Alan Williams Photography
Beach style wooden spiral staircase photo in London with wooden risers

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

Completed in 2020, this impressive luxury estate was went through a complete renovation of the house and the entire property and gardens. This expansive estate creates a private oasis and retreat in the middle of Dallas. The estate includes a private lake with fountain features and stocked with fish, impressive entry gates, an expansive new driveway and front motor court arrival area, grand steps, stone retaining walls and a meandering path that wraps around the lake and offers a wonderful walking experience around the property. The gardens are spectacular and feature a variety of blooming shrubs, perennials and flowers to create a year round experience of color and texture for the owners. The perimeter of the property features mature privacy hedges and trees strategically placed to enhance the views from the house, while still providing glimpses into the property for the neighborhood. The existing swimming pool was completely renovated to create a tanning shelf for chaise lounges as well as a decorative tile, new plaster and canon fountain jets along the side to provide additional interest. The pool terrace, walkways and all exterior patios feature a beautiful limestone material that dresses up the outside living areas. Adjacent to the pool, the existing cabana structure was redone to create an outdoor kitchen and bar seating for friends and family. The wrap around porches on the backside of the house create inviting spaces for entertaining and offer incredible vistas overlooking the gardens and lake. In addition to the expansive garden areas, we planted dozens of mature and specimen trees throughout the property to help provide an instant impact and to also provide the garden another layer of beauty in the fall with the various fall colors offered by the tree selections. Along side the lake, we created multiple seating areas that offer the owners the opportunity to entertain and enjoy the property from many different angles and at different times of day. A large fire pit terrace was also included beside the lake creating a spectacular experience of water and fire. We also created recreation areas on the property for kids and adults alike. There is a dedicated playground areas with a large swing set for the kids as well as a new putting and chipping green to practice your short game.

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

Our latest project, Indraneelam Infinia, is set to be another jewel in our crown. Strategically located near Nesto Supermarket at Thrissur Punkunnam, Infinia offers impressive amenities in a serene, pollution-free environment. Crafted by renowned architects, it combines luxury with the privacy every homeowner desires and offers Top-tier amenities. Owning a home in Infinia means embracing the vibrant life of Thrissur. Our satisfied clients from previous projects are our biggest advocates, often bringing new members into the Indraneelam family, whether for investment or as cherished homes. Infinia promises a perfect blend of class and quality in these ideally priced flats.

Our latest project, Indraneelam Infinia, is set to be another jewel in our crown. Strategically located near Nesto Supermarket at Thrissur Punkunnam, Infinia offers impressive amenities in a serene, pollution-free environment. Crafted by renowned architects, it combines luxury with the privacy every homeowner desires and offers Top-tier amenities. Owning a home in Infinia means embracing the vibrant life of Thrissur. Our satisfied clients from previous projects are our biggest advocates, often bringing new members into the Indraneelam family, whether for investment or as cherished homes. Infinia promises a perfect blend of class and quality in these ideally priced flats.

Our latest project, Indraneelam Infinia, is set to be another jewel in our crown. Strategically located near Nesto Supermarket at Thrissur Punkunnam, Infinia offers impressive amenities in a serene, pollution-free environment. Crafted by renowned architects, it combines luxury with the privacy every homeowner desires and offers Top-tier amenities. Owning a home in Infinia means embracing the vibrant life of Thrissur. Our satisfied clients from previous projects are our biggest advocates, often bringing new members into the Indraneelam family, whether for investment or as cherished homes. Infinia promises a perfect blend of class and quality in these ideally priced flats.

We loved bringing this urban farmhouse design together, but we cannot wait for a family to move into it & make it a home! Black and white design details make this home a definite show-stopper. With a unique Jack and Jill bathroom (a southern tradition), this floor plan is sure to impress. Named after our second niece, Reagan Everlee, this home offers a lot of opportunity for sibling togetherness - one of Reagan's favorite activities. Features of this home include: 3 bedrooms / 2.5 bathrooms 1460 square feet Legal suite potential Double detached garage Front landscaping Master en-suite Jack and Jill bathroom Custom kitchen w/ eat up breakfast nook Quartz countertops Large pantry complete with sliding barn doors Garden doors leading to backyard

