"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

Alcon Lighting chooses Minimal, Solid, and Clean. Alcon Lighting offers our customers LED lighting options that are contemporary and sophisticated. These lights can be put in a wide variety of homes and not look out of place. Our customers really appreciate their timeless appeal because they look simple, and elegant – two qualities that really work well in a home that has a modern interior design motif. Dimming for All It’s really important to set the right ambiance in your home. Lighting can be a huge factor in setting that tone; whether it’s when you’re entertaining, or it’s a regular week night at home with your family. You need a different amount of lighting when you or your children are sitting at the table doing their homework, or at 9:00PM, when you are winding down and the kids are in bed. Adjusting your lighting accordingly will help your body stay in sync with its circadian rhythm. Styles and Sizes Another great feature of the options here at Alcon Lighting is that despite our more modern leanings, we do still offer a variety of styles and different sizes to choose from. You have options for the shape of the mount, you can choose from round, square, or rectangular, and you can select how many lights you want on the fixture (you can have up to four) to control the brightness of your room. Customers can even select the diameter of the individual lights on their fixture (ranging from 2″-6″). When you come to Alcon Lighting, you have a lot of options to make the lighting perfect for your homes. Short Build Times No one wants to wait a long time for their lighting after they order it. We understand that home improvements can be disruptive; sometimes deliveries being made efficiently can mean the difference between ending a renovation project on time or ahead of schedule. This is the reason why Alcon makes every effort to ensure that you get your product quickly. Most of the products we sell can be shipped within three days and we aim to have every order delivered within four weeks, at the latest – even for special, customized orders. Alcon Lighting produces high end recessed light options for customers seeking a modern and tasteful look for their home lighting. The lights available come with many options, including style and size based on your needs and tastes. The next time you decide it’s time for new lighting, check us out first.

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

The design of this gorgeous space began as a simple refresh to the existing deck, patio and walls. The owners wanted to prepare the property for sale as they had purchased land and were planning to build their dream home. In the design phase, they visited several properties from the Backyard by Design portfolio and, as a result, the project plans expanded as the owners began to visualize how this project could make their property a backyard retreat. What began as a simple pool replacement quickly expanded in the design phase as we went along. This began with removing the previous pool, building a new one and redesigning the entire space. To address their storage needs, a two level garage was built to house the pool accessories above the vehicles. For comfort, we installed special tiles for the pool deck, which are made for southern climates, a material that does not get hot. Three matching outdoor living areas complete with TV’s and audio systems were created to make entertaining a breeze. And the automated mosquito control system ensures hours of outdoor comfort. Sunken fire pits and elevated areas add to the visual ambiance and help with drainage. A full custom outdoor kitchen with granite worktops and high-end appliances top it off to make this a retreat for the whole family. In 9 months, this property that was being readied for sale had turned into the owner’s dream come true. They decided to sell the land they had purchased and stay in their home to enjoy this backyard oasis.

Welcome to your culinary oasis, the dream modern kitchen where functionality and elegance harmoniously blend to create the ultimate cooking experience. This kitchen is meticulously designed to cater to your every need, boasting a comprehensive array of top-of-the-line appliances that exceed your culinary aspirations. As you step into this culinary haven, sleek and minimalist aesthetics welcome you with clean lines and contemporary charm. The ambiance exudes sophistication and style, setting the perfect stage for your culinary adventures. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, this kitchen effortlessly transforms cooking into a breeze. A high-end refrigerator keeps your ingredients fresh and accessible, while the modern stove and oven provide precise temperature control for culinary perfection. Efficiency is paramount, with a built-in microwave and dishwasher that handle smaller tasks with ease. The microwave expedites heating, and the dishwasher simplifies cleanup after delightful meals, leaving you with more time to savor your creations. Culinary creativity knows no bounds in this dream kitchen, accentuated by a capacious and durable countertop crafted from top-quality materials. Whether you're crafting a lavish feast or a quick snack, the generous space empowers your culinary artistry. Sleek and functional cabinets furnish ample storage, ensuring everything finds its designated place, keeping your kitchen organized and clutter-free. This allows you to focus on the joy of cooking, unburdened by distractions. Thoughtful illumination from modern and energy-efficient lighting bathes the kitchen in a warm glow, creating the perfect ambiance for your culinary endeavors, whether it's breakfast at dawn or a midnight snack. This modern kitchen, complete with the appliances of your dreams, offers not only delightful efficiency but also an invitation to explore your culinary passions. With its elegant design, ample storage, and top-notch appliances, it beckons you to embrace your inner chef and create unforgettable meals for yourself, your family, and your friends.

