You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

Wolf 30" E Series Transitional Convection Steam Oven Stainless Steel | CSO30TE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: Steam mode heats with steam and hot air, achieving a temperature range from 85°F-210°F. From vegetables, poultry and fish to grains, beans, pasta and egg dishes, gentle steam heat is ideal for capturing nutrition, color and flavor. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

Wolf 30" M Series Transitional Convection Steam Oven Black | CSO30TM Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Wolf 30" M Series Contemporary Convection Steam Oven Black | CSO30CM Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: Steam mode heats with steam and hot air, achieving a temperature range from 85°F-210°F. From vegetables, poultry and fish to grains, beans, pasta and egg dishes, gentle steam heat is ideal for capturing nutrition, color and flavor. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

With a budget of $3,000 and a two-month timeline, we set out to breathe new life into a dining area that felt more cramped than cozy. The transformation was not just about style; it was about creating a space that feels like home, a place where every piece tells a part of our client’s story. Table Upgrade: The original table was a quaint four-seater, perfect for the snug corners of a smaller apartment but it lost its charm in a larger space. We introduced a grand white marble table that not only made the room look more open but also blended seamlessly with the wood, stone, and rattan elements already present. This new table isn't just furniture; it's a gathering place, a spot that invites everyone to come together, share meals, and create memories. Ambient Lighting: The standard, fixed lighting in the apartment was too harsh and did little to enhance the inviting atmosphere we wanted to cultivate. Our solution was to install chic, renter-friendly wall sconces and scatter battery-powered candles across the table. Now, the lighting is just right—soft, warm, and perfect for setting the mood, whether it’s a lively dinner party or a quiet evening meal. Personalizing the Space: Beyond the aesthetics, it was important to our client that the space feel personal and heartfelt. We set up a gallery of family photos right across from the dining area. These aren’t just pictures; they’re windows into precious moments. We used innovative, rental-friendly magnetic frames that don't require nails, allowing our client the freedom to refresh the display as new memories are made. This dining area makeover was all about creating a space that not only looks beautiful but feels genuinely like a part of the family—a place where every element has its purpose and every detail adds to the story. We’ve transformed an ordinary space into our client’s favorite room in the house, where style meets personal history and creates the perfect backdrop for many more cherished moments.

With a budget of $3,000 and a two-month timeline, we set out to breathe new life into a dining area that felt more cramped than cozy. The transformation was not just about style; it was about creating a space that feels like home, a place where every piece tells a part of our client’s story. Table Upgrade: The original table was a quaint four-seater, perfect for the snug corners of a smaller apartment but it lost its charm in a larger space. We introduced a grand white marble table that not only made the room look more open but also blended seamlessly with the wood, stone, and rattan elements already present. This new table isn't just furniture; it's a gathering place, a spot that invites everyone to come together, share meals, and create memories. Ambient Lighting: The standard, fixed lighting in the apartment was too harsh and did little to enhance the inviting atmosphere we wanted to cultivate. Our solution was to install chic, renter-friendly wall sconces and scatter battery-powered candles across the table. Now, the lighting is just right—soft, warm, and perfect for setting the mood, whether it’s a lively dinner party or a quiet evening meal. Personalizing the Space: Beyond the aesthetics, it was important to our client that the space feel personal and heartfelt. We set up a gallery of family photos right across from the dining area. These aren’t just pictures; they’re windows into precious moments. We used innovative, rental-friendly magnetic frames that don't require nails, allowing our client the freedom to refresh the display as new memories are made. This dining area makeover was all about creating a space that not only looks beautiful but feels genuinely like a part of the family—a place where every element has its purpose and every detail adds to the story. We’ve transformed an ordinary space into our client’s favorite room in the house, where style meets personal history and creates the perfect backdrop for many more cherished moments.

