Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This 2 bedroom 2 bath 727 perches 50 feet above the jungle canopy Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park, this 2 bedroom 2 bath home, re-purposed from a 727, has been named by Travel and Leisure, HGTV, Strange Homes and Animal Planet as one of the most unique and fantastic experiences in the jungles of Costa Rica. Wake to the roar of the howler monkeys, have coffee with the playful spider and white faced monkeys to start your day. Fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV, a total of 3 Queen beds and 2 large outdoor over the wing deck/ balconies of polished teak and handcrafted furnishings make this flight of fancy a truly unforgettable vacation home. Monkeys , sloths, acoutis, and over 184 species of birds will become your neighbors, greeting you in your private jungle paradise. You are a short downhill walk to the white sand beach and the shops and nightlife of Manuel Antonio. Adjacent to Costa Verde Hotel, you will enjoy the 3 pools, one is adult only with a pool bar, 4 restaurants, maid service and tour/ concierge services within a few minutes walk or a call to the bilingual front desk. Free Internet. The closest airport is Quepos, or San Jose International airport which is approx 2.5 hours drive. Arrangements can be made to pick you up at either. Pez Vela Marina in Quepos is home to some of the best sport fishing in Costa Rica, with daily charters, catamaran cruises, and private sunset sails . Several great ocean front restaurants in the marina have become the place to enjoy some world class sports fishing and be part of the international boating community that docks in Marina Pez Vela. Waterfalls, ATV's, Hiking, Zip Lining, Manuel Antonio National Park, surfing, bird watching, jungle explorations are all part of the Manuel Antonio experience for the nature lover. Or do nothing, lay by the pool, have a massage on your private 727 and listen to sounds of the jungle with a cold drink in hand. Click on our video for a close up look at the interiors and views. Please note the rates do not include 13% CR tax. 727 Fuselage Home The airplane, nestled beside the rain forest and beside our Costa Verde II building, is perched on a custom-built platform 15 meters (50 feet) up from the ground. At this height, its guests will be able to enjoy scenic ocean and jungle views from both the factory airplane windows and the handcrafted deck that has been built atop its wings. The inside of the plane has been decorated using local teak wood and Costa Verde‘s renowned innovation. This has resulted in a beautiful wood paneled fuselage with three queen size beds, two bathrooms, TV, AC, kitchenette and safety deposit.

Mid-sized elegant backyard concrete paver patio photo in Toronto with a gazebo and a fireplace

Designed while employed at RTA Studio; Photography by Jamee Parish Architects, LLC.
Mid-sized elegant master bathroom photo in Columbus with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Bermuda Shutters! The Plantation Shutter Company! Call us for a Free Consultation and Estimate 800.922.9572
Coastal exterior home idea in Raleigh

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Meet Kim: a partner in a downtown law firm. To say that she is short on time is a giant understatement. In the rare event she has a free moment, she wants to spend it with her kids, not fussing over home decor. That’s my cue! Kim is my favorite type of client. She didn’t know where to go or what to do. She leaned on me to explain and articulate design and style. She looked to me to make her home a mirror of her best self. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Fantastic human giving me a blank slate? Yes please! While Kim’s traditional home had a great layout and good bones, it needed updating to make it contemporary and fresh. It needed fixtures and knobs from this century. It needed a Lulu DK roman shade in the powder room. It needed a durable, snuggle-ready sofa with tufting and little patterns of texture. It needed drapery with small-scale drama. Throw in a Thomas O’ Brian cocktail table, and now there’s no shortage of conversation pieces. Little spaces make me happy – they are the most intimate snapshot of your entire home’s aesthetic – and this house has some good ones. I couldn’t wait to work with the nooks and crannies of this house. Kim’s sitting room, a small den off of the master bedroom, morphed into a craveable cozy space, a quiet adult respite from the occasional chaos of raising a family. The kitchen evolved into something quite unique: playful yet modest, dressed-up but centered. We used a favorite Lucy Rose fabric and Galbraith & Paul pillows to work perfectly with a fresh color palette selected during a prior-to-me renovation. A locally made kitchen farm table fit right in with the high-fashioned quirky blend of color, texture, and pattern. High-End + Color = Fun + Functional This is how we articulated Kim’s style and personality. She trusted me with her inner self, allowing me to get to know her and her real, everyday life. I built her a special space to reflect the beautiful life she made for herself. Nothing too fancy or off-limits to little hands, nothing too stuffy (snore!). Everything 100% HER. #nailedit See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