Where are you from? What is your idea of paradise? Most of people reading this are likely not to come from Antigua and Barbuda, but after seeing the recent project, which we had a pleasure to handle, you may end up redefining your personal paradise! FAR FAR AWAY It was surely one of the most remote locations where our products were delivered. We were comissioned to produce hundreds of square meters of Flat Pebble Tiles and Standing Pebble Tiles which for us and for the client really do the job. Not only we were taking care of the production, but also we were taking care of the shipping and organized it entirely. Not that it was any problem for us! We are well experienced in the field of export from Indonesia, which makes us probably one of the most professional supplier of Indonesian natural stone sinks, bathtubs and mosaics. STONE IS OUR PASSION Why we have been chosen for this project? It's simple: We are communicative - our team is always ready to discuss your ideas, give advice and provide service that will greatly contribute to your project. With each project we are moving forward, gaining new experience and solving new problems. We never let our clients down - every dispute and inconsistency is solved as quickly as possible, and the project is always finished flawlessly. We are experts - the numbers are speaking for themselves. Dozens of Stone Bathtubs, thousands of Stone Sinks, or tens of thousands of Pebble Tiles - this is what we produced in the period of just 3 years! All in the greatest achievable quality, thanks to our strict quality control. But quality control would require another article to exhaustively elaborate on... We cater for all tastes - we encourage you to see our website www.Lux4home.com, where you will find out the diversity of our catalogue. And this is just our regular regular offer! Mind you, each year we produce dozens of customized products for the ones with special taste. WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR PROJECT Take a moment to admire the beautiful project in Antigua. See the gallery and get amazed! We were truly blessed to handle this project, and we are looking forward to handling many more. Perhaps we would find more than a single paradise?

Samsung 28 Cu. Ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Touch Screen Family Hub in Tuscan Stainless Steel. See inside your refrigerator from anywhere, with 3 built-in cameras. Create and share shopping lists, plan meals based on the food inside your refrigerator and automically set expiration dates. Create your own home screen with Family Board, by adding personalized pictures, stickers and handwritten notes. Customize your screen saver with picture slide show, weather and animations. Stream your favorite music service directly on your Family Hub™ screen. Mirror your Samsung TV or Samsung phone, right on your Family Hub™. Access your smart devices and Samsung appliances from your Family Hub™ screen; set lights, hear and speak to someone at your front door, monitor your babys room and receive laundry end-of-cycle notifications. Receive Wi-Fi updates so your fridge stays up to date with the latest features and apps. Intelligent voice assistant allows hands-free navigation. Recognizes users voice and provides a personalized experience. A flexible storage drawer with four different temperature settings and an adjustable Smart Divider to stay organized. The stainless steel paneling helps maintain consistent temperature throughout the refrigerator. Independent fridge and freezer controls keep food fresher longer. A special finish to reduce smudges and minimize cleaning. Adjustable shelves go from standard to slide-in or flip-up to store tall items with ease. LED lighting designed to beautifully light up the interior of your fridge so you're able to quickly spot what you want. Dimensions: 35-3/4""W x 70""H x 34""D.

Nothing says "home" like a lush, green, manicured lawn. A professionally designed and installed landscape can increase your enjoyment of your home while also increase the resale value of your property. Often times, though, keeping your lawn maintained takes too much time, is too much of a hassle and requires more tools than many homeowners have at their disposal. To keep your lawn healthy and save yourself from the hassle, enlist help from the lawn maintenance professionals at Rick Roberts Lawn Service. Our team has over 20 years of experience providing lawn care services to homeowners throughout Southwest Florida, and we take pride in offering quality results. At Rick Roberts Lawn Service, our residential lawn maintenance contractors provide exceptional quality residential lawn maintenance services at fair pricing. In the event of a hurricane, you can rest assured that our lawn maintenance company can take care of any storm related damages your yard suffers because we have the experience and necessary equipment to provide quick storm recovery lawn maintenance services.

Laundry Room Wallpaper Installation in Smyrna, GA Turn your laundry room from drab to delightful with professional wallpaper installation designed for busy households in Smyrna. We specialize in durable, moisture-resistant wallcoverings that combine Southern charm with practical functionality. Why Wallpaper Your Smyrna Laundry Room? ✔ Georgia-Tough Materials – Mold-resistant vinyl wallpaper for humid climates ✔ Cheerful Work Space – Bright patterns make chores more enjoyable ✔ Easy Maintenance – Wipeable surfaces stand up to detergent splashes ✔ Custom Storage Solutions – Designs that complement shelving/hampers Popular Smyrna Laundry Room Styles: ? Southern Charm – Gingham checks or peach blossom motifs ? Modern Farmhouse – Shiplap-effect or subtle linen textures ? Bold & Bright – Citrus prints or happy geometric patterns ? Vintage Inspired – Retro laundry day advertisements Our Specialized Services Include: ✅ Appliance-Fit Installation – Precise cuts around washers/dryers ✅ Humidity-Control Adhesives – Prevents bubbling in moist environments ✅ Peel-and-Stick Options – Ideal for apartments or rental homes ✅ Complete Wall Prep – Repairing drywall imperfections for smooth results The Smyrna Advantage: • Local Design Expertise – We know what works in Georgia homes • Quick Turnaround – Most projects completed in just one day • Material Samples – Try before you buy with our mobile sample kit Serving: Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta & surrounding Cobb County areas

