You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

Nick Daunys Photography
Example of a trendy exterior home design in New York

Don't Let a Little Rain Keep You Indoors! As you begin thinking about the covered structure you envision, you’ll find magazines, books and design websites are excellent sources of inspiration. One of your friends or neighbors have a particularly cool outdoor space? Snap a picture and let’s talk about elements you'd like to see in yours. Or, if you're more of a writer, describe what you're looking for in a paragraph or two. This will help your landscaping contractor understand what it is you'd like to achieve with your covered structure or wood pergola. Think about how you will use your outdoor space and how many people might be enjoying it. Will you be dining, socializing, or relaxing under your gazebo or pergola? Also, as you gather ideas and inspiration, talk to your contractor about the costs for materials and design elements – that way you can establish an estimated budget.

The Toscana’s design is sophisticated and soothing with an eclectic mix of modern art and clean-lined furnishings. This transitionally stylized home has luxury written all over it with its soft neutral tones accented with slate blue. The colors create a sophisticated, airy vibe that future homebuyers will love. Darker furnishings were incorporated into the design to add a “weight” and contrast to the light colored interiors. The 12 X 24 tile in the main areas of the home is in a light, warm-toned neutral with pale browns accents. The rich wood beams in the bonus room grant a natural, warm and compelling contrast to the space. As often happens when Beasley & Henley installs a model, people pay attention and the Toscana was no exception. We approach each project with a firm understanding of the buyers which results in a finished project that represents perfection. Resulting in homes being sold, and we are proud to say the “Toscana” is one of them!

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

The Toscana’s design is sophisticated and soothing with an eclectic mix of modern art and clean-lined furnishings. This transitionally stylized home has luxury written all over it with its soft neutral tones accented with slate blue. The colors create a sophisticated, airy vibe that future homebuyers will love. Darker furnishings were incorporated into the design to add a “weight” and contrast to the light colored interiors. The 12 X 24 tile in the main areas of the home is in a light, warm-toned neutral with pale browns accents. The rich wood beams in the bonus room grant a natural, warm and compelling contrast to the space. As often happens when Beasley & Henley installs a model, people pay attention and the Toscana was no exception. We approach each project with a firm understanding of the buyers which results in a finished project that represents perfection. Resulting in homes being sold, and we are proud to say the “Toscana” is one of them!

The Toscana’s design is sophisticated and soothing with an eclectic mix of modern art and clean-lined furnishings. This transitionally stylized home has luxury written all over it with its soft neutral tones accented with slate blue. The colors create a sophisticated, airy vibe that future homebuyers will love. Darker furnishings were incorporated into the design to add a “weight” and contrast to the light colored interiors. The 12 X 24 tile in the main areas of the home is in a light, warm-toned neutral with pale browns accents. The rich wood beams in the bonus room grant a natural, warm and compelling contrast to the space. As often happens when Beasley & Henley installs a model, people pay attention and the Toscana was no exception. We approach each project with a firm understanding of the buyers which results in a finished project that represents perfection. Resulting in homes being sold, and we are proud to say the “Toscana” is one of them!

Don't Let a Little Rain Keep You Indoors! As you begin thinking about the covered structure you envision, you’ll find magazines, books and design websites are excellent sources of inspiration. One of your friends or neighbors have a particularly cool outdoor space? Snap a picture and let’s talk about elements you'd like to see in yours. Or, if you're more of a writer, describe what you're looking for in a paragraph or two. This will help your landscaping contractor understand what it is you'd like to achieve with your covered structure or wood pergola. Think about how you will use your outdoor space and how many people might be enjoying it. Will you be dining, socializing, or relaxing under your gazebo or pergola? Also, as you gather ideas and inspiration, talk to your contractor about the costs for materials and design elements – that way you can establish an estimated budget.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

Exceptional Custom Homes and ADUs in San Diego, Riverside and Orange County since 2007. We have been successfully building all types of homes for all types of people. At G.J. Gardner Homes we understand that you are an individual and have unique requirements when building a home. By working together with you, we can design and build a home custom suited to you, your lifestyle and your needs. From Custom Homes to ADUs, Granny Flats and Casitas. Our experienced team will guide you through the process from start to finish in making your dream home a reality within your budget. We continue to build our reputation on reliability, design, workmanship, warranty and honesty that both our clients and suppliers can trust.

Exceptional Custom Homes and ADUs in San Diego, Riverside and Orange County since 2007. We have been successfully building all types of homes for all types of people. At G.J. Gardner Homes we understand that you are an individual and have unique requirements when building a home. By working together with you, we can design and build a home custom suited to you, your lifestyle and your needs. From Custom Homes to ADUs, Granny Flats and Casitas. Our experienced team will guide you through the process from start to finish in making your dream home a reality within your budget. We continue to build our reputation on reliability, design, workmanship, warranty and honesty that both our clients and suppliers can trust.

Exceptional Custom Homes and ADUs in San Diego, Riverside and Orange County since 2007. We have been successfully building all types of homes for all types of people. At G.J. Gardner Homes we understand that you are an individual and have unique requirements when building a home. By working together with you, we can design and build a home custom suited to you, your lifestyle and your needs. From Custom Homes to ADUs, Granny Flats and Casitas. Our experienced team will guide you through the process from start to finish in making your dream home a reality within your budget. We continue to build our reputation on reliability, design, workmanship, warranty and honesty that both our clients and suppliers can trust.

