Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

This kitchen remodel is truly one of a character. The warmth of these cabinets from New River, the sleek back-splash pattern, and the enormous amount of light coming in from a clerestory window, make this kitchen scream inviting. Before this kitchen was somewhat dark, and did not reflect the personalities of our homeowners. They invited us into their homes, and together we created this gorgeous new kitchen. Our homeowners frequently found themselves sitting in the balcony area of this kitchen, so together we came up with a design that incorporated this area into the kitchen. With Coffee or tea within an arm’s length, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning watching the sun rise right in this little area? We wanted to create the look of “cabinetry to ceiling” but were unable to move the soffits in this kitchen. Our solution? Custom Cabinetry trim to create this illusion. We think it turned out beautifully! We also wanted to work together to open up the kitchen into the formal dining space, but didn’t want to remove too many walls or sacrifice cabinetry storage. We created a pass through above standard counter top height with it’s own bar top between these two rooms. Now food, drinks, and conversation can easily pass through these areas. Two recessed lights built into the cabinets add visual interest, and functional lighting in our new pass through area. The products that you find in this kitchen are contributors of the warm feeling you get when you walk into this kitchen. The cabinetry is from New River, made in Roanoke, VA. The wood species is Maple, and the door style is “Somerset.” The finish called “choral” adds warmth with it’s reddish undertone. On of our favorite features in this kitchen is the glass inserts in the cabinetry above and adjacent to the new gas stove from GE. Glass detail in cabinetry always breaks up the cabinets by adding a place for the eye to immediately go to. These are unique as they are a wavy textured glass that allow you to get a peek inside of the cabinets, but are not fully transparent. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Tasha came from England with her family and bought a place in Hamilton, Ma. The property is situated on the lake and it has beautiful views. The house was functional but it did not focus on the water views. When I came to the house I noticed immediately that the kitchen was on the north side and it opened up to one big, unused space. I came up with the idea of relocating the kitchen, creating large windows and new kitchen layout with light colors. It made an enormous difference for the house and its members. Photo Credit to Pionarch, LLC.

Craftsman for today’s living with open kitchen, dining room and great room for this home in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Working very closely with the homeowners for the optimal use of space and functionality, SDG also designed this home to impress with massive windows, clean architectural detailing and an enormous kitchen that checks all boxes of luxury living.

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

This kitchen remodel is truly one of a character. The warmth of these cabinets from New River, the sleek back-splash pattern, and the enormous amount of light coming in from a clerestory window, make this kitchen scream inviting. Before this kitchen was somewhat dark, and did not reflect the personalities of our homeowners. They invited us into their homes, and together we created this gorgeous new kitchen. Our homeowners frequently found themselves sitting in the balcony area of this kitchen, so together we came up with a design that incorporated this area into the kitchen. With Coffee or tea within an arm’s length, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning watching the sun rise right in this little area? We wanted to create the look of “cabinetry to ceiling” but were unable to move the soffits in this kitchen. Our solution? Custom Cabinetry trim to create this illusion. We think it turned out beautifully! We also wanted to work together to open up the kitchen into the formal dining space, but didn’t want to remove too many walls or sacrifice cabinetry storage. We created a pass through above standard counter top height with it’s own bar top between these two rooms. Now food, drinks, and conversation can easily pass through these areas. Two recessed lights built into the cabinets add visual interest, and functional lighting in our new pass through area. The products that you find in this kitchen are contributors of the warm feeling you get when you walk into this kitchen. The cabinetry is from New River, made in Roanoke, VA. The wood species is Maple, and the door style is “Somerset.” The finish called “choral” adds warmth with it’s reddish undertone. On of our favorite features in this kitchen is the glass inserts in the cabinetry above and adjacent to the new gas stove from GE. Glass detail in cabinetry always breaks up the cabinets by adding a place for the eye to immediately go to. These are unique as they are a wavy textured glass that allow you to get a peek inside of the cabinets, but are not fully transparent. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