David Dietrich Photography, Living Stone Construction
Transitional medium tone wood floor living room photo in Other with gray walls and a stone fireplace

The Updated Traditional Meet Kim: a partner in a downtown law firm. To say that she is short on time is a giant understatement. In the rare event she has a free moment, she wants to spend it with her kids, not fussing over home decor. That’s my cue! Kim is my favorite type of client. She didn’t know where to go or what to do. She leaned on me to explain and articulate design and style. She looked to me to make her home a mirror of her best self. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Fantastic human giving me a blank slate? Yes please! While Kim’s traditional home had a great layout and good bones, it needed updating to make it contemporary and fresh. It needed fixtures and knobs from this century. It needed a Lulu DK roman shade in the powder room. It needed a durable, snuggle-ready sofa with tufting and little patterns of texture. It needed drapery with small-scale drama. Throw in a Thomas O’ Brian cocktail table, and now there’s no shortage of conversation pieces. Little spaces make me happy – they are the most intimate snapshot of your entire home’s aesthetic – and this house has some good ones. I couldn’t wait to work with the nooks and crannies of this house. Kim’s sitting room, a small den off of the master bedroom, morphed into a craveable cozy space, a quiet adult respite from the occasional chaos of raising a family. The kitchen evolved into something quite unique: playful yet modest, dressed-up but centered. We used a favorite Lucy Rose fabric and Galbraith & Paul pillows to work perfectly with a fresh color palette selected during a prior-to-me renovation. A locally made kitchen farm table fit right in with the high-fashioned quirky blend of color, texture, and pattern. High-End + Color = Fun + Functional This is how we articulated Kim’s style and personality. She trusted me with her inner self, allowing me to get to know her and her real, everyday life. I built her a special space to reflect the beautiful life she made for herself. Nothing too fancy or off-limits to little hands, nothing too stuffy (snore!). Everything 100% HER. #nailedit See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

Although our empty nester clients were still enjoying their custom home they had lived in for nearly 30 years, they had outgrown their once state-of-the-art 1980s master bathroom. Our master bathroom facelift transformed a bathroom with carpet, wallpaper, glass block tiles, and a 30 year old Jacuzzi. It transformed into a clean lined, yet warm and inviting space that still worked with the home’s contemporary architecture. Our selections started with a natural stone for the vanity, and selecting Sapele wood cabinetry for both it’s textured lines and color qualities. Our next step was our hardware and fittings – knowing we wanted both function and visual appeal. We relocated the double vanities at the center of the room, and installed the shower on the other side of the wall creating a circular passage for flow. The integrated sinks make a statement at the vanity – as well as the large apron of stone surrounding the face of the cabinetry. Wall mount faucets, and matte textured tile running vertically complete the look. The free-standing vessel tub leaves a lasting impression against the windows. Corner cabinetry and shelves add both storage and visual appeal. Tucked in the corner an upholstered bench, yet more storage and built in jewelry organization. Large format porcelain floor tiles were installed with a smooth skimstone application on the shower floor. Amenities and special touches in the bathroom include radiant heating, LED lighting under the cabinets and behind the vanity mirrors, a large format thermostat controlled towel bar, a linear drain in the shower, and a wall mounted energy efficient toilet. For more about Angela Todd Studios, click here: https://www.angelatoddstudios.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.angelatoddstudios.com/portfolio/cedar-hills-master-suite/

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Door style: Pendleton Inset | Species: Rustic Hickory | Finish: Truffle with Ebony glaze Just off the front door, this combination laundry and mud room is ideal for an active outdoor life. The choice of rustic hickory adds warmth and casual comfort. Multiple locker cabinets accommodate guests' gear. Note how the locker dividers end short of the floor, easing the unavoidable mop-up after muddy boots and paws. Learn more about FREE Showplace glazing: http://www.showplacewood.com/ProdGuide1/ProdGuideGlaze1.html

The tile is what makes this master bathroom distinctive against the while marble walls. The pattern was laid in a diagonal direction with a contemporary free standiing bathr tub, The shower is a steam shower outfitted with clean glass.

