Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Collaborations with builders on new construction is a favorite part of my job. I love seeing a house go up from the blueprints to the end of the build. It is always a journey filled with a thousand decisions, some creative on-the-spot thinking and yes, usually a few stressful moments. This Naperville project was a collaboration with a local builder and architect. The Kitchen Studio collaborated by completing the cabinetry design and final layout for the entire home. The kitchen is spacious and opens into the neighboring family room. A 48” Thermador range is centered between two windows, and the sink has a view through a window into the mudroom which is a unique feature. A large island with seating and waterfall countertops creates a beautiful focal point for the room. A bank of refrigeration, including a full-size wine refrigerator completes the picture. The area between the kitchen and dining room houses a second sink and a large walk in pantry. The kitchen features many unique storage elements important to the new homeowners including in-drawer charging stations, a cutlery divider, knife block, microwave drawer, pull out trash, multiple appliance garages, spice pull outs and tray dividers. There’s not much you can’t store in this room! Cabinetry is white shaker inset styling with a gray stain on the island. The back of the island features lap style siding that coordinates with the fireplace in the neighboring family room. Mid-century inspired lighting gives the room a modern vibe. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Builder: Hampton Homes Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This luminous photograph captures the essence of a sun-drenched forest canopy. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. The vibrant green foliage is infused with a golden glow, evoking a sense of warmth and tranquility. The vintage effect adds a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of a cherished memory or a timeless moment in nature. This image would bring a touch of natural beauty and serenity to any space, making it a perfect addition to a living room, dining room, or bedroom. For prints: https://pipafineart.com/pages/aged-golden-leaves-botanical-nature-photo-wall-art-prints Banyan Tree With Glory Rays of Sunlight https://pipafineart.com/pages/botanical-flower-wall-art-banyan-tree-with-glory-rays-of-sunlight-nature-photography-prints

The Moongate residence seems to rise naturally from the red rocks, its glass curves strategically designed to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and other remarkable landscapes. This harmonious fusion with nature creates a sense of continuity between inside and out, magnifying the home's overall aesthetic. At the heart of this home, the foyer's glass staircase stands out as a true work of art and engineering prowess. Suspended by steel rods, this staircase with its crystalline stair treads gives the illusion of floating, creating a spectacular visual effect in front of a vast wall of windows. This central element not only adds a touch of modernity and refinement, it also becomes a captivating focal point that impresses from the moment you enter. This project was awarded the SILVER prize in the INT Grand Prix du Design 2024. LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona, USA, Collaboration with Swaback Architecture & Design Studio THICKNESS: 3” (72 mm) COLOR & TEXTURE: Crystal Granula EDGE: Polished SPECIAL FEATURES: Floating steps Photo credit: Dino Tonn Photography / ARCHITECT : RICK WILCOXSON

The Moongate residence seems to rise naturally from the red rocks, its glass curves strategically designed to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and other remarkable landscapes. This harmonious fusion with nature creates a sense of continuity between inside and out, magnifying the home's overall aesthetic. At the heart of this home, the foyer's glass staircase stands out as a true work of art and engineering prowess. Suspended by steel rods, this staircase with its crystalline stair treads gives the illusion of floating, creating a spectacular visual effect in front of a vast wall of windows. This central element not only adds a touch of modernity and refinement, it also becomes a captivating focal point that impresses from the moment you enter. This project was awarded the SILVER prize in the INT Grand Prix du Design 2024. LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona, USA, Collaboration with Swaback Architecture & Design Studio THICKNESS: 3” (72 mm) COLOR & TEXTURE: Crystal Granula EDGE: Polished SPECIAL FEATURES: Floating steps Photo credit: Dino Tonn Photography / ARCHITECT : RICK WILCOXSON

Designed by Tim Bjella, http://www.houzz.com/pro/timbjella/bjella-architecture-and-interior-design

Our client wanted a maintenance free yard with no grass and minimal plantings. We designed and constructed a simple but very effective yard that suited their young family well. With a synthetic grass area for their children to play (and a future play structure) as well as a large paver patio for a dining table and chimenea for gatherings, this yard is all about enjoying the moments, not doing yard work!! We dressed it up with a few trees that will grow to provide some privacy as well as a nice cedar fence and privacy screens. Concrete edging rounds out the project that will ensure many years of enjoyment with no hassles!!

