For this project, the entire kitchen was designed around the “must-have” Lacanche range in the stunning French Blue with brass trim. That was the client’s dream and everything had to be built to complement it. Bilotta senior designer, Randy O’Kane, CKD worked with Paul Benowitz and Dipti Shah of Benowitz Shah Architects to contemporize the kitchen while staying true to the original house which was designed in 1928 by regionally noted architect Franklin P. Hammond. The clients purchased the home over two years ago from the original owner. While the house has a magnificent architectural presence from the street, the basic systems, appointments, and most importantly, the layout and flow were inappropriately suited to contemporary living. The new plan removed an outdated screened porch at the rear which was replaced with the new family room and moved the kitchen from a dark corner in the front of the house to the center. The visual connection from the kitchen through the family room is dramatic and gives direct access to the rear yard and patio. It was important that the island separating the kitchen from the family room have ample space to the left and right to facilitate traffic patterns, and interaction among family members. Hence vertical kitchen elements were placed primarily on existing interior walls. The cabinetry used was Bilotta’s private label, the Bilotta Collection – they selected beautiful, dramatic, yet subdued finishes for the meticulously handcrafted cabinetry. The double islands allow for the busy family to have a space for everything – the island closer to the range has seating and makes a perfect space for doing homework or crafts, or having breakfast or snacks. The second island has ample space for storage and books and acts as a staging area from the kitchen to the dinner table. The kitchen perimeter and both islands are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Paper White. The wall cabinets flanking the sink have wire mesh fronts in a statuary bronze – the insides of these cabinets are painted blue to match the range. The breakfast room cabinetry is Benjamin Moore’s Lampblack with the interiors of the glass cabinets painted in Paper White to match the kitchen. All countertops are Vermont White Quartzite from Eastern Stone. The backsplash is Artistic Tile’s Kyoto White and Kyoto Steel. The fireclay apron-front main sink is from Rohl while the smaller prep sink is from Linkasink. All faucets are from Waterstone in their antique pewter finish. The brass hardware is from Armac Martin and the pendants above the center island are from Circa Lighting. The appliances, aside from the range, are a mix of Sub-Zero, Thermador and Bosch with panels on everything.

Crisp profiles and advanced performance. | With its crisp profile and choice of faucet styles, Eurodisc Cosmopolitanensures advanced performance for the most design-conscious consumers. Look closer and you will appreciate the finer details – a forward-leaning body to entice interaction and perfectly chamfered edges. Naturally, the collection benefits from two leading GROHE technologies: GROHE SilkMove®for smooth and precise handling, and GROHE StarLight® for a deep luxurious chrome finish. | ShopStudio41.com

Our DORA collection is Oh So Chic! Our up-and-coming young designer, Ting, drew the inspiration from her childhood. She wanted to create a collection that was versatile, interactive, and fun. With DORA Pendant P3, end users can really be a child again. Have fun with the collection and hang it individually or in a cluster, in whatever position your heart desires. Combined with cutting edge technology, the DORA is embedded in a CRI 90 LED luminance that gently distributes the light. We conveniently offer three suspension methods: pendant, chandelier, and circular suspension.

ARCHITECTURE: Certificate of Merit PROJECT: Orientation Center, Frick Art & Historical Center CLIENT: Frick Art & Historical Center ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Schwartz/Silver Architects, Inc. with Loysen + Kreuthmeier Architects ENGINEERS: Roome & Guarracino; Hampton Technical Associates; Allen & Shariff CONTRACTORS: Turner Construction Company PHOTOGRAPHER: Massery Photography, Inc. DESCRIPTION: The Orientation Center houses an admission/ticketing area, museum shop, and education and orientation galleries, integrating technology to provide interaction with the museum’s collections and programs. Designed as a campus focal point, the Center was conceived as a garden pavilion, with high-transparency glass offering uninterrupted views to orient visitors to their surroundings. JURY COMMENTS: This pavilion is truly a welcome center with beautiful materials, spaces, and detailing. The building presents as an object surrounded by glass allowing the user to see the campus while gathering information.

