We were approached with a request to design the furnishings for an existing ‘finished’ apartment. The intention was to move in relatively fast, and the property already had an existing marble floor, kitchen and bathrooms which had to be kept. The property also boasted a fantastic 270 degree view, seen from most of the apartment. The clients had a very important role in the completion of the project. They were very involved during the design process and through various decoration choices. The final design was kept as a rigid guideline when faced with picking out all the different elements. Once clear of all previous furniture, the space felt cold and bare; so we immediately felt the need for warmth, and raw, natural elements and textures to complement the cold marble floor while visually tying in the design of the whole apartment together. Since the existing kitchen had a touch of dark walnut stain, we felt this material was one we should add to the palette of materials to contest the stark materials. A raw cement finish was another material we felt would add an interesting contrast and could be used in a variety of ways, from cabinets to walls and ceilings, to tie up the design of various areas of the apartment. To warm up the living/dining area, keeping the existing marble floor but visually creating zones within the large living/dining area without hindering the flow, a dark timber custom-made soffit, continuous with a floor-to-ceiling drinks cabinet zones the dining area, giving it a degree of much-needed warmth. The various windows with a stupendous 270 degree view needed to be visually tied together. This was done by introducing a continuous sheer [drape] which also doubled up as a sound-absorbing material along 2 of the 4 walls of the space. A very large sofa was required to fill up the space correctly, also required for the size of the young family. Services were integrated within the units and soffits, while a customized design in the corner between the kitchen and the living room took into consideration the viewpoints from the main areas to create a pantry without hindering the flow or views. A strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirror doubles up the space and extends the view to the inner parts of the apartment. The daughter’s bedroom was a small challenge in itself, and a fun task, where we wanted to achieve the perception of a cozy niche with its own enclosed reading nook [for reading fairy tales], behind see-through curtains and a custom-ordered wall print sporting the girl’s favorite colors. The sons’ bedroom had double the requirements in terms of space needed: more wardrobe, more homework desk space, a tv/play station area… “We combined a raised platform area between the boys’ beds to become an area with cushions where the kids can lay down and play, and face a hidden screen behind the homework desk’s sliding back panel for their play station”. The color of the homework desk was chosen in relation to the boys’ ages. A more masculine material palette was chosen for this room, in contrast to the light pastel palette of the girl’s bedroom. Again, this colour can easily be changed over time for a more mature look. PROJECT DATA: St. Paul’s Bay, Malta DESIGN TEAM: Perit Rebecca Zammit, Perit Daniel Scerri, Elyse Tonna OTHER CREDITS: Photography: Tonio Lombardi Styling : TKS

This was and still is a 2,700 s.f. brick rancher yet this project resulted in a complete makeover while still maintaining the original footprint and exterior structure. The house was built in 1954 in a lovely location across the street from the Grove Park Inn Golf Club. During our initial meeting, my clients, who had recently moved to Asheville, expressed that they enjoyed cooking and engaging with their family and friends while doing so. They wanted the bathrooms updated, a more functional master bedroom and a larger kitchen. The house had a traditional layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a small kitchen, separate dining and living rooms with an adjoining 570 s.f. family room. It didn’t take long before we all agreed that the large family room would be converted to their master bedroom suite. In order to expand the kitchen, a wall between the existing kitchen and dining was removed, stairs leading to the basement were relocated, a bump out in the existing kitchen became a pantry and one of the adjacent bedrooms was opened up to the new kitchen as the new dining room. Both baths were redesigned and a powder room was created by rearranging existing closets. An existing curved wall in the hallway prompted the design of large open arches between the newly created spaces. This concept extended to the design on curved counter surfaces in the kitchen along with a reflected curved dropped ceiling over the cooking area. The exterior of the house was enhanced with bay windows, a new copper-roofed front porch overlooking the Grove Park Inn properties with the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. A circular drive was designed for the convenience of guests. Exterior double-hung windows were replaced with French patio doors in the new kitchen/dining and living areas. This allows easy access to the new front porch and back deck while enhancing the openness of the home.

