Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

What does it say about a home that takes your breath away? From the moment you walk through the front door, the beauty of the Big Wood embraces you. The soothing light begs a contemplative moment and the tall ceilings and grand scale make this a striking alpine getaway. The floor plan is perfect for the modern family with separated living spaces and yet is cozy enough to find the perfect spot to gather. A large family room invites late night movies, conversation or napping. The spectacular living room welcomes guests in to the hearth of the home with a quiet sitting area to contemplate the river. This is simply one of the most handsome homes you will find. The fishing is right outside your back door on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Big Wood. The bike path to town is a stone’s throw from your front door and has you in downtown Ketchum in no time. Very few properties have the allure of the river, the proximity to town and the privacy in a home of this caliber.

Great room - tropical great room idea in Miami with white walls

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Curtis and Peggy had been thinking of a kitchen remodel for quite some time, but they knew their house would have a unique set of challenges. Their older Victorian house was built in 1891. The kitchen cabinetry was original, and they wanted to keep the authenticity of their period home while adding modern comforts that would improve their quality of life. A friend recommended Advance Design Studio for their exceptional experience and quality of work. After meeting with designer Michelle Lecinski at Advance Design, they were confident they could partner with Advance to accomplish the unique kitchen renovation they’d been talking about for years. “We wanted to do the kitchen for a long, long time,” Curtis said. “(We asked ourselves) what are we actually going to do? How are we going to do this? And who are we going to find to do exactly what we want?” The goal for the project was to keep the home renovation and new kitchen feeling authentic to the time in which it was built. They desperately wanted the modern comforts that come with a larger refrigerator and the dishwasher that they never had! The old home was also a bit drafty so adding a fireplace, wall insulation and new windows became a priority. They very much wanted to create a comfortable hearth room adjacent to the kitchen, complete with old world brick. The original cabinetry had to go to make way for beautiful new kitchen cabinetry that appears as if it was a hundred years old, but with all the benefits of cutting-edge storage, self-closing drawers, and a brand-new look. “We just wanted to keep it old looking, but with some modern updates,” Peggy said. Dura Supreme Highland Cabinets with a Heritage Old World Painted Finish replaced the original 1891 cabinets. The hand-applied careful rubbed-off detailing makes these exquisite cabinets look as if they came from a far-gone era. Despite the small size of the kitchen, Peggy, Curtis and Michelle utilized every inch with custom cabinet sizes to increase storage capacity. The custom cabinets allowed for the addition of a 24” Fisher Paykel dishwasher with a concealing Dura Supreme door panel. Michelle was also able to work into the new design a larger 30” Fisher Paykel French refrigerator. “We made every ¼ inch count in this small space,” designer Michelle said. “Having the ability to custom size the cabinetry was the only way to achieve this.” “The kitchen essentially was designed around the Heartland Vintage range and oven,” says Michelle. A classic appliance that combines nostalgic beauty and craftsmanship for modern cooking, with nickel plated trim and elegantly shaped handles and legs; the not to miss range is a striking focal point of the entire room and an engaging conversation piece. Granite countertops in Kodiak Satin with subtle veining kept with the old-world style. The delicate porcelain La Vie Crackle Sonoma tile kitchen backsplash compliments the home’s style perfectly. A handcrafted passthrough designed to show off Peggy’s fine china was custom built by project carpenters Justin Davis and Jeff Dallain to physically and visually open the space. Additional storage was created in the custom panty room with Latte Edinburg cabinets, hand-made weathered wood shelving with authentic black iron brackets, and an intricate tin copper ceiling. Peggy and Curtis loved the idea of adding a Vermont stove to make the hearth-room not only functional, but a truly beckoning place to be. A stunning Bordeaux red Vermont Castings Stove with crisp black ventilation was chosen and combined with the authentic reclaimed Chicago brick wall. Advance’s talented carpenters custom-built elegant weathered shelves to house family memorabilia, installed carefully chosen barn sconces, and made the hearth room an inviting place to relax with a cup of coffee and a good book. “Peggy and Curtis’ project was so much fun to work on. Creating a space that looks and feels like it always belonged in this beautiful old Victorian home is a designer’s dream. To see the delight in their faces when they saw the design details coming together truly made it worth the time and effort that went into making the very compact kitchen space work”, said Michelle. “The result is an amazing custom kitchen, packed with functionality in every inch, nook and cranny!” exclaims Michelle. The renovation didn’t end with the kitchen. New Pella windows were added to help lessen the drafts. The removal of the original windows and trim necessitated the re-creation of hand-made corbels and trim details no longer available today. The talented carpenter team came to the rescue, crafting new pieces and masterfully finishing them as if they were always there. New custom gutters were formed and installed with a front entry rework necessary to accommodate the changes. The whole house functions better, but it still feels like the original 1891 home. “From start to finish it’s just a much better space than we used to have,” Peggy said. “Jeff and Justin were amazing.” Curtis added; “We were lucky to find Advance Design, because they really came through for us. I loved that they had everything in house, anything you needed to have done, they could do it”.