The Moongate residence seems to rise naturally from the red rocks, its glass curves strategically designed to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and other remarkable landscapes. This harmonious fusion with nature creates a sense of continuity between inside and out, magnifying the home's overall aesthetic. At the heart of this home, the foyer's glass staircase stands out as a true work of art and engineering prowess. Suspended by steel rods, this staircase with its crystalline stair treads gives the illusion of floating, creating a spectacular visual effect in front of a vast wall of windows. This central element not only adds a touch of modernity and refinement, it also becomes a captivating focal point that impresses from the moment you enter. This project was awarded the SILVER prize in the INT Grand Prix du Design 2024. LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona, USA, Collaboration with Swaback Architecture & Design Studio THICKNESS: 3” (72 mm) COLOR & TEXTURE: Crystal Granula EDGE: Polished SPECIAL FEATURES: Floating steps Photo credit: Dino Tonn Photography / ARCHITECT : RICK WILCOXSON

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The Moongate residence seems to rise naturally from the red rocks, its glass curves strategically designed to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and other remarkable landscapes. This harmonious fusion with nature creates a sense of continuity between inside and out, magnifying the home's overall aesthetic. At the heart of this home, the foyer's glass staircase stands out as a true work of art and engineering prowess. Suspended by steel rods, this staircase with its crystalline stair treads gives the illusion of floating, creating a spectacular visual effect in front of a vast wall of windows. This central element not only adds a touch of modernity and refinement, it also becomes a captivating focal point that impresses from the moment you enter. This project was awarded the SILVER prize in the INT Grand Prix du Design 2024. LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona, USA, Collaboration with Swaback Architecture & Design Studio THICKNESS: 3” (72 mm) COLOR & TEXTURE: Crystal Granula EDGE: Polished SPECIAL FEATURES: Floating steps Photo credit: Dino Tonn Photography / ARCHITECT : RICK WILCOXSON

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project: Le Petit Hopital in Provence Limestone Elements by Ancient Surfaces Project Renovation completed in 2012 Situated in a quiet, bucolic setting surrounded by lush apple and cherry orchards, Petit Hopital is a refurbished eighteenth century Bastide farmhouse. With manicured gardens and pathways that seem as if they emerged from a fairy tale. Petit Hopital is a quintessential Provencal retreat that merges natural elements of stone, wind, fire and water. Talking about water, Ancient Surfaces made sure to provide this lovely estate with unique and one of a kind fountains that are simply out of this world. The villa is in proximity to the magical canal-town of Isle Sur La Sorgue and within comfortable driving distance of Avignon, Carpentras and Orange with all the French culture and history offered along the way. The grounds at Petit Hopital include a pristine swimming pool with a Romanesque wall fountain full with its thick stone coping surround pieces. The interior courtyard features another special fountain for an even more romantic effect. Cozy outdoor furniture allows for splendid moments of alfresco dining and lounging. The furnishings at Petit Hopital are modern, comfortable and stately, yet rather quaint when juxtaposed against the exposed stone walls. The plush living room has also been fitted with a fireplace. Antique Limestone Flooring adorned the entire home giving it a surreal out of time feel to it. The villa includes a fully equipped kitchen with center island featuring gas hobs and a separate bar counter connecting via open plan to the formal dining area to help keep the flow of the conversation going.

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project: Le Petit Hopital in Provence Limestone Elements by Ancient Surfaces Project Renovation completed in 2012 Situated in a quiet, bucolic setting surrounded by lush apple and cherry orchards, Petit Hopital is a refurbished eighteenth century Bastide farmhouse. With manicured gardens and pathways that seem as if they emerged from a fairy tale. Petit Hopital is a quintessential Provencal retreat that merges natural elements of stone, wind, fire and water. Talking about water, Ancient Surfaces made sure to provide this lovely estate with unique and one of a kind fountains that are simply out of this world. The villa is in proximity to the magical canal-town of Isle Sur La Sorgue and within comfortable driving distance of Avignon, Carpentras and Orange with all the French culture and history offered along the way. The grounds at Petit Hopital include a pristine swimming pool with a Romanesque wall fountain full with its thick stone coping surround pieces. The interior courtyard features another special fountain for an even more romantic effect. Cozy outdoor furniture allows for splendid moments of alfresco dining and lounging. The furnishings at Petit Hopital are modern, comfortable and stately, yet rather quaint when juxtaposed against the exposed stone walls. The plush living room has also been fitted with a fireplace. Antique Limestone Flooring adorned the entire home giving it a surreal out of time feel to it. The villa includes a fully equipped kitchen with center island featuring gas hobs and a separate bar counter connecting via open plan to the formal dining area to help keep the flow of the conversation going.