I have been working as a kitchen and bath designer in the Pacific Northwest for 13 years. I love engaging with new clients, ascertaining their needs through various interviews and meetings and then collaborating as we build their finished concept together. The variety of design styles, room layouts and function changes so much between one person and the next that no two finished products are remotely the same. This fluidity allows for endless possibilities for exploration in my field. It keeps the job interesting and has always given me a particular sense of reward and accomplishment as we near completion. The greatest personal recompense in this chosen profession is being able to walk with a client through this process and come out the other side with that client feeling elated with the end result.

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

"Kerry completely remodeled my kitchen. He demoed old cabinets and plumbing, knocked out a wall, took out some drywall. He redid all the kitchen electrical and plumbing. New wood cabinets, granite countertops, stone tile backsplash, sink and faucet. Installed 3 new ceiling fans. He ran home theater wiring inside the wall and attic so it would be hidden. I supplied certain fixtures and appliances, and I separately arranged for new flooring, painting, and carpeting for the rest of the house. Total project cost, including TaylorPro's part and everything else, was about $57,000. I was delighted with Kerry and his crew. They did a high quality job, and kept me informed at all times. Among the four excellent contractors we interviewed, Kerry struck me as highly experienced and confident he would complete the job on time. The work was estimated at 4 weeks; it turned out to take 5 weeks, mainly because the countertop fabricator took longer than expected. We have shown off the new kitchen to many friends, neighbors, and Facebook friends. They are stunned, it's just sooo beautiful! I get up every morning, turn on the new under cabinet lights, pour my coffee, and smile at the look of the granite. I had a special request for an island countertop that would slide back and forth. With 350 pounds of granite this is not an easy request. Kerry designed it and built it. At our unveiling we had old ladies moving it back and forth with one finger, yet it locks in place easily. A major kitchen remodel is an ordeal. You go 3 or 4 weeks with no sink or dishwasher. There's dust everywhere, even with the plastic wall they put up to keep it out. Washing dishes in the bathtub is no fun. But we designated a spare room as a temporary kitchen, and Kerry moved the fridge and microwave in there for us. We had the outdoor grill, so we didn't eat out very much. This is true with everybody, but Kerry kept the dust down to about 3 weeks. I had many detailed requests that were probably a lot fussier than the average customer. Kerry's crew was on top of every one of them, making sure I was completely satisfied. Jake, Randall, and Kevin, his crew, accommodated my every request. The cabinets are subbed out to Kitchen Emporium, who provided a high quality result, and Kerry passed along his deep discount to me. Jerry at KE was also very impressive, redesigning my kitchen layout much better than my original request. Jerry's team, Gil, Abraham, and Cesar were also very attentive to detail and made sure everything was perfect." ~ Mary Ann H, Client Shaker cabinets, Kohler faucet, custom sliding counter top, pendant lights, glass door cabinets, pocket door, custom cabinets Photo By: Kerry W. Taylor

I have been working as a kitchen and bath designer in the Pacific Northwest for 13 years. I love engaging with new clients, ascertaining their needs through various interviews and meetings and then collaborating as we build their finished concept together. The variety of design styles, room layouts and function changes so much between one person and the next that no two finished products are remotely the same. This fluidity allows for endless possibilities for exploration in my field. It keeps the job interesting and has always given me a particular sense of reward and accomplishment as we near completion. The greatest personal recompense in this chosen profession is being able to walk with a client through this process and come out the other side with that client feeling elated with the end result.

Working with Bruce Buffer was nothing shy of an absolutely incredible experience. He's such a kind soul first of all, but also one of the most interesting people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. His collectibles were endlessly intriguing. Sadly, when we first met his valued priced possessions were so cluttered on his shelves you couldn't even appreciate them. This job wasn't a huge makeover but it was so rewarding for us both when it was all done. It was a process of letting go from the beginning, sorting through what really had tangible and intangible value and then finding a way to display these special pieces in a way that he and everyone who walked into his home could appreciate. He loves the way he's able to tell the story behind each item now so effortlessly. Oh, and we also discovered a balcony space he wasn't even using right outside his office door! Getting Bruce to buy into Turquoise outdoor furniture was the best! That space was as if we added a whole new room to his home and we never even went through construction! For a complete interview with Bruce please visit our website: simplystunningspaces.com and click on VIDEOS. :) Photography: Diana Thai