Sunset Heights Renovation This Victorian style home was beautifully designed from the interior to the exterior. Our clients were looking to update the outdoor space, not only was it not functional, but it did not complement their Victorian home. Although we had a yearlong waiting list for design, our clients were patient and hired us for 3D design. Many times, our clients already have all the components in place, such as a pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, pergola etc., but they just don’t feel right. The most important feature of our client’s new space was not only the components, but to be able to have a space that would allow them to create a lifetime of memories. From a visual perspective their existing space seemed limited and confined. Our design team was able to see past this and expanded its space to its full potential which allowed us to create multiple destinations for relaxation, enjoyment and most importantly entertainment. As we began the design process, we were able to take a closer look at the existing space and noticed many safety concerns and how the existing materials did not accentuate the home either. At the completion of their 3D design, we were able to present new ideas and materials that would enhance the value of the home as well as help them visualize the new space created with multiple destinations. Ivory travertine coping & decking was a must as was the Talavera blue highlighted tiles for the newly renovated pool. A new working spa and functional outdoor kitchen with bar were two spaces we are sure they would enjoy while spending time outdoors. We enlarged the existing covered patio to expand the seating area to include chaise lounges, a loveseat and chairs under the pergola shade accent. Newest favorite additions are the gas firepit and cabin play fort which can be highly utilized year-round. Our clients say, “The adults love hanging out in the fort too!” Nestled in the Historic District, our client’s home is now filled with plenty of space and great energy for family gatherings, parties, watching sports, graduations and so much more. Who knows, maybe a future wedding or two! Memories of a lifetime will be made here for years to come! Architecture and lifestyle are always our focus when designing feel good and functional spaces for our clients!

2012 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR SPECIALTY Scope: Creative design in converting a plain basement storage space into a wine cellar and tasting room for a couple that is changing their basement over to an adult “play” space. The basement already has a movie theater, exercise room, and a game table. They have been visiting local wineries and collecting for a future wine cellar of their own. Needed to work around the existing ductwork for the main level, tie into the electrical panel and HVAC system, move the hot water heater and furnace with associated ductwork, and hide the sump pump in the corner. They also wanted an upgraded look in the cabinetry and shelving. The space needed to be insulated and waterproofed to maintain constant temperature. We connected to the existing electrical system, adding a split cooling system to their existing HVAC. The HVAC for the cellar has its own ductwork and compressor system, but ties into the existing system for drainage. These needed to be routed through the floor joists above. We ordered cabinetry and modified it to conceal the sump pump in the corner, as well as cut the racks to fit around the overhead duct work that cut across the middle of the ceiling. We installed mini LED lights along the shelving to give a glow so the labels could be read. The tasting table is upgraded to granite with a barrel curved edge, and shelving for larger bottles above. Small touches added to the cabinetry and racks we ordered make this a custom designed cellar. Textures in the tile pick up on the wood grain of the mahogany racking. The custom insulated door has a frosted design. There are a variety of lights used, all on timer, including the LEDs, recessed and puck lights over the tasting area. The raised tumble limestone and the rest of the design, makes it unique to these homeowners.

Homeowner Services of Michigan (HSM) is excited to share the details of a new 16' x 22' family room expansion in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This project reflects our dedication to meeting our clients' specific needs. Our clients approached us needing more space for their growing family and wanted a seamless integration with their existing home. After thorough consultations, we developed a plan to bring their vision to life. The project began with careful architectural planning. We worked with a local architect to create detailed plans and secured all necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes. Site preparation involved demolishing an existing carport, grading, and excavation to prepare the building pad for the new foundation. This step was essential to ensure a stable base for the construction. Our team then focused on structural framing, tying the new addition to the existing home. We ensured that the new structure matched the current architectural style for a seamless blend. The addition was then roofed and sheathed to provide a sturdy and weatherproof exterior. Next, we addressed the electrical work, installing new circuits for lighting, HVAC, and receptacles, and adding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to meet safety standards. A licensed journeyman electrician performed the electrical service to ensure high-quality and compliant installations. Insulation and drywall installation followed. We installed batt insulation to meet or exceed Michigan Energy Code requirements. The interior surfaces were finished with drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, and priming to prepare for painting. Baseboard molding and trim around doors and windows added the finishing touches. Exterior features were also important. We framed and installed new windows and a front entry door and added a front eyebrow vent feature to match the existing structure. Vinyl siding was installed to complete the exterior, ensuring a cohesive look and enhanced curb appeal. Throughout the project, we maintained a clean and professional worksite, disposing of debris responsibly and minimizing disruption to the client's daily lives. Our focus was always on delivering quality and ensuring client satisfaction. This home addition project highlights our commitment to understanding and fulfilling our clients' needs. We are proud to have added valuable space and enhanced the overall functionality and aesthetic of the home. These folks had a vision, a budget, and a whole lot of patience. We got through this family room remodel during a global pandemic. What great people to work with!

