AZ_MetalAges_RES02 Metal Ages We are a customer driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

This is a Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 Home Theater room consisting of Key Ultimate Home Theater Speakers which are all THX certified. All of the speakers are hidden behind all the custom made wall treatments that surround all the wood working. The Screen Innovations Black Diamond Film Screen is 144" diagonal and is setup with 2:35:1 to accommodate true widescreen. The screen has LED back lighting for added ambience. The video projector is being done by a Kef Laser projector so no bulbs to replace. The signal processing for both video and audio is by an Integra Processor and all the speakers are being driven off Parasound Halo series amplifiers. The seating was custom made by United Leather seating. The original chair the client liked was from another manufacture that no longer sold seating so we shipped it to them and they custom built them but with their standards. All control is from Control 4 to include A/V, Lighting and HVAC integration for the theater.

This custom-designed home, secluded on 6 acres of woods and a pond, was constructed in 1986 and is demonstrative of the challenges of remodeling custom design homes. While the initial design worked for the original empty nesters, the new owner found aspects of the custom design deficient for their young family, best exemplified by the fact the kitchen was extremely small and did not have an oven. An interesting aspect of the original design was that it had a strong geometric form, in floor plan, that created interesting spaces for the original owner but introduced challenges in accommodating our client’s program. The original plan had triangular indentions and projections beyond a rectilinear footprint. To accommodate the owner’s program, we infilled one projection to encompass a fireplace and home stereo cabinets and removed an indentation to create more room for an expanded kitchen. The existing sunken living room floor was two steps down from the kitchen/dining area. We raised this floor flush with the other spaces to create a continuity of space. This allowed for more options in function and furnishings. The modern expression of the remodel was driven by our client’s passion for modern design, and it further enhanced the original design expression, staying respectful and true to the original design. Albers Design constructed the second phase of this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction delivery method

Home Office in Monte Lindo | Room Type: Full Home Furnishing – 4,368 sq ft | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Baths- Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen Nook, Family Room, Office, Primary Bedroom + Bath. Project Name: Monte Lindo | Key Feature: A Modern Transitional new build transformed from builder-grade into a unique, personality-driven home through curated furnishings, lighting, art, and mirrors. Challenge: COVID-related supply and delivery delays, along with limitations of working within a builder-grade home that restricted creativity in certain areas. Solution: The team elevated the space with thoughtfully selected furnishings, lighting, wallpaper, art, and mirrors, pushing the clients slightly outside their comfort zone to create a home that felt both comfortable and impressive. Materials: Lighting: Arteriors, Palecek, Circa, Memoky. Rugs: Loloi, Surya. Mirrors: Four Hands, Ferguson, Arteriors. Wallpaper: Savannah Hayes. Furniture: Classic Home, Four Hands, Moss Home, Dovetail, Union Home. Budget: $50k-$75K | Timeline: 11 months, completed September 2021.

This primary bathroom vignette leans unapologetically into bold, art-driven luxury. A sculptural pendant light hovers like modern jewelry, casting a warm glow over a matte black vessel sink and sleek black faucet set. The floating vanity, finished in deep charcoal with subtle fluted detailing, grounds the composition with tailored precision. Above, a statement mirror with softened edges reflects layered artwork and ambient lighting, amplifying the richness of the space. The backdrop is where the drama unfolds. A large-scale botanical mural in deep bronze, olive, and charcoal tones creates movement and texture, while the curved ceiling wrapped in linear mosaic tile adds architectural fluidity. A marble slab backsplash introduces a refined contrast, balancing the intensity of the darker finishes. Moody, immersive, and sculptural, this primary bathroom design blends contemporary sophistication with artistic expression, transforming a functional space into a gallery-like retreat.

Bathroom in Monte Lindo | Room Type: Full Home Furnishing – 4,368 sq ft | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Baths- Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen Nook, Family Room, Office, Primary Bedroom + Bath. Project Name: Monte Lindo | Key Feature: A Modern Transitional new build transformed from builder-grade into a unique, personality-driven home through curated furnishings, lighting, art, and mirrors. Challenge: COVID-related supply and delivery delays, along with limitations of working within a builder-grade home that restricted creativity in certain areas. Solution: The team elevated the space with thoughtfully selected furnishings, lighting, wallpaper, art, and mirrors, pushing the clients slightly outside their comfort zone to create a home that felt both comfortable and impressive. Materials: Lighting: Arteriors, Palecek, Circa, Memoky. Rugs: Loloi, Surya. Mirrors: Four Hands, Ferguson, Arteriors. Wallpaper: Savannah Hayes. Furniture: Classic Home, Four Hands, Moss Home, Dovetail, Union Home. Budget: $50k-$75K | Timeline: 11 months, completed September 2021.