These clients, an entrepreneur and a physician with three kids, chose their Tudor home for the neighborhood, though it didn’t match their modern-transitional taste. They asked us to help them transform their into a place to play and entertain with clean lines and lively color, namely her favorites: bold purple and refreshing apple green. Their previous layout had a stifled flow with a large sectional sofa that dominated the room, and an awkward assortment of furniture that they wanted to discard with the exception of a vintage stone dining table from her mother. The living room served as a pass through to both the family and dining rooms. The client wanted the living room to be less like a glorified hallway and become a destination. Our solution was to unify the design of this living space with the related rooms by using repetition of color and by creating usable areas for family game night, entertaining and small get togethers. The generous proportions of the room enabled us to create three functional spaces: a game table with seating for four and adjacent pull up seating for family play; a seating area at the fireplace that accommodates a large group or small conversation; and seating at the front window that provides a view of the street (not seen in the photograph). The space went from awkward to one that is used daily for family activities and socializing. As they were not interested in touching the existing architecture, transformations were made using new light fixtures, paint, distinctive furniture and art. The client had a strict budget but desired the highly styled look of couture design pieces with curves and movement. We accomplished this look by pairing a few distinctive couture items with inspired pieces that are budget balancers. We combined the couture game table with more affordable chairs inspired by a classic klismos style, as one might pair Louboutins with stylish jeans. Right- and left-arm chairs with an interesting castle-like fret base detail flank windows. To help the clients better understand the use of the color scheme, we keyed the floor plan to show how the greens and purples traveled in a balanced manner around the room and throughout the adjacent dining and family rooms. We paired apple green accents with layered hues of lavender, orchid and aubergine. Neutral taupe and ivory tones ground the bold colors. The custom rug in ivory, aubergine, pale taupe, grey-lavender was inspired by a picture the client found, but we dramatically increased the scale of the pattern in proportion to our room size. This curvy movement is echoed in the sophisticated shapes of the furniture throughout the redesigned room—from the curved sofas to the circular cutouts in the cube end table. At the windows the solid sateen panels with contrasting aubergine banding have the hand of silk, and are also cost conscious, creating room in the budget for the stunning custom pillows in Italian embroidered silk. The distinctive color and shapes throughout provide the whimsy the clients' desired with the function they needed, creating an inviting living room that is now a daily destination. Designed by KBK Interior Design www.KBKInteriorDesign.com Photo by Wing Wong

Western Pavers, Inc. has been in business for over twenty years. Western Pavers is the Pioneer of all local paver companies in Southern California. Western Pavers has been transforming customers' visions into a reality for decades. We pride ourselves in providing our customers with 100% satisfaction and creating beautiful outdoor living spaces. Western Pavers can provide beautiful designs and take you from conceptual to the completion of your outdoor living project. We are Western Outdoor Designs’ paver specialist department.

