School settings require students to maintain concentration and sit still for long periods of time throughout the day. Needless to say, that can be tough not only for teenagers but adults as well. Harnessing sheer roller shades to cover classroom windows helps ensure sunlight doesn’t become a hindrance in the path of education, but a facilitator of better learning. By diffusing sunlight that enters the classrooms, students don’t suffer the negative cognitive impact of harsh glare that’s strainful on the eyes. Instead, they enjoy the benefits sunlight plays in maintaining alertness and attentiveness. Classroom window shades that provide better privacy also help to keep outside distractions from interfering with the lessons, keeping students focused on the subject at hand. The right use of colorful roller shades can also complement sensory cues for focus created by the classroom environment. Talk to Master Blinds’ design team to see what roller shades can offer your classroom spaces. Get in touch with us at 877-708-5883 to schedule a free in-person consultation with no obligation for more details!

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget. New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden. The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces. New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace. We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space. We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house. Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

Example of a country kitchen design in Chicago

The built-in desk features storage for the client's Mackenzie-Childs pottery, LED lighting, a fabric covered display board, and a pull-out cabinet to store a hidden printer. This kitchen won first place in the 2014 NKBA Northern New England kitchen design awards (large kitchen remodel). by Pennville Custom Cabinetry. Photo by Joseph St. Pierre

"I pulled the cabinets away from the exterior wall and created an island to allow for full-height windows and doors. I also like to study the view into the kitchen from various vantage points—outside, sitting at the island, and sitting in the dining room. With these views in mind, we hid most of the large appliances behind cabinet doors. I also prefer access and multiple paths into and around a kitchen, which supported the island and folding door concepts". J.H.

Ryann Ford
Deck - small contemporary side yard deck idea in Austin

Under 2,000 Square Feet
Inspiration for a small contemporary open concept living room remodel in Chicago

Photo by Jay Sifford.
Inspiration for a landscaping in Charlotte.

Cottage kitchen photo in Chicago

Inspiration for a timeless dining room remodel in Boston

This walk-in closet embodies the perfect blend of elegance and function. Outfitted with rich, dark-toned cabinetry, the space exudes a sense of luxury while maintaining a warm, grounded atmosphere. Each element—from the floor-to-ceiling storage towers to the precisely proportioned drawers—was custom-designed to meet the specific needs of the homeowners. Natural light filters in through a wide horizontal window, softening the depth of the cabinetry's finish and enhancing visibility throughout the space. The strategic placement of open shelving, hanging rods, and enclosed drawers ensures that everything from seasonal coats to accessories has a designated home. This smart zoning makes daily routines more efficient and transforms the closet into a space you actually enjoy using. The light oak flooring introduces a welcome contrast to the darker cabinetry, creating balance and preventing the space from feeling heavy. Overhead, a flush-mounted fixture provides even illumination, so the closet remains bright and functional at all hours. Every detail, from the hardware to the spacing between compartments, reflects thoughtful craftsmanship and precision planning. In the context of this modern family home, the walk-in closet is more than just storage—it's a personal sanctuary for organization, preparation, and a touch of everyday indulgence.

This bath remodel optimizes the limited space. Space saving techniques such as niches in the shower area and optimizing storage cabinets were key in making this small space feel spacious and uncluttered. Photography: Doug Hill

This bath remodel optimizes the limited space. Space saving techniques such as niches in the shower area and optimizing storage cabinets were key in making this small space feel spacious and uncluttered. Photography: Doug Hill

Inspiration for a dining room remodel in Boston

Example of a farmhouse kitchen design in Chicago

This kitchen in the Boston suburbs won first place in the Large Kitchen Remodel category at the 2014 NKBA Northern New England kitchen design awards. The coffee center is flanked by generous storage cabinets. Subway is Italian-made crackle tile in cream, offset by medium gray grout. Pendant by Mackenzie-Childs. Cabinetry by Pennville Custom Cabinetry. Photo by Joseph St. Pierre.

This kitchen was awarded first place in the 2014 NKBA Northern New England design awards (large kitchen remodel category). The design incorporated the homeowner's love of Mackenzie-Childs pottery. Cabinets by Pennville Custom Cabinetry. Pendant lighting by Mackenzie-Childs. Photo by Joseph St. Pierre.

Kitchen, laundry, mudroom, and bathroom remodel plus addition replacement by Minneapolis / St. Paul-based McDonald Remodeling. See more examples of our work and learn more at www.mcdonaldremodeling.com.

Hawke
Example of a home design design in Dallas