Like most of our remodels, this kitchen design was driven by our clients' modern style. As we started the design process with our client, the existing stamped concrete that had been installed before the remodel was something very special to our client. So we intentionally selected materials that would complement the unique floor. We removed the carpet and installed a large format 24x48 Unica Carbon porcelain tile. The kitchen cabinets feature two tones, the upper stacked cabinets are a crisp white and the base cabinets are a grey tone. With the stacked cabinets, our client wanted to add a functional ladder that would assist in reaching those high cabinets. The custom ladder adds visual appeal while also being very functional. The countertops are completed in a white quartz with soft grey veining. The quartz waterfall edge on both sides of the island creates a clean finish. Let's talk about the wood-slatted ceiling treatment, adding texture and warmth to this very modern kitchen. We did add the grey-tone cabinets to the living room to create a custom entertainment center to complement the kitchen in this open concept space.

Tisdale Hardwood Flooring We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

The Marfa’s Modern living room captures the soul of desert minimalism fused with mid-century warmth. Expansive glass walls frame the vast landscape beyond, flooding the interior with natural light and a serene connection to nature. The space balances artful restraint with textural richness — from the sleek black sofa and sculptural chairs to the buttery leather daybed that anchors the seating arrangement. A bold abstract painting introduces movement and contrast against clean white walls, while thoughtful accents like pottery, layered rugs, and warm lighting bring a lived-in sophistication. Every detail speaks to balance — modern yet soulful, refined yet deeply inviting.

Laundry Room in Grayhawk Elevated | Room Type: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Dining, Living Room + Office – 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, 4,127 Square Feet. Project Name: Greyhawk Elevated | Key Feature: A modern transformation centered around a redesigned kitchen and living space blending contemporary style with masculine touches, including a reimagined fireplace with an integrated bar and a bold, personality-driven powder bath. Challenge: Clients moved in prior to completion of the remodel. Solution: The home was thoughtfully updated to include a high-end modern kitchen, cozy and inviting family spaces, a functional laundry room with a dog feeding station and storage solutions, and elevated design moments such as vibrant wallpaper and a built-in bar feature. Having clients in the home during the remodel required additional communication with clients and subs. Managed to work around everyone's schedules as needed for a smooth execution and completed project. Materials: Lighting: Visual Comfort, Alora. Rugs: Loloi. Art: Leftbank. Mirrors: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Thibault. Furniture: Four Hands, Denver Modern, Dovetail, Moss Studio. Budget: $100k-$250k | Timeline: Completed December 2024

Living Room in Grayhawk Elevated | Room Type: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Dining, Living Room + Office – 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, 4,127 Square Feet. Project Name: Greyhawk Elevated | Key Feature: A modern transformation centered around a redesigned kitchen and living space blending contemporary style with masculine touches, including a reimagined fireplace with an integrated bar and a bold, personality-driven powder bath. Challenge: Clients moved in prior to completion of the remodel. Solution: The home was thoughtfully updated to include a high-end modern kitchen, cozy and inviting family spaces, a functional laundry room with a dog feeding station and storage solutions, and elevated design moments such as vibrant wallpaper and a built-in bar feature. Having clients in the home during the remodel required additional communication with clients and subs. Managed to work around everyone's schedules as needed for a smooth execution and completed project. Materials: Lighting: Visual Comfort, Alora. Rugs: Loloi. Art: Leftbank. Mirrors: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Thibault. Furniture: Four Hands, Denver Modern, Dovetail, Moss Studio. Budget: $100k-$250k | Timeline: Completed December 2024

