Five stars isn’t enough! Our project was to reconfigure and update the main floor of a house we recently purchased that was built in 1961. We wanted to maintain some of the unique feeling it originally had but bring it up-to-date and eliminate the closed-in rooms and downright weird layout that was the result of multiple, partial remodeling projects. We began with a long wishlist of changes which also required replacement of very antiquated plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. We even found a fireplace that had been walled in and needed major re-construction. Many other aspects and details on this incredible list we made included an all new kitchen layout, converting a bedroom into a master closet, adding new half-bath, completely rebuilding the master bath, and adding stone, tile and custom built cabinetry. Our design plans included many fixtures and details that we specified and required professional installation and careful handling. Innovative helped us make reasonable decisions. Their skilled staff took us through a design process that made sense. There were many questions and all were answered with sincere conversation and positive – innovation – on how we could achieve our goals. Innovative provided us with professional consultants, who listened and were courteous and creative, with solid knowledge and informative judgement. When they didn’t have an answer, they did the research. They developed a comprehensive project plan that exceeded our expectations. Every item on our long list was checked-off. All agreed on work was fulfilled and they completed all this in just under four months. Innovative took care of putting together a team of skilled professional specialists who were all dedicated to make everything right. Engineering, construction, supervision, and I cannot even begin to describe how much thanks we have for the demolition crew! Our multiple, detailed project designs from Raul and professional design advice from Mindy and the connections she recommended are all of the best quality. Diego Jr., Trevor and his team kept everything on track and neat and tidy every single day and Diego Sr., Mark, Ismael, Albert, Santiago and team are true craftsmen who follow-up and make the most minuscule woodworking details perfect. The cabinets by Tim and electrical work and installation of fixtures by Kemchan Harrilal-BB and Navindra Doolratram, and Augustine and his crew on tile and stone work – all perfection. Aisling and the office crew were always responsive to our calls and requests. And of course Clark and Eric who oversaw everything and gave us the best of the best! Apologies if we didn’t get everyone on this list – you’re all great! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We can’t thank you enough Innovative Construction – we kind of want to do it again! Dave Hallman & Matt DeGraffenreid

  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

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

Request Free Quote This pool in Burr Ridge, IL measures 16'0" x 40'0", and the raised hot tub measures 7'0" x9'0". The hot tub has a sheer waterfall features spilling into the pool. There is a set of square rectilinear steps in one corner of the shallow end, as well as 2 deep end benches. There are also 4 deck spray water features. The coping on the pool and hot tub is Valder's Wisconsin Limestone. The pool deck is Unilock Indian Coast Sandstone, and the stone cladding on the spa is architecturally-cut Valder's Wisconsin Limestone. Photos by Larry Huene

Five stars isn’t enough! Our project was to reconfigure and update the main floor of a house we recently purchased that was built in 1961. We wanted to maintain some of the unique feeling it originally had but bring it up-to-date and eliminate the closed-in rooms and downright weird layout that was the result of multiple, partial remodeling projects. We began with a long wishlist of changes which also required replacement of very antiquated plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. We even found a fireplace that had been walled in and needed major re-construction. Many other aspects and details on this incredible list we made included an all new kitchen layout, converting a bedroom into a master closet, adding new half-bath, completely rebuilding the master bath, and adding stone, tile and custom built cabinetry. Our design plans included many fixtures and details that we specified and required professional installation and careful handling. Innovative helped us make reasonable decisions. Their skilled staff took us through a design process that made sense. There were many questions and all were answered with sincere conversation and positive – innovation – on how we could achieve our goals. Innovative provided us with professional consultants, who listened and were courteous and creative, with solid knowledge and informative judgement. When they didn’t have an answer, they did the research. They developed a comprehensive project plan that exceeded our expectations. Every item on our long list was checked-off. All agreed on work was fulfilled and they completed all this in just under four months. Innovative took care of putting together a team of skilled professional specialists who were all dedicated to make everything right. Engineering, construction, supervision, and I cannot even begin to describe how much thanks we have for the demolition crew! Our multiple, detailed project designs from Raul and professional design advice from Mindy and the connections she recommended are all of the best quality. Diego Jr., Trevor and his team kept everything on track and neat and tidy every single day and Diego Sr., Mark, Ismael, Albert, Santiago and team are true craftsmen who follow-up and make the most minuscule woodworking details perfect. The cabinets by Tim and electrical work and installation of fixtures by Kemchan Harrilal-BB and Navindra Doolratram, and Augustine and his crew on tile and stone work – all perfection. Aisling and the office crew were always responsive to our calls and requests. And of course Clark and Eric who oversaw everything and gave us the best of the best! Apologies if we didn’t get everyone on this list – you’re all great! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We can’t thank you enough Innovative Construction – we kind of want to do it again! Dave Hallman & Matt DeGraffenreid

Contemporary dining area with a contemporary rug to match your style
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in Atlanta

Residential cover installed with 45' of cable-loc raised wall safety barrier system. A separate safety cover installed for the raised spa. Product: Loop-Loc Mesh Safety Pool Cover.