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, one of our challenges of this job was to provide a practical and useable home for a couple who worked hard and played hard. They wanted a home that would be comfortable for them and since they entertained often, they required function yet desired drama and style. We worked with them from the ground up, selecting finishes, materials and fixtures for the entire home. We achieved comfort by using deep furniture pieces with white goose down cushions, suitable for curling up on. Colors and materials were selected based on rich tones and textures to provide drama while keeping with the practicality they desired. We also used eclectic pieces like the oversized chair and ottoman in the great room to add an unexpected yet comfortable touch. The chair is of a Balinese style with a unique wood frame offering a graceful balance of curved and straight lines. The floor plan was created to be conducive to traffic flow, necessary for entertaining. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shares a similar color palette, attention to detail and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies and accessories provide individuality to each room.

Working with Bruce Buffer was nothing shy of an absolutely incredible experience. He's such a kind soul first of all, but also one of the most interesting people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. His collectibles were endlessly intriguing. Sadly, when we first met his valued priced possessions were so cluttered on his shelves you couldn't even appreciate them. This job wasn't a huge makeover but it was so rewarding for us both when it was all done. It was a process of letting go from the beginning, sorting through what really had tangible and intangible value and then finding a way to display these special pieces in a way that he and everyone who walked into his home could appreciate. He loves the way he's able to tell the story behind each item now so effortlessly. Oh, and we also discovered a balcony space he wasn't even using right outside his office door! Getting Bruce to buy into Turquoise outdoor furniture was the best! That space was as if we added a whole new room to his home and we never even went through construction! For a complete interview with Bruce please visit our website: simplystunningspaces.com and click on VIDEOS. :) Photography: Diana Thai

Working with Bruce Buffer was nothing shy of an absolutely incredible experience. He's such a kind soul first of all, but also one of the most interesting people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. His collectibles were endlessly intriguing. Sadly, when we first met his valued priced possessions were so cluttered on his shelves you couldn't even appreciate them. This job wasn't a huge makeover but it was so rewarding for us both when it was all done. It was a process of letting go from the beginning, sorting through what really had tangible and intangible value and then finding a way to display these special pieces in a way that he and everyone who walked into his home could appreciate. He loves the way he's able to tell the story behind each item now so effortlessly. Oh, and we also discovered a balcony space he wasn't even using right outside his office door! Getting Bruce to buy into Turquoise outdoor furniture was the best! That space was as if we added a whole new room to his home and we never even went through construction! For a complete interview with Bruce please visit our website: simplystunningspaces.com and click on VIDEOS. :) Photography: Diana Thai

Amy Birrer I have been working as a kitchen and bath designer in the Pacific Northwest for 13 years. I love engaging with new clients, ascertaining their needs through various interviews and meetings and then collaborating as we build their finished concept together. The variety of design styles, room layouts and function changes so much between one person and the next that no two finished products are remotely the same. This fluidity allows for endless possibilities for exploration in my field. It keeps the job interesting and has always given me a particular sense of reward and accomplishment as we near completion. The greatest personal recompense in this chosen profession is being able to walk with a client through this process and come out the other side with that client feeling elated with the end result.

Working with Bruce Buffer was nothing shy of an absolutely incredible experience. He's such a kind soul first of all, but also one of the most interesting people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. His collectibles were endlessly intriguing. Sadly, when we first met his valued priced possessions were so cluttered on his shelves you couldn't even appreciate them. This job wasn't a huge makeover but it was so rewarding for us both when it was all done. It was a process of letting go from the beginning, sorting through what really had tangible and intangible value and then finding a way to display these special pieces in a way that he and everyone who walked into his home could appreciate. He loves the way he's able to tell the story behind each item now so effortlessly. Oh, and we also discovered a balcony space he wasn't even using right outside his office door! Getting Bruce to buy into Turquoise outdoor furniture was the best! That space was as if we added a whole new room to his home and we never even went through construction! For a complete interview with Bruce please visit our website: simplystunningspaces.com and click on VIDEOS. :) Photography: Diana Thai