This kitchen remodel is truly one of a character. The warmth of these cabinets from New River, the sleek back-splash pattern, and the enormous amount of light coming in from a clerestory window, make this kitchen scream inviting. Before this kitchen was somewhat dark, and did not reflect the personalities of our homeowners. They invited us into their homes, and together we created this gorgeous new kitchen. Our homeowners frequently found themselves sitting in the balcony area of this kitchen, so together we came up with a design that incorporated this area into the kitchen. With Coffee or tea within an arm’s length, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning watching the sun rise right in this little area? We wanted to create the look of “cabinetry to ceiling” but were unable to move the soffits in this kitchen. Our solution? Custom Cabinetry trim to create this illusion. We think it turned out beautifully! We also wanted to work together to open up the kitchen into the formal dining space, but didn’t want to remove too many walls or sacrifice cabinetry storage. We created a pass through above standard counter top height with it’s own bar top between these two rooms. Now food, drinks, and conversation can easily pass through these areas. Two recessed lights built into the cabinets add visual interest, and functional lighting in our new pass through area. The products that you find in this kitchen are contributors of the warm feeling you get when you walk into this kitchen. The cabinetry is from New River, made in Roanoke, VA. The wood species is Maple, and the door style is “Somerset.” The finish called “choral” adds warmth with it’s reddish undertone. On of our favorite features in this kitchen is the glass inserts in the cabinetry above and adjacent to the new gas stove from GE. Glass detail in cabinetry always breaks up the cabinets by adding a place for the eye to immediately go to. These are unique as they are a wavy textured glass that allow you to get a peek inside of the cabinets, but are not fully transparent. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

The stainless steel sink has enormous depth for an under mount product but looks great as the anchor for the kitchen work triangle. Easy to manage, the single handle faucet compliments the other brushed nickel features as well as being functional.

This kitchen remodel is truly one of a character. The warmth of these cabinets from New River, the sleek back-splash pattern, and the enormous amount of light coming in from a clerestory window, make this kitchen scream inviting. Before this kitchen was somewhat dark, and did not reflect the personalities of our homeowners. They invited us into their homes, and together we created this gorgeous new kitchen. Our homeowners frequently found themselves sitting in the balcony area of this kitchen, so together we came up with a design that incorporated this area into the kitchen. With Coffee or tea within an arm’s length, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning watching the sun rise right in this little area? We wanted to create the look of “cabinetry to ceiling” but were unable to move the soffits in this kitchen. Our solution? Custom Cabinetry trim to create this illusion. We think it turned out beautifully! We also wanted to work together to open up the kitchen into the formal dining space, but didn’t want to remove too many walls or sacrifice cabinetry storage. We created a pass through above standard counter top height with it’s own bar top between these two rooms. Now food, drinks, and conversation can easily pass through these areas. Two recessed lights built into the cabinets add visual interest, and functional lighting in our new pass through area. The products that you find in this kitchen are contributors of the warm feeling you get when you walk into this kitchen. The cabinetry is from New River, made in Roanoke, VA. The wood species is Maple, and the door style is “Somerset.” The finish called “choral” adds warmth with it’s reddish undertone. On of our favorite features in this kitchen is the glass inserts in the cabinetry above and adjacent to the new gas stove from GE. Glass detail in cabinetry always breaks up the cabinets by adding a place for the eye to immediately go to. These are unique as they are a wavy textured glass that allow you to get a peek inside of the cabinets, but are not fully transparent. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