Richard and Monica of Huntley, IL, needed to make better use of their kitchen as well as more storage for pots, pans, and countertop appliances. Their space was laid out unconventionally, making cooking a challenge. A triangular nook held their refrigerator, hard-to-reach cabinets, and a cramped pantry. They needed to find a solution, so they searched Facebook for home remodeling companies in their area. Soon they found Advance Design Studio’s profile and were immediately impressed. “Advance Design was the first and last studio I contacted,” Richard said. Richard called Advance Design and felt an immediate connection with Project Designer Nicole. She was knowledgeable and thorough and offered many unique solutions to their kitchen layout problem. A week later, Nicole came out to their home to meet the couple. They talked about their kitchen remodeling project and told Nicole what they wanted in their dream kitchen. Nicole saw that the kitchen had weird angles that hindered the cabinets you could use. She knew that designing a space that met both the client’s needs and dreams would be challenging. Nicole worked with Richard and Monica to create an innovative design. When the couple came out to Advance Design Studio in Gilberts, they were blown away by the 3D illustrations Nicole showed them. “I incorporated a hidden pantry cabinet to not only be a cool feature but also allowed me to square off the walls to gain more cabinet space,” Nicole said. The hidden pantry added storage and squared off the strange triangular nook, creating a more traditional and functional kitchen layout. With the layout problems solved, they worked together to select materials. Richard and Monica wanted something brighter than their previous dark brown kitchen. They chose a combination of blue and white cabinetry with a white subway tile backsplash and white quartz countertops. The design was finalized, the materials were selected. It was time to begin construction. One fear most homeowners have when beginning a home remodel is dust. Advance Design uses BuildClean HEPA filters to eliminate dust throughout the house while construction is going on. Project Manager Jason and his crew created temporary walls and cleaned up after every day of work. “We were very impressed with how clean and organized the crew kept things while the remodeling process was underway,” Richard said. The result is just what Richard and Monica envisioned when they began the process. Richard’s love for cooking can be explored through all-new Thermador appliances, featuring an easy-to-use induction cooktop, built-in double oven, and spacious refrigerator. Matte black hardware contrasts the bright white backsplash, countertops, and cabinets, while the stunning blue cabinets complement the dark hardwood floor and stainless-steel appliances. The dual pendant light fixtures over the reconfigured island are eye-catching and add necessary lighting. This Huntley kitchen renovation turned out better than Richard and Monica hoped. Their experience with Advance Design’s Common Sense Remodeling process has them thinking about other projects they could do in the future. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

