Stunning Showcase Kitchen Remodel Acrylic Cabinetry is the stunning choice in this complete kitchen remodel. A high gloss finish that is smooth and highly reflective on these white acrylic cabinets is perfect. In addition, satin finishes for cabinet hardware including a satin stainless steel apron sink is breathtaking. In addition, to the stainless-steel appliances. The client wanted to use contrasting grey cabinetry for the island. Moreover, the island top and countertops is finished with a quartz marble-look. The island quartz countertops extend into a waterfall on both sides of the island. In essence, a dark teal picket mosaic was used for the kitchen backsplash running horizontally through the cabinets and picked up in the island. Finally, this kitchen has an abundant amount of storage with floor to ceiling cabinets. This kitchen is a remarkable showcase. Client testimony is especially appreciated “We had a great experience. FCD redid our kitchen – taking it from the 1980s to the 2020s! They were professional and responsive throughout the process. The contractor did an amazing job. Quick and painless. Beautiful work!“ Kitchen cabinetry, cabinet hardware, countertops, sink, and backsplash complete in Client Project Kitchen Update ~ Thank you for sharing! Kitchen Planning & Renovations When planning a kitchen renovation, start with a kitchen designer to assist in organizing, planning. Designers assist in choosing the right cabinets, countertops, kitchen backsplash, tile, and flooring. In addition, remember to purchase your kitchen cabinet hardware for those finishing touches. Moreover, we have streamlined kitchen planning and design by consolidating the design process with material selection all in one place. Our designer will work with you to develop a kitchen design.

"Inviting Guest Room Wallpaper Installation in Joliet – Where Comfort Meets Style!" Welcome your visitors in style with our expert guest room wallpaper installation services. As Joliet’s trusted wallpaper specialists, we create warm, inviting spaces that reflect our city’s historic charm while offering modern comfort. Why Joliet Homeowners Choose Our Guest Room Wallpaper ✔ Versatile Designs – From subtle textures to bold statement walls ✔ Historic Home Expertise – Perfect for Joliet’s Victorian and Craftsman houses ✔ Renter-Friendly Options – Quality peel-and-stick installations ✔ Quick 1-Day Transformations – Ready for overnight guests ✔ Local Landmark Themes – Designs inspired by Joliet’s rich heritage Popular Joliet Guest Room Styles ? Route 66 Retro – Vintage travel motifs celebrating our iconic highway ⚓ Harbor House – Nautical touches honoring the Des Plaines River ? Rialto Elegance – Theater-inspired drama with velvet textures ? Prairie Comfort – Nature-inspired organic patterns Exclusive Joliet Perks ✅ FREE design consultation with local theme suggestions ✅ Multi-Room Discounts – Perfect for B&Bs and family homes ✅ Historic District Specialists – Preservation-approved materials Serving All of Joliet: Cathedral Area historic homes Downtown loft conversions Rock Run residential areas West Side family neighborhoods Ask about our Joliet Pride Collection – featuring designs inspired by the Rialto, Stateville, and our stunning limestone architecture!

This Brizo Kitchen Faucet Features: Finish: Stainless Length: 9.03 Height: 13.31 Width: 8 SmartTouch Technology with TempID – tap on/off functionality with temperature indicating LED light MagneDock Technology – magnetic docking system Diamond Seal Technology Euro-motion Diamond Valve with InnoFlex waterways Two-function pull-down wand: spray and stream Hidden pull-down wand 1-hole installation Spout swivels 360° Accommodates up to 3" deck thickness Comes with standard fittings Optional A/C adapter EP73954 Single handle, 2-function pull-down kitchen faucets for exposed mounting on single or three hole sinks SmartTouch on/off functionality On-off indicator light also signals when batteries run low 16 3/32" (411 mm) high, 9 3/32" (231 mm) long, spout swings 360˚ Lever handle. Control mechanism shall be full-motion valve cartridge Quick connect hoses Pull-down wand operates in an aerated or spray mode via ergonomic button MagneDock magnetic docking Dual integral check valves in sprayer Hose travels inside mounting shank so it will not interfere with deck edges Maximum 1.80 gpm @ 60 psi, 6.8 L/min @ 414 kPa

