Finding the Perfect Match Caribbean Blue Pools did a great job on this Franklin Lakes home, affectionately known as grandma’s house. Matching the existing stone on the house was challenging because the stone was no longer being quarried. This meant beginning the search for a similar stone that was still available. Ultimately using the experts at Braen Supply, a natural blend was selected to match the existing stone for the pool house as well as the focal point of the backyard, the fireplace. Perfecting the Details The details on this custom built fireplace, which include custom bluestone surrounds, bluestone chimney caps, and bluestone wall caps, were hand chiseled to enhance the look of the fireplace surrounds. Moss rock boulders and Kearney stone steps were chosen to help add natural beauty to the project. Norwegian Buff was an easy choice for the patio due to its favorable temperature and beauty around pool areas.

Finding the Perfect Match Caribbean Blue Pools did a great job on this Franklin Lakes home, affectionately known as grandma’s house. Matching the existing stone on the house was challenging because the stone was no longer being quarried. This meant beginning the search for a similar stone that was still available. Ultimately using the experts at Braen Supply, a natural blend was selected to match the existing stone for the pool house as well as the focal point of the backyard, the fireplace. Perfecting the Details The details on this custom built fireplace, which include custom bluestone surrounds, bluestone chimney caps, and bluestone wall caps, were hand chiseled to enhance the look of the fireplace surrounds. Moss rock boulders and Kearney stone steps were chosen to help add natural beauty to the project. Norwegian Buff was an easy choice for the patio due to its favorable temperature and beauty around pool areas.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house. All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items. Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry. - The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends. The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop. The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout. - Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry. The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window. A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway. With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

Designed by Cat Neitzey of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Fredericksburg, VA in collaboration with Good Bees Remodeling, this primary bathroom features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Glenrock 5-piece drawer front door style in Maple with a Nightfall finish. The countertop is a 72” Virginia Marble cultured marble double bowl vanity top in Pewter with Wave Bowls and a 1.5" Bullnose Edge. Additionally, the bathroom also features: Moen Eva fixtures and accessories, including robe hook, towel ring, towel bar, lighting and vanity sink faucets; Moen Flara shower faucet; Moen handheld showering; Sterling Glass Custom Serenity Brushed Stainless Tempered Glass/Flat Polished Shower Surround/Slider; and CDA Elegance Iconic Blue 24” x 48” floor tiles with Roman herringbone pattern inlay. Said Cat, “It is fun working with clients who favor bold selections. They did a great job making choices to blend this transitional bathroom into their traditional style home. The modern, bold color and variation from the tile juxtapose nicely with the Roman herringbone pattern in the tile to create the spa retreat they were hoping for. In the shower, the tile was hand selected to show the colors ombre from dark to light above the accent lines. I especially love the 24”x 48” tiles used vertically below the accent. It allows you to really see the beauty in the variation of the tile.” Added the client, “I really like how the shower tile extends across the entire wall to include the tub area.” Photos courtesy of Tim Snyder Photography.

This young couple was ready to make some changes to their master bedroom. They already laid a great foundation for me: beautiful wall color, carpet and trim. We just needed to update their furnishings and make this space feel more like them. They requested a bedroom that was more classic than trendy and a space that feels relaxing and spa-like. I started with the big pieces. I know they liked the light, upholstered bed look, which is awesome because I get so many clients who shy away from this option for fear of it getting dirty. Next up were the case pieces: dresser, night stands, high boy. I know a lot of designers who favor designing a bedroom with non-matching sets, but in this case, I thought opting for matching nightstands and dressers was the most classic choice and will stand the test of time best. They also a requested an area for the wive to do her make up and hair separate from the bathroom with ample light. I found a vanity, replaced the matching stool with an accent chair in a grey ikat print and used a pair of existing lamps. Extra seating is provided at the end of the bed on a tufted grey bench. The inverted pleat drapes are custom made with black out lining. Accessories and wall art were added to infuse personality and warm up the space.