This remodel took a dated and cramped bathroom and transformed it into a classy oasis for our Lowry clients. The clients had a limited budget and wanted to leave the space as in-place as possible. However, the large drop in tub ate valuable floor space and a half wall between the shower and tub had become a holding place for random items without a home. The thick frame on the shower glass made the shower feel extremely small, and the dated lighting and fixtures further depressed the space. We proposed a traditional and elegant design that consider the client's budgetary and spatial constraints. We removed the existing drop-in tub and replaced it with a lovely free-standing soaker. The length of this tub is short, but the depth is exaggerated, making it an ideal replacement in this tiny footprint. The shower glass was swapped for framless glass that boldly expands space. We tore out the existing carpet and installed gorgeous wood-look tile that adds depth and warmth to the room. The clients opted to keep their existing vanity to save cost, so a new top was added to bring the aesthetic up to the level of the new additions. The wall paint was taken from a buttery yellow to a soft gray-green, accented by a darker version of this same color on the siding barn door and toilet room door. New vanity lights, faucets, and storage shelves were installed to help our clients organize and keep things off the counter tops. Finally, new custom up-down window shades were curated for the bathroom to add to the final touch. This space is a simple scope with a dramatic transformation that introduces a timeless look for years to come.

Request Free Quote This craftsman style home is located on a small village lot and is nothing short of an entertainer’s dream! The backyard features many elements and spaces for their guests to enjoy! Enclosing the yard is a wooden privacy fence incorporating details of the columns from the front porch. Along the fence line are beautiful capped bluestone walls, built to provide raised beds and seat walls for extra seating. A raised vegetable/herb garden resides along the garage that includes an espaliered apple and pear tree. The jewel of the property is the outdoor “dining room”. This space includes a custom designed fireplace, rectangular bluestone patio, custom-built cedar pergola and a candle-lit chandelier.

"About This Project: This magnificent custom coastal style home sits alluringly situated alongside a wide winding river that offers views from every single vista. With two Tesla charging stations; Anderson A Series windows; pristine stained shake siding complete with IPE decking and V groove antique oak beams, this three-story marvel is nothing short of stupendous. The grand fireplaces in the living room, outdoor kitchen and third floor porch only enhance the breathtaking beauty of it all, while the interior decorative trusses adding to the rooms' vaulted ceilings offer countless ways to be creative in terms of design and décor. Not to mention that its reverse floor plan includes a private master suite featuring a second floor porch – oh what a spectacular layout! Wolf appliances and Sub Zero chillers complete this unique package that's sure to please those captivated by coastal luxury living. is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

Custom built-ins are often the best choice to maximize your available space when you want to create a permanent addition to your home. If you are looking for an entertainment center for the most popular room in your home, bookcases to flank a fireplace or custom cabinetry for your home office or mudroom storage and organization Accent Woodworking works with you. Let’s design the most functional and beautiful built-in cabinetry to enhance your space. 2 Custom End Shaker 4 Door Storage Cabinet: 2 Long Shaker Panel Doors on Bottom and 2 Shorter Shaker Doors on Top, Flat Trim and 3" Flat Base Molding (4 adjustable shelves) - 45 3/4"w x 80"h x 15”d 1 Custom Center Shaker Storage Cabinet with 1 Opening and 1 Full Length Shaker Panel Door with Short Panel on Top and Longer on Bottom to Match Design of Doors on the Ends, Flat Trim and 3" Flat Base (2 adjustable shelves) - 22 3/4"w x 80"h x 15"d 3" Crown Molding on Face only Shown in Solid Bright White on Maple with Nickel Bar Pulls Contact Accent Woodworking to find out more or if you would like to schedule an in-person FREE consultation either in your home or our showroom in Largo, Florida. (727) 522-2700 sales@accentwoodworking.com https://www.accentwoodworking.com/custom-furniture/

Our client loved their existing deck and used it whenever they could. Unfortunately, summer heat and pesky insects often cut their deck time short. We knew just what to do. With an outstanding design by Scott McElrath and Dangerous Architects, we rebuilt their deck's old substructure with all-new Wolmonized wood and weather-resistant fasteners. We resurfaced the deck with AKEK composite decking material, a new Westbury aluminum railing system with locking gates, built a new gabled roof -tying into the existing roof, and enclosed it with CRIMSAFE security screens. The new screened-in deck area features a vaulted stained cedar ceiling, ceiling fan, and locking screen security door. Now, our clients enjoy their safe, comfortable, bug-free outdoor deck environment any time of

Beautiful, bright, and elegant. This kitchen was a collection of great ideas executed with detail. No corners were cut short in this project. From ground up, design was the center of attention. From hand selected Brazilian floors, to hand painted lacquer white cabinets, topped with a beautiful White Macaubas Brazilian Quartzite, makes this kitchen unique in its own way.