Homeowner Services of Michigan (HSM) is excited to share the details of a new 16' x 22' family room expansion in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This project reflects our dedication to meeting our clients' specific needs. Our clients approached us needing more space for their growing family and wanted a seamless integration with their existing home. After thorough consultations, we developed a plan to bring their vision to life. The project began with careful architectural planning. We worked with a local architect to create detailed plans and secured all necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes. Site preparation involved demolishing an existing carport, grading, and excavation to prepare the building pad for the new foundation. This step was essential to ensure a stable base for the construction. Our team then focused on structural framing, tying the new addition to the existing home. We ensured that the new structure matched the current architectural style for a seamless blend. The addition was then roofed and sheathed to provide a sturdy and weatherproof exterior. Next, we addressed the electrical work, installing new circuits for lighting, HVAC, and receptacles, and adding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to meet safety standards. A licensed journeyman electrician performed the electrical service to ensure high-quality and compliant installations. Insulation and drywall installation followed. We installed batt insulation to meet or exceed Michigan Energy Code requirements. The interior surfaces were finished with drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, and priming to prepare for painting. Baseboard molding and trim around doors and windows added the finishing touches. Exterior features were also important. We framed and installed new windows and a front entry door and added a front eyebrow vent feature to match the existing structure. Vinyl siding was installed to complete the exterior, ensuring a cohesive look and enhanced curb appeal. Throughout the project, we maintained a clean and professional worksite, disposing of debris responsibly and minimizing disruption to the client's daily lives. Our focus was always on delivering quality and ensuring client satisfaction. This home addition project highlights our commitment to understanding and fulfilling our clients' needs. We are proud to have added valuable space and enhanced the overall functionality and aesthetic of the home. These folks had a vision, a budget, and a whole lot of patience. We got through this family room remodel during a global pandemic. What great people to work with!

Sunset Heights Renovation This Victorian style home was beautifully designed from the interior to the exterior. Our clients were looking to update the outdoor space, not only was it not functional, but it did not complement their Victorian home. Although we had a yearlong waiting list for design, our clients were patient and hired us for 3D design. Many times, our clients already have all the components in place, such as a pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, pergola etc., but they just don’t feel right. The most important feature of our client’s new space was not only the components, but to be able to have a space that would allow them to create a lifetime of memories. From a visual perspective their existing space seemed limited and confined. Our design team was able to see past this and expanded its space to its full potential which allowed us to create multiple destinations for relaxation, enjoyment and most importantly entertainment. As we began the design process, we were able to take a closer look at the existing space and noticed many safety concerns and how the existing materials did not accentuate the home either. At the completion of their 3D design, we were able to present new ideas and materials that would enhance the value of the home as well as help them visualize the new space created with multiple destinations. Ivory travertine coping & decking was a must as was the Talavera blue highlighted tiles for the newly renovated pool. A new working spa and functional outdoor kitchen with bar were two spaces we are sure they would enjoy while spending time outdoors. We enlarged the existing covered patio to expand the seating area to include chaise lounges, a loveseat and chairs under the pergola shade accent. Newest favorite additions are the gas firepit and cabin play fort which can be highly utilized year-round. Our clients say, “The adults love hanging out in the fort too!” Nestled in the Historic District, our client’s home is now filled with plenty of space and great energy for family gatherings, parties, watching sports, graduations and so much more. Who knows, maybe a future wedding or two! Memories of a lifetime will be made here for years to come! Architecture and lifestyle are always our focus when designing feel good and functional spaces for our clients!

