Transitional home design photo in Seattle

Induction cooking transforms your cookware into the heat source for a cooler, efficient, and energy saving method of cooking. The Power Management induction system speeds boil times for those favorite dishes as well as providing a quick simmer for sauces. Viking Induction cooktops are compatible with all Viking cookware as well as most other high-end brands of stainless steel and enamel cookware. Features: Induction Glass Ceramic Surface: Spend more time creating and less time cleaning with our easy-to-clean glass ceramic top and removable knobs. Wear-resistant glass ceramic surface is extremely durable for easy cleanup. Power Management System: Speeds boil time for your favorite dishes as well as providing a quick simmer for sauces. MagneQuick™ Induction Elements: Cook quickly and efficiently with induction heat generated by the exceptionally responsive MagneQuick(TM) power generators. MagneQuick(TM) induction elements utilize magnetic energy for superior power, responsiveness and efficiency.

The owners of this home came to us with a plan to build a new high-performance home that physically and aesthetically fit on an infill lot in an old well-established neighborhood in Bellingham. The Craftsman exterior detailing, Scandinavian exterior color palette, and timber details help it blend into the older neighborhood. At the same time the clean modern interior allowed their artistic details and displayed artwork take center stage. We started working with the owners and the design team in the later stages of design, sharing our expertise with high-performance building strategies, custom timber details, and construction cost planning. Our team then seamlessly rolled into the construction phase of the project, working with the owners and Michelle, the interior designer until the home was complete. The owners can hardly believe the way it all came together to create a bright, comfortable, and friendly space that highlights their applied details and favorite pieces of art. Photography by Radley Muller Photography​ Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services Interior Design by Spiral Studios​

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

Chang Kyun Kim
Inspiration for a modern white two-story exterior home remodel in Los Angeles

We gave this newly-built weekend home in New London, New Hampshire a colorful and contemporary interior style. The successful result of a partnership with Smart Architecture, Grace Hill Construction and Terri Wilcox Gardens, we translated the contemporary-style architecture into modern, yet comfortable interiors for a Massachusetts family. Creating a lake home designed for gatherings of extended family and friends that will produce wonderful memories for many years to come.

The House Shampoo proprietary low and high pressure solution application processes produce 4-5x better results than pressure washing with none of the risks of damage. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Serving the Greater NW Chicago, IL & Lake Geneva, WI areas.

Kashmir is proud to bring together the modern abstract artwork pillow collection, inspired by world renowned artist Alfred Gockel and hand embroidered by the finest artisans of Kashmir, into the living spaces of patrons and connoisseurs‚ all around the world. These unique and modern pillows would bring the brighter elements of any room, creating a harmonious design and perfect air of sophistication. This decorative Cushion Cover Music is my Life throw pillow cover has beautiful colors and design hand embroidered in lively and refreshing colors. Swirls of colorful chain stitch embroidery hand embroidered from soft Kashmir wool adds a dazzling sheen to the creation. Composition: 70% Art Silk, 30% Cotton Size: 18" x 18" (45cm x 45cm) Backing: Canvas (See the Last Picture) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.Chain stitch embroidery on a cotton base produces a soft, fine crewel, and the stitches create definite swirls as distinct as your fingerprint. Kashmiri craftsmen produce the finest quality chain stitch needlework in the world. This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. Durable and easy to clean, this toss pillow will catch the eye of every passerby. Kashmiri craftsmen produce the finest quality chain stitch needlework in the world. This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. Durable and easy to clean, this toss pillow will catch the eye of every passerby. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow are just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this art work pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. World-renowned artist Alfred Gockel was born in 1952 near Munster, Germany. His artwork has been showcased in leading exhibitions all over the world. He draws his inspiration Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this art work pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. World-renowned artist Alfred Gockel was born in 1952 near Munster, Germany. His artwork has been showcased in leading exhibitions all over the world. He draws his inspiration World-renowned artist Alfred Gockel was born in 1952 near Munster, Germany. His artwork has been showcased in leading exhibitions all over the world. He draws his inspiration from Picasso, Miro, Chagall, Dali, and Durer. He is a great admirer of Kandinsky. This is reflected in his high quality and artistic etchings.His particular focus is the art in public spaces. Alfred feels an attachment to an art form, which includes a design that leads to beauty and harmony. His vivid style is a sign of spontaneous creativity and artistic energy. The bright colors and the graceful motion of his characters mark his beautiful and artistic compositions, which reflect zest of life and push his works to a higher level of visual pleasure. He loves playing with form and color in a virtual way and describes his creative work as "rhythmical painting" His artwork seems to explode of vitality. The tremendous drive of his painting puts his characteristic figures and compositions in vibrations, which reflect consequently the motion in his artwork. Dance and music are his favorite themes. His originals begin as brief sketches to grip creative moments, which inspire him later and retain the charm of his drafts while he finishes his paintings.