CUTTING-EDGE OFFICE FRONT DESK DESIGN We have created the ultimate room divider for your professional workspace. Say hello to Facet – the best you can find in office front desk design. Facet is a fully modular system and available in any size. The separate facets can rotate. If you leave Facet as it is, you have a neat, polished look, but if you decide to turn some of the facets around you can create a quirky, fun screen for your office. It is all up to you! Either way, you are sure to impress your clients with this chic and unique modern office divider. CREATE AN INSPIRING WORKSPACE WITH FACET Having a welcoming and motivational workspace is very important. Your colleagues and you spend so much time at your office, you should be able to draw inspiration from it instead of feeling drained when you enter it. Having well-made furniture and beautifully designed pieces in your workspace, will help in creating an inspiring workspace. And that is why Facet office front desk design is ideal for an office environment. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the design, will make anyone feel motivated to be creative and do their best. Facet works perfectly as a backdrop behind reception to separate it from the rest of the office. This creates a calm and welcoming area at reception for your clients and guests. It also gives a stylish and professional first impression of your company. Choose Facet for on trend office front desk design décor. GO FROM POLISHED TO PLAYFUL WITH FACET The cool thing about Facet is that you can alter the look of it. You can turn around the diamond-shaped facets to change the look of the pattern and to adjust the amount that can be seen through it. Take a look at the sixth picture on this page. Drag the vertical line over the picture from left to right and back again. See how the screen goes from neat and polished to fun and playful? You can achieve the same look with our office front desk design screen by turning the facets around or keeping them as they are. Facet room divider screens are available in any size, we just need your desired dimensions and will start assembling it. It is also available in a range of sophisticated colors. Choose one that fits your office interior, or we can develop a specific color if you want something that we don’t have on offer. Developing your own color will cost a bit more, contact us for the possibilities. We want you to be 100% happy with your office front desk design, so feel free to phone or email us if you have any questions or special requests! This particular office divider is installed in a trendy medical clinic in Brisbane, Australia. It divides the reception area from the working area. Interior design is done by Louise Kollosche. Project – Office Front Desk Design Product – Room Divider Facet Dimensions – Width 306cm x Height 171cm Color – White Ceiling Attachments – Brushed Stainless Steel Location – Brisbane, Australia Client – Karen Campbell, BCNC Architect – Louise Kollosche, Kodesigned Builder – Phillip Boon, Ulex Constructions Photography – Cathy Taylor Photography

Beach style bathroom photo in Vancouver

This beautiful home is used regularly by our Calgary clients during the weekends in the resort town of Fernie, B.C. While the floor plan offered ample space to entertain and relax, the finishes needed updating desperately. The original kitchen felt too small for the space which features stunning vaults and timber frame beams. With a complete overhaul, the newly redesigned space now gives justice to the impressive architecture. A combination of rustic and industrial selections have given this home a brand new vibe, and now this modern cabin is a showstopper once again! Design: Susan DeRidder of Live Well Interiors Inc. Photography: Rebecca Frick Photography

Inspiration for an industrial deck remodel in London with no cover

Prachi Damle Photography
Mid-sized eclectic living room photo in Mumbai with no fireplace and blue walls

Inspiration for a mediterranean dining room remodel in Hyderabad

Example of a mid-sized trendy powder room design in London with a pedestal sink, a wall-mount toilet and purple walls

Winnetka Collection By Sea Gull Lighting Winnetka's clean design lends itself to “modern-mission” style. The geometric, cylinder design has little ornamentation, while still offering impressive style.