DESIGNED BY TOC design CONSTRUCTION BY TOC design & Construction inc. PHOTOS BY : Tania Scardellato I was fortunate to have a young family approach me in desperate need to renovate there only 3 piece bathroom. This space was In dire need of a remodel, with old brown wall to wall tiles and a dated bulky yellow brown single sink vanity. Storage was a must, lighting a necessity, and proper accessibility to the shower bath area. We had a tight budget to respect, but a full gut of this bathroom was required. And a good thing too, once we started doing the demolition we noticed that mildew and rotting floors and walls had accumulated throughout the years. Doing it right the first time is no joke when dealing with water and electrical issues. We discarded all reminisce of old and built from scratch, new walls, new plumbing, new electrical ,new insulation and a new window, a new fan that actually exhausted outside ( I say this laughing as you would be amazed at how many fans are installed but don’t exhaust outside, and you the client would never know unless you go inside the attic space. Once all the hard stuff was done, the rest is just a matter of smart design. If you have a small bathroom here are some tips to guide you. 10 tips for making a small bathroom feel larger Is your tiny bathroom cramping your functionality and style, leaving you longing for the enormous bathrooms gracing the pages of design magazines? Even if your bathroom is a fraction of the size, all it takes is some design savvy to make the most of the space you have. Consider these 10 smart tips that will help your bathroom look, feel and function like those larger contenders. 1-Get creative with corners Space is at a premium in small bathrooms, so it's important to maximize every inch. Corners, for example, provide extra space for shelving, storage units and even hooks. Get creative and install unique design solutions that are not only functional, but also eye-catching. If you love the airiness of floating cabinets, add baskets or decorative boxes under for extra storage. If you are installing floating cabinets insure that they are installed securely to studs or plywood at wall. 2- Let solid colors shine Busy patterns have a shrinking effect and make small bathrooms seem even smaller. Conversely, light natural hues make a space feel more open. If you're itching to get creative with design, experiment with textures but keep overpowering patterns to a minimum. Tone on tone is the best to achieve this. 3 - Maximize your bathtub A bathtub takes up a significant portion of the room, but modern, compact options with curved basins, can make the tub feel larger when in use, all while conserving space. 4 - Select a smaller faucet A faucet is jewelry for the bathroom. And just as accessories can overpower an outfit, a big bulky faucet isn't flattering in a small bath. Single-handle designs conserve counter space, while a wall-mount installation frees it up all together and can create quite the wow-factor, if the budget can accommodate the required changes to plumbing behind the wall. 5 - Make vanity storage simple If you're in a storage war with your small bathroom, you're not alone in the battle. Toiletries and personal supplies without a place to call home only add clutter and chaos. Store smart with a space-saving vanity, the dual sink vanity shown here, looks quite simple, but in reality it has 4 sets of full extension drawers, and the vanity tower adds extra storage without overpowering the use of space. 6 - Show off the shower Shower curtains may be pretty, but they interrupt the visual flow of a bathing space and make it feel significantly smaller. In bathrooms with small footprints, opt for a clear glass sliding shower door that doesn't require the clearance of one with a hinged design. Or as shown in this design and for fraction less expensive a half hinged panel installed on a fixed tempered glass panel. If you're embarking on a big remodel, create the illusion of more space by using same tile in the shower that's used throughout; instead of seeing them as two separate zones, the eye will read them as one. 7 - Discover the treasure of hidden storage Work with a contractor, and you just might find some serious storage potential hidden behind your walls. Whether it's utilizing space between the studs for shallow shelving or a creating a small linen closet by annexing space from an adjacent room, even small additions can make a big difference. 8 - Focal Point Tile is a beautiful, durable addition to any bathroom. For dainty spaces, consider installing tile at a diagonal to accentuate the focal point or as in this bathroom I used an oversized textured pattern to bring depth to the space at the window wall. 9 - Choose the right lights Strategically install light to reflect and brighten a small bathroom to make it appear larger. Recessed lighting is an affordable solution for tiny rooms, offering ample light while taking up little space. Wall sconces alongside a mirror also reflect off the walls and make a room feel bright and airy. I always recommend going with LED lighting at 2800 to 3000K. 10 – Accessorize This is your time to shine in your decorating skills, have fun with your towels, you can change the color scheme daily just by adding pops of color in your accessories, make sure to get items that serve a dual purpose, like baskets, boxes they can always be used as hampers, storing of towels and even a nice display for your guest.

Master bath: We moved a lot of things around to get this highly function design with enormous, curbless steam shower and glass pebble floor. Photo:Ron Ruscio

We kept the functional layout of the kitchen, enormous skylights, character brick and custom copper range hood, but refaced cabinetry and replaced countertops, backsplash, paint and fixtures. Inspired by the ruddy tones in the brick, the new surfaces compliment and refresh the heart of this home. Photography by Kayla McKenzie Photography

This bright, modern living space highlights stunning architectural balance between openness and precision. The double-height ceiling and expansive loft railing draw the eye upward, while the modern fireplace and black metal details introduce a sleek, sculptural rhythm to the space. Warm white oak floors and minimalist finishes keep the interior grounded and inviting. Along the back wall, a built-in wet bar with open shelving and matte black cabinetry provides both function and contrast—serving as a refined extension of the kitchen and a perfect spot for entertaining.