At Tile Doctor, we often come across Victorian tiled hallways in need of restoration. They’re very popular due to their timeless and unique patterns – and as a result are still in production, having first being produced in the 19th century. While many have been maintained in their original state since first being laid (which is sometimes over a century ago), others have been hidden by carpet or linoleum for many years, only to be uncovered by new property owners. In this case, at a property in Newport – the port city of South East Wales – the Victorian tiled hallway had not been subject to an effective cleaning plan leaving the fantastic white and black checkered pattern grubby and unsightly. I was asked if I could help bring it back to life – and I was happy to oblige! I started the restoration by applying a strong cleaning solution combined from mixing two Tile Doctor products in equal parts namely Remove and Go and Pro Clean. Together they create a powerful sealer remover and cleaner to break down any remaining old sealers, paint whilst lifting ingrained dirt and muck from the pores of the tile. The two products were worked into the tiles using firstly a 17 inch black buffing pad to remove the initial layer of dirt, followed by a 6 inch buffing pad, wire brush, and hand-held scrapper to remove the more stubborn specks of paint and dirt. The resultant slurry was then rinsed away with water and a wet vacuum and stubborn areas retreated until I was satisfied. The results were great so after a final rinse I left tiles to dry off. A couple of days later, after leaving the tiles to dry completely, I went back to the property to seal the floor. I checked first for any excess moisture as this can cloud the sealer and prevent it from acting an effective barrier against dirt and stains. My choice of sealer included one coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow to restore the rich colour to the black and white tiles, followed by seven coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go to provide an aesthetically pleasing sheen finish. Colour Grow is an impregnating sealer that penetrates the pores of the tile to fill them and prevent dirt becoming trapped, while Seal and Go is a topical sealer that builds up an additional layer of protection on the surface of the tiles. The combination of fresh sealers, preceded by a deep and thorough clean, really helped to restore these Victorian tiles to a condition in which they could be easily mistaken for newly laid! The customer was very pleased and undoubtedly will be looking forward to showing off the tiles to friends and family. Paul Wales Monmouthshire Tile Doctor

