place you'll absolutely love and will be proud to call "home."

kitchen At the center of this sophisticated home is a clean, bright kitchen that is full of personality. The large contrasting island is wrapped in ebony cabinetry and topped with a Calacatta Gold quartz countertop; creating the perfect gathering place for friends and family. The highlight of this kitchen must be the custom walnut exhaust hood. Extended the full width of the counterspace, the vertical grain walnut conceals the exhaust hood as well as recessed lighting. This is wrapped on all sides by deep pantries, finished in a warm white cabinetry to match the base cabinets below. On the left, a double wall oven is perfectly positioned for ease of cooking while providing visual balance to the fridge on the opposite wall. A tall pantry to the right of the cooktop delineates an adjacent bar area, complete with wine fridge and open shelving to match the kitchen. Warm hardwood flooring extends seamlessly into the kitchen space, complimenting the warmth of the walnut and contrasting the black and white cabinetry. The backsplash tile is a spin on the classic subway, the hand-made white tiles dotted with copper accents. Together, the contrast of dark and light, warm and cool finishes come together in this kitchen to create a space that can truly be described as the heart of the home.

Luxury Bathroom Remodeling in Langhorne, PA – A Stunning Transformation by BMR Belmax Remodeling At BMR Belmax Remodeling, we take pride in transforming bathrooms into elegant, functional, and modern spaces. Our latest bathroom remodeling in Langhorne, PA is a testament to high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. This project was about creating a luxurious retreat, where aesthetics meet functionality. From a spacious walk-in shower to a sleek freestanding tub, black fixtures, and marble-inspired finishes, this bathroom is truly a piece of art. The Challenge: A Bathroom in Need of Modernization Our client in Langhorne, PA, wanted a bathroom renovation that would maximize space, enhance functionality, and create a modern, elegant atmosphere. The existing bathroom lacked the cohesive design and luxury finishes that the homeowner desired. They envisioned a spacious walk-in shower, stylish vanity, elegant tiling, and a freestanding bathtub that would bring a spa-like feel to their home. BMR Belmax Remodeling was up to the challenge. We focused on layout optimization, high-end finishes, and sophisticated black fixtures to create a space that exudes timeless elegance and modern convenience. The Transformation: A Spacious & Elegant Bathroom Design Our remodeling team executed a complete renovation, incorporating top-tier materials, innovative design elements, and seamless craftsmanship. The result? A stunning, spa-like master bathroom that exceeds expectations. 1. Walk-In Shower with Premium Features Built a spacious 68” x 36” walk-in shower, offering comfort and luxury. Installed beautiful marble-look tiles on the shower walls, adding a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Used mosaic tiles for the shower base, enhancing texture, durability, and slip-resistance. Integrated a sleek black shower fixture, creating a striking contrast with the light-colored tiles. Installed a recessed shower light, ensuring proper illumination for a relaxing shower experience. 2. Stunning Marble-Effect Tile Work The entire bathroom features marble-look tiles, creating a high-end and cohesive design. Used white marble-look tiles for the bathroom floor, complementing the shower walls while enhancing the sense of space and brightness. 3. Elegant Freestanding Tub as the Centerpiece Installed a modern black-and-white freestanding bathtub, adding a luxurious spa-like feel to the space. Positioned the tub near the newly painted black-framed windows, creating a stunning visual contrast. Added a sleek black floor-mounted tub filler, blending perfectly with the overall design. 4. Custom Wall-Mounted Double Vanity & Mirrors Installed a double vanity, reconfiguring all plumbing to allow for a floating, wall-mounted design. The wall-mounted vanity enhances floor space and gives the bathroom a modern, airy look. Added matching lighted mirrors, providing both functionality and style. 5. Thoughtful Lighting & Black Accents Installed recessed lighting throughout the bathroom, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Added an additional light in the shower, ensuring proper visibility and ambiance. Painted all bathroom doors black, complementing the black fixtures and window frames. Installed all bathroom fixtures in black, creating a bold contrast against the marble-inspired tile work. 6. New Windows for a Balanced Aesthetic Installed five new windows, painted black inside and white outside, enhancing both exterior curb appeal and interior elegance. The black window frames create a striking contrast against the light-colored tile walls. The Result: A Luxurious and Functional Bathroom Retreat The completed bathroom renovation in Langhorne, PA, is a stunning masterpiece, blending modern sophistication with timeless luxury. The spacious walk-in shower, freestanding tub, and floating vanity contribute to an elegant, spa-like environment. The combination of marble-look tiles, black fixtures, recessed lighting, and high-end finishes creates a harmonious and visually stunning space. Every design choice was carefully planned and executed to maximize comfort, elegance, and functionality. Our client was extremely happy with the outcome, describing the bathroom as a true work of art. They particularly loved how the black fixtures and accents contrast beautifully with the marble-inspired tiles, giving the bathroom a sophisticated and high-end feel. Why Choose BMR Belmax Remodeling? This bathroom remodeling in Langhorne, PA reflects the quality, creativity, and dedication we bring to every project. Homeowners trust BMR Belmax Remodeling because we offer: ✅ High-End Custom Designs – Tailored solutions that meet unique preferences and styles. ✅ Premium Materials & Finishes – Using only the best materials for durability and beauty. ✅ Expert Craftsmanship – Attention to detail and quality workmanship in every aspect. ✅ Seamless Project Management – From planning to completion, we ensure a stress-free renovation experience. ✅ Client-Focused Service – We prioritize homeowner satisfaction and deliver beyond expectations. Upgrade Your Bathroom with BMR Belmax Remodeling If you’re considering a bathroom renovation in Langhorne, PA, trust BMR Belmax Remodeling to bring your dream bathroom to life. Whether you want a spacious walk-in shower, a freestanding bathtub, modern lighting, or custom fixtures, we have the expertise to deliver stunning results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start transforming your bathroom into a luxurious retreat!