Homeowner Services of Michigan (HSM) is excited to share the details of a new 16' x 22' family room expansion in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This project reflects our dedication to meeting our clients' specific needs. Our clients approached us needing more space for their growing family and wanted a seamless integration with their existing home. After thorough consultations, we developed a plan to bring their vision to life. The project began with careful architectural planning. We worked with a local architect to create detailed plans and secured all necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes. Site preparation involved demolishing an existing carport, grading, and excavation to prepare the building pad for the new foundation. This step was essential to ensure a stable base for the construction. Our team then focused on structural framing, tying the new addition to the existing home. We ensured that the new structure matched the current architectural style for a seamless blend. The addition was then roofed and sheathed to provide a sturdy and weatherproof exterior. Next, we addressed the electrical work, installing new circuits for lighting, HVAC, and receptacles, and adding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to meet safety standards. A licensed journeyman electrician performed the electrical service to ensure high-quality and compliant installations. Insulation and drywall installation followed. We installed batt insulation to meet or exceed Michigan Energy Code requirements. The interior surfaces were finished with drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, and priming to prepare for painting. Baseboard molding and trim around doors and windows added the finishing touches. Exterior features were also important. We framed and installed new windows and a front entry door and added a front eyebrow vent feature to match the existing structure. Vinyl siding was installed to complete the exterior, ensuring a cohesive look and enhanced curb appeal. Throughout the project, we maintained a clean and professional worksite, disposing of debris responsibly and minimizing disruption to the client's daily lives. Our focus was always on delivering quality and ensuring client satisfaction. This home addition project highlights our commitment to understanding and fulfilling our clients' needs. We are proud to have added valuable space and enhanced the overall functionality and aesthetic of the home. These folks had a vision, a budget, and a whole lot of patience. We got through this family room remodel during a global pandemic. What great people to work with!

Build Iconic Inc. specializes in kitchen renovations for Brooklyn’s historic homes — brownstones, pre-war buildings, and landmarked properties where getting it right means respecting the original character while bringing the space fully up to modern standards. As a licensed NYC general contractor (DCA #2107844), we understand the unique challenges of working within older structures: uneven floors, outdated wiring, plaster walls, and, in some cases, Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements. We blend historical sensitivity with modern function, preserving original details like moldings, exposed brick, and period-appropriate finishes while updating the kitchen for how people actually cook and live today. Our historical kitchen remodeling includes: • Structural and layout updates that respect original building bones • Electrical and plumbing upgrades brought fully up to current code • Custom cabinetry and finishes that complement a home’s original era and style • Careful integration of modern appliances and smart home technology without disrupting historic character • Coordination with Landmarks requirements where applicable

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning. We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter. The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance. We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless. 3 Tips for Designing with Intent Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful: 1. Embrace the Home’s Character Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design. 2. Let Function Drive the Design No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable. In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs. 3. Personalize Your Space The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours. For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal. Why Intentional Design Matters Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs. At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle. Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care. As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.” Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.

Most people who have never really done a large remodel before don’t understand how much their decision-making about the qualities of materials, surfaces, and scope of the project actually drives the budget. Hickory flat panel, mission style doors, solid drawer fronts, flush sides, Maple melamine interiors, full extension slides, soft close hinges

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

It's all about you! Your dreams, your site, your budget…. that's our inspiration! It is all about creating a home that is a true reflection of you and your unique lifestyle. Every project has it's challenges, but underneath the real-life concerns of budget and bylaws lie opportunities to delight. At Kallweit Graham Architecture, it is these opportunities that we seek to discover for each and every project. The key to good design is not an unlimited budget, nor following trends. Rather, it takes the limitations of a project and, through thoughtful design, brings out its uniqueness, and enhances the property and it's value. Building new or renovating an existing home is exciting! We also understand that it can be an emotional undertaking and sometimes overwhelming. For over two decades we have helped hundreds of clients "find their way" through the building maze. We are careful listeners, helping people to identify and prioritize their needs. If you have questions like what is possible? what will it look like? and how much will it cost? our trademarked RenoReport can help… see our website for details www.kga.ca. We welcome your enquiries, which can be addressed to Karen or Ross Karen@kga.ca ext:4 Ross@kga.ca ext: 2 604.921.8044

Our clients were a couple about to retire, who wanted to stay in their family home where they raised their children. They knew their kitchen was not working to its full potential but were unsure how to make the best changes or where to start. It was important their new kitchen yielded the feeling of a fresh, new environment that offered timeless longevity but didn’t break the bank. Knowing that the kitchen now needed the space to accommodate two people regularly, we reconfigured it to suit our clients’ lifestyle change. We increased counter space significantly for preparation and presentation, making it intrinsically more functional but also yielding a greater sense of luxury. Storage was increased and planned around our understanding of their cooking and entertaining style, and how they move through the space. Our clients were comfortable and very much aware of their own sense of style – simplicity was the driving force behind their aesthetic. We removed all unnecessary embellishments and used a classic, neutral palette while introducing texture with rich walnut touches. Knowing their penchant for entertaining, we included integrated lighting to allow easy control of ambiance. This project was a joy to work on!