Elevate your home with our handmade braided area rugs, designed to bring a contemporary and modern touch to any space. these medium-sized rectangular rugs, in a sophisticated off-white color, add a sleek and natural feel to your living room, bedroom, or dining room. meticulously hand-knotted and crocheted, each rug features scalloped edges that highlight exceptional craftsmanship. made from durable natural fibers like jute and sisal, these rugs are built to withstand high traffic areas while maintaining their thick, high-pile texture, offering a plush and luxurious feel underfoot. suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, they provide versatile elegance and practicality. currently available at clearance prices, these rugs combine stylish design with robust durability, making them a perfect addition to enhance your home decor. [FEATURES] *PATTERN - Contemporary *COLOR - Natural Off White *MATERIAL - Jute *MATERIAL COMPOSITION - 80% Jute; 20% Cotton *CONSTRUCTION - Handmade *WEAVE - Hand Knotted Sumak *COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - India *BRAND - RUGSOTIC CARPETS *MANUFACTURER - GET MY RUGS LLC *SHIPPING - Free Shipping *OCCASION - All *ROOM TYPE - Living Room, Bed Room, Study Room, Guest Room, Kids Room, Office *CARE INSTRUCTION - Vacuum Cleaning *ECO-FRIENDLY - Yes *NATURAL FIBRE - Yes *PILE - High Pile *PILE HEIGHT - 0.75 Inches *BACK MATERIAL - Cotton *USAGE - Indoor *DURABLE - Yes *ANTI-SKID - Yes *Order Handling Time - 2 Business days *Washable - No *RUG PAD NEEEDED - No *ITEM CONDITION - New *REVERSIBLE - No *[WEAVE / CONSTRUCTION] Handcrafted by skilled artisans, hand-knotted area rugs exemplify punctilious craftsmanship, with each area rug woven to ensure unmatched quality and conscientious attention to detail. Every knot in the area rug is expertly tied in a seamless process, intricately interlacing warps and wefts to produce a masterpiece renowned for its superior quality and lasting durability. *[MATERIAL] Jute is one of the most affordable natural & eco-friendly fibers in existence and also used for weaving area rugs. The jute material is strong enough to tolerate the large footfall without much cleaning on daily basis and can be used both indoor and outdoor. The cost of such area rugs is reasonable. *[PATTERN] This modern jute area rugs with contemporary design elevates the elegance of your living space and complement various home décor styles including transitional, modern, contemporary, and bohemian. *[ECO-FRIENDLY] By selecting this handmade area rug, woven with eco-friendly natural fibers and crafted without the use of harmful chemicals, you demonstrate your commitment to a healthier environment and your support for traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, using jute as a raw material makes the area rug more eco-friendly and conducive to nature. *[DURABLE & EASY CARE] Crafted with meticulous precision and using top-quality materials, these area rugs boast unparalleled durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas while providing exceptional underfoot comfort. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance, needing only occasional vacuuming to keep them looking their best. *[USAGE AREA] Area rugs are versatile decor elements that can elevate the ambiance and functionality of any room in your home. From the living room to the bedroom, and even outdoor spaces, study rooms, runway, dining room and office room here's how you can make the most of area rugs throughout your home. *[SERVICES] Free Shipping | Quick Order Dispatch | Easy Return | Accessible Customer Support - With quality product we deliver exceptional services to customers. *[BRAND] RUGSOTIC CARPETS is a name synonymous with quality area rugs, rooted in decades of manufacturing expertise. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond product quality to supporting thousands of skilled weavers and artisans. We prioritize environmental friendliness and climate sustainability in our weaving processes, while also fostering the continuous skill development of our weavers through training initiatives. From spinning and dyeing yarn with natural ingredients in our in-house units to the meticulous weaving of our area rugs, quality checks at every stage ensure the delivery of products that uphold high moral values and exceed customer expectations. *[SHAPE & SIZE] This Rectangle area rug is of 5'x8' size. Ensure that the area rug is the appropriate size and shape for the space, considering the furniture arrangement and the room's dimensions.I *[SHIPPING & RETURN POLICY] Free shipping across USA (except Puerto Rico, Alaska & Hawaii). Easy 30 days free returns. In case of damaged or wrong product delivered, the return shipment cost will be borne by us, in any other case, it will be paid by the customer. *[WEAVE DESCRIPTION] Utilizing the ancient and authentic hand-knotted technique, this area rug epitomizes the most traditional method of crafting area rugs. The process begins on a wooden frame intricately assembled with vertical threads tightly secured between top and bottom bars to create essential tension. These vertical threads, referred to as warps, form the base for weaving the weft threads horizontally through them. Despite its time-intensive nature, this method allows for intricate detailing and offers ample opportunities for diverse design possibilities. Furthermore, the resultant area rug boasts exceptional durability, ensuring its longevity for years to come. *[MATERIAL DESCRIPTION] Jute is one of the most affordable and eco-friendly natural fibers available, commonly used for weaving area rugs. This material is exceptionally strong and durable, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic with minimal daily cleaning, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, the cost of jute area rugs is quite reasonable, making them an economical choice for consumers seeking sustainable and practical flooring solutions. The use of jute as a raw material not only enhances the rug's durability but also contributes to environmental sustainability, as jute is biodegradable and renewable *[PROPER SET UP & CARE] The area rug is weaved by the expert artisans with high density for its unmatched durability. It can be placed on high traffic areas with proper care. It can be installed over any kind of surface and creases can be removed just by rolling up the rug in reverse order. *[FLOOR PROTECTION] For floor protection, this area rug can be used with pads that keep the safety of the floor intact. Be it the stone flooring, wooden or tile flooring, the rug pads will be the best for protection. *[CLEANING METHODS] To effectively remove dust from jute area rugs, the vacuum cleaning method is recommended. However, for stains or heavy dust accumulation, a gentle wash can be employed to restore the rug's cleanliness. After washing, it's important to ensure thorough drying of the area rug, preferably under sunlight, as this helps it regain its natural sheen and freshness.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

As the right side of the photo hints, the dining area is open with and connected to the kitchen. A large sliding glass patio door brings a surplus of light into the space allowing the black walls to produce a relaxed rather than oppressive feeling. The resident wanted to keep her string lights up for when she hosts small parties.