This gorgeous custom wine cellar acts as a dramatic entrypiece as you walk into this beautiful home in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California. San Juan Capistrano is a lovely community located slightly inland, tucked within Orange County near cities like Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, and Irvine. This fantastically designed wine cellar, courtesy of the master wine cellar builders at Vintage Cellars, is a unique representation of fun and bespoke features that can be incorporated into a traditional redwood, yet modern and bright wine cellar like this. The wine room draws you in from across the house, with its warm redwood tones and interesting wrought iron and glass door. Wine Cellar doors are often overlooked, but proper knowledge of door materials, glass specifications, threshold placement and hanging procedures are key to creating that perfect airtight room. Additionally, based on the location of your room within your home, the amount of glass in your wine cellar, and your location in the world, levels of cooling capacity need to be seriously considered. Glass is a naturally poor insulator. Because there has been a very heavy push for "wine cellar art," "wine cellars as art," and wine cellars as a main design component within high end homes, glass wine cellars are often incorporated in high trafficked areas or spaces where each homeowner can show off their prized wines to friends in an almost showcase like display. When you first enter this large custom wine cellar in Orange County, Southern California, standing out first immediately on your left is a unique work station with a scanner, label-maker, and table top - perfect for inventorying the 3,500 bottles that this rustic wine cellar holds. The e-Sommelier system integrated allows this homeowner to catalog each and every wine within his collection, first letting the program know he owns it, how many bottles, which vintages, and with the click of a button - custom wine labels each with a bar code. Accompanied with the bar code scanner, the e-sommelier system has become a great companion for wine cellars and wine collectors alike, allowing a somewhat seamless and straightforward process in inventorying wines. Directly past the wine inventory station is a vertical row of large format bottle coved trays, displaying some of the owner's favorite wines in the most coveted vintages. This large walk in custom wine cellar in all heart redwood wine racking fills most of its capacity utilizing double deep, individual bottle storage. At waist height spanning the entire circumference of the wine room is a high reveal display row, highlighted with LED lighting and more single deep storage behind. The back wall, in addition to the high reveal display row and double deep individual bottle storage, incorporates a rectangular wine work center with glass rack above - perfect for decanting, storing uniquely shaped bottles, and opening your favorite bottles with friends. Directly below this countertop are two drawers. A unique feature throughout this wooden traditional large walk in wine cellar in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California is the incorporation of wine barrel into the room's corner walls, work stations, countertops, and center custom table. This custom wine cellar near Newport Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Coto De Caza, Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach, and other gorgeous beach communities in Orange County, also incorporates wine case storage throughout the bottom, and a small area above the wine inventory system for split bottles. Vintage Cellars, as well as the homeowner, are very happy with the way this beautiful project turned out, and we would love the opportunity to help you with you wine cellar projects! Please contact us today to speak with one of our wine cellar specialists and begin building your wine cellar dreams today!

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

Richard and Monica of Huntley, IL, needed to make better use of their kitchen as well as more storage for pots, pans, and countertop appliances. Their space was laid out unconventionally, making cooking a challenge. A triangular nook held their refrigerator, hard-to-reach cabinets, and a cramped pantry. They needed to find a solution, so they searched Facebook for home remodeling companies in their area. Soon they found Advance Design Studio’s profile and were immediately impressed. “Advance Design was the first and last studio I contacted,” Richard said. Richard called Advance Design and felt an immediate connection with Project Designer Nicole. She was knowledgeable and thorough and offered many unique solutions to their kitchen layout problem. A week later, Nicole came out to their home to meet the couple. They talked about their kitchen remodeling project and told Nicole what they wanted in their dream kitchen. Nicole saw that the kitchen had weird angles that hindered the cabinets you could use. She knew that designing a space that met both the client’s needs and dreams would be challenging. Nicole worked with Richard and Monica to create an innovative design. When the couple came out to Advance Design Studio in Gilberts, they were blown away by the 3D illustrations Nicole showed them. “I incorporated a hidden pantry cabinet to not only be a cool feature but also allowed me to square off the walls to gain more cabinet space,” Nicole said. The hidden pantry added storage and squared off the strange triangular nook, creating a more traditional and functional kitchen layout. With the layout problems solved, they worked together to select materials. Richard and Monica wanted something brighter than their previous dark brown kitchen. They chose a combination of blue and white cabinetry with a white subway tile backsplash and white quartz countertops. The design was finalized, the materials were selected. It was time to begin construction. One fear most homeowners have when beginning a home remodel is dust. Advance Design uses BuildClean HEPA filters to eliminate dust throughout the house while construction is going on. Project Manager Jason and his crew created temporary walls and cleaned up after every day of work. “We were very impressed with how clean and organized the crew kept things while the remodeling process was underway,” Richard said. The result is just what Richard and Monica envisioned when they began the process. Richard’s love for cooking can be explored through all-new Thermador appliances, featuring an easy-to-use induction cooktop, built-in double oven, and spacious refrigerator. Matte black hardware contrasts the bright white backsplash, countertops, and cabinets, while the stunning blue cabinets complement the dark hardwood floor and stainless-steel appliances. The dual pendant light fixtures over the reconfigured island are eye-catching and add necessary lighting. This Huntley kitchen renovation turned out better than Richard and Monica hoped. Their experience with Advance Design’s Common Sense Remodeling process has them thinking about other projects they could do in the future. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

Benefits of Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including: • A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals. • Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view. • Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill. • Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning. • Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home. Wood vs. Faux Wood It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages: • Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood. • Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter. • Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.) Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are: • Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter. • Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look. • Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat. Popular Plantation Shutter Brands When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature. Cost of Plantation Shutters Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty. Cost of Installation Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice. Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost. • 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156 • 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208 • 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351 • 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390 • 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546 • 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715 DIY Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained. • Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250. • Faux wood will be from $120-$500. • Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter. Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!