With a budget of $3,000 and a two-month timeline, we set out to breathe new life into a dining area that felt more cramped than cozy. The transformation was not just about style; it was about creating a space that feels like home, a place where every piece tells a part of our client’s story. Table Upgrade: The original table was a quaint four-seater, perfect for the snug corners of a smaller apartment but it lost its charm in a larger space. We introduced a grand white marble table that not only made the room look more open but also blended seamlessly with the wood, stone, and rattan elements already present. This new table isn't just furniture; it's a gathering place, a spot that invites everyone to come together, share meals, and create memories. Ambient Lighting: The standard, fixed lighting in the apartment was too harsh and did little to enhance the inviting atmosphere we wanted to cultivate. Our solution was to install chic, renter-friendly wall sconces and scatter battery-powered candles across the table. Now, the lighting is just right—soft, warm, and perfect for setting the mood, whether it’s a lively dinner party or a quiet evening meal. Personalizing the Space: Beyond the aesthetics, it was important to our client that the space feel personal and heartfelt. We set up a gallery of family photos right across from the dining area. These aren’t just pictures; they’re windows into precious moments. We used innovative, rental-friendly magnetic frames that don't require nails, allowing our client the freedom to refresh the display as new memories are made. This dining area makeover was all about creating a space that not only looks beautiful but feels genuinely like a part of the family—a place where every element has its purpose and every detail adds to the story. We’ve transformed an ordinary space into our client’s favorite room in the house, where style meets personal history and creates the perfect backdrop for many more cherished moments.

With a budget of $3,000 and a two-month timeline, we set out to breathe new life into a dining area that felt more cramped than cozy. The transformation was not just about style; it was about creating a space that feels like home, a place where every piece tells a part of our client’s story. Table Upgrade: The original table was a quaint four-seater, perfect for the snug corners of a smaller apartment but it lost its charm in a larger space. We introduced a grand white marble table that not only made the room look more open but also blended seamlessly with the wood, stone, and rattan elements already present. This new table isn't just furniture; it's a gathering place, a spot that invites everyone to come together, share meals, and create memories. Ambient Lighting: The standard, fixed lighting in the apartment was too harsh and did little to enhance the inviting atmosphere we wanted to cultivate. Our solution was to install chic, renter-friendly wall sconces and scatter battery-powered candles across the table. Now, the lighting is just right—soft, warm, and perfect for setting the mood, whether it’s a lively dinner party or a quiet evening meal. Personalizing the Space: Beyond the aesthetics, it was important to our client that the space feel personal and heartfelt. We set up a gallery of family photos right across from the dining area. These aren’t just pictures; they’re windows into precious moments. We used innovative, rental-friendly magnetic frames that don't require nails, allowing our client the freedom to refresh the display as new memories are made. This dining area makeover was all about creating a space that not only looks beautiful but feels genuinely like a part of the family—a place where every element has its purpose and every detail adds to the story. We’ve transformed an ordinary space into our client’s favorite room in the house, where style meets personal history and creates the perfect backdrop for many more cherished moments.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

Panama Jack Laguna 5-Piece Pub Set Elevated Style for Outdoor Entertainment The Panama Jack LagunaPanama Jack Laguna 5-Piece Pub Set is a stylish and sophisticated addition to any outdoor entertainment area, perfectly blending function with a casual, elevated charm. This pub set includes four comfortable bar stools and a high pub table, each piece featuring a blend of traditional design elements with a modern twist. The warm, natural color scheme of the set complements a variety of outdoor settings, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, or poolside areas. The set's design not only adds an aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space but also offers durability and resistance to various weather conditions, ensuring longevity and continued enjoyment. Comfort Meets Casual Elegance Each bar stool in the PPanama Jack Laguna 5-Piece Pub Set is thoughtfully designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The stools are equipped with cushions that provide a soft, comfortable seating experience, ideal for leisurely evenings and social gatherings. These cushions are made from high-grade, fade-resistant fabric, ensuring that they remain vibrant and comfortable over time, despite exposure to the elements. The bar stools feature a supportive and ergonomic design, offering a relaxed seating option for enjoying drinks, casual meals, or engaging conversations. Functional Design for Memorable Gatherings The Panama Jack Laguna 5-Piece Pub Set is not just about good looks; it's also incredibly functional and adaptable. The high pub table is perfectly sized for socializing and dining, providing a unique and casual dining experience. The set is ideal for creating a focal point in your outdoor entertainment space, whether you're hosting a small gathering or enjoying a quiet evening. The robust construction of the table and stools ensures stability and safety, while the easy-to-clean materials used for the cushions and frames make maintenance a breeze. This pub set combines practicality, style, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your outdoor living space with a touch of casual elegance.

Wolf 30" E Series Contemporary Convection Steam Oven Black | CSO30CM Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: Steam mode heats with steam and hot air, achieving a temperature range from 85°F-210°F. From vegetables, poultry and fish to grains, beans, pasta and egg dishes, gentle steam heat is ideal for capturing nutrition, color and flavor. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.