Ever notice how your iron fence looks worse every spring after Chicago winters? That steady seasonal decline is not inevitable - it is a preparation and coating problem that Windy City Painters solves with systematic metal restoration. PROJECT OVERVIEW Iron fence painting in Chicago requires more than a fresh coat of paint. Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles, road salt exposure, and high seasonal humidity create conditions that destroy inadequately prepared metal coatings within a year or two. Windy City Painters approaches every iron fence project as a corrosion control job first and a painting job second. The result is a finish that holds up through multiple Chicago winters without peeling, bubbling, or allowing rust to spread beneath the surface. MAterials AND PRODUCTS Windy City Painters selects products specifically rated for ferrous metal in high-corrosion environments. For rust conversion, we use Ospho phosphoric acid treatment or Corroseal water-based rust converter, both of which chemically transform active rust into a stable iron phosphate compound. For priming and finish coats, Rust-Oleum DTM and Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive direct-to-metal coatings provide excellent adhesion, flexibility, and moisture resistance. These products are formulated to expand and contract with metal through temperature swings without cracking. THE PROCESS Step 1 - Mechanical Surface Preparation: Wire wheel grinding and needle gun descaling remove all loose rust, failing paint, and mill scale. This step is non-negotiable. No rust-inhibitive coating performs correctly over contaminated or loosely adhered substrate. Windy City Painters treats this phase as the foundation of the entire project. Step 2 - Rust Conversion Treatment: Ospho or Corroseal is applied to any remaining rust after mechanical prep. These products do not simply cover rust - they react with iron oxide to create iron phosphate, a chemically stable surface that accepts primer without ongoing corrosion underneath. Contact time and full surface saturation are critical. Step 3 - Rust-Inhibitive Priming: Rust-Oleum DTM or Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive primer is applied by brush to ensure full penetration into ornamental details, crevices, and rail joints where moisture collects. Spray application alone misses critical contact points on older Chicago ironwork. Step 4 - Finish Coat Application: Two finish coats of Rust-Oleum DTM or Sherwin-Williams DTM topcoat deliver color saturation, UV stability, and a hard film that resists chipping from foot traffic, landscaping equipment, and seasonal debris impact common to Chicago urban properties. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Chicago iron fences face a combination of stressors that accelerates failure compared to milder climates. Road salt spray migrates well beyond the street surface and deposits chlorides on fence metal throughout winter. Freeze-thaw cycles - sometimes occurring multiple times in a single week - expand and contract metal enough to crack coatings that lack flexibility. Older ornamental iron on greystones, Victorian brownstones, two-flats, and courtyard buildings often has decades of paint buildup that must be addressed before any restoration coating will perform correctly. WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM A properly prepared and coated iron fence painted by Windy City Painters typically performs five to seven years before requiring recoating in Chicago conditions. Annual spring inspection for salt residue, minor touch-up of any chips within the first season, and a light rinse to remove winter road chemicals all extend coating life. Structural rust that has compromised rail integrity should be addressed by a welder before painting - Windy City Painters identifies these conditions during initial assessment. PRO TIPS Tip 1: Never paint over rust without a conversion treatment first. Paint applied over active rust creates a sealed environment where corrosion accelerates invisibly until the coating fails completely. Tip 2: Budget for welded repairs on iron fences older than twenty-five years. Ornamental iron on Chicago historic properties often has pitting or section loss that painting alone cannot address structurally. Tip 3: Time your iron fence painting project for late spring or early fall when temperatures stay consistently above fifty degrees overnight. DTM coatings need adequate cure time before the first freeze to achieve full hardness. Call Windy City Painters to schedule your iron fence assessment at windypainters.com. FAQ Q: What is the cost of iron fence painting in Chicago? A: Iron fence painting cost in Chicago varies by linear footage, rust severity, and ornamental complexity. Windy City Painters provides free on-site estimates so you receive an accurate number before any commitment is made. Q: Do you need to remove all old paint before repainting an iron fence? A: Not always. Windy City Painters assesses existing coating adhesion. Sound paint in good condition can remain. Peeling, bubbling, or paint over active rust must be removed for the new coating to perform correctly. Q: Can structural rust on an iron fence be repaired without replacing the fence? A: Depends on severity. Surface and moderate rust responds well to conversion treatment and DTM coatings. If rust has caused section loss or structural weakness, Windy City Painters recommends a welder address those areas before painting. Q: How long does iron fence painting take? A: Most residential iron fence projects take one to three days including prep, rust conversion, priming, and two finish coats. Windy City Painters sequences cure time between coats to ensure full adhesion at every stage. Q: What is the best paint for iron fences in Chicago? A: Rust-Oleum DTM and Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive coatings are among the best options for Chicago iron fences due to their flexibility, moisture resistance, and ability to handle freeze-thaw temperature swings without cracking. Q: Is it worth painting an old iron fence or should I replace it? A: Painting is almost always more cost-effective than replacement for structurally sound iron. Windy City Painters assesses every fence honestly and only recommends replacement when restoration would not deliver a durable result. Q: How do I find a reliable iron fence painting contractor near me in Chicago? A: Look for contractors who specify rust conversion products by name, explain their mechanical prep process, and provide references from similar Chicago properties. Windy City Painters documents every step and warranties our work.