Successful Master Bathroom Shower Surround Completed! The challenge was to incorporate the master bath shower with the existing decor in this beautiful rustic mountain home. Existing exterior rock and a river rock fireplace and tub surround were the starting point for the choice of materials. The existing rock colors were grays with hints of blue undertones. Pebble mosaics with the same color range were the perfect answer. The large format gray porcelain tiles look like natural stone with their realistic white veining. The results were stunning and create a seamless feeling withing the existing decor. This shower provides a brand new, updated, spacious space for the new home owners. Client shares testimonial and review on Google: "Karen was so helpful in picking tile for my new shower. She took the time to come to my house to make sure the samples we picked out matched. The shower looks fantastic. We will definitely use French Creek again." - See more reviews on Facebook and Google. Making Your Home Beautiful One Room at a Time… French Creek Designs Kitchen & Bath Design Studio - where selections begin. Let us design and dream with you. Overwhelmed on where to start that Home Improvement, Kitchen or Bath Project? Let our Designers video conference or sit down with you, take the overwhelming out of the picture and assist in choosing your materials. Whether new construction, full remodel or just a partial remodel, we can help you to make it an enjoyable experience to design your dream space. Call to schedule a free design consultation with one of our exceptional designers today! 307-337-4500 #openforbusiness #casper #wyoming #casperbusiness #frenchcreekdesigns #shoplocal #casperwyoming #bathremodeling #bathdesigners #pebbles #niche #showersurround #showertiles #showerdrains #showerbench #cabinets #countertops #knobsandpulls #sinksandfaucets #flooring #tileandmosiacs #laundryremodel #homeimprovement

This remodeling story is a wonderful example of how removing and shifting walls can have an amazing impact on the functionality and visual appeal of an entire level of a home. When our clients reached out to us, they were looking to create an open concept Kitchen that would allow for easy entertaining. The couple had recently purchased this townhome so his mother could be closer to the family. The existing floorplan offered first floor living, but the Kitchen was tucked in the back and was separated from the rest of the living space by a full wall with a small pass through into the Dining Room. Our design involved removing the dividing wall between the Dining Room and Kitchen as well as the fake columns and beam that separated the Dining Room and Living Room. The entire space was opened up to allow for easy flow and view throughout the first floor living space. The wall shared by the Kitchen and large Master Bedroom was shifted back just enough to provide a full wall of additional cabinetry including a much-needed large double Pantry cabinet. Now that we had opened up the Kitchen area we could focus on the cabinetry layout and selections. The existing wood toned cabinets were replaced with white cabinets and crown molding to match the rest of the home. The larger, open space allowed for more cabinetry and the addition of an island with new undermount sink, dishwasher and convenient trash pullout along with seating for the grandchildren. A new range hood was installed and vented to the exterior of the house to replace the old recirculating hood. We were able to repurpose the some of the existing cabinets for use above the washer and dryer in the adjoining Laundry Room and swapped out the existing swinging door for a pocket door to free up traffic flow when doing Laundry and working in the Kitchen. The slate-look ceramic tile was replaced with a pre-engineered hardwood floor that creates a sense of warmth while easy to clean. The new Cambria countertop compliments the slate-look tile found in the Dining Room and Living Room and a natural field tile backsplash offsets the cabinets beautifully. The single fluorescent ceiling light was outdated and did not provide adequate lighting for the new Kitchen. The new lighting plan was carefully thought out to provide general illumination through well placed recessed lighting; task lighting through pendant lighting over the island and under cabinet lighting; and aesthetic fluidity with an eye-catching chandelier for the Dining Room table. Special details include a touch faucet, under counter microwave and glass front cabinetry for displaying dishes. By removing and shifting walls, we improved the entire flow of the first floor visually as well as functionally and created a beautiful, light-filled space for cooking and entertaining. Grandma can easily prepare meals in her new Kitchen and still chat with her guests and grandchildren who love to sit at the island as well as in the adjoining Dining Room and Living Room. The Benson Homes team really enjoyed creating this space for this family and we hope they will enjoy spending time with friends and family for years to come.