With children raised and the work of establishing a career behind them, Dennis and Helene Liotta decided it was time to simplify life and downsize—by moving up. They sold their 5,000 sq. ft. family home (complete with the requisite pool and expansive yard), in favor of a 3,600 sq. ft. residence on the 47th floor of The Sovereign, a sleek mixed-use tower located in Atlanta’s Buckhead district. Realizing they wanted to enlist a talented decorative collaborator for all phases of the project, the couple sought the assistance of Mercedes Williams, design consultant at Cantoni Atlanta. Having helped the couple’s sons with purchases in the past, he came highly recommended. “I know the Liotta’s were thrilled to have the opportunity to personally conceptualize their new home,” recalls Mercedes. “They wanted my input to customize the space—confirming paint, tile, flooring, and finish choices—and they wanted help choosing furniture that would create an elegant yet warm and comfortable living environment.” “Dennis and Helene also had a vision for how they wanted the space to flow,” he explains. “The large, open floor plan for the main living room included the kitchen and dining areas, so we had to delineate the spaces while creating visual interest…without using a lot of furniture.” Choosing pieces with impact, and looks that simultaneously celebrated texture, scale, finish, and color, was the key to success. The dining table and large wool rug were custom-made by Cantoni and colored to coordinate with some of the couple’s key glass collectibles. “We also made the salt water aquarium a focal point in the living area because Dennis and Helene love the beach and ocean,” explains Mercedes. Along with additional new furnishings from Cantoni the couple wanted to incorporate other existing pieces from their extensive art and glass collection. Given the size of their former residence, an editing session was in order, so the Liotta’s took a novel approach to the task at hand. “We had a huge ‘Sovereign’ moving party and let friends and family take some of the things we knew we could part with,” says Helene. Dennis and Helene have been settled into their new digs since November. He continues to work as a professor at Emory University, and she enjoys searching for premium wines sold at Wine Gallery + Market, a family-owned gourmet emporium in Atlanta. With two bedrooms and a study, there remains room enough for the grandkids to sleep over—and a large dining table was selected so the couple could continue to accommodate multi-generational gatherings. “This project was a dream job for me,” reflects Mercedes, with enthusiasm. “The Liotta’s have excellent taste and wanted to create a fun and inviting environment that evokes luxury without stuffiness. They knew what they wanted, but needed a little help getting there. I’m flattered they chose me and Cantoni to help them realize the life they dreamed of living at The Sovereign.”

With children raised and the work of establishing a career behind them, Dennis and Helene Liotta decided it was time to simplify life and downsize—by moving up. They sold their 5,000 sq. ft. family home (complete with the requisite pool and expansive yard), in favor of a 3,600 sq. ft. residence on the 47th floor of The Sovereign, a sleek mixed-use tower located in Atlanta’s Buckhead district. Realizing they wanted to enlist a talented decorative collaborator for all phases of the project, the couple sought the assistance of Mercedes Williams, design consultant at Cantoni Atlanta. Having helped the couple’s sons with purchases in the past, he came highly recommended. “I know the Liotta’s were thrilled to have the opportunity to personally conceptualize their new home,” recalls Mercedes. “They wanted my input to customize the space—confirming paint, tile, flooring, and finish choices—and they wanted help choosing furniture that would create an elegant yet warm and comfortable living environment.” “Dennis and Helene also had a vision for how they wanted the space to flow,” he explains. “The large, open floor plan for the main living room included the kitchen and dining areas, so we had to delineate the spaces while creating visual interest…without using a lot of furniture.” Choosing pieces with impact, and looks that simultaneously celebrated texture, scale, finish, and color, was the key to success. The dining table and large wool rug were custom-made by Cantoni and colored to coordinate with some of the couple’s key glass collectibles. “We also made the salt water aquarium a focal point in the living area because Dennis and Helene love the beach and ocean,” explains Mercedes. Along with additional new furnishings from Cantoni the couple wanted to incorporate other existing pieces from their extensive art and glass collection. Given the size of their former residence, an editing session was in order, so the Liotta’s took a novel approach to the task at hand. “We had a huge ‘Sovereign’ moving party and let friends and family take some of the things we knew we could part with,” says Helene. Dennis and Helene have been settled into their new digs since November. He continues to work as a professor at Emory University, and she enjoys searching for premium wines sold at Wine Gallery + Market, a family-owned gourmet emporium in Atlanta. With two bedrooms and a study, there remains room enough for the grandkids to sleep over—and a large dining table was selected so the couple could continue to accommodate multi-generational gatherings. “This project was a dream job for me,” reflects Mercedes, with enthusiasm. “The Liotta’s have excellent taste and wanted to create a fun and inviting environment that evokes luxury without stuffiness. They knew what they wanted, but needed a little help getting there. I’m flattered they chose me and Cantoni to help them realize the life they dreamed of living at The Sovereign.”

A beautiful look at custom-installed wide plank red oak hardwood floors in a spacious living room. Red oak is highly favored for its durability, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic residential spaces. These light wood floors feature a premium natural finish that highlights the wood’s unique grain patterns and warm undertones, perfectly catching the natural light to create an open, airy aesthetic.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house. All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items. Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry. - The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends. The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop. The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout. - Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry. The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window. A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway. With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