Stunning Showcase Kitchen Remodel Acrylic Cabinetry is the stunning choice in this complete kitchen remodel. A high gloss finish that is smooth and highly reflective on these white acrylic cabinets is perfect. In addition, satin finishes for cabinet hardware including a satin stainless steel apron sink is breathtaking. In addition, to the stainless-steel appliances. The client wanted to use contrasting grey cabinetry for the island. Moreover, the island top and countertops is finished with a quartz marble-look. The island quartz countertops extend into a waterfall on both sides of the island. In essence, a dark teal picket mosaic was used for the kitchen backsplash running horizontally through the cabinets and picked up in the island. Finally, this kitchen has an abundant amount of storage with floor to ceiling cabinets. This kitchen is a remarkable showcase. Client testimony is especially appreciated “We had a great experience. FCD redid our kitchen – taking it from the 1980s to the 2020s! They were professional and responsive throughout the process. The contractor did an amazing job. Quick and painless. Beautiful work!“ Kitchen cabinetry, cabinet hardware, countertops, sink, and backsplash complete in Client Project Kitchen Update ~ Thank you for sharing! Kitchen Planning & Renovations When planning a kitchen renovation, start with a kitchen designer to assist in organizing, planning. Designers assist in choosing the right cabinets, countertops, kitchen backsplash, tile, and flooring. In addition, remember to purchase your kitchen cabinet hardware for those finishing touches. Moreover, we have streamlined kitchen planning and design by consolidating the design process with material selection all in one place. Our designer will work with you to develop a kitchen design.

Stunning Showcase Kitchen Remodel Acrylic Cabinetry is the stunning choice in this complete kitchen remodel. A high gloss finish that is smooth and highly reflective on these white acrylic cabinets is perfect. In addition, satin finishes for cabinet hardware including a satin stainless steel apron sink is breathtaking. In addition, to the stainless-steel appliances. The client wanted to use contrasting grey cabinetry for the island. Moreover, the island top and countertops is finished with a quartz marble-look. The island quartz countertops extend into a waterfall on both sides of the island. In essence, a dark teal picket mosaic was used for the kitchen backsplash running horizontally through the cabinets and picked up in the island. Finally, this kitchen has an abundant amount of storage with floor to ceiling cabinets. This kitchen is a remarkable showcase. Client testimony is especially appreciated “We had a great experience. FCD redid our kitchen – taking it from the 1980s to the 2020s! They were professional and responsive throughout the process. The contractor did an amazing job. Quick and painless. Beautiful work!“ Kitchen cabinetry, cabinet hardware, countertops, sink, and backsplash complete in Client Project Kitchen Update ~ Thank you for sharing! Kitchen Planning & Renovations When planning a kitchen renovation, start with a kitchen designer to assist in organizing, planning. Designers assist in choosing the right cabinets, countertops, kitchen backsplash, tile, and flooring. In addition, remember to purchase your kitchen cabinet hardware for those finishing touches. Moreover, we have streamlined kitchen planning and design by consolidating the design process with material selection all in one place. Our designer will work with you to develop a kitchen design.

Our Award Nominated project,Violet street was a huge transformation from start to finish. Our goal was to take the main floor of the house from the 80’s to the 21st century by creating an open concept living area and a chef’s kitchen. Removing the unnecessary walls created and open concept main floor with a chef's kitchen and an island that is over eleven feet long. Storage was a concern in the previously small kitchen; with that in mind we added in some full height pantry units with roll out shelves. The pantry units flank a built in desk and glass cabinets which has quickly become the landing zone for the kitchen and the perfect spot for planning their dinner menu. We elevated the look of the desk by running the back splash from the floor right up to the top as the backing inside the glass cabinets. The living room was also given a new lease on life. All the cabinetry was done in a white washed oak to define the living space from the kitchen; this is especially important in open concept. Built in cabinetry now frames the fireplace, giving the living room a focal point. Violet St has now been elevated to the present time and is a wonderful space to entertain and test your culinary abilities. Now this home is ready to be filled with many happy memories and moments.

Our Award Nominated project,Violet street was a huge transformation from start to finish. Our goal was to take the main floor of the house from the 80’s to the 21st century by creating an open concept living area and a chef’s kitchen. Removing the unnecessary walls created and open concept main floor with a chef's kitchen and an island that is over eleven feet long. Storage was a concern in the previously small kitchen; with that in mind we added in some full height pantry units with roll out shelves. The pantry units flank a built in desk and glass cabinets which has quickly become the landing zone for the kitchen and the perfect spot for planning their dinner menu. We elevated the look of the desk by running the back splash from the floor right up to the top as the backing inside the glass cabinets. The living room was also given a new lease on life. All the cabinetry was done in a white washed oak to define the living space from the kitchen; this is especially important in open concept. Built in cabinetry now frames the fireplace, giving the living room a focal point. Violet St has now been elevated to the present time and is a wonderful space to entertain and test your culinary abilities. Now this home is ready to be filled with many happy memories and moments.