The Setup For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners sought to transform their outdated, beige-toned space into a bright, functional sanctuary. The existing bathroom felt cramped and lifeless, with a small shower and limited storage options. The goal was to create a fresh, updated bathroom that maximizes the existing footprint while addressing specific desires for a more open, organized space with timeless materials. Design objectives: Brighten the bathroom and eliminate the dated beige color scheme Install a freestanding tub in a compact space Create a larger, more open shower without encroaching on the existing foot print too much Incorporate hidden storage solutions Maintain the existing bathroom layout while improving functionality Update lighting and fixtures to create a contemporary feel The Remodel Design challenges to be solved: - Compact Space Utilization – The small bathroom required careful planning to accommodate a freestanding tub while maintaining functionality and avoiding overcrowding. - Hidden Storage Integration – The clients wanted a discreet hamper solution that wouldn’t clutter the limited floor space. - Shower Niche Placement – With plumbing limitations and the clients’ desire to preserve their wavy accent tile wall, finding the perfect niche spot became a creative puzzle. - Tile and Finish Coordination – Selecting complementary white tile and floor materials that worked harmoniously together. - Larger Shower Space – Make the shower feel more open and brighter The Renewed Space Design solutions: - Strategic Tub Placement – The freestanding tub was carefully positioned to maximize space, with its faucet strategically placed to allow easy access while preserving walking room. We reduced the counter depth just a bit by the tub, allowing more room for hamper cabinet and window access. - Concealed Hamper Storage – A custom pull-out hamper was integrated into the vanity (right side, by tub), providing discreet storage within an 18-inch depth constraint. - Shower Plumbing Wall Niche – We shifted the niche left, just enough to work around the plumbing infrastructure and still score a roomy storage spot that looks intentional. - Sophisticated Selections – Porcelanosa curvy white tile, Kohler brushed gold fixtures, and a neutral grey tile floor created a simple, timeless aesthetic that will be loved years to come. - Open Shower – Replacing the side wall with a clear glass surround, continuing the tile on the ceiling and extending the footprint opened up this area to the room while allowing more natural lighting into the shower space. This bathroom transformation shows how thoughtful design turns challenges into opportunities. Brushed gold fixtures add warmth to the fresh white palette, while the perfectly balanced floor tile brings just the right depth. A partially glass-fronted vanity introduces subtle charm, giving the space a unique edge. Once cramped and outdated, this bathroom now feels bright, spacious, and serene—a testament to how every design detail makes a difference.

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

A traditional 1940s brick colonial house needed better functionality and modernization while still maintaining some of its historic charm. To provide the family with a better flow for functionality and entertaining, Revolve Design reconfigured the first floor, moving the kitchen to the existing formal dining room space and enclosing an existing outdoor breezeway to serve as the mudroom. Demolishing an existing wall that separated the former dining room from pantry and powder room allowed the homeowners to take full advantage of the existing windows and connecting to the backyard. The new kitchen features a stunning, oversized island with Quartz countertop and waterfall edges. The architect creatively used off-the shelf cabinetry panels to capture a more contemporary and custom aesthetic.

This home in Bonita Bay, Florida is located in a development designed with a tropical, entertaining-friendly courtyard floor plan, barrel tile roofs, and arched windows. The only thing missing was a modern, elegant and functional kitchen where two chefs could work simultaneously and have better flow among the surrounding spaces. Having worked with Progressive Design before on three prior renovations, all in less than one year, Progressive was the obvious choice for their fourth major remodel—this masterful kitchen renovation. Challenge Ultimately, Progressive Design Build was tasked with transforming a closed-off kitchen into an open concept floor plan. The design and production team began working on a solution to the structural beam support—confirming its adequacy for supporting the loft above after cutting a few holes in the drywall. Secondly, the size of the current marble tile flooring was no longer available. We needed a solution that would seamlessly blend the new flooring with the old. Thirdly, the existing lighting plan was inefficient and would need to be updated to accommodate the new island location and kitchen layout. Solution Since the existing marble flooring tile size was no longer available, we designed a beautiful stone border between the new kitchen and the existing living space to create a small break in the two-floor patterns, minimizing the noticeable difference in the tile sizes. Once installed, we re-polished and sealed the entire floor creating a beautiful sheen and natural flow throughout the space. The new location of the kitchen island, as well as additional perimeter lighting, necessitated the need to move electrical outlets and light switches to a more convenient and intuitive location. This was implemented strategically using a well-thought-out lighting plan. The clients were thrilled when we suggested removing a sink from their existing wet bar (which was rarely used) and moved the wet bar drain to the new laundry room, located on the backside of the wet bar. Special features include custom-designed Dura Supreme cabinets painted in a white finish, for the kitchen, wet bar, and laundry room; Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and an impressive gas range with downdraft at the cooktop. Results Not only was this Bonita Bay couple thrilled to receive all of their remodel wish list items, but Progressive Design Build was able to complete their project ahead of schedule and on budget.