Not long after purchasing their home, these homeowners knew the kitchen needed a fresh start. While the house had plenty of potential, the existing layout felt disconnected from the way they wanted to live and entertain. A U-shaped kitchen sat largely separated from the formal living and dining rooms, limiting interaction between spaces and making gatherings feel divided. The dark cabinetry, lowered soffit ceiling, and limited countertop space only added to the feeling that the kitchen was smaller and darker than it should be. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt brighter, more open, and more connected to the rest of the home while improving day-to-day functionality. The transformation began by removing the wall that separated the kitchen from the formal living and dining areas. Opening this connection completely changed how the main floor functions, allowing conversations and activity to flow naturally between spaces. Structural requirements meant a support column was necessary at the end of the opening, but rather than treating it as an obstacle, it became part of the design. By incorporating the column into the cabinetry, it feels intentional and architectural, blending seamlessly into the new layout. With the wall removed, there was finally room for a generous island that serves as the heart of the kitchen. The expansive countertop provides the prep space the homeowners had been missing while creating a natural gathering spot for family and guests. Raising the ceiling to a traditional 8-foot height further enhanced the sense of openness, making the room feel noticeably larger and more comfortable. To brighten the space, light oak shaker cabinetry was selected, bringing warmth and texture without overwhelming the room. The lighter wood tones are balanced by rich dark blue backsplash tile, matte black fixtures, and statement lighting over the island. Together, these finishes create a timeless look that feels both fresh and inviting. One of the home's most unique transformations came from an underutilized family room closet. Rather than allowing the space to go unused, it was reimagined as a dedicated beverage bar complete with custom cabinetry. Positioned between the kitchen, family room, and formal living areas, the new bar creates a central entertainment hub that supports everything from everyday routines to larger gatherings. To tie the areas together, the same tile collection was used in both the kitchen and bar, while varying the shapes and installation patterns keep each space distinct. The kitchen features classic subway tile, while the beverage bar showcases a raised diamond-pattern hexagon tile that adds texture and visual interest. New luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the renovated spaces provides durability and continuity, creating a seamless foundation that unifies the entire main level. The result is a bright, welcoming kitchen and entertaining space that feels as though it was always meant to be part of the home. What was once a collection of separate rooms is now a connected gathering place designed for cooking, hosting, and everyday living.

Not long after purchasing their home, these homeowners knew the kitchen needed a fresh start. While the house had plenty of potential, the existing layout felt disconnected from the way they wanted to live and entertain. A U-shaped kitchen sat largely separated from the formal living and dining rooms, limiting interaction between spaces and making gatherings feel divided. The dark cabinetry, lowered soffit ceiling, and limited countertop space only added to the feeling that the kitchen was smaller and darker than it should be. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt brighter, more open, and more connected to the rest of the home while improving day-to-day functionality. The transformation began by removing the wall that separated the kitchen from the formal living and dining areas. Opening this connection completely changed how the main floor functions, allowing conversations and activity to flow naturally between spaces. Structural requirements meant a support column was necessary at the end of the opening, but rather than treating it as an obstacle, it became part of the design. By incorporating the column into the cabinetry, it feels intentional and architectural, blending seamlessly into the new layout. With the wall removed, there was finally room for a generous island that serves as the heart of the kitchen. The expansive countertop provides the prep space the homeowners had been missing while creating a natural gathering spot for family and guests. Raising the ceiling to a traditional 8-foot height further enhanced the sense of openness, making the room feel noticeably larger and more comfortable. To brighten the space, light oak shaker cabinetry was selected, bringing warmth and texture without overwhelming the room. The lighter wood tones are balanced by rich dark blue backsplash tile, matte black fixtures, and statement lighting over the island. Together, these finishes create a timeless look that feels both fresh and inviting. One of the home's most unique transformations came from an underutilized family room closet. Rather than allowing the space to go unused, it was reimagined as a dedicated beverage bar complete with custom cabinetry. Positioned between the kitchen, family room, and formal living areas, the new bar creates a central entertainment hub that supports everything from everyday routines to larger gatherings. To tie the areas together, the same tile collection was used in both the kitchen and bar, while varying the shapes and installation patterns keep each space distinct. The kitchen features classic subway tile, while the beverage bar showcases a raised diamond-pattern hexagon tile that adds texture and visual interest. New luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the renovated spaces provides durability and continuity, creating a seamless foundation that unifies the entire main level. The result is a bright, welcoming kitchen and entertaining space that feels as though it was always meant to be part of the home. What was once a collection of separate rooms is now a connected gathering place designed for cooking, hosting, and everyday living.