For the past several years, Buffum Homes has proudly featured Parade Homes within our own developments, and each year they have been a tremendous success. The Spring 2026 Parade of Homes was no exception. This year, we showcased our Sydney floor plan, one of Buffum Homes’ most popular 1.5-story home designs. Time and time again, homeowners are drawn to this plan because of its thoughtful layout, functional design, and ability to be customized to fit a variety of lifestyles. From the moment visitors arrived, this home made a statement. Its striking modern exterior immediately stood out within the development and offered exceptional curb appeal. The design team selected beautiful masonry accents that perfectly complemented the home’s color palette, creating a sophisticated and welcoming first impression. Every exterior detail was intentionally chosen to enhance the architecture and showcase the home’s unique character. Upon entry to this home, guests are welcomed through impressive double front doors that lead into a warm and inviting foyer. Immediately beyond, the stunning two-story great room creates a grand first impression. An overlooking loft from the second floor enhances the open feel of the space while allowing an abundance of natural daylight to pour throughout the home. A beautiful masonry fireplace chase serves as the focal point of the room, adding warmth, texture, and character to the heart of the home. Just off the foyer is a private office featuring a thoughtfully designed custom built-in, creating the perfect space for working from home, studying, or staying organized. The attention to detail found throughout this space is a great example of the craftsmanship that Buffum Homes is known for. Tucked away off the main living area is the primary suite, a comfortable retreat designed with both beauty and functionality in mind. The bedroom features a stunning tray ceiling accented with white oak detailing, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The primary bathroom includes a custom tiled shower, private water closet, dual-sink vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet. Every element was carefully considered to maximize both comfort and everyday convenience. Buffum Homes has become known for incorporating unique trim details throughout our homes, and this Parade Home was certainly no exception. From feature walls and ceiling treatments to custom built-ins and carefully crafted millwork, thoughtful details can be found around every corner. The great room flows seamlessly into the dining area and spacious U-shaped kitchen, creating an ideal layout for entertaining and everyday living. This updated version of the Sydney floor plan features a massive walk-in pantry with abundant shelving and countertop space, providing exceptional storage and organization. Within the kitchen, a stunning custom hood vent serves as a beautiful statement piece while built-in nooks offer convenient storage for cooking oils, spices, and other kitchen essentials. Just beyond the kitchen, the mudroom provides a practical transition space from the garage into the home. Complete with custom built-in lockers, a convenient half bath, and a large laundry room, this area was designed to keep daily life organized and efficient. The home also features a spacious three-stall garage, offering plenty of room for vehicles, storage, and recreational equipment. Spanning roughly 1,500 square feet, the main floor was thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality while maintaining an open and inviting feel. Every space serves a purpose while still providing the custom details and architectural features that make this home stand out. Ascending to the second floor, homeowners are welcomed by a spacious open loft overlooking the great room below. This versatile area provides additional living space and can be customized to fit a variety of needs. Whether used as a play area for children or grandchildren, a reading nook, a homework station, or simply a secondary gathering space, the loft adds both functionality and character to the home while maintaining a connection to the main living areas below. Also located on the second floor are three additional bedrooms and a full bathroom, providing plenty of room for family members and guests. The thoughtful layout allows for privacy while still keeping everyone connected through the open loft space. With approximately 1,000 square feet on the upper level, the second floor complements the main level perfectly while adding flexibility for growing families and changing needs over time. The lower level offers just under 1,100 square feet of future finish potential, providing homeowners with the flexibility to expand their living space as their needs evolve. Thoughtfully designed and well laid out, the basement is ready to accommodate a variety of future uses while maintaining excellent flow and functionality. The available space is ideal for adding two future bedrooms, a spacious family room, and a future full bathroom, making it perfect for growing families, hosting guests, or creating additional recreational space. Even with these future living areas, there is still plenty of room remaining for storage, ensuring homeowners have ample space for seasonal items, hobbies, and household essentials. One of the greatest advantages of the Sydney floor plan is its ability to grow alongside its homeowners. While the home already offers approximately 2,500 square feet of beautifully finished above-grade living space, completing the lower level would bring the total finished living area to over 3,600 square feet. This creates a truly expansive home that provides exceptional flexibility, comfort, and long-term value. In its current configuration, this home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 2,500 square feet above grade. With a future lower level finish, homeowners have the opportunity to expand to 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and over 3,600 square feet of finished living space. The flexibility built into this design is one of the many reasons the Sydney continues to be one of our most requested floor plans. This home was filled with thoughtful details and custom touches throughout. From the carefully selected finishes and trim work to the intentional layout decisions, every aspect of the home was designed to maximize space, natural light, and everyday functionality. The result is a home that not only looks beautiful but also lives exceptionally well for years to come. It was a pleasure featuring this home in the Parade of Homes and welcoming so many visitors through its doors. We always enjoy the opportunity to showcase our craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail while sharing the quality that Buffum Homes brings to every project throughout West Michigan. As you browse through the photos below, we hope you’ll find inspiration for your own future home and discover ideas that fit your lifestyle and vision. Whether it is a favorite finish, layout feature, built-in detail, or design element, this home is a great example of how personalized a Buffum Home can be. When you’re ready to begin your custom home journey, we’d love to help create a customized version of the Sydney floor plan tailored specifically to your family’s needs, style, and goals. We can’t wait to help bring your dream home to life.

photo by Douglas Gibb
Bathroom photo in Edinburgh