The family's once-loved home had become a source of frustration. Their kitchen, a space meant for gathering and creating, felt cramped and outdated. Limited storage and poor organization made meal prep a tedious task, and entertaining guests a logistical nightmare. The laundry room, often overlooked, was equally problematic. Its cramped layout and lack of storage made laundry day a chore, and the noise of the washing machine echoed through the living room. To compound the issue, the absence of dedicated office spaces made working from home a constant struggle. One makeshift office was squeezed into the dining room, while another was relegated to the basement. The family was hesitant to embark on a major renovation, fearing the challenges and uncertainties that come with such a project. Finding a reliable contractor, ensuring timely completion, and worrying about potential shoddy workmanship were all valid concerns. We understood their anxieties and were committed to providing a smooth and stress-free experience. Our team crafted a design that addressed each of their concerns, transforming their home into a functional and stylish space. We reimagined the laundry room, creating a custom storage solution and incorporating a stackable washer and dryer. The open hallway to the living room was enclosed, creating a spacious closet with ample storage. The laundry room now seamlessly connected to the kitchen, simplifying the grocery unloading process. A former juliette balcony was converted into a dedicated office space, providing a peaceful and productive work-from-home environment. The dated and cluttered ensuite bathroom received a luxurious makeover. A clever pull-out storage system in the shower wall and a spacious niche provided much-needed organization. While every renovation project has its challenges, this one was remarkably smooth. The only significant hurdle was some additional structural work required in the basement to support the new office space. Our experienced team handled this efficiently, minimizing any disruption. The final result is a home that truly reflects the family's personality and lifestyle. The laundry room, now a cheerful and organized space with soft green cabinets, patterned floor tiles, and gold accents, showcases our attention to detail. The kitchen is a stunning centerpiece, featuring a striking combination of blue and white cabinets, dark hardwood floors, and a sleek white backsplash. The adjacent beverage bar, with its glass-fronted upper cabinets, provides an elegant space for entertaining. The ensuite bathroom is a spa-like retreat, with large-format marble tiles, a black vanity, and chrome fixtures creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. The renovation has had a profound impact on the family's daily life. Ample storage throughout the house has banished clutter, making it easier to maintain a tidy home. The seamless flow from the laundry room to the kitchen has streamlined the grocery unloading process, and the dedicated office spaces have transformed the work-from-home experience. Beyond the physical transformation, it was the shared moments and laughter that made this project truly special. The family's enthusiasm and good humor were contagious. One of the clients, with his big personality, even starred in a walk-through video of the finished project, showcasing his infectious joy. From choosing tiles to navigating unexpected challenges, the entire process was filled with warmth and collaboration. Even their four-year-old son, initially shy, warmed up to our site leader, Gus, nicknaming him "Gus the Bus," a moniker that endeared him to the entire team.

The family's once-loved home had become a source of frustration. Their kitchen, a space meant for gathering and creating, felt cramped and outdated. Limited storage and poor organization made meal prep a tedious task, and entertaining guests a logistical nightmare. The laundry room, often overlooked, was equally problematic. Its cramped layout and lack of storage made laundry day a chore, and the noise of the washing machine echoed through the living room. To compound the issue, the absence of dedicated office spaces made working from home a constant struggle. One makeshift office was squeezed into the dining room, while another was relegated to the basement. The family was hesitant to embark on a major renovation, fearing the challenges and uncertainties that come with such a project. Finding a reliable contractor, ensuring timely completion, and worrying about potential shoddy workmanship were all valid concerns. We understood their anxieties and were committed to providing a smooth and stress-free experience. Our team crafted a design that addressed each of their concerns, transforming their home into a functional and stylish space. We reimagined the laundry room, creating a custom storage solution and incorporating a stackable washer and dryer. The open hallway to the living room was enclosed, creating a spacious closet with ample storage. The laundry room now seamlessly connected to the kitchen, simplifying the grocery unloading process. A former juliette balcony was converted into a dedicated office space, providing a peaceful and productive work-from-home environment. The dated and cluttered ensuite bathroom received a luxurious makeover. A clever pull-out storage system in the shower wall and a spacious niche provided much-needed organization. While every renovation project has its challenges, this one was remarkably smooth. The only significant hurdle was some additional structural work required in the basement to support the new office space. Our experienced team handled this efficiently, minimizing any disruption. The final result is a home that truly reflects the family's personality and lifestyle. The laundry room, now a cheerful and organized space with soft green cabinets, patterned floor tiles, and gold accents, showcases our attention to detail. The kitchen is a stunning centerpiece, featuring a striking combination of blue and white cabinets, dark hardwood floors, and a sleek white backsplash. The adjacent beverage bar, with its glass-fronted upper cabinets, provides an elegant space for entertaining. The ensuite bathroom is a spa-like retreat, with large-format marble tiles, a black vanity, and chrome fixtures creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. The renovation has had a profound impact on the family's daily life. Ample storage throughout the house has banished clutter, making it easier to maintain a tidy home. The seamless flow from the laundry room to the kitchen has streamlined the grocery unloading process, and the dedicated office spaces have transformed the work-from-home experience. Beyond the physical transformation, it was the shared moments and laughter that made this project truly special. The family's enthusiasm and good humor were contagious. One of the clients, with his big personality, even starred in a walk-through video of the finished project, showcasing his infectious joy. From choosing tiles to navigating unexpected challenges, the entire process was filled with warmth and collaboration. Even their four-year-old son, initially shy, warmed up to our site leader, Gus, nicknaming him "Gus the Bus," a moniker that endeared him to the entire team.