In this home, you'll never have to walk too far for a bottle of wine. Two climate controlled wine cellars hold 1080 total bottles, displayed behind glass for an interactive experience. Both wine displays use Wall Series metal wine racks in 6-foot tall columns and triple deep bottle configuration for max storage capacity. All in Brushed Nickel finish. Photos by ZenHouse Collective

Personalization is no longer just a design trend—it has become an essential part of creating spaces that truly feel like home. Our homes are much more than places where we live; they are reflections of our personalities, our values, and the memories we hold dear. Personalization allows homeowners to go beyond surface-level aesthetics and bring their unique stories to life through thoughtful design choices. From one-of-a-kind decor to custom furniture, there are countless ways to make a space uniquely yours. This article explores the transformative power of personalization in home design, offering creative ideas and strategies to ensure your home feels as special as the people who live in it. By incorporating meaningful elements, sentimental keepsakes, and designs tailored to your lifestyle, you can create a home that speaks to your heart while remaining both functional and beautiful. Why Personalization Is Transforming Home Design Personalization in home design is a powerful trend that’s shaping how we live. It’s about more than just creating a stylish space—it’s about creating an emotional connection to your environment. Here’s why it matters: Emotional Resonance: Personal touches make your home feel like a sanctuary. Items that carry sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or custom-made pieces, evoke memories and create a sense of belonging. Individuality: Your home is a reflection of your personality. Personalization allows you to infuse your style into every corner, ensuring your space doesn’t look like a copy of someone else’s. Functionality with Meaning: Customized furniture or decor isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical. Personalized design ensures every piece serves your specific needs while adding character to your home. How to Add Personal Touches to Your Home Design 1. Customized Furniture and Decor Investing in bespoke pieces is one of the best ways to personalize your home. Whether it’s a hand-carved coffee table or custom shelving designed to fit your space, tailored furniture adds both functionality and uniqueness. Ideas for Customized Furniture: A dining table engraved with a special date or family name. Built-in bookshelves designed to fit your exact collection of novels and treasures. Upholstered chairs or couches in fabrics that reflect your style and preferences. For decor, consider smaller but impactful personalized items. For instance, displaying a meaningful keepsake, like a shadow box featuring a personalized necklace, can add an intimate touch to any room. 2. Symbolic Design Elements Incorporating symbols that resonate with you is a thoughtful way to personalize your space. Items inspired by spiritual or cultural symbols, such as angel numbers, can serve as both decor and a reminder of values or goals that matter to you. Examples of Symbolic Decor: Wall art or prints featuring numbers, quotes, or patterns that hold personal significance. Sculptures or figurines that represent qualities like protection, growth, or harmony. Patterned rugs or textiles that subtly include symbols tied to your family’s history or beliefs. 3. Displaying Sentimental Items A personalized home thrives on nostalgia and sentimentality. Displaying cherished keepsakes and mementos is a wonderful way to bring life and meaning into your space. Ideas for Sentimental Displays: Memory Galleries: Create a gallery wall filled with family photos, travel souvenirs, and sentimental artwork. Mix and match frames to add visual interest while showcasing your memories. Functional Keepsakes: Repurpose sentimental items into practical decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom clock or framed photo, can double as both a functional and meaningful addition to your space. Incorporate small family treasures, like vintage jewelry or heirlooms, into your decor. Feature Pieces: Highlight unique items in shadow boxes, such as wedding keepsakes, old letters, or jewelry. These displays turn your memories into a focal point of the room. 4. Personalized Artwork and Accessories Custom artwork is one of the easiest ways to add a personal touch to your home. Whether it’s commissioning a piece or creating something yourself, personalized art instantly elevates a space. Custom Art Ideas: A commissioned painting of your family home, wedding venue, or favorite landscape. Abstract art featuring colors or symbols that are meaningful to you. Name plaques, monograms, or custom wall hangings. Incorporating personalized accessories like cushions, throws, or coasters featuring family names or initials is another subtle yet effective way to customize your decor. 5. Seasonal Personalization Switching up decor seasonally offers a great opportunity to incorporate personal touches. For example: Display holiday-themed photos, such as a family portrait from last year’s festivities. Rotate sentimental items based on the time of year, such as a fall centerpiece with family heirloom candlesticks. Incorporate handmade seasonal crafts created with family members, making the decor feel both personal and festive. Incorporating Personalization Into Outdoor Spaces Personalization doesn’t stop at your front door. Outdoor spaces, like patios, gardens, and porches, offer plenty of opportunities for customization. Ideas for Personalizing Outdoor Areas: Custom Signs: Add a handmade welcome sign or a plaque with your family name to the front of your house. Engraved Furniture: Outdoor benches or tables engraved with meaningful quotes or dates can create an intimate touch. Garden Markers: Personalized garden markers or stepping stones with family names or inspirational words can make your garden truly yours. Personalizing your home is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that feels deeply connected to you and your loved ones. Every item, color, and design element can carry a piece of your story. