After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

Designed and built by Terramor Homes in Raleigh, NC. The initial and sole objective of setting the tone of this home began and was entirely limited to the foyer and stairwell to which it opens- setting the stage for the expectations, mood and style of this home upon first arrival. Photography: M. Eric Honeycutt

Nestled in a Redwood forest, the house on Upper Moonraker is a cook's paradise with homage paid to the owners' love of crafts and exquisite home-carved wooden ducks. Sea Ranch Architect David Moulton AIA designed a hefty, hand-milled walnut island set over custom made cherry cabinets as the initial kitchen focal point. A mighty Wolf stove framed in stainless steel shelving provides the framework for power cooking and the owner's collection of bright red Le Creuset pots and pans. Wild Rice Ceasarstone countertops are a sleek but soft complement to a Rolf sink both wide and deep enough to accommodate large pots and pans and a Blanco pull-down faucet provides for easy clean up of freshly-picked garden vegetables. Adding to the ambiance of real cookery, a wrap-around wall-sized blackboard with stainless shelving provides the perfect place to keep track of often-used recipes, favorite spices, utensils, pots and pans. searanchimages.com

The owners of this beautiful historic farmhouse had been painstakingly restoring it bit by bit. One of the last items on their list was to create a wrap-around front porch to create a more distinct and obvious entrance to the front of their home. Aside from the functional reasons for the new porch, our client also had very specific ideas for its design. She wanted to recreate her grandmother’s porch so that she could carry on the same wonderful traditions with her own grandchildren someday. Key requirements for this front porch remodel included: - Creating a seamless connection to the main house. - A floorplan with areas for dining, reading, having coffee and playing games. - Respecting and maintaining the historic details of the home and making sure the addition felt authentic. Upon entering, you will notice the authentic real pine porch decking. Real windows were used instead of three season porch windows which also have molding around them to match the existing home’s windows. The left wing of the porch includes a dining area and a game and craft space. Ceiling fans provide light and additional comfort in the summer months. Iron wall sconces supply additional lighting throughout. Exposed rafters with hidden fasteners were used in the ceiling. Handmade shiplap graces the walls. On the left side of the front porch, a reading area enjoys plenty of natural light from the windows. The new porch blends perfectly with the existing home much nicer front facade. There is a clear front entrance to the home, where previously guests weren’t sure where to enter. We successfully created a place for the client to enjoy with her future grandchildren that’s filled with nostalgic nods to the memories she made with her own grandmother. "We have had many people who asked us what changed on the house but did not know what we did. When we told them we put the porch on, all of them made the statement that they did not notice it was a new addition and fit into the house perfectly.” – Homeowner

Feel the classic touch of vintage flair in my elegant yet mesmerizing living space with soothing interior designs. Not every day, you might visit a classic blend of charming designs fused with contemporary comfort. Initially, I picked up deeper tones to transition the space with an aesthetic appeal. Further, I opted to fuse a seamless touch of sophistication and creativity to my overall design so you won't have to invest more in different spaces matching your ideal choice. From Adrian Pearsall's vintage sofa upholstered in Plum bouclé fabric to the beautiful addition of wood mosaic wall art by Marie Burgos Interior Design, cocktail table, and cocoa accent table, all the furniture pieces are thoughtfully integrated to make this living space look luxurious and endearing. At last, I also introduced a touch of industrial elegance with a 1930s American Office Chair, newly reupholstered in luxurious leather to ensure maximum comfort for our valued clientele. Photography by Francis Augustine

Kids bedroom
Example of a cottage chic bedroom design in Phoenix with gray walls

At Atlanta Porch & Patio we are dedicated to building beautiful custom porches, decks, and outdoor living spaces throughout the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to turn our clients’ ideas, dreams, and visions into personalized, tangible outcomes. Clients of Atlanta Porch & Patio rest easy knowing each step of their project is performed to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and dependability. Our team of builders and craftsmen are licensed, insured, and always up to date on trends, products, designs, and building codes. We are constantly educating ourselves in order to provide our clients the best services at the best prices. We deliver the ultimate professional experience with every step of our projects. After setting up a consultation through our website or by calling the office, we will meet with you in your home to discuss all of your ideas and concerns. After our initial meeting and site consultation, we will compile a detailed design plan and quote complete with renderings and a full listing of the materials to be used. Upon your approval, we will then draw up the necessary paperwork and decide on a project start date. From demo to cleanup, we strive to deliver your ultimate relaxation destination on time and on budget.

When these homeowners called us, they wanted to remodel their kitchen. When we arrived for our initial consultation, their water heater had just broken and was flooding their home! We took their kitchen from the 1990s to a modern beautiful space. Many transformations took place here as we removed a staircase to close in a loft area that we turned into a sound insulated music room. A cat playroom was created under the main staircase with 3 entries and secondary baths were updated. Design by: Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by: Versatile Imaging

Traditional face frame cabinetry with inset doors, crafted from hickory that was milled from the homeowners site during initial lot preparations. Lower cabinets have perforated metal panels, while the upper cabinets have reclaimed hemlock panels. Despite the rustic appearance, these cabinets still have all the conveniences of modern soft close hardware and under mount drawer/pull out suspension

Transitional bedroom photo in Houston

Walls are Sherwin Williams Relaxed Khaki, headboard is Ballard Designs, bedding is Matouk, pendant is Visual Comfort. Nancy Nolan
Large eclectic boy dark wood floor kids' room photo in Little Rock with beige walls

Jake Rajs Photography
This is an example of a landscaping in New York.