Inspiration for an industrial staircase remodel in Philadelphia

bluestone pavers with river river rock joints
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Boston.

Island style hallway photo in Charleston

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again. Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done. Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed. When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself. What Do Chimney Repairs Involve? Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician. Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible. Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced. Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs. Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney. Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases. When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for. • Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling • A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not. • Crumbling or missing mortar • If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it • A leaning or visibly shifting chimney • A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue • White staining on the brick (efflorescence) • Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick • Rusted damper or firebox components • Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present • Debris in the fireplace • Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair? This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349. Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use. According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill. Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics. When you call, be sure to ask: Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification? Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work? Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair? At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions. How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used. Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area. Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints. Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not. So Finally… Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.

Open riser straight staircase with glass railings in Denver, CO
Example of a large minimalist wooden u-shaped glass railing staircase design in Denver

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold
Trendy kitchen photo in New York

Mid-sized arts and crafts front porch idea in Baltimore with decking and a roof extension

Even in a small sauna like this an "L" shaped lower bench return allows for extra seating.
Home gym - small scandinavian home gym idea

Home design - modern home design idea in Toronto

Situated on one of the most prestigious streets in the distinguished neighborhood of Highland Park, 3517 Beverly is a transitional residence built by Robert Elliott Custom Homes. Designed by notable architect David Stocker of Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro, the 3-story, 5-bedroom and 6-bathroom residence is characterized by ample living space and signature high-end finishes. An expansive driveway on the oversized lot leads to an entrance with a courtyard fountain and glass pane front doors. The first floor features two living areas — each with its own fireplace and exposed wood beams — with one adjacent to a bar area. The kitchen is a convenient and elegant entertaining space with large marble countertops, a waterfall island and dual sinks. Beautifully tiled bathrooms are found throughout the home and have soaking tubs and walk-in showers. On the second floor, light filters through oversized windows into the bedrooms and bathrooms, and on the third floor, there is additional space for a sizable game room. There is an extensive outdoor living area, accessed via sliding glass doors from the living room, that opens to a patio with cedar ceilings and a fireplace.

This particular picture exemplifies the picture framing on the bench. This customer wanted their deck to have seating around the edge. We built their deck and deck seating out of AZEK composite decking in Slate Grey. It features a double picture frame on the deck and single picture frame on the bench seating. This will be a lovely space for the customer to enjoy the outdoors in low maintenance on the comfort.

images by: Travis Rhoads Photography
Photo of a small modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.

MCM Style with Perpindicular Glass Slivers
Inspiration for a modern front door remodel in Salt Lake City with a medium wood front door

LED illuminated glass cabinet by Vin de Garde is a stunning display of ingenuity, aesthetics and innovative wine storage solutions. This custom, temperature controlled wine cabinet holds over 400 bottles. Design, fabrication & installation by Vin de Garde Photography by James Stockhorst