Based on extensive interviews with our clients, one of our challenges of this job was to provide a practical and useable home for a couple who worked hard and played hard. They wanted a home that would be comfortable for them and since they entertained often, they required function yet desired drama and style. We worked with them from the ground up, selecting finishes, materials and fixtures for the entire home. We achieved comfort by using deep furniture pieces with white goose down cushions, suitable for curling up on. Colors and materials were selected based on rich tones and textures to provide drama while keeping with the practicality they desired. We also used eclectic pieces like the oversized chair and ottoman in the great room to add an unexpected yet comfortable touch. The chair is of a Balinese style with a unique wood frame offering a graceful balance of curved and straight lines. The floor plan was created to be conducive to traffic flow, necessary for entertaining. The other challenge we faced, was to give each room its own identity while maintaining a consistent flow throughout the home. Each space shares a similar color palette, attention to detail and uniqueness, while the furnishings, draperies and accessories provide individuality to each room.

Working with Bruce Buffer was nothing shy of an absolutely incredible experience. He's such a kind soul first of all, but also one of the most interesting people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. His collectibles were endlessly intriguing. Sadly, when we first met his valued priced possessions were so cluttered on his shelves you couldn't even appreciate them. This job wasn't a huge makeover but it was so rewarding for us both when it was all done. It was a process of letting go from the beginning, sorting through what really had tangible and intangible value and then finding a way to display these special pieces in a way that he and everyone who walked into his home could appreciate. He loves the way he's able to tell the story behind each item now so effortlessly. Oh, and we also discovered a balcony space he wasn't even using right outside his office door! Getting Bruce to buy into Turquoise outdoor furniture was the best! That space was as if we added a whole new room to his home and we never even went through construction! For a complete interview with Bruce please visit our website: simplystunningspaces.com and click on VIDEOS. :) Photography: Diana Thai

Jeremiah Royer
Trendy kitchen photo in Chicago

Client review for this project copied from our review page: After interviewing 6 other general contractors I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to interview and work with Mike Smith of MJR Builders. From the minute he showed up at my house through the entire construction period I had 100% confidence in what Mike was doing. Even as change orders occurred throughout the process I was always given a great value for my money. I would go as far as to say not only did Mike meet expectations, he exceeded them. I would not hesitate to use Mike for any job in the future or refer him to any of my family or friends.

Working with Bruce Buffer was nothing shy of an absolutely incredible experience. He's such a kind soul first of all, but also one of the most interesting people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. His collectibles were endlessly intriguing. Sadly, when we first met his valued priced possessions were so cluttered on his shelves you couldn't even appreciate them. This job wasn't a huge makeover but it was so rewarding for us both when it was all done. It was a process of letting go from the beginning, sorting through what really had tangible and intangible value and then finding a way to display these special pieces in a way that he and everyone who walked into his home could appreciate. He loves the way he's able to tell the story behind each item now so effortlessly. Oh, and we also discovered a balcony space he wasn't even using right outside his office door! Getting Bruce to buy into Turquoise outdoor furniture was the best! That space was as if we added a whole new room to his home and we never even went through construction! For a complete interview with Bruce please visit our website: simplystunningspaces.com and click on VIDEOS. :) Photography: Diana Thai