Our clients contacted us to help them update their kitchen. They wanted to first update the countertops, while also adding a backsplash and pullout drawers to their existing pantries. Some of their existing drawers were falling apart and they wanted to update those to soft closed drawer boxes as well. There was also an old appliance garage that they no longer used and wanted to know what we could do to remove that. We proposed to remove the existing cabinet and cut the appliance garage down. This really opened up the space for them, which they loved. We were now ready to install a new Calacatta Lucia quartz countertop and a Raku silver glossy tile backsplash. We also replaced the main and prep sink with new concrete undermount sinks. To finish this transformation, we installed all new dovetailed wood drawer boxes with full-extension undermount soft-close glides in all their existing drawers and the two pantries. Now our homeowners finally have the kitchen of their dreams!

This active, forward-thinking couple bought a new house in order to “right-size” for the next chapter in their lives. They found a ranch home in a neighborhood they liked, but the floor plan needed a remodel in order to fit their lifestyle. Two small bedrooms were combined in order to make one large master. The existing living room and garage were combined to make one large living space. The floor of the garage was raised to be on an equal plane to the existing living room. Hardwood was added to match the existing flooring and then all was refinished for a fresh look. A large ViWinco Bay Window was added where the garage door once was, and a Velux Solar Skylight was installed to add to the natural sunlight coming from the bay. Custom built-ins lined the furthest wall for storage and closet space. Sliding doors were installed as an entrance and exit to the back of the existing house. A new extended length garage was added for the owner’s vehicles with spare room for the homeowners brewing experiments. Azek window and door trim surrounded the newly installed ViWinco windows along with Cedar Siding mimicking the house. Liftmaster Garage Doors were installed with dual controls for the car and a spare for safety and easy entry. Hangout for Grandchildren These two people are much too busy with their jobs and their many hobbies, from beer brewing, to gardening, and everything in between. But they needed a place where grandchildren could hang out and watch a movie when they came to visit. A part of their basement was finished into a perfect space with a lot of storage for games, books, movies and any other toys or crafts that may need to be stored for frequent visits. Custom bookshelves lined two walls and one was designed for the television and all its components. The area was carpeted and a hall was created with tile to another storage cabinet for linens. A nice basement bathroom was created opposite to the laundry area. Basement Bathroom Remodel A Sterling Accord, 60” Seated Shower was installed in the bathroom with a Moen 4-functioning massaging hand shower with slide bar for the shower feature. A Wellborn select vanity was selected with upgraded solid wood, dovetail drawers. Moen’s hardware on the cabinets compliments the brushed nickel plumbing fixtures in Moen’s Voss Series. The Highline Kohler comfort height toilet, along with the Grip-tight Cachet seat added to the practicality, along with the beauty of this basement bath. A Verdera Kohler mirrored cabinet was installed, giving this homeowner more storage for all those bathroom essentials. Kohler was also installed in this remodel, as the Caxton sink is a bathroom favorite among many of our clients. The Caesar stone countertop in Urban Safari, along with the 12” X 12” Castelbianco Nasino Ivory tile flooring, softens the look and brings it all together. This wonderful couple can now concentrate on their gardening and savoring the long days of summer.

