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.

Photo: Benjamin Hill © 2017 Houzz
Home theater - traditional home theater idea in Houston

Custom sliding barn doors are a signature project at Zoltan Design Co. The distinctive, upscale look is a stylish solution for cramped spaces while doubling as a beautiful piece of wall art. When a client considers space-saving options but also has a desire to create a chic atmosphere, custom sliding barn doors are a ZDC interior design staple for three reasons: 1. ELEGANCE AND TIMELESSNESS Nothing serves as a better focal point than a sliding barn door. Mixing the right door with the right colors throughout the space makes décor express itself in all the right places. Zoltan Design’s custom craftsmanship will give a barn door the character it needs to stand out, which explains why it’s one of the most popular accent pieces in interior design. 2. FUNCTIONALITY THAT IS OUTSIDE OF THE ORDINARY This style choice is an elegant way to save space due to its sliding function. For instance, this feature is creatively used to conceal laundry rooms or to hide electronics during entertaining. A custom sliding barn door is used in a multitude of ways to keep your home functional while embracing glamor and comfort. 3. WE HAVE A PASSION FOR AUTHENTICITY Zoltan Design’s custom sliding barn doors are authentic and American-made. One of our greatest passions is working with wood, which is why we created BARN, our line of custom furniture and barn doors. It is a privilege to carefully select recycled beams, barnwood and building materials from all over the country to craft beautiful pieces for our clients. ZOLTAN DESIGN’S CUSTOM SLIDING BARN DOORS Christopher Ritchie, Creative Director, is one of the area’s most sought-after talents, working with clients from concept to completion. As one of our most in-demand projects, each barn door is unique, refined, and exquisitely curated for your space. Our custom sliding barn doors adorn clients’ walls as pieces of art to elevate elegance in their home. From the historic wood, to the details of the carefully crafted nail heads, Zoltan crafts a piece that reflects refined tastes. As part of ZDC’s trademark style, the barn doors are American-made and homegrown. These storied pieces celebrate old world vintage with wood that originates from 19th-century barns across the country. Once the high-quality wood is salvaged, it is reclaimed into the lavish design that suspends in a home. THE PROCESS Once the space is evaluated, clients receive detailed drawings, and CAD (computer-aided design) drawings, which reveals realistic 3-D layouts of a barn door before the installation process begins. Although each project is highly individualized, a custom sliding barn door will enter its final phase in six to eight weeks As part of this delicate process, Zoltan Design Co.’s team works with our clients throughout design and manufacturing, all the way to installation. With the ability to choose from a variety of hardware and brackets, as well as the option to incorporate glass, we create a personalized piece to enhance your essence. If you’re interested in learning more about custom sliding barn doors or if you would like to request a consultation, please contact us today.

Transform Your Home with Expert Wallpaper Installation by Windy City Painters This dining room in Evanston, Illinois, recently underwent a stunning transformation, thanks to the team at Windy City Painters. As a trusted Chicago painter and wallpaper installer, we specialize in elevating spaces with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. For this project, we installed bold, eclectic wallpaper on both the walls and ceiling—a design style that’s making a huge comeback in modern home décor. The ceiling wallpaper, in particular, is the highlight of this room. This intricate pattern required careful planning and precise installation to achieve a seamless look. Ceiling wallpaper installation is one of the most challenging aspects of our work. Gravity, delicate materials, and complex patterns make it a task that only skilled professionals should tackle. Every seam, alignment, and adhesive application must be perfect, as even minor mistakes can be glaringly obvious on a ceiling. This is why hiring an experienced wallpaper installer is essential, especially when working with expensive, custom, or delicate wallpaper. The process of wallpaper installation begins with careful surface preparation. Walls and ceilings need to be cleaned, repaired, and smoothed to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly. Next comes the meticulous measuring and cutting of wallpaper pieces, taking into account pattern repeats to ensure a flawless design flow. For ceilings, additional steps include precise alignment and support systems to keep the wallpaper in place as the adhesive sets. It’s a time-intensive process, but the results speak for themselves—creating a space that feels polished, cohesive, and unique. Bold, busy patterns, like the one used in this dining room, are becoming increasingly popular. This eclectic style is perfect for homeowners looking to add personality and drama to their spaces. When paired with complementary furniture and décor, it creates a harmonious yet striking aesthetic. In this case, the rich blue tones, paired with natural wood accents and mid-century modern furniture, make the room feel both elegant and inviting. At Windy City Painters, we pride ourselves on being a top Chicago painting contractor and wallpaper expert. Whether you’re looking to enhance your walls or tackle the challenge of ceiling wallpaper, our experienced team has you covered. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to learn more about our wallpaper installation services and start transforming your space!

In less than 90 days after work began, a dated kitchen is brought back to life with current trends and technologies, along with a neutral color palette. Introduced to Progressive Design Build from a trusted referral, Mike and Holly approached their kitchen remodel with some trepidation. They had interviewed several contractors who were unsuccessful at solving key traffic flow issues around an island cabinet they wanted—until they met Progressive. As restaurant owners, the husband and wife team were very familiar with remodeling contractors, having renovated many restaurants in the past. Design/build remodeling, however, was new to them. After learning more about the benefits of working with a design/build firm, Mike and Holly met with Progressive’s certified kitchen and bath designer, Betty Appleby. They understood immediately the value of teaming up with design and construction professionals early in the process. Mike and Holly had done a lot of their own research and were clear about what they wanted. They had visions of an island cabinet being more usable and accessible. Progressive Design Build brought that vision to life. While the project was under construction, the homeowners avoided the noise and dust by taking frequent trips to Europe and New York, trusting the entire remodeling project to Progressive Design Build. When they returned, all aspects of their functional and stylistic design needs were met. Details of the finished project include a faux finish copper range hood, custom cabinetry, new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a new wet bar adjacent to the kitchen, and porcelain tile flooring throughout. The refrigerator was disguised using custom cabinet appliance panels, effectively integrating it with the cabinetry wall for a unified look. This project was completed on time and on budget. As a result, the homeowners hired Progressive Design Build to complete two more home remodeling projects for them.

Transform Your Home with Expert Wallpaper Installation by Windy City Painters This dining room in Evanston, Illinois, recently underwent a stunning transformation, thanks to the team at Windy City Painters. As a trusted Chicago painter and wallpaper installer, we specialize in elevating spaces with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. For this project, we installed bold, eclectic wallpaper on both the walls and ceiling—a design style that’s making a huge comeback in modern home décor. The ceiling wallpaper, in particular, is the highlight of this room. This intricate pattern required careful planning and precise installation to achieve a seamless look. Ceiling wallpaper installation is one of the most challenging aspects of our work. Gravity, delicate materials, and complex patterns make it a task that only skilled professionals should tackle. Every seam, alignment, and adhesive application must be perfect, as even minor mistakes can be glaringly obvious on a ceiling. This is why hiring an experienced wallpaper installer is essential, especially when working with expensive, custom, or delicate wallpaper. The process of wallpaper installation begins with careful surface preparation. Walls and ceilings need to be cleaned, repaired, and smoothed to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly. Next comes the meticulous measuring and cutting of wallpaper pieces, taking into account pattern repeats to ensure a flawless design flow. For ceilings, additional steps include precise alignment and support systems to keep the wallpaper in place as the adhesive sets. It’s a time-intensive process, but the results speak for themselves—creating a space that feels polished, cohesive, and unique. Bold, busy patterns, like the one used in this dining room, are becoming increasingly popular. This eclectic style is perfect for homeowners looking to add personality and drama to their spaces. When paired with complementary furniture and décor, it creates a harmonious yet striking aesthetic. In this case, the rich blue tones, paired with natural wood accents and mid-century modern furniture, make the room feel both elegant and inviting. At Windy City Painters, we pride ourselves on being a top Chicago painting contractor and wallpaper expert. Whether you’re looking to enhance your walls or tackle the challenge of ceiling wallpaper, our experienced team has you covered. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to learn more about our wallpaper installation services and start transforming your space!

Transform Your Home with Expert Wallpaper Installation by Windy City Painters This dining room in Evanston, Illinois, recently underwent a stunning transformation, thanks to the team at Windy City Painters. As a trusted Chicago painter and wallpaper installer, we specialize in elevating spaces with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. For this project, we installed bold, eclectic wallpaper on both the walls and ceiling—a design style that’s making a huge comeback in modern home décor. The ceiling wallpaper, in particular, is the highlight of this room. This intricate pattern required careful planning and precise installation to achieve a seamless look. Ceiling wallpaper installation is one of the most challenging aspects of our work. Gravity, delicate materials, and complex patterns make it a task that only skilled professionals should tackle. Every seam, alignment, and adhesive application must be perfect, as even minor mistakes can be glaringly obvious on a ceiling. This is why hiring an experienced wallpaper installer is essential, especially when working with expensive, custom, or delicate wallpaper. The process of wallpaper installation begins with careful surface preparation. Walls and ceilings need to be cleaned, repaired, and smoothed to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly. Next comes the meticulous measuring and cutting of wallpaper pieces, taking into account pattern repeats to ensure a flawless design flow. For ceilings, additional steps include precise alignment and support systems to keep the wallpaper in place as the adhesive sets. It’s a time-intensive process, but the results speak for themselves—creating a space that feels polished, cohesive, and unique. Bold, busy patterns, like the one used in this dining room, are becoming increasingly popular. This eclectic style is perfect for homeowners looking to add personality and drama to their spaces. When paired with complementary furniture and décor, it creates a harmonious yet striking aesthetic. In this case, the rich blue tones, paired with natural wood accents and mid-century modern furniture, make the room feel both elegant and inviting. At Windy City Painters, we pride ourselves on being a top Chicago painting contractor and wallpaper expert. Whether you’re looking to enhance your walls or tackle the challenge of ceiling wallpaper, our experienced team has you covered. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to learn more about our wallpaper installation services and start transforming your space!

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Photo of a farmhouse landscaping in New York.

We introduce to you one of our newer services we are providing here at Kitchen Design Concepts: spaces that just need a little reviving! As of recent, we are taking on projects that are in need of minimal updating, as in, spaces that don’t need a full-on remodel. Yes, you heard right! If your space has good bones, you like the layout of your kitchen, and you just need a few cosmetic changes, then today’s feature is for you! Recently, we updated a space where we did just this! The kitchen was in need of a little love, some fresh paint, and new finishes. And if we’re being honest here, the result looks almost as if the kitchen had a full-on remodel! To learn more about this space and how we did our magic, continue reading below: The Before and After First, see what an impact new finishes can make! The “before” image shows a kitchen with outdated finishes such as the tile countertops, backsplash, and cabinetry finish. The “after” image, is a kitchen that looks almost as if its brand new, the image speaks for itself! Cabinetry With the wooden cabinetry in this kitchen already having great bones, all we needed to do was our refinishing process that involved removing door and drawer fronts, sanding, priming, and painting. The main color of the cabinetry is white (Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005) and as an accent, we applied a deep navy blue that really pops in this space (Sherwin Willaims Naval 6244). As a special design element, we incorporated a natural wooden band across the hood which is subtle but adds an element of surprise. Countertops The original countertops in this space were a 12×12 tile with cracks and discolored grout from all the wear and tear. To replace the countertops, we installed a clean and crisp quartz that is not only durable but easy to maintain (no grout here!). The 3cm countertops are a Cambria quartz in a grey-tone color (Carrick). Backsplash Keeping things simple, yet classic, we installed a 3×6 subway tile from Interceramic. The crisp white pairs well with all the other finishes of the space and really brighten the space up! To spice things up, we paired the white tile with a contrasting grout color (Cape Grey) that matches the countertop. This is a simple method to add interest to your white backsplash! Fixtures and Fittings For the fixtures and fittings of the kitchen, we wanted pieces that made a statement. That’s why we selected this industrial style faucet from Brizo! The faucet is a Brizo LITZE™ PULL-DOWN FAUCET WITH ARC SPOUT AND INDUSTRIAL HANDLE (63044LF-BLGL). The matte black paired with the luxe gold elements really make a statement! To match the gold elements of the faucet, we installed cabinetry hardware from Topknobs in the same gold finish. The hardware is a Channing pull TK743HB. Lastly, the large single bowl sink (who doesn’t want a large sink?!) is a great functional touch to the kitchen. The sink is a Blanco Precision 16″ R10 super single with 16″ Drainer in stainless steel (516216).

We love moody tones for how bold they are. Dark paint can make a big impact in large and even small spaces. This style allows us to play with color, balance lights and darks, and it’s a break from all of the white that we’ve been seeing for some time now. #officedesign #officeinspiration #homeofficeinspiration #moodyoffice #moodyinteriors #moodydesign

The vintage microphone print was enlarged and mounted on a custom made frame.
Inspiration for an industrial bedroom remodel in Dallas

In less than 90 days after work began, a dated kitchen is brought back to life with current trends and technologies, along with a neutral color palette. Introduced to Progressive Design Build from a trusted referral, Mike and Holly approached their kitchen remodel with some trepidation. They had interviewed several contractors who were unsuccessful at solving key traffic flow issues around an island cabinet they wanted—until they met Progressive. As restaurant owners, the husband and wife team were very familiar with remodeling contractors, having renovated many restaurants in the past. Design/build remodeling, however, was new to them. After learning more about the benefits of working with a design/build firm, Mike and Holly met with Progressive’s certified kitchen and bath designer, Betty Appleby. They understood immediately the value of teaming up with design and construction professionals early in the process. Mike and Holly had done a lot of their own research and were clear about what they wanted. They had visions of an island cabinet being more usable and accessible. Progressive Design Build brought that vision to life. While the project was under construction, the homeowners avoided the noise and dust by taking frequent trips to Europe and New York, trusting the entire remodeling project to Progressive Design Build. When they returned, all aspects of their functional and stylistic design needs were met. Details of the finished project include a faux finish copper range hood, custom cabinetry, new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a new wet bar adjacent to the kitchen, and porcelain tile flooring throughout. The refrigerator was disguised using custom cabinet appliance panels, effectively integrating it with the cabinetry wall for a unified look. This project was completed on time and on budget. As a result, the homeowners hired Progressive Design Build to complete two more home remodeling projects for them.

To complete the modern transitional look of the living room, Pitt faced the challenge of incorporating radiator built-ins and a wall bump out into the design. He achieved this by adding an electric fireplace, a TV mounted on the wall, and custom niche storage with recessed lighting. The build-out has side base cabinets, thick shelving and in-shelf recessed lights.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

In less than 90 days after work began, a dated kitchen is brought back to life with current trends and technologies, along with a neutral color palette. Introduced to Progressive Design Build from a trusted referral, Mike and Holly approached their kitchen remodel with some trepidation. They had interviewed several contractors who were unsuccessful at solving key traffic flow issues around an island cabinet they wanted—until they met Progressive. As restaurant owners, the husband and wife team were very familiar with remodeling contractors, having renovated many restaurants in the past. Design/build remodeling, however, was new to them. After learning more about the benefits of working with a design/build firm, Mike and Holly met with Progressive’s certified kitchen and bath designer, Betty Appleby. They understood immediately the value of teaming up with design and construction professionals early in the process. Mike and Holly had done a lot of their own research and were clear about what they wanted. They had visions of an island cabinet being more usable and accessible. Progressive Design Build brought that vision to life. While the project was under construction, the homeowners avoided the noise and dust by taking frequent trips to Europe and New York, trusting the entire remodeling project to Progressive Design Build. When they returned, all aspects of their functional and stylistic design needs were met. Details of the finished project include a faux finish copper range hood, custom cabinetry, new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a new wet bar adjacent to the kitchen, and porcelain tile flooring throughout. The refrigerator was disguised using custom cabinet appliance panels, effectively integrating it with the cabinetry wall for a unified look. This project was completed on time and on budget. As a result, the homeowners hired Progressive Design Build to complete two more home remodeling projects for them.

Butterfly Green granite is shown in this project! Search "Butterfly Greenl" granite, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

www.jfaynovakphotography.com
This is an example of a large modern partial sun side yard concrete paver formal garden in Boston for fall.