Laundry Room in Grayhawk Elevated | Room Type: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Dining, Living Room + Office – 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, 4,127 Square Feet. Project Name: Greyhawk Elevated | Key Feature: A modern transformation centered around a redesigned kitchen and living space blending contemporary style with masculine touches, including a reimagined fireplace with an integrated bar and a bold, personality-driven powder bath. Challenge: Clients moved in prior to completion of the remodel. Solution: The home was thoughtfully updated to include a high-end modern kitchen, cozy and inviting family spaces, a functional laundry room with a dog feeding station and storage solutions, and elevated design moments such as vibrant wallpaper and a built-in bar feature. Having clients in the home during the remodel required additional communication with clients and subs. Managed to work around everyone's schedules as needed for a smooth execution and completed project. Materials: Lighting: Visual Comfort, Alora. Rugs: Loloi. Art: Leftbank. Mirrors: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Thibault. Furniture: Four Hands, Denver Modern, Dovetail, Moss Studio. Budget: $100k-$250k | Timeline: Completed December 2024

Kitchen in Grayhawk Elevated | Room Type: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Dining, Living Room + Office – 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, 4,127 Square Feet. Project Name: Greyhawk Elevated | Key Feature: A modern transformation centered around a redesigned kitchen and living space blending contemporary style with masculine touches, including a reimagined fireplace with an integrated bar and a bold, personality-driven powder bath. Challenge: Clients moved in prior to completion of the remodel. Solution: The home was thoughtfully updated to include a high-end modern kitchen, cozy and inviting family spaces, a functional laundry room with a dog feeding station and storage solutions, and elevated design moments such as vibrant wallpaper and a built-in bar feature. Having clients in the home during the remodel required additional communication with clients and subs. Managed to work around everyone's schedules as needed for a smooth execution and completed project. Materials: Lighting: Visual Comfort, Alora. Rugs: Loloi. Art: Leftbank. Mirrors: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Thibault. Furniture: Four Hands, Denver Modern, Dovetail, Moss Studio. Budget: $100k-$250k | Timeline: Completed December 2024

We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

Love is all around Dick "RJ" Valentine, especially when he enters his home garage. A professional race car driver, entrepreneur, chairman of The MBA Group of Companies, and owner of F1 Boston and F1 Outdoors kart racing facility, Dick is surrounded by some of his most prized possessions: a radiant blue Hennessey Venom Viper 650, a twin turbo Porsche, a 500e Mercedes, and a BMW model 750il, an M5 and an M6. And that's just the four-wheelers. Dick's garage is also home to four motorcycles: a BMW 1200LT, a BMW 1200RS, a Ducati 996F, and a Ducati ST4F. "I've basically driven everything short of the space shuttle," he jokes. His wife adds, "If it doesn't make noise, leak or have wheels, Dick doesn't want any part of it!" Driving for gold. RJ has been racing professionally for 30 years and has raced virtually every type of competitive race car at tracks all over the world, including IMSA Corvettes, Trans-Am Camaros, Riley & Scott MK3 World Sports Cars, BMW M3 V8's, Dodge Vipers, Porsche 911s, Pontiac GTO.Rs and Porsche GT3s. He has more than 325 professional road racing starts, and is one of only seven people to eclipse 120 starts in the Trans-Am Series. RJ's career Trans-Am record includes a 62% incidence of top ten finishes and in excess of 20 top-five finishes. In 2007, RJ and teammate Andy Lally claimed 5 victories, 2 seconds and placed 3rd for the 2007 GT Championship in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series aboard the #66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3. He has driven in over 20 consecutive Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, a significant achievement given the grueling nature of this 24-hour endurance race. He uses his garage to house and service not only his personal vehicles, but his professional karts as well. That's where Lista comes in. Dick stores all his tools and parts using Lista garage workbenches with drawer cabinet pedestals, stationary riser shelves and overhead cabinets with retractable doors. "We use only Lista equipment in our racing trailers and at F1 Boston. In the racing environment, precision and quality are the name of the game. Lista is the gold standard in the business. So I wouldn't have used anything but Lista in my own garage."