Photography: Michael Biondo
Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern dark wood floor great room design in New York with white walls

The clients for this basement polishing project were looking for a multipurpose space for their whole family to use – and polished concrete floors just happened to fit each purpose they were looking to fulfill. When you walk down the stairs to the basement, the space has a unique vibe to it; the room is completely open concept, yet there are creatively defined areas for each use. The children will enjoy this newly renovated space for arts & crafts, playing house in their built-in room under the stairs, or even rollerblading year-round. The adults can relax in their cozy and inviting living area, or workout in the modern gym section of the basement. We were impressed by the diverse uses for this finished space. Our initial conversation with the clients about the design of their basement included finding out the ways in which they would be using the space. A matte, 200-grit finish was the polishing level that was decided upon, and the clients opted to keep the concrete its natural color. Aggregate exposure was chosen to be cream exposure. These finish details would prove to be a subtle and neutral backdrop to the rest of the modern/industrial design elements of the space while performing as an extremely durable and low-maintenance flooring solution that the whole family will enjoy for years to come.

Surrounded by nature in the quiet Rollingwood neighborhood, this elegant soft contemporary home is screened from the street with a private courtyard initiated by a dynamic board formed concrete wall and refined landscape. The expansive use of floor-to-ceiling glass at the rear of the home opens up the view to Zilker Park and can be experienced from the covered outdoor living space and just about every room from inside the home. Photo Credit: Paul Bardagjy

Located near the base of Scottsdale landmark Pinnacle Peak, the Desert Prairie is surrounded by distant peaks as well as boulder conservation easements. This 30,710 square foot site was unique in terrain and shape and was in close proximity to adjacent properties. These unique challenges initiated a truly unique piece of architecture. Planning of this residence was very complex as it weaved among the boulders. The owners were agnostic regarding style, yet wanted a warm palate with clean lines. The arrival point of the design journey was a desert interpretation of a prairie-styled home. The materials meet the surrounding desert with great harmony. Copper, undulating limestone, and Madre Perla quartzite all blend into a low-slung and highly protected home. Located in Estancia Golf Club, the 5,325 square foot (conditioned) residence has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design’s September/October 2018 issue. Additionally, the home has received numerous design awards. Desert Prairie // Project Details Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Argue Custom Homes Interior Design: Lindsey Schultz Design Interior Furnishings: Ownby Design Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Photography: Werner Segarra

Mid-century modern home design photo in San Francisco

This Master Suite Addition project was initiated by our Clients’ desire to stay in their family home well into their golden years. Their wish list included a master suite and large open space for entertaining. With “Aging in Place” a main objective, our goal was to move all essential tasks to the first floor. Our design created a smooth transition between old house and new by expanding their dining room and adding a vestibule between the two spaces. This resulted in a much larger dining space and the larger entertaining area they were seeking. The master bedroom’s floor to ceiling windows on two of the walls frames picturesque views of their beloved garden outside. Vaulted ceilings, French doors to the bathroom with a transom window above express class and grandeur. Through the French doors the elegant master bathroom shines with reflections from the decorative crystal chandelier, white and grey tile, polished chrome fixtures and lighted glass bowls. A double headed shower, with dual temperature controls, and the air-jetted tub provide a true sanctuary for a relaxed bathing experience. “His and Her” elements are also fulfilled with dual vanities, and dual toilet areas. Upon completion, the homeowners passionately stated that this project turned out even better than they could have imagined. They truly love their new space in their long loved home and look forward to many more years in their new haven.

This kitchen had not been renovated since the salt box colonial house was built in the 1960’s. The new owner felt it was time for a complete refresh with some traditional details and adding in the owner’s contemporary tastes. At initial observation, we determined the house had good bones; including high ceilings and abundant natural light from a double-hung window and three skylights overhead recently installed by our client. Mixing the homeowners desires required the skillful eyes of Cathy and Ed from Renovisions. The original kitchen had dark stained, worn cabinets, in-adequate lighting and a non-functional coat closet off the kitchen space. In order to achieve a true transitional look, Renovisions incorporated classic details with subtle, simple and cleaner line touches. For example, the backsplash mix of honed and polished 2” x 3” stone-look subway tile is outlined in brushed stainless steel strips creating an edgy feel, especially at the niche above the range. Removing the existing wall that shared the coat closet opened up the kitchen to allow adding an island for seating and entertaining guests. We chose natural maple, shaker style flat panel cabinetry with longer stainless steel pulls instead of knobs, keeping in line with the clients desire for a sleeker design. This kitchen had to be gutted to accommodate the new layout featuring an island with pull-out trash and recycling and deeper drawers for utensils. Spatial constraints were top of mind and incorporating a convection microwave above the slide-in range made the most sense. Our client was thrilled with the ability to bake, broil and microwave from GE’s advantium oven – how convenient! A custom pull-out cabinet was built for his extensive array of spices and oils. The sink base cabinet provides plenty of area for the large rectangular stainless steel sink, single-lever multi-sprayer faucet and matching filtered water dispenser faucet. The natural, yet sleek green soapstone countertop with distinct white veining created a dynamic visual and principal focal point for the now open space. While oak wood flooring existed in the entire first floor, as an added element of color and interest we installed multi-color slate-look porcelain tiles in the kitchen area. We also installed a fully programmable floor heating system for those chilly New England days. Overall, out client was thrilled with his Mission Transition.