Sleek and Modern Office Words cannot describe how beautiful this office turned out. Magnificent comes to mind, along with stunning, unique and gorgeous. Many shapes, layers and materials complement each other while providing an elaborate work space for this home office. Some of the many features include….. • Combination of white lacquered finish, with charcoal stained quarter figured anigre hardwood veneer coexisting together. • Hidden knife edge drawers concealed within the edge of the desk and back credenza • Quarter figured anigre desk top with 1” thick clear acrylic legs simulates a floating appearance • Unique floating wall shelving wrapped with off centered anigre giving texture and depth as artwork themselves. • No drawer hardware with hidden finger pulls, and concealed self-closing slides • Power centers for electrical and USB charging systems within the credenza tops for convenience. Overall an elegant home office with a fun modern workspace.

Words are hard to describe how gorgeous this bathroom is! Unfortunately, the original space was chopped up and did not flow properly, so I started with the original footprint and removed everything internally. The homeowner's requirements for the new area were a large vanity with a separate make-up vanity, steam shower, coffee station, water closet, and a built-in TV with storage. The custom inset cabinetry combines raised and flat panel doors and drawers, and the mosaic water-jet marble tile is the focal point entering the steam shower. Gold lighting brings warmth into the space, and the two windows let natural light stream in. Make sure you see the adjoining custom closet designed to harmonize with the bathroom.

Simple, good-looking, and functional are all adjectives that describe our Alvin sofa. This modern mid-century couch is the perfect size for any home, condo, apartment or loft. The soft polyester fabric, rounded track arms, button-tufted back cushions, and stylish slanted canonical legs really make this beautiful sofa the perfect choice for any home.

A place to relax, read and play games and a little office space is how our outbuilding in Mill Valley was described. It added an extra living room and some coveted square footage to a hard to add onto home in a desirable part of town. The outbuilding was placed on axis with the main house, connected by a deck with a view to the yard in between. To keep all the books and games in order, the main room was lined with fin-ply cabinetry. The floor is an engineered wide plank rustic oak. A simple clean burning wood fireplace will provide heat when needed. The outbuilding has the feel of a classic summer cabin, only with better insulation for year round use. PHOTOGRAPHER JOSEPH SCHELL CONTRACTOR ABACUS BUILDERS

A gorgeous and natural kitchen designed by Gary Potter, CKD CBD that is just as functional as it is beautiful. The custom range hood, quartz countertops, natural marble & glass backsplash, and custom stained maple cabinet all come together to create a space that is inspired by organic, natural lines. The overall impression of this kitchen is best described as a 'restful elegance'. Photographer: Ken Solilo

ZBlinds Company is one of the largest distributors of Century Blinds & Shades on the West Coast.
Inspiration for a contemporary bedroom remodel in Other

English Gardens & Landscaping With this construction we were intent on getting away from what I've heard described as "The ubiquitous dog kennel on steroids look" We deliberately did not use lines or levels, to give the stonework a settled with age appearance. The resident garden gnome has his own alcove built into the rear outer wall.English Gardens & Landscaping

The word gourmet is described as a person with a discernible palate. This kitchen renovation was brought to life with aspects every gourmet could love: ample cabinetry, lighting, and a quiet nook that gives an air of grace. You don’t have to be a fantastic cook to enjoy a kitchen this fashionable, though. The storage options alone makes this design a winner when it comes to utilizing space and appeasing the product junkie in us all.

This 2-story foyer is just a joy to view from the first floor or the second floor. A floating ceiling panel with lighting above and a blue balloon glass chandelier below highlight the special details in this beautiful home. The custom knotty alder wood doors (front and sliding barn door upstairs add a warmth which can't be described. The white oak character grade floors continue through the upstairs into the private bedrooms and baths. Don Pearse Photographers Inc

"Laundry room" doesn't begin to describe this beautiful, yet functional space. Even better: hidden sub-zero columns for additional storage. Photo: Ron Ruscio