South Monroe Sanctuary These delightful homeowners wanted to increase their usable patio space, create privacy from pesky neighbors, have a new uniform patio surface (they had aggregate concrete and sandset flagstone), to mask freeway noise and create much needed shade. We started by suggesting they move the hot tub into the body of the pool and relocating the pool equipment to the remote right corner of the yard so you could actually hear people talk while relaxing. Unfortunately, the pool contractor hired by the client turned out to be an absolute nightmare. He went off the air completely for weeks at a time with no communication, creating huge project delays. There appeared to be some issue between him and his subcontractors. The pool contractor installed the pool and pool coping for this project, therefore they are not part of our contract with the homeowner. Despite the challenges and delays with the pool contractor, we were able to move the project forward. We installed drainage, re-graded the property and laid the pavers for the two patios. The existing patio was funky as there was a step down in an awkward location, creating a tripping hazard. We adjusted the step location by making a step up from the infrequently used garage door. Now the patio and walk are all at the same level. We removed some of the existing concrete along the sidewalk so you see a cohesive flow of pavers once you are through the side yard, rather than a mishmash of materials. Installing five 24” box laurels helped with the visual privacy from the pesky neighbors. The water features installed in the pool and the standalone fountain help eliminate the sound of the freeway noise. The focal point of the yard is the wall at the base of the pool, constructed out of cinderblock, finished with beautiful 2” and 3” pieces of K2 Full Range Ashlar stone and a bluestone cap, and water weirs. We added visual green by placing the stepping stones into the lawn, which also draws your attention to the other side of the yard and makes the yard look larger. Reducing the lawn footprint a bit, reducing the patio footprint from 1430 SF to 1140 SF, while increasing the planting beds, all made the yard seem more spacious and lush. We recommended increasing the coping size to 18” wide so there would be enough space to around the pool. Many existing plants and trees remained so we had to match and plan for the future since some existing trees look to be nearing end of life. The owner wanted an all white plant palette and loves shade plants like hydrangeas so we had to find full sun, white flowering plants which met with her approval. Providing much needed shade for this uber hot backyard, the oversized pergola allows for expansion of shaded seating for large parties. The fan helps keep guests cool on hot days and the heaters keep them warm during the fall and spring shoulder seasons. Their budget did not allow for a built in BBQ at the moment so we helped them source a sleek looking MontAlpi BBQ island at a reasonable price point.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

The clients came to Castle Building and Remodeling in need of a Kitchen refresh or remodel. They had lived in their home for over 17 years, and their kitchen was feeling heavy with dark wood millwork and cabinetry, and dated with sterile feeling white tile floor, countertops, and backsplash. They wanted their kitchen to feel more modern and design wise part of the rest of their home. They also wanted to play with open shelving and how that would feel in the space. We took the existing layout of the kitchen and removed all of their existing upper cabinets at their sink, cabinet at their back entrance, base cabinet at their cooktop, appliances (except for their dishwasher and refrigerator), flooring, countertops and worked in their existing footprint. We then replaced their flooring with new Adura Luxury Vinyl Tile, which brings softness to the foot, and easy clean ability. Any cabinetry, whether it be new or existing, was painted Sherwin Williams Extra White. All new backsplash subway tile, open floating shelves, and Cambria New Quay countertops are part of the overall design esthetic. Adding a window pass through at the sink, and creating a new wall where their refrigerator now sits, brings openness to the space. The end result was a more airy modern feeling kitchen, and feels more like the clients’ personality.

Our clients contacted us to help them update their kitchen. They wanted to first update the countertops, while also adding a backsplash and pullout drawers to their existing pantries. Some of their existing drawers were falling apart and they wanted to update those to soft closed drawer boxes as well. There was also an old appliance garage that they no longer used and wanted to know what we could do to remove that. We proposed to remove the existing cabinet and cut the appliance garage down. This really opened up the space for them, which they loved. We were now ready to install a new Calacatta Lucia quartz countertop and a Raku silver glossy tile backsplash. We also replaced the main and prep sink with new concrete undermount sinks. To finish this transformation, we installed all new dovetailed wood drawer boxes with full-extension undermount soft-close glides in all their existing drawers and the two pantries. Now our homeowners finally have the kitchen of their dreams!