Not long after purchasing their home, these homeowners knew the kitchen needed a fresh start. While the house had plenty of potential, the existing layout felt disconnected from the way they wanted to live and entertain. A U-shaped kitchen sat largely separated from the formal living and dining rooms, limiting interaction between spaces and making gatherings feel divided. The dark cabinetry, lowered soffit ceiling, and limited countertop space only added to the feeling that the kitchen was smaller and darker than it should be. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt brighter, more open, and more connected to the rest of the home while improving day-to-day functionality. The transformation began by removing the wall that separated the kitchen from the formal living and dining areas. Opening this connection completely changed how the main floor functions, allowing conversations and activity to flow naturally between spaces. Structural requirements meant a support column was necessary at the end of the opening, but rather than treating it as an obstacle, it became part of the design. By incorporating the column into the cabinetry, it feels intentional and architectural, blending seamlessly into the new layout. With the wall removed, there was finally room for a generous island that serves as the heart of the kitchen. The expansive countertop provides the prep space the homeowners had been missing while creating a natural gathering spot for family and guests. Raising the ceiling to a traditional 8-foot height further enhanced the sense of openness, making the room feel noticeably larger and more comfortable. To brighten the space, light oak shaker cabinetry was selected, bringing warmth and texture without overwhelming the room. The lighter wood tones are balanced by rich dark blue backsplash tile, matte black fixtures, and statement lighting over the island. Together, these finishes create a timeless look that feels both fresh and inviting. One of the home's most unique transformations came from an underutilized family room closet. Rather than allowing the space to go unused, it was reimagined as a dedicated beverage bar complete with custom cabinetry. Positioned between the kitchen, family room, and formal living areas, the new bar creates a central entertainment hub that supports everything from everyday routines to larger gatherings. To tie the areas together, the same tile collection was used in both the kitchen and bar, while varying the shapes and installation patterns keep each space distinct. The kitchen features classic subway tile, while the beverage bar showcases a raised diamond-pattern hexagon tile that adds texture and visual interest. New luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the renovated spaces provides durability and continuity, creating a seamless foundation that unifies the entire main level. The result is a bright, welcoming kitchen and entertaining space that feels as though it was always meant to be part of the home. What was once a collection of separate rooms is now a connected gathering place designed for cooking, hosting, and everyday living.

Not long after purchasing their home, these homeowners knew the kitchen needed a fresh start. While the house had plenty of potential, the existing layout felt disconnected from the way they wanted to live and entertain. A U-shaped kitchen sat largely separated from the formal living and dining rooms, limiting interaction between spaces and making gatherings feel divided. The dark cabinetry, lowered soffit ceiling, and limited countertop space only added to the feeling that the kitchen was smaller and darker than it should be. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt brighter, more open, and more connected to the rest of the home while improving day-to-day functionality. The transformation began by removing the wall that separated the kitchen from the formal living and dining areas. Opening this connection completely changed how the main floor functions, allowing conversations and activity to flow naturally between spaces. Structural requirements meant a support column was necessary at the end of the opening, but rather than treating it as an obstacle, it became part of the design. By incorporating the column into the cabinetry, it feels intentional and architectural, blending seamlessly into the new layout. With the wall removed, there was finally room for a generous island that serves as the heart of the kitchen. The expansive countertop provides the prep space the homeowners had been missing while creating a natural gathering spot for family and guests. Raising the ceiling to a traditional 8-foot height further enhanced the sense of openness, making the room feel noticeably larger and more comfortable. To brighten the space, light oak shaker cabinetry was selected, bringing warmth and texture without overwhelming the room. The lighter wood tones are balanced by rich dark blue backsplash tile, matte black fixtures, and statement lighting over the island. Together, these finishes create a timeless look that feels both fresh and inviting. One of the home's most unique transformations came from an underutilized family room closet. Rather than allowing the space to go unused, it was reimagined as a dedicated beverage bar complete with custom cabinetry. Positioned between the kitchen, family room, and formal living areas, the new bar creates a central entertainment hub that supports everything from everyday routines to larger gatherings. To tie the areas together, the same tile collection was used in both the kitchen and bar, while varying the shapes and installation patterns keep each space distinct. The kitchen features classic subway tile, while the beverage bar showcases a raised diamond-pattern hexagon tile that adds texture and visual interest. New luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the renovated spaces provides durability and continuity, creating a seamless foundation that unifies the entire main level. The result is a bright, welcoming kitchen and entertaining space that feels as though it was always meant to be part of the home. What was once a collection of separate rooms is now a connected gathering place designed for cooking, hosting, and everyday living.