This 7,000 square foot, single family home, nestled at the base of San Francisco’s skyline Landmark, Sutro Tower, is an impressive representation of the quality of work Cook Construction produces. Designed by visionary John Maniscalco Architects, this 4 story modern marvel has impressive 23’ custom windows revealing breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding bay. Its’ expansive kitchen and living areas include state-of-the-art appliances, European cabinetry and Lucifer mud-in lighting. A handsomely showcased wine room, a nourishing spa, complete with sauna, steam room and custom stainless hot tub, and large fitness studio with garden views, are only some of its elegantly conceived amenities. Floor to ceiling pocket doors, trim-less casings and baseboards, and other hidden reveals situated throughout this home create a sleek yet functional gravitas.

Chang Kyun Kim
Family room - mid-sized modern enclosed gray floor family room idea in Los Angeles with white walls, no fireplace and a media wall

Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com The E series made Wolf precision performance accessible for more cooks. Now three distinct new styles make the E series ideal for more kitchen designs than ever. The new 30" E series transitional single oven features an all-stainless touch control panel and slim, tubular handle - a design meant to coordinate beautifully with similarly-styled Wolf microwaves and warming drawers. Inside, dual convection fans and ten cooking modes control heat and airflow more precisely than less sophisticated single-convection systems. Uniform heat throughout the oven and the efficiency of circulating air around the food produce faster, more consistent and more predictably delicious results for your baking, roasting and broiling. The E series oven controls are a favorite of Wolf chefs for their intuitive usability whether setting the temperature, mode or timer. Meanwhile, dual interior halogen lights and a large viewing window help you keep tabs on cooking progress without having to disturb your dish by opening the door. Other standard convenience features include self-clean and timed cook settings, along with one full-extension, easy-glide rack and one full-extension, door-glide rack that put even the largest, heaviest dishes safely within reach. Appearance: Cobalt Blue Porcelain Oven Interior Large Viewing Double-Pane Window Tubular Handle Unframed Classic Stainless Design Capacity: 4.5 Cu Ft Oven Capacity Dimensions: 27 7/8" H x 24 3/4" D x 30" W Manufacturers Warranty: 2 Year Parts & Labor 5 Year Parts-Electric Elements, Electronic Control Oven Features: 10 Cooking Modes 3 Oven Racks w/ 6 Level Guide Convection Bake, Roast, Broil Conventional Bake, Roast, Broil Dehydrate & Proof Modes Dual Convection System with Two Fans Full Extension Bottom Rack Hidden Bake Element Recessed Broil Element Self Clean Porcelain Oven Temperature Probe Convenience Features: Delay Start Option Dual Interior Halogen Lighting Sabbath Mode Additional Features: Balanced Door Hinge Standard or Flush Inset Application Installation

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

Designed by Dale Mulfinger, Jody McGuire This new lake home takes advantage of the stunning landscape of Lake Superior. The compact floor plans minimize the site impact. The expressive building form blends the structure into the language of the cliff. The home provides a serene perch to view not only the big lake, but also to look back into the North Shore. With triple pane windows and careful details, this house surpasses the airtightness criteria set by the international Passive House Association, to keep life cozy on the North Shore all year round. Construction by Dale Torgersen Photography by Corey Gaffer

The simple sophistication of the Morar One-Piece Toilet with Seat makes it the perfect accent fixture for those looking to complete a clean, contemporary bathroom aesthetic. Combining efficiency, performance and a unique seamless design, the Morar toilet is as elegant as it is functional. The slender tank and fully-skirted base strike a modern profile, while the smooth lines of the outer surface also help to make cleaning effortless. The full skirt also serves to conceal the integral trap way within the base, helping to dampen flushing sounds and hide internal hardware. Made from high quality materials and fully enameled inside and out, a specialized finishing treatment works to minimize the growth of stain and odor-producing bacteria, as well as mold and mildew, helping to maintain spotlessly clean surfaces use after use. This one-piece toilet is also powerful and efficient. An innovative combination of an extra-wide trapway and siphonic jet flushing system ensures a completely thorough flush. Modern style one-piece toilet and seat with integral installation type Siphonic jet flushing system and wide trap way Dimensions 27-9/16" W, 15" D, 30-1/8" H Toilet seat included Dual flush option for increased efficiency