This kitchen is a premier example of Modern Transitional style, a top choice for 2026 that perfectly balances classic warmth with a clean, contemporary edge. It incorporates several high-performing design elements that bridge the gap between traditional comfort and modern minimalism. Key Style Indicators Two-Tone "Mushroom & Oak" Palette: The combination of soft, mushroom-toned perimeter cabinets with a natural white oak island is a hallmark of the 2026 "Warm Modern" trend. This moves away from sterile all-white looks toward a more organic, grounded feel. Modern Shaker Cabinetry: The cabinets feature the timeless Shaker profile but with the updated, thinner frames and cleaner edges characteristic of modern transitional design. Natural Materials & Textures: The use of a large quartzite countertop with expressive veining and a hand-glazed tile backsplash adds a tactile, artisanal quality that is highly favored in current high-end renovations. Architectural Integration: The vaulted ceiling and custom tapered vent hood provide a sense of "Simplified Transitional" elegance, where structural lines serve as the primary decoration rather than ornate moldings. Modern Heritage Accents: Details like the matte black hardware and the unique stained glass window insert add "personality over perfection," a major trend shift for 2026 that emphasizes custom, character-filled spaces. This style is particularly successful for Integrity Design + Build in the Charlottesville market because it offers the flexibility to adapt to both historic and new-build home architectures

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house. All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items. Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry. - The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends. The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop. The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout. - Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry. The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window. A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway. With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

Large banquet-sized dining rooms pose significant design challenges. Any room of this vast size requires that all elements are in correct scale and proportion. In this case, that also includes the bold custom wall treatment. Atlanta interior designer, Heather Means, was inspired by the dynamic design style of Kelly Wearstler. Known for her “maximalist design style” she explains, “Often the calmest and most favored room in a home is a result of bold choices.”

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house. All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items. Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry. - The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends. The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop. The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout. - Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry. The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window. A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway. With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

THE DOOR NAME ORIGIN - "ALLUMINIO ELIVIA PAINT 4HS" One feature of this interior door model stands out among all others, to wit, the fact that here at Almese Doors we can work with pretty much any kind of budget. Allow me another intriguing observation: this one (this interior door, that is) is best suited to bulk orders. Which isn’t to say this one does not fall into the category of affordable luxury (just something we specialize in here at Almese Doors). It certainly does. It has most of the wonderful features characteristic of the brand to recommend it. It was lovingly and imaginatively designed. The name, should you be wondering, is a variation of that of the lovable, honest and faithful Shakespearean heroine (the play, of course, would be The Twelfth Night, one of the happiest and light-hearted comedies the bright British wordsmith ever composed, and arguably the most popular). Only natural wood is used to put it together, which is both aesthetically pleasant and env... Show more! FINISH: WHITE This is a bit tricky. Isn’t White the default finish that would look great on any interior door? Well, not quite. W. is the color most often associated with perfection, honesty, cleanliness, newness, neutrality, and exactitude. The pigment has been known and used by humans since prehistoric times. In ancient Egypt, W. symbolized purity. Roman patricians paraded around in W. togas to distinguish themselves from the common folk. It was the color of choice of French monarchs. Architects of all epochs used W., with considerable enthusiasm, in various projects and for various reasons. In the United States, architects favored it when designing churches, capitols, and municipal buildings – which is, in fact, a tradition they inherited from classical and Renaissance architecture. According to some experts, most of the buildings in the celebrated Forum were either made of, or clad in, W. marble. In Taoism, it represents the yang or masculine energy, one of the two complementary natures of the universe. Many authors, both classical and contemporary, have referred to W. as a sign of purity, either physical (like William Shakespeare, whose treacherous usurper monarch wishes a heavenly rain would cleanse his blood-stained hand, washing it “white as snow”) or spiritual (like Tennessee Williams, who named his lead character Blanche (derived, incidentally, from the Germanic word blanc)) as a symbol of her innocent child-like spirit, perceptible from the moment she makes her first entrance (through the interior door stage-left). Back in the Seventeenth Century, Sir Isaac Newton discovered that sunlight is composed of light with wavelengths across the visible spectrum which the human eye perceives as W. It is the lightest of the spectrum, and achromatic (hue-less) to boot, because it fully reflects and scatters all visible wavelengths of light, absorbing none. W. objects stand out in the dark. Depending on the surroundings, an interior door with W. finish might come off as emphatic or tactful, dominant or complementary. It blends seamlessly into most types of decor and, once the owner’s needs and disposition are taken into account, can symbolize - oh, so many different things, while bringing back a myriad memories: from those glorious snowy Alpine slopes and peaks to the fluffy tops of the wayward herd of cumulus cloud heap over the horizon on a balmy afternoon in the Caribbean. Tropical sand beaches are W. due to the high quantity of calcium carbonate they get from tiny bits of seashells ground to powder by the waves. In a number of cultures W. can also symbolize festivity, and be used lavishly to brighten up weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. It is beautiful. Make sure it goes well with your interior door model, though.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house. All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items. Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry. - The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends. The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop. The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout. - Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry. The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window. A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway. With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.