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into actionable ideas for personalizing your living spaces, transforming them into meaningful reflections of your life. 6. Layering Sentimental Textiles and Accessories Textiles such as rugs, curtains, and throw pillows are an excellent way to infuse personality into your home without a full-scale renovation. Opt for customized or sentimental fabrics that tie in your personal story. Ideas for Textiles That Add Meaning Custom Monogrammed Pillows Add initials, family names, or even special dates to throw pillows for your living room or bedroom. Memory Quilts Use pieces of fabric from meaningful items, like old clothes or wedding attire, to create a quilt that tells a story. Personalized Rugs Consider a custom rug with patterns or symbols that resonate with your family’s heritage or values. Incorporating textiles that tell a story not only makes your home feel cozier but also serves as a subtle reminder of cherished memories. 7. Meaningful Gifts as Decor Some of the most cherished items in a home are gifts from loved ones. These pieces carry stories and emotional weight, making them perfect for display as decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom leather-bound journal or engraved keepsake, can be displayed in a home office or study. These items become part of the space’s character while celebrating the bond shared with a loved one. Tips for Displaying Gifted Items: Use bookshelves or mantels to showcase sentimental gifts alongside other decor elements. Pair gifted items with complementary pieces, such as family photos or artwork, to create cohesive displays. 8. Personalized Storage Solutions Functional spaces can also benefit from personalization. Custom storage solutions allow you to stay organized while reflecting your style and needs. Ideas for Personalized Storage Engraved Wooden Crates: Use crates with engraved names or labels for stylish, functional storage in living rooms or children’s play areas. Custom Closet Systems: Design closets with features like jewelry drawers, tie racks, or shoe compartments tailored to your specific collection. Sentimental Storage Bins: Store seasonal decorations, keepsakes, or family mementos in decorative bins labeled with meaningful phrases or designs. By blending practicality and personalization, you can create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. 9. Creative Personalization for Kids’ Rooms Children’s rooms are ideal spaces for playful and meaningful personalization. From custom artwork to interactive elements, you can design a room that reflects their personality while creating an inspiring space for them to grow. Ideas for Kids’ Room Personalization Name Signs and Wall Art: Incorporate their name in decorative signage or framed artwork to make their space uniquely theirs. Growth Charts with Memories: Add personalized growth charts where you can mark milestones and attach small mementos. Interactive Decor: Create activity walls featuring chalkboards, corkboards, or magnetic surfaces where kids can express their creativity. These personal touches turn their rooms into a space that grows with them, capturing memories along the way. 10. Blending Modern Trends with Personalized Touches If you’re drawn to modern design trends, you can still incorporate personalization without losing that sleek, contemporary feel. Here’s how: Tips for a Modern Yet Personalized Space Minimalist Monograms: Add subtle, elegant initials or symbols to decor pieces like vases, linens, or art prints. Statement Lighting: Choose pendant lights or chandeliers with a customized design or engraving to reflect your style. Neutral Colors with Personal Accents: Keep the base color palette neutral, but incorporate personal elements like family photos in modern frames or sentimental objects displayed in chic shadow boxes. This approach ensures your home stays trendy while retaining meaningful personal elements. 11. Technology Meets Personalization Technology can also play a role in making your home feel more personal. Smart home systems and digital tools can be customized to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Ideas for Personalized Tech Customized Smart Displays: Use smart screens to display rotating family photos or personal artwork. Smart Lighting Scenes: Set up lighting presets for different moods, such as a cozy evening scene that highlights your favorite decor. Voice-Activated Reminders: Program smart assistants to remind you of family birthdays, anniversaries, or even daily affirmations. By integrating personalized technology, your home becomes both functional and deeply connected to your needs. 12. Seasonal Rotations with a Personal Touch Personalization doesn’t have to be permanent. Changing up your decor with the seasons is a wonderful way to keep your home feeling fresh while adding meaningful elements. Ideas for Seasonal Personalization Holiday Decor with Family Themes: Create personalized ornaments, stockings, or wreaths that highlight your family’s story. Seasonal Photo Swaps: Rotate family photos to reflect seasonal activities or vacations. Custom Table Settings: Design table linens, centerpieces, or napkin rings featuring symbols or colors that are meaningful to your family. Seasonal personalization allows you to constantly renew the look and feel of your space while keeping it tied to your personal story. Turning a House Into Your Sanctuary Personalization in home design is about more than creating a visually appealing space—it’s about creating a home that reflects your life, values, and memories. Every detail, from the textiles you choose to the sentimental items you display, adds a layer of meaning that makes your house truly yours. By incorporating elements like customized decor, thoughtful gifts, and symbolic designs, you can craft a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels deeply personal. Take inspiration from these ideas to make your space a reflection of everything that matters most to you and your loved ones.