DaVinci fireplaces are a modular design that comes in segments measured by feet. They feature a hi-tech air flow system that will keep the glass cool to the touch. These units come single-sided, see-thru, corner unit, or 4-sided glass enclosure. Glass height normally comes in 12", 20", 30", or 36" but can be adjusted. Power venting allows for easy unlimited venting configurations and installation in almost any room. Onsite assembly to eliminate space restrictions such as small stairwells or elevators. Glass media paired with multi-coloured LED lights will make your fire feature a unique experience that you control with a user friendly remote.

Laundry Room Wallpaper Installation in Smyrna, GA Turn your laundry room from drab to delightful with professional wallpaper installation designed for busy households in Smyrna. We specialize in durable, moisture-resistant wallcoverings that combine Southern charm with practical functionality. Why Wallpaper Your Smyrna Laundry Room? ✔ Georgia-Tough Materials – Mold-resistant vinyl wallpaper for humid climates ✔ Cheerful Work Space – Bright patterns make chores more enjoyable ✔ Easy Maintenance – Wipeable surfaces stand up to detergent splashes ✔ Custom Storage Solutions – Designs that complement shelving/hampers Popular Smyrna Laundry Room Styles: ? Southern Charm – Gingham checks or peach blossom motifs ? Modern Farmhouse – Shiplap-effect or subtle linen textures ? Bold & Bright – Citrus prints or happy geometric patterns ? Vintage Inspired – Retro laundry day advertisements Our Specialized Services Include: ✅ Appliance-Fit Installation – Precise cuts around washers/dryers ✅ Humidity-Control Adhesives – Prevents bubbling in moist environments ✅ Peel-and-Stick Options – Ideal for apartments or rental homes ✅ Complete Wall Prep – Repairing drywall imperfections for smooth results The Smyrna Advantage: • Local Design Expertise – We know what works in Georgia homes • Quick Turnaround – Most projects completed in just one day • Material Samples – Try before you buy with our mobile sample kit Serving: Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta & surrounding Cobb County areas

Nothing says "home" like a lush, green, manicured lawn. A professionally designed and installed landscape can increase your enjoyment of your home while also increase the resale value of your property. Often times, though, keeping your lawn maintained takes too much time, is too much of a hassle and requires more tools than many homeowners have at their disposal. To keep your lawn healthy and save yourself from the hassle, enlist help from the lawn maintenance professionals at Rick Roberts Lawn Service. Our team has over 20 years of experience providing lawn care services to homeowners throughout Southwest Florida, and we take pride in offering quality results. At Rick Roberts Lawn Service, our residential lawn maintenance contractors provide exceptional quality residential lawn maintenance services at fair pricing. In the event of a hurricane, you can rest assured that our lawn maintenance company can take care of any storm related damages your yard suffers because we have the experience and necessary equipment to provide quick storm recovery lawn maintenance services.

3,800sf, 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath with oversized 4 car garage and over 270sf Loggia; climate controlled wine room and bar, Tech Room, landscaping and pool. Solar, high efficiency HVAC and insulation was used which resulted in huge rebates from utility companies, enhancing the ROI. The challenge with this property was the downslope lot, sewer system was lower than main line at the street thus requiring a special pump system. Retaining walls to create a flat usable back yard. ESI Builders is a subsidiary of EnergyWise Solutions, Inc. and was formed by Allan, Bob and Dave to fulfill an important need for quality home builders and remodeling services in the Sacramento region. With a strong and growing referral base, we decided to provide a convenient one-stop option for our clients and focus on combining our key services: quality custom homes and remodels, turnkey client partnering and communication, and energy efficient and environmentally sustainable measures in all we do. Through energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar power, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, enhanced insulation and sealing, and other construction elements – we go beyond simple code compliance and give you immediate savings and greater sustainability for your new or remodeled home. All of the design work and construction tasks for our clients are done by or supervised by our highly trained, professional staff. This not only saves you money, it provides a peace of mind that all of the details are taken care of and the job is being done right – to Perfection. Our service does not stop after we clean up and drive off. We continue to provide support for any warranty issues that arise and give you administrative support as needed in order to assure you obtain any energy-related tax incentives or rebates. This ‘One call does it all’ philosophy assures that your experience in remodeling or upgrading your home is an enjoyable one. ESI Builders was formed by professionals with varying backgrounds and a common interest to provide you, our clients, with options to live more comfortably, save money, and enjoy quality homes for many years to come. As our company continues to grow and evolve, the expertise has been quickly growing to include several job foreman, tradesmen, and support staff. In response to our growth, we will continue to hire well-qualified staff and we will remain committed to maintaining a level of quality, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com