This kitchen remodel is truly one of a character. The warmth of these cabinets from New River, the sleek back-splash pattern, and the enormous amount of light coming in from a clerestory window, make this kitchen scream inviting. Before this kitchen was somewhat dark, and did not reflect the personalities of our homeowners. They invited us into their homes, and together we created this gorgeous new kitchen. Our homeowners frequently found themselves sitting in the balcony area of this kitchen, so together we came up with a design that incorporated this area into the kitchen. With Coffee or tea within an arm’s length, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning watching the sun rise right in this little area? We wanted to create the look of “cabinetry to ceiling” but were unable to move the soffits in this kitchen. Our solution? Custom Cabinetry trim to create this illusion. We think it turned out beautifully! We also wanted to work together to open up the kitchen into the formal dining space, but didn’t want to remove too many walls or sacrifice cabinetry storage. We created a pass through above standard counter top height with it’s own bar top between these two rooms. Now food, drinks, and conversation can easily pass through these areas. Two recessed lights built into the cabinets add visual interest, and functional lighting in our new pass through area. The products that you find in this kitchen are contributors of the warm feeling you get when you walk into this kitchen. The cabinetry is from New River, made in Roanoke, VA. The wood species is Maple, and the door style is “Somerset.” The finish called “choral” adds warmth with it’s reddish undertone. On of our favorite features in this kitchen is the glass inserts in the cabinetry above and adjacent to the new gas stove from GE. Glass detail in cabinetry always breaks up the cabinets by adding a place for the eye to immediately go to. These are unique as they are a wavy textured glass that allow you to get a peek inside of the cabinets, but are not fully transparent. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

This master bath embodies modern luxury with its bright, all-white design and serene atmosphere. Soft gray tile floors ground the space, while the expansive double vanity and private toilet room enhance comfort and function. A large walk-in shower with glass enclosure offers a spa-like experience, complemented by a freestanding soaking tub that serves as the room’s elegant centerpiece—perfect for unwinding in refined style.

This modern bedroom showcases clean architectural lines and a bright, airy layout accentuated by natural light. Minimalist window framing and crisp white walls create a sense of openness, while the linear fireplace adds warmth and function without clutter. The vaulted ceiling with a striking contemporary fan draws the eye upward, emphasizing vertical space and balance. A blend of comfort and sophistication, this design seamlessly merges modern architecture with serene livability.

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

This kitchen remodel is truly one of a character. The warmth of these cabinets from New River, the sleek back-splash pattern, and the enormous amount of light coming in from a clerestory window, make this kitchen scream inviting. Before this kitchen was somewhat dark, and did not reflect the personalities of our homeowners. They invited us into their homes, and together we created this gorgeous new kitchen. Our homeowners frequently found themselves sitting in the balcony area of this kitchen, so together we came up with a design that incorporated this area into the kitchen. With Coffee or tea within an arm’s length, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning watching the sun rise right in this little area? We wanted to create the look of “cabinetry to ceiling” but were unable to move the soffits in this kitchen. Our solution? Custom Cabinetry trim to create this illusion. We think it turned out beautifully! We also wanted to work together to open up the kitchen into the formal dining space, but didn’t want to remove too many walls or sacrifice cabinetry storage. We created a pass through above standard counter top height with it’s own bar top between these two rooms. Now food, drinks, and conversation can easily pass through these areas. Two recessed lights built into the cabinets add visual interest, and functional lighting in our new pass through area. The products that you find in this kitchen are contributors of the warm feeling you get when you walk into this kitchen. The cabinetry is from New River, made in Roanoke, VA. The wood species is Maple, and the door style is “Somerset.” The finish called “choral” adds warmth with it’s reddish undertone. On of our favorite features in this kitchen is the glass inserts in the cabinetry above and adjacent to the new gas stove from GE. Glass detail in cabinetry always breaks up the cabinets by adding a place for the eye to immediately go to. These are unique as they are a wavy textured glass that allow you to get a peek inside of the cabinets, but are not fully transparent. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