Love is all around Dick "RJ" Valentine, especially when he enters his home garage. A professional race car driver, entrepreneur, chairman of The MBA Group of Companies, and owner of F1 Boston and F1 Outdoors kart racing facility, Dick is surrounded by some of his most prized possessions: a radiant blue Hennessey Venom Viper 650, a twin turbo Porsche, a 500e Mercedes, and a BMW model 750il, an M5 and an M6. And that's just the four-wheelers. Dick's garage is also home to four motorcycles: a BMW 1200LT, a BMW 1200RS, a Ducati 996F, and a Ducati ST4F. "I've basically driven everything short of the space shuttle," he jokes. His wife adds, "If it doesn't make noise, leak or have wheels, Dick doesn't want any part of it!" Driving for gold. RJ has been racing professionally for 30 years and has raced virtually every type of competitive race car at tracks all over the world, including IMSA Corvettes, Trans-Am Camaros, Riley & Scott MK3 World Sports Cars, BMW M3 V8's, Dodge Vipers, Porsche 911s, Pontiac GTO.Rs and Porsche GT3s. He has more than 325 professional road racing starts, and is one of only seven people to eclipse 120 starts in the Trans-Am Series. RJ's career Trans-Am record includes a 62% incidence of top ten finishes and in excess of 20 top-five finishes. In 2007, RJ and teammate Andy Lally claimed 5 victories, 2 seconds and placed 3rd for the 2007 GT Championship in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series aboard the #66 TRG CRG/Maxter Porsche GT3. He has driven in over 20 consecutive Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, a significant achievement given the grueling nature of this 24-hour endurance race. He uses his garage to house and service not only his personal vehicles, but his professional karts as well. That's where Lista comes in. Dick stores all his tools and parts using Lista garage workbenches with drawer cabinet pedestals, stationary riser shelves and overhead cabinets with retractable doors. "We use only Lista equipment in our racing trailers and at F1 Boston. In the racing environment, precision and quality are the name of the game. Lista is the gold standard in the business. So I wouldn't have used anything but Lista in my own garage."

Is your closet busting at the seams? Or do you perhaps have no closet at all? Time to consider adding a mudroom to your house. Mudrooms are a popular interior design trend these days, and for good reason - they can house far more than a simple coat closet can. They can serve as a family command center for kids' school flyers and menus, for backpacks and shoes, for art supplies and sports equipment. Some mudrooms contain a laundry area, and some contain a mail station. Some mudrooms serve as a home base for a dog or a cat, with easy to clean, low maintenance building materials. A mudroom may consist of custom built-ins, or may simply be a corner of an existing room with pulled some clever, freestanding furniture, hooks, or shelves to house your most essential mudroom items. Whatever your storage needs, extensive or streamlined, carving out a mudroom area can keep the whole family more organized. And, being more organized saves you stress and countless hours that would otherwise be spent searching for misplaced items. While we love to design mudroom niches, a full mudroom interior design allows us to do what we do best here at Down2Earth Interior Design: elevate a space that is primarily driven by pragmatic requirements into a space that is also beautiful to look at and comfortable to occupy. I find myself voluntarily taking phone calls while sitting on the bench of my mudroom, simply because it's a comfortable place to be. My kids do their homework in the mudroom sometimes. My cat loves to curl up on sweatshirts temporarily left on the bench, or cuddle up in boxes on their way out to the recycling bins, just outside the door. Designing a custom mudroom for our family has elevated our lifestyle in so many ways, and I look forward to the opportunity to help make your mudroom design dreams a reality as well. Photos by Ryan Macchione

Mark Angeles

Dining Room in Grayhawk Elevated | Room Type: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Dining, Living Room + Office – 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, 4,127 Square Feet. Project Name: Greyhawk Elevated | Key Feature: A modern transformation centered around a redesigned kitchen and living space blending contemporary style with masculine touches, including a reimagined fireplace with an integrated bar and a bold, personality-driven powder bath. Challenge: Clients moved in prior to completion of the remodel. Solution: The home was thoughtfully updated to include a high-end modern kitchen, cozy and inviting family spaces, a functional laundry room with a dog feeding station and storage solutions, and elevated design moments such as vibrant wallpaper and a built-in bar feature. Having clients in the home during the remodel required additional communication with clients and subs. Managed to work around everyone's schedules as needed for a smooth execution and completed project. Materials: Lighting: Visual Comfort, Alora. Rugs: Loloi. Art: Leftbank. Mirrors: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Thibault. Furniture: Four Hands, Denver Modern, Dovetail, Moss Studio. Budget: $100k-$250k | Timeline: Completed December 2024