Example of a beach style painted wood floor entryway design in San Diego with gray walls

Foyer refresh with custom moldings and coastal inspired decor.
Foyer - mid-sized traditional medium tone wood floor foyer idea with white walls and a medium wood front door

Mary Elizabeth Peterson, 2012
Inspiration for a large transitional loft-style carpeted living room remodel in New York with beige walls

Modern TV Stand Origin by Huppe. The Origin collection is made of select walnut veneer and a combination of lacquered glass. While providing functional storage, the doors give it a unique look and allow the remote control signal to get through. The back and the adjustable shelves are cut out for maximum ventilation. The hardware is of top quality and the drawers, specially treated and stained to match the exterior are equipped with invisible self-closing slow-motion slides which shut gently and silently. Optional Coffee table feature 10mm glass top available in 4 lacquered colors. Available in a variety of finishes according to our color samples. Starting price is for the TV Stand with wooden top. Dimensions: TV Stand: W65" x D22" x H21"

This was the second design/build bathroom project that we completed for this client. The existing space including the master closets were totally renovated. In direct contrast to the traditional initial project, a very sleek and contemporary look was created. After gutting the existing spaces, walls were relocated and an abundance of new Brazilian Mahogany cabinets installed providing much needed storage space The cramped stool compartment and shower were enlarged. A heated floor was installed in both the bathroom and shower to take the chill off of the slab floor providing the comfort level requested by the owner. The heating and air conditioning system servicing the area was redesigned to correct deficiencies that were built in during original construction. A combination of Quartz and solid-surface countertops were incorporated to provide visual interest . Custom mirrors were job built and LED lighting installed. Large format porcelain tiles were installed along with a frameless shower door. An abundance of built in cabinets were installed in the closets. Photography by: GuRuStu Group

Modern TV Stand Origin by Huppe. The Origin collection is made of select walnut veneer and a combination of lacquered glass. While providing functional storage, the doors give it a unique look and allow the remote control signal to get through. The back and the adjustable shelves are cut out for maximum ventilation. The hardware is of top quality and the drawers, specially treated and stained to match the exterior are equipped with invisible self-closing slow-motion slides which shut gently and silently. Optional Coffee table feature 10mm glass top available in 4 lacquered colors. Dimensions: TV Stand: W65" x D22" x H21"

Modern TV Stand Origin by Up Huppe Made in Canada The Origin by Huppe is a modern TV stand made of select black american walnut veneer and a combination of lacquered glass. The beautiful wood grain make each piece is unique. While providing functional storage, the doors give it a unique look and allow the remote control signal to get through. The back and the adjustable shelves are cut out for maximum ventilation. The hardware is of top quality and the drawers, specially treated and stained to match the exterior are equipped with invisible self-closing slow motion slides which shut gently and silently. Designed by Joel Dupras and manufactured in Canada by a passionate team, the customer is ensured that this product is unique, authentic and of top quality. Features: Structure in walnut veneer available in a natural, smoky, tobacco, espresso or chocolate finish 2 glass doors and 2 central drawers Back panel and internal adjustable shelves with the cut-outs for wiring The drawers, specially treated and stained, feature self-clothing slow motions slides An optional 10mm thick lacquered glass is available for the top of the TV stand (for an extra charge) The starting price is for the Origin TV Stand. Dimensions: TV Stand: W65" x D22" x H21"

AFTER: Though it only protrudes 60 inches from the siding, the new front porch's width and height were planned with two-story proportions in mind. A new upstairs window, centered in the facade, also helps erase the home's originally blank appearance. Now, the gambrel roofline is no longer the most distinguishing feature of the home. "We killed the barn look," says Kellum. / photo by Jo Kellum

We designed and built this lovely backyard pergola to perfectly compliment the original decor and natural landscaping of this mountain retreat.

AFTER: Replacing the old single pane aluminum windows with double-paned vinyl windows featuring Prairie-style grids improved both energy efficiency and aesthetics. Previously, window trim that matched the siding seemed to disappear, making the original windows appear small. Today, fresh white coil outlines the new white windows, giving them twice the visual pop factor. / light fixture from AllModern.com / window from Window World / photo by Jo Kellum

Mary Elizabeth Peterson, 2012
Inspiration for a large coastal dining room remodel in New York

This inviting living room is centered around the original 1920s fireplace. An added Dutch Door adds to its charm.
Example of a classic living room design in Los Angeles

We designed and built this lovely backyard pergola to perfectly compliment the original decor and natural landscaping of this mountain retreat.

We designed and built this lovely backyard pergola to perfectly compliment the original decor and natural landscaping of this mountain retreat.

We designed and built this lovely backyard pergola to perfectly compliment the original decor and natural landscaping of this mountain retreat.

This was the second design/build bathroom project that we completed for this client. The existing space including the master closets were totally renovated. In direct contrast to the traditional initial project, a very sleek and contemporary look was created. After gutting the existing spaces, walls were relocated and an abundance of new Brazilian Mahogany cabinets installed providing much needed storage space The cramped stool compartment and shower were enlarged. A heated floor was installed in both the bathroom and shower to take the chill off of the slab floor providing the comfort level requested by the owner. The heating and air conditioning system servicing the area was redesigned to correct deficiencies that were built in during original construction. A combination of Quartz and solid-surface countertops were incorporated to provide visual interest . Custom mirrors were job built and LED lighting installed. Large format porcelain tiles were installed along with a frameless shower door. An abundance of built in cabinets were installed in the closets. Photography by: GuRuStu Group

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

Old world lime plaster and Marrakech finish aesthetic renovation
Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian home office remodel in Calgary with blue walls

Old world Marrakech lime plaster finish aesthetic renovation
Example of a mid-sized danish home office design in Calgary with blue walls