"Kerry completely remodeled my kitchen. He demoed old cabinets and plumbing, knocked out a wall, took out some drywall. He redid all the kitchen electrical and plumbing. New wood cabinets, granite countertops, stone tile backsplash, sink and faucet. Installed 3 new ceiling fans. He ran home theater wiring inside the wall and attic so it would be hidden. I supplied certain fixtures and appliances, and I separately arranged for new flooring, painting, and carpeting for the rest of the house. Total project cost, including TaylorPro's part and everything else, was about $57,000. I was delighted with Kerry and his crew. They did a high quality job, and kept me informed at all times. Among the four excellent contractors we interviewed, Kerry struck me as highly experienced and confident he would complete the job on time. The work was estimated at 4 weeks; it turned out to take 5 weeks, mainly because the countertop fabricator took longer than expected. We have shown off the new kitchen to many friends, neighbors, and Facebook friends. They are stunned, it's just sooo beautiful! I get up every morning, turn on the new under cabinet lights, pour my coffee, and smile at the look of the granite. I had a special request for an island countertop that would slide back and forth. With 350 pounds of granite this is not an easy request. Kerry designed it and built it. At our unveiling we had old ladies moving it back and forth with one finger, yet it locks in place easily. A major kitchen remodel is an ordeal. You go 3 or 4 weeks with no sink or dishwasher. There's dust everywhere, even with the plastic wall they put up to keep it out. Washing dishes in the bathtub is no fun. But we designated a spare room as a temporary kitchen, and Kerry moved the fridge and microwave in there for us. We had the outdoor grill, so we didn't eat out very much. This is true with everybody, but Kerry kept the dust down to about 3 weeks. I had many detailed requests that were probably a lot fussier than the average customer. Kerry's crew was on top of every one of them, making sure I was completely satisfied. Jake, Randall, and Kevin, his crew, accommodated my every request. The cabinets are subbed out to Kitchen Emporium, who provided a high quality result, and Kerry passed along his deep discount to me. Jerry at KE was also very impressive, redesigning my kitchen layout much better than my original request. Jerry's team, Gil, Abraham, and Cesar were also very attentive to detail and made sure everything was perfect." ~ Mary Ann H, Client Shaker cabinets, Kohler faucet, custom sliding counter top, pendant lights, glass door cabinets, pocket door, custom cabinets Photo By: Kerry W. Taylor

Working with Bruce Buffer was nothing shy of an absolutely incredible experience. He's such a kind soul first of all, but also one of the most interesting people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. His collectibles were endlessly intriguing. Sadly, when we first met his valued priced possessions were so cluttered on his shelves you couldn't even appreciate them. This job wasn't a huge makeover but it was so rewarding for us both when it was all done. It was a process of letting go from the beginning, sorting through what really had tangible and intangible value and then finding a way to display these special pieces in a way that he and everyone who walked into his home could appreciate. He loves the way he's able to tell the story behind each item now so effortlessly. Oh, and we also discovered a balcony space he wasn't even using right outside his office door! Getting Bruce to buy into Turquoise outdoor furniture was the best! That space was as if we added a whole new room to his home and we never even went through construction! For a complete interview with Bruce please visit our website: simplystunningspaces.com and click on VIDEOS. :) Photography: Diana Thai

Jushing is a unique new type of decorating service coined by Cricket Burns of Cricketscrush.com. Cricket styles homes using her vase talents she learned as a magazine fashion and style editor for over 25 years. For this project, Cricket was introduced to Steve through his real estate agent. He had recently move into a large NYC apartment. However, he needed someone to design and style the apartment. The movers had moved in but the apartment had not been put together. The place needed a total make-over. Steve hired Cricket to jushe up his place while he was traveling over-seas on business. Steve had recently gone through a divorce. He had a bunch of kids. Thus, the design challenge in this job was actually creating a family home for a man who is now a bachelor. Steve needed an apartment that could work for his own entertaining, while also having a vibe his younger kids would enjoy. Cricket’s Jushing design service prove to be very effective for Steve’s needs. His life was in a bit of transformation. This project was going need room to grow. Steve didn’t really know exactly what he wanted but had a good idea of what he didn’t want. The Jushing process allows for projects that grow organically. Cricket designs her looks based on the initial client consultation. In Jushing, Cricket is using inventory from her consignment warehouse. All of the items used are essentially on loan until the client has had time to live in the new space to see if the decor meets their aesthetic and functional needs. With this project, Steve decided on a bunch of tweaks in order to get the look of his new apartment to place he and his children felt they were in their "home”. Thus, Cricket’s vast warehouse of inventory really allowed for her to remove his dislikes with inventory he liked within the same day. The speed at which Cricket completed the job was an added valued to her overall design services. If you are interested in seeing Cricket in action for this job, then watch her web series, The Jusher, at Youtube.com/user/cricketscrush. You’ll also find 30 or so episodes featuring Cricket interview designers, artists, and artisans. Cricketscrush.com is in the business of helping you make your home more beautiful. So shop, watch, learn and even hire Cricket - The Jusher.