Photo by: Mike P Kelley Styling by: Jennifer Maxcy, hoot n anny home
Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Los Angeles

5 Ways to Create the Casual Lifestyle in Your Kitchen
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Detroit with white cabinets

The existing cabinetry in our clients' kitchen was painted white, and the cabinets on the left were added to replace a small desk that originally occupied the peninsula space. A new cabinetry pantry replaced a small framed pantry room for better use of space. Overall, the Kitchen was opened up to the surrounding Family Room and Dining Area so the whole space can be enjoyed by interacting guests.

Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

The Circuit Modular Series is a contemporary seating collection that brings minimalist style to spaces large or small. Circuit’s three sleek components—an armless chair, corner and ottoman—feature rounded profiles, with pleasing curves that invite relaxed entertaining and interaction. Rounded, solid natural ash legs complete the look by giving each piece an airy, floating quality perfect for small spaces. Combine the components to create a custom seating configuration that suits your home or work environment—Circuit’s compact footprint is particularly well suited to lobbies, breakout rooms, hallways, and urban condominiums. Constructed with kiln-dried 100% FSC®-Certified hardwood in support of responsible forest management. Circuit Modular Series utilizes 3 different modular components - Armless, Corner & Ottoman. All modular components can be joined using integrated, concealed connectors on underside to securely join them to each other while in sectional, sofa or chaise formation. Tight seat and back. Upholstered with high resilience polyurethane foam covered in a Dacron wrap. Frame is kiln-dried 100% FSC®-Certified hardwood (FSC® 092551). Cylindrical, solid FSC®-Certified ash legs are finished in a water-based, clear coat finish. Plastic bumpers on all legs to prevent floor damage. All joints have been stress tested. 9 gauge No-Sag, injection-molded sinuous spring clip system. Manufactured to meet California TB117-2013 fire safety standards without the use of flame retardant additives in the upholstery foam. * Fabric samples available upon request Need help? Chat with us online or send us an email to info@cityfurnitureshop.com

Example of a mid-sized eclectic basement design in Portland with white walls

The Circuit Modular Series is a contemporary seating collection that brings minimalist style to spaces large or small. Circuit’s three sleek components—an armless chair, corner and ottoman—feature rounded profiles, with pleasing curves that invite relaxed entertaining and interaction. Rounded, solid natural ash legs complete the look by giving each piece an airy, floating quality perfect for small spaces. Combine the components to create a custom seating configuration that suits your home or work environment—Circuit’s compact footprint is particularly well suited to lobbies, breakout rooms, hallways, and urban condominiums. Constructed with kiln-dried 100% FSC®-Certified hardwood in support of responsible forest management.

Get your hard hat ready! Kid tested and approved, Mohawk Home’s Build Site Play area rug is full of endless playtime possibilities. Part of our Kids Interactive collection, this one was created with our premium Wear-Dated nylon fiber for a soft touch and dependable durability. The fiber utilized in the design of this product has been performance-tested to meet strict standards of durability and stain resistance, for a quality you can trust! Photo by Ashley Mitchell Photography.

Be who you are - not who the world wants you to be. Our playful, interactive designs inspire an active imagination and curious minds. Perfection Floor Tiles are made with pure virgin vinyl. Anti- Fatigue Non-toxic Moisture repellent Easy Maintenance Tile size: 20" x 20" Thickness: 5 mm Case: 6 tiles per case Coverage: 16.7 sq. ft.

In this photo of the entire kitchen side of the Kitchen-Dining area, the award-winning balloon valance unifies the wooded view, the client's Italian plate collection, the blue and yellow and white backsplash tile, and even some of the other accents, such as her cookware, forming the visual melody of the room, and delighting in interaction with the harmony voices in the space. This valance was awarded First Place in Top Treatment Design at the 2024 Grace Awards of the International Window Coverings Expo. Design by Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC; photography by Bob Narod, Photographer, LLC.

Not all dinosaurs are scary! Meet the Friendly Dinosaur from Mohawk Home. Cool tones of teal, deep blue and zesty key lime add a refreshing splash of color to your child’s space. Part of our Kids Interactive collection, this one was created with our premium Wear-Dated nylon fiber for a soft touch and dependable durability. The fiber utilized in the design of this product has been performance-tested to meet strict standards of durability and stain resistance, for a quality you can trust! Photo by Ashley Mitchell Photography.

Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless formal and open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Chicago with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace