These clients were not only looking to update their backyard deck, but they also wanted to choose a decking material that required less upkeep than wood. They chose beautiful and resilient Armadillo Lifestyle composite decking from our expansive materials menu for their project in the ever-popular Campfire color. This decking is durable and a great value with decking boards wrapped on all sides and a protective shell that guards against fading, weathering, stains, mold, and mildew.

Turn an unused backyard into a stunning entertainment space designed for connection, relaxation, and unforgettable gatherings. This Lafayette project transformed a non-functional outdoor area into a beautifully designed, low-maintenance backyard retreat. The space now features custom paver hardscaping, artificial grass for year-round greenery, and carefully selected low-maintenance plants that bring life without the upkeep. To elevate both ambiance and usability, we installed low-voltage landscape lighting, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that extends the enjoyment well into the evening. At the heart of the yard, a custom fireplace anchors the space — perfect for gathering with friends, sharing a drink, and enjoying cool nights outdoors. The layout was thoughtfully designed to create a natural flow between lounging, entertaining, and open space, making the backyard feel larger, more functional, and effortlessly welcoming. What was once an overlooked yard is now the centerpiece of the home — a place where friends come together, conversations flow, and every visit feels like an experience.

This outdoor living remodel was designed for homeowners who wanted more than a deck — they were looking for a true extension of their living space that would allow for quiet mornings, casual gatherings, and time spent outdoors without leaving the comfort of home. The design includes three distinct zones: a screened-in porch, an open-air deck with a dining area, and a lower-level lounge with a fire feature. Together, these spaces support everyday flexibility and seasonal use, whether entertaining a group or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors. Low-maintenance composite decking, clean-lined railings, and screened panel systems were chosen to reduce upkeep while preserving natural views. Inside the porch, layered lighting, soft seating, and a ceiling fan provide year-round comfort and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. This project reflects a simple but important goal: to create a connected, usable outdoor space that supports the way the homeowners live, relax, and gather.

An outdoor living space designed and built by XMT Construction Ltd. this large space makes great use of the yard to have a low maintenance area to relax and entertain. This deck features Trex Transcend composite decking with LED deck lighting, topless glass railings, a paving stone patio that is sealed for years of low maintenance enjoyment. The garden spaces require low upkeep and the fire table is fueled with natural gas that was plumbed during the beginning stages of the project.

This shot shows a clean concrete curb edge that keeps the lawn tight and the mulch bed neat. We ran string-style bulb lights right along the bed line for easy night glow. Up ahead, a big gray planter sits on a brick pedestal and adds color near the entry. Simple, sharp, and low upkeep. Call Clark Outdoor Designs today at 469-430-2449 or view the full gallery.

This project focused on creating a clean, ultra low maintenance outdoor environment that seamlessly builds upon the home’s recent remodel. The rear yard was thoughtfully expanded by incorporating a previously unused and vacated easement area, allowing us to extend the usable space by nearly ten feet and significantly improve overall flow and functionality. The design emphasizes simple lines, durable materials, and low water plantings for long term ease of care. In the front yard, we refreshed the landscape with new planting and replaced inconsistent lawn areas with a stable rock ground cover, creating a more polished look with greater durability and reduced upkeep.

This outdoor living remodel was designed for homeowners who wanted more than a deck — they were looking for a true extension of their living space that would allow for quiet mornings, casual gatherings, and time spent outdoors without leaving the comfort of home. The design includes three distinct zones: a screened-in porch, an open-air deck with a dining area, and a lower-level lounge with a fire feature. Together, these spaces support everyday flexibility and seasonal use, whether entertaining a group or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors. Low-maintenance composite decking, clean-lined railings, and screened panel systems were chosen to reduce upkeep while preserving natural views. Inside the porch, layered lighting, soft seating, and a ceiling fan provide year-round comfort and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. This project reflects a simple but important goal: to create a connected, usable outdoor space that supports the way the homeowners live, relax, and gather.

This homeowner in Coatesville recognized the potential of damage to their stucco siding from time and temperature changes and wanted something that not only provided longevity and low upkeep but would complement the additional details that Milanese did outside their home. The results are in – and they are beautiful!

This project focused on creating a clean, ultra low maintenance outdoor environment that seamlessly builds upon the home’s recent remodel. The rear yard was thoughtfully expanded by incorporating a previously unused and vacated easement area, allowing us to extend the usable space by nearly ten feet and significantly improve overall flow and functionality. The design emphasizes simple lines, durable materials, and low water plantings for long term ease of care. In the front yard, we refreshed the landscape with new planting and replaced inconsistent lawn areas with a stable rock ground cover, creating a more polished look with greater durability and reduced upkeep.

This project focused on creating a clean, ultra low maintenance outdoor environment that seamlessly builds upon the home’s recent remodel. The rear yard was thoughtfully expanded by incorporating a previously unused and vacated easement area, allowing us to extend the usable space by nearly ten feet and significantly improve overall flow and functionality. The design emphasizes simple lines, durable materials, and low water plantings for long term ease of care. In the front yard, we refreshed the landscape with new planting and replaced inconsistent lawn areas with a stable rock ground cover, creating a more polished look with greater durability and reduced upkeep.

6' Ornamental Aluminum Fence – Elite Fence Products EFF-20 (Black)The Elite Fence Products EFF-20 is a popular residential-grade ornamental aluminum fence featuring a clean, modern flat-top design. At 6 feet tall and finished in classic black powder coating, it delivers the elegant look of traditional wrought iron without the maintenance.Key Features:Style: Flat-top three-rail design with a smooth, beveled top rail for a sleek, contemporary appearance Height: 6 feet Color: Black (durable powder-coated finish) Construction: High-quality aluminum extrusions – Rails: 1-1/8" × 1" – Pickets: 5/8" × 5/8" – Standard picket spacing: approximately 3-13/16" (tighter 1-5/8" spacing also available) Pre-assembled panels for faster, cleaner installation Corrosion-resistant and will not rust, rot, or require painting or staining Strong yet lightweight Excellent for residential boundaries, pool areas (with proper spacing options), and properties seeking curb appeal with low upkeep The EFF-20 offers long-lasting durability, a refined look, and virtually maintenance-free performance, making it an outstanding choice for homeowners who want both style and reliability.

Turn an unused backyard into a stunning entertainment space designed for connection, relaxation, and unforgettable gatherings. This Lafayette project transformed a non-functional outdoor area into a beautifully designed, low-maintenance backyard retreat. The space now features custom paver hardscaping, artificial grass for year-round greenery, and carefully selected low-maintenance plants that bring life without the upkeep. To elevate both ambiance and usability, we installed low-voltage landscape lighting, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that extends the enjoyment well into the evening. At the heart of the yard, a custom fireplace anchors the space — perfect for gathering with friends, sharing a drink, and enjoying cool nights outdoors. The layout was thoughtfully designed to create a natural flow between lounging, entertaining, and open space, making the backyard feel larger, more functional, and effortlessly welcoming. What was once an overlooked yard is now the centerpiece of the home — a place where friends come together, conversations flow, and every visit feels like an experience.

A classic Cheeseman Park home meets contemporary outdoor living in this inviting entertainment space. A circular brick firepit anchors the design as a natural gathering space, while the dining area can flex for anything from quiet meals to lively get-togethers. Low-maintenance planting beds add curated color without demanding upkeep, and strategic low-voltage lighting highlights trellises and mature trees. A concrete stepper pathway is clean and purposeful, giving the homeowners an intentional yet graceful exit through a garden arbor.

Transforming the blank canvas of a basic builder’s backyard into a captivating retreat, we turned a grass-dominated space into an effortlessly elegant low-maintenance haven with a distinct Asian flair. At the heart of this metamorphosis is the expanded patio and walkway, featuring offset architectural pavers that not only captivate the eye but also contribute to a dynamic sense of flow throughout the elongated backyard. A key focal point is the thoughtfully designed rain garden, adorned with strategically placed boulders that manages stormwater runoff in an aesthetically pleasing way. The carefully curated plant palette plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired aesthetic. The deliberate choice of low grasses and foliage-forward perennials, coupled with the inclusion of small evergreen plants and vibrant Japanese maples, creates a harmonious blend of colors, shapes, and sizes. This contrasting arrangement not only ensures visual interest year-round but also infuses the space with a timeless allure inspired by Asian design principles. The result is a backyard oasis that transcends the ordinary, offering a serene escape with minimal upkeep requirements. The strategic combination of hardscape elements, lush greenery, and carefully selected plants transforms this space into a sanctuary where the beauty of nature meets the sophistication of thoughtful design.

Ask a kitchen designer in Chicago which countertop question comes up most and you will hear the same answer: white or off-white quartz, and which shade. Homeowners walk into showrooms with a photo saved on their phone, usually a bright, veined slab from a magazine spread, and leave an hour later realizing there are a dozen versions of that same look. The confusion is not about taste. It is about the fact that "white quartz" covers a huge range of patterns, undertones, and price points, and nobody explains the differences before the sale. Older bungalows and newer builds alike are getting stripped of their dated laminate and butcher block in favor of quartz, and the reasons are practical rather than trendy. Quartz does not need sealing, resists the kind of staining that granite can suffer over decades, and holds up to the freeze-thaw humidity swings that Chicago basements and kitchens go through every year. Once a homeowner commits to quartz, though, the real decision starts: which white, and does the pattern justify the difference in cost. This piece walks through three specific slabs that keep showing up in Chicago renovation projects, why designers reach for them in different rooms, and what actually separates a flat white surface from one with real depth. None of this requires a design background to follow. It is mostly about paying attention to how a slab behaves under kitchen lighting, how busy the vending gets, and how it photographs versus how it looks in person. Why White Quartz Took Over Chicago Kitchens Ten years ago, granite dominated Chicago kitchen remodels almost by default. It was durable, it looked expensive, and every fabricator in the metro area carried a wide range of colors. Quartz has since taken over that position, and the shift happened faster than most contractors expected. Engineered stone gave homeowners a more predictable surface, since natural granite varies slab to slab while quartz is manufactured to a consistent pattern batch after batch. The other driver is light. Chicago winters are long and gray, and a lot of kitchens, especially in older two-flats and courtyard buildings, do not get much direct sun. A dark granite countertop in a dim kitchen can make the whole room feel smaller. White and light-toned quartz reflects what little natural light comes through the windows, and it makes a galley kitchen or a north-facing space feel noticeably brighter without touching the cabinetry or the layout. There is also a resale argument that local real estate agents bring up constantly. White quartz photographs well for listings, reads as updated and low-maintenance to buyers touring in person, and does not compete visually with whatever cabinet color the next owner might prefer. It is a safer bet than a bold veined marble look or a colored quartz that might feel dated in five years. Arctic White and the Cost Question Among the flatter, more uniform whites, arctic white quartz price comes up constantly in budget conversations because the slab sits at a more approachable point than the heavily veined Italian-marble-inspired patterns. It reads as clean and bright without the busy movement that some homeowners find overwhelming in a small kitchen. Fabricators in the Chicago area tend to keep it in stock precisely because demand stays steady across both new construction and remodel projects. Part of what keeps this slab affordable relative to its heavily patterned cousins comes down to manufacturing complexity. A quartz surface with minimal veining and a consistent white base is simpler to produce at scale than one that mimics the irregular, high-contrast movement of natural Calacatta marble. That production difference shows up directly in what a homeowner pays per square foot, and it is worth asking a fabricator to walk through that pricing before assuming every white quartz costs the same. Homeowners planning a full kitchen, including an island, backsplash, and perimeter counters, often use a flatter white like this specifically because it lets other elements carry the visual interest. A patterned tile backsplash or a bold cabinet color reads more clearly against a calm countertop than against one already fighting for attention with heavy veining. Designers frequently pair simpler whites with statement lighting fixtures for exactly this reason. What Makes Calacatta Patterns Different Calacatta refers to a family of marble originally quarried in Italy, known for a bright white background broken up by bold, often gold-toned veining that moves in thick, dramatic streaks rather than thin gray lines. Natural Calacatta marble is soft, porous, and expensive to maintain, which is exactly why quartz manufacturers spent years developing engineered versions that replicate the look without the upkeep headaches. The challenge with any Calacatta-style quartz is getting the veining to look organic instead of printed. Early generations of engineered stone struggled with repetitive patterns that gave away the fact the slab was manufactured rather than cut from actual marble. Modern digital printing and layering techniques have closed that gap considerably, and the better Calacatta-inspired quartz lines now vary the veining across each slab batch so two counters in the same kitchen do not look identical. Chicago designers gravitate toward Calacatta patterns for kitchens that function as the visual centerpiece of an open floor plan, which describes a large share of the gut renovations happening in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, and the North Shore suburbs. When the kitchen island is visible from the living room and dining area, a dramatic veined surface becomes part of the home's overall design language rather than a purely functional work surface. Calacatta Arno Under Kitchen Lighting One of the more popular options in this category, calacatta arno quartz, balances a warm white base with soft gray and gold veining that avoids looking too stark under the cooler LED lighting common in newer Chicago builds. Homeowners touring showrooms sometimes make the mistake of judging a slab entirely under warm incandescent lighting, then get surprised when the same surface looks slightly different once installed under their kitchen's actual fixtures. What separates this particular pattern from flatter competitors is how the veining clusters rather than spreading evenly across the slab. That clustering mimics the way real quarried marble forms, with denser mineral deposits in some sections and cleaner stretches in others. Fabricators cutting a large island slab from a single piece will often orient the pattern intentionally so the busiest veining lands somewhere visually interesting rather than getting cut off at an edge. Because the background reads warmer than a stark white, this pattern tends to pair well with brass or matte gold hardware, a combination that has been showing up repeatedly in Chicago kitchen remodels over the past few renovation seasons. Cabinet painters report a similar trend, with more clients requesting warm white or greige cabinet colors specifically because they complement this kind of veined quartz better than a cooler, blue-toned white would. Silestone's Version of the Calacatta Look Manufacturers compete directly in this Calacatta-inspired category, and silestone eternal calacatta gold represents one brand's specific take on the pattern, distinguished by richer gold veining set against a brighter white base than some competing slabs in the same family. Silestone has built a reputation around anti-bacterial surface treatments in addition to the standard quartz durability, a detail some homeowners specifically ask about for kitchens used heavily by families with young children. The veining in this particular slab tends to run in longer, more continuous lines compared to the clustered pattern found in some other Calacatta-style options, which gives large island surfaces a sense of visual flow from one end to the other. Fabricators working with bigger islands, the kind increasingly common in open-concept Chicago remodels, often favor patterns like this because there is less need to worry about seams interrupting a busy, disconnected pattern. Price positioning for this slab tends to sit toward the upper end of the engineered quartz category, reflecting both the brand's manufacturing process and the complexity of replicating that continuous gold veining consistently across production batches. Homeowners weighing this option against other Calacatta-style quartz should ask their fabricator directly about batch availability, since premium patterns sometimes have longer lead times than standard stock colors. Living With Quartz Day to Day Beyond how a slab looks in a showroom or a listing photo, the daily experience of owning quartz countertops matters more once the renovation dust settles. Quartz resists scratching far better than laminate and holds up to the acidic spills, hot pans, and general abuse of an active kitchen without the sealing maintenance that natural stone requires every year or two. That low-maintenance reputation is a large part of why quartz overtook granite in the first place. Heat resistance is a detail that gets less attention than it should. While quartz handles moderate heat well, manufacturers generally recommend using a trivet or pad for very hot pots straight off the stove, since sudden temperature shock can occasionally cause stress marks in the resin binder that holds the engineered stone together. This is a minor precaution rather than a major limitation, but it is worth mentioning to anyone assuming quartz is entirely indestructible. Cleaning routines stay simple across almost every pattern in this category. A damp cloth and mild soap handle daily messes, and the nonporous surface means wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces do not soak in the way they can with unsealed granite or marble. Homeowners moving from an older stone counter often mention how much less they worry about everyday spills once quartz is installed, which is a quality-of-life change that rarely makes it into the initial design conversation. Choosing Between the Three There is no single correct answer among these three slabs, and that is exactly why they keep coming up together in the same design conversations across Chicago renovation projects. A flatter white with minimal veining suits kitchens where other elements need to carry the visual interest, while a bolder Calacatta-inspired pattern makes sense when the countertop itself is meant to be the centerpiece of an open floor plan. Budget matters too, and it is worth having a direct conversation with a fabricator about where each option lands before falling in love with a specific slab in a showroom. Lighting, cabinet color, and how the kitchen connects to the rest of the home all play into which pattern will actually look right once installation is finished rather than just in a photo. Whatever direction a homeowner leans, seeing a full slab in person under actual kitchen lighting remains the single most useful step before signing off. Photos only go so far once the countertop is sitting in the room it will live in for years.

6' Ornamental Aluminum Fence – Elite Fence Products EFF-20 (Black)The Elite Fence Products EFF-20 is a popular residential-grade ornamental aluminum fence featuring a clean, modern flat-top design. At 6 feet tall and finished in classic black powder coating, it delivers the elegant look of traditional wrought iron without the maintenance.Key Features:Style: Flat-top three-rail design with a smooth, beveled top rail for a sleek, contemporary appearance Height: 6 feet Color: Black (durable powder-coated finish) Construction: High-quality aluminum extrusions – Rails: 1-1/8" × 1" – Pickets: 5/8" × 5/8" – Standard picket spacing: approximately 3-13/16" (tighter 1-5/8" spacing also available) Pre-assembled panels for faster, cleaner installation Corrosion-resistant and will not rust, rot, or require painting or staining Strong yet lightweight Excellent for residential boundaries, pool areas (with proper spacing options), and properties seeking curb appeal with low upkeep The EFF-20 offers long-lasting durability, a refined look, and virtually maintenance-free performance, making it an outstanding choice for homeowners who want both style and reliability.

Beautiful fir shaker doors complement clients' craftsman style furniture. Vinyl plank flooring is perfect for the cabin's easy usage and low maintenance upkeep. Stained fiberglass French doors open up onto large deck for morning coffees. Photo by: Brice Ferre

This completed outdoor project at 321 Plati Ave, Peterborough, showcases a sleek and modern composite fence installation designed to elevate both privacy and curb appeal. Built around the homeowner’s backyard pool area, the fence creates a clean, contemporary backdrop while enhancing the overall outdoor living experience. The design features premium woodgrain composite fence boards in a rich natural brown tone, paired with durable black aluminum posts and framing for a striking modern contrast. Integrated architectural lighting was strategically installed throughout the fence line, adding warmth, ambiance, and improved visibility during evening use. The soft lighting beautifully highlights the texture of the composite panels while creating a luxurious resort-inspired atmosphere around the pool. Constructed with low-maintenance composite materials, this fence was designed to withstand Ontario’s changing weather conditions without the need for staining, painting, or frequent upkeep. The durable materials resist warping, rotting, fading, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment for the property. In addition to providing enhanced backyard privacy and security, the completed project adds a refined architectural element to the outdoor space. The combination of modern materials, clean lines, and functional lighting creates a sophisticated and welcoming environment perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the backyard day or night.

This completed outdoor project at 321 Plati Ave, Peterborough, showcases a sleek and modern composite fence installation designed to elevate both privacy and curb appeal. Built around the homeowner’s backyard pool area, the fence creates a clean, contemporary backdrop while enhancing the overall outdoor living experience. The design features premium woodgrain composite fence boards in a rich natural brown tone, paired with durable black aluminum posts and framing for a striking modern contrast. Integrated architectural lighting was strategically installed throughout the fence line, adding warmth, ambiance, and improved visibility during evening use. The soft lighting beautifully highlights the texture of the composite panels while creating a luxurious resort-inspired atmosphere around the pool. Constructed with low-maintenance composite materials, this fence was designed to withstand Ontario’s changing weather conditions without the need for staining, painting, or frequent upkeep. The durable materials resist warping, rotting, fading, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment for the property. In addition to providing enhanced backyard privacy and security, the completed project adds a refined architectural element to the outdoor space. The combination of modern materials, clean lines, and functional lighting creates a sophisticated and welcoming environment perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the backyard day or night.