DESIGNED BY TOC design CONSTRUCTION BY TOC design & Construction inc. PHOTOS BY : Tania Scardellato I was fortunate to have a young family approach me in desperate need to renovate there only 3 piece bathroom. This space was In dire need of a remodel, with old brown wall to wall tiles and a dated bulky yellow brown single sink vanity. Storage was a must, lighting a necessity, and proper accessibility to the shower bath area. We had a tight budget to respect, but a full gut of this bathroom was required. And a good thing too, once we started doing the demolition we noticed that mildew and rotting floors and walls had accumulated throughout the years. Doing it right the first time is no joke when dealing with water and electrical issues. We discarded all reminisce of old and built from scratch, new walls, new plumbing, new electrical ,new insulation and a new window, a new fan that actually exhausted outside ( I say this laughing as you would be amazed at how many fans are installed but don’t exhaust outside, and you the client would never know unless you go inside the attic space. Once all the hard stuff was done, the rest is just a matter of smart design. If you have a small bathroom here are some tips to guide you. 10 tips for making a small bathroom feel larger Is your tiny bathroom cramping your functionality and style, leaving you longing for the enormous bathrooms gracing the pages of design magazines? Even if your bathroom is a fraction of the size, all it takes is some design savvy to make the most of the space you have. Consider these 10 smart tips that will help your bathroom look, feel and function like those larger contenders. 1-Get creative with corners Space is at a premium in small bathrooms, so it's important to maximize every inch. Corners, for example, provide extra space for shelving, storage units and even hooks. Get creative and install unique design solutions that are not only functional, but also eye-catching. If you love the airiness of floating cabinets, add baskets or decorative boxes under for extra storage. If you are installing floating cabinets insure that they are installed securely to studs or plywood at wall. 2- Let solid colors shine Busy patterns have a shrinking effect and make small bathrooms seem even smaller. Conversely, light natural hues make a space feel more open. If you're itching to get creative with design, experiment with textures but keep overpowering patterns to a minimum. Tone on tone is the best to achieve this. 3 - Maximize your bathtub A bathtub takes up a significant portion of the room, but modern, compact options with curved basins, can make the tub feel larger when in use, all while conserving space. 4 - Select a smaller faucet A faucet is jewelry for the bathroom. And just as accessories can overpower an outfit, a big bulky faucet isn't flattering in a small bath. Single-handle designs conserve counter space, while a wall-mount installation frees it up all together and can create quite the wow-factor, if the budget can accommodate the required changes to plumbing behind the wall. 5 - Make vanity storage simple If you're in a storage war with your small bathroom, you're not alone in the battle. Toiletries and personal supplies without a place to call home only add clutter and chaos. Store smart with a space-saving vanity, the dual sink vanity shown here, looks quite simple, but in reality it has 4 sets of full extension drawers, and the vanity tower adds extra storage without overpowering the use of space. 6 - Show off the shower Shower curtains may be pretty, but they interrupt the visual flow of a bathing space and make it feel significantly smaller. In bathrooms with small footprints, opt for a clear glass sliding shower door that doesn't require the clearance of one with a hinged design. Or as shown in this design and for fraction less expensive a half hinged panel installed on a fixed tempered glass panel. If you're embarking on a big remodel, create the illusion of more space by using same tile in the shower that's used throughout; instead of seeing them as two separate zones, the eye will read them as one. 7 - Discover the treasure of hidden storage Work with a contractor, and you just might find some serious storage potential hidden behind your walls. Whether it's utilizing space between the studs for shallow shelving or a creating a small linen closet by annexing space from an adjacent room, even small additions can make a big difference. 8 - Focal Point Tile is a beautiful, durable addition to any bathroom. For dainty spaces, consider installing tile at a diagonal to accentuate the focal point or as in this bathroom I used an oversized textured pattern to bring depth to the space at the window wall. 9 - Choose the right lights Strategically install light to reflect and brighten a small bathroom to make it appear larger. Recessed lighting is an affordable solution for tiny rooms, offering ample light while taking up little space. Wall sconces alongside a mirror also reflect off the walls and make a room feel bright and airy. I always recommend going with LED lighting at 2800 to 3000K. 10 – Accessorize This is your time to shine in your decorating skills, have fun with your towels, you can change the color scheme daily just by adding pops of color in your accessories, make sure to get items that serve a dual purpose, like baskets, boxes they can always be used as hampers, storing of towels and even a nice display for your guest.