  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

Stunning Showcase Kitchen Remodel Acrylic Cabinetry is the stunning choice in this complete kitchen remodel. A high gloss finish that is smooth and highly reflective on these white acrylic cabinets is perfect. In addition, satin finishes for cabinet hardware including a satin stainless steel apron sink is breathtaking. In addition, to the stainless-steel appliances. The client wanted to use contrasting grey cabinetry for the island. Moreover, the island top and countertops is finished with a quartz marble-look. The island quartz countertops extend into a waterfall on both sides of the island. In essence, a dark teal picket mosaic was used for the kitchen backsplash running horizontally through the cabinets and picked up in the island. Finally, this kitchen has an abundant amount of storage with floor to ceiling cabinets. This kitchen is a remarkable showcase. Client testimony is especially appreciated “We had a great experience. FCD redid our kitchen – taking it from the 1980s to the 2020s! They were professional and responsive throughout the process. The contractor did an amazing job. Quick and painless. Beautiful work!“ Kitchen cabinetry, cabinet hardware, countertops, sink, and backsplash complete in Client Project Kitchen Update ~ Thank you for sharing! Kitchen Planning & Renovations When planning a kitchen renovation, start with a kitchen designer to assist in organizing, planning. Designers assist in choosing the right cabinets, countertops, kitchen backsplash, tile, and flooring. In addition, remember to purchase your kitchen cabinet hardware for those finishing touches. Moreover, we have streamlined kitchen planning and design by consolidating the design process with material selection all in one place. Our designer will work with you to develop a kitchen design.

Inspired by native limestone waterfall, and designed to naturally blend into the landscape but make a huge impression and impact, this pondless waterfall built in the loess hills of Western Iowa is a signature project and an absolute stunner. Its placement on the hillside across the driveway for the house provided a perfect setting to make a dramatic impact. The variety of small and large waterfalls helps provide scale and interest, along with making different sounds as the water crashes over the rocks to fill the air with a fabulous ambiance. The character of the weathered limestone helps the feature appear seamless and as if it is naturally eroding out of the hillside. A variety of evergreens punctuate the landscape, and perennial natives and grasses blend into the native prairie grass establish beyond the waterfall. This waterfall feature's Aquascape products and LED lighting. Built to run in all four seasons, but with the ease of being shut of for vacations and quickly started upon returning with no need to fill the reservoir and with no hassle. Running the feature on a timer and the addition of an IonGen helps keep this feature free from algae. A similar project built in the Omaha Metro Area would have a budget around $30,000 and would take 2-3 weeks to create. Neptune's Water Gardens is the premier water feature design and installation company in the #Omaha Metro area. Our naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem ponds work with Mother Nature, not against her. We pride ourselves in creating water features that appear to have always existed in their surrounding landscape. Whether you choose an ecosystem #pond, decorative #fountainscape, #Pondless® #Waterfall or the new #RainXchange™ System that pairs a rainwater harvesting system with a #decorative water feature – you'll be thrilled with the sight and sound that water brings to your #landscape. From #trees to #shrubs; #patios to retaining walls, the experienced #designers and #craftsman at #Neptune's Water Gardens will be able to bring all of your #outdoor living ideas to reality . For more information and inspiration visit our website http://www.neptuneswatergardens.com/pondless.html Serving the Omaha Metro Area and Eastern #Nebraska and Western #Iowa . Services include pond help, pond cleaning and repair, pond and water feature maintenance, boulder bubblers and fountains, water garden and koi pond design and installation, pondless and disappearing waterfall design and installation, landscape design installation and maintenance, Stone and paver patios and retaining walls . #neptuneswatergardens #ncn #cac #aquascape #pondstars Design, Installation, And Photographs By Jason Heller and Neptune's Water Gardens

Stunning Showcase Kitchen Remodel Acrylic Cabinetry is the stunning choice in this complete kitchen remodel. A high gloss finish that is smooth and highly reflective on these white acrylic cabinets is perfect. In addition, satin finishes for cabinet hardware including a satin stainless steel apron sink is breathtaking. In addition, to the stainless-steel appliances. The client wanted to use contrasting grey cabinetry for the island. Moreover, the island top and countertops is finished with a quartz marble-look. The island quartz countertops extend into a waterfall on both sides of the island. In essence, a dark teal picket mosaic was used for the kitchen backsplash running horizontally through the cabinets and picked up in the island. Finally, this kitchen has an abundant amount of storage with floor to ceiling cabinets. This kitchen is a remarkable showcase. Client testimony is especially appreciated “We had a great experience. FCD redid our kitchen – taking it from the 1980s to the 2020s! They were professional and responsive throughout the process. The contractor did an amazing job. Quick and painless. Beautiful work!“ Kitchen cabinetry, cabinet hardware, countertops, sink, and backsplash complete in Client Project Kitchen Update ~ Thank you for sharing! Kitchen Planning & Renovations When planning a kitchen renovation, start with a kitchen designer to assist in organizing, planning. Designers assist in choosing the right cabinets, countertops, kitchen backsplash, tile, and flooring. In addition, remember to purchase your kitchen cabinet hardware for those finishing touches. Moreover, we have streamlined kitchen planning and design by consolidating the design process with material selection all in one place. Our designer will work with you to develop a kitchen design.

Inspired by native limestone waterfall, and designed to naturally blend into the landscape but make a huge impression and impact, this pondless waterfall built in the loess hills of Western Iowa is a signature project and an absolute stunner. Its placement on the hillside across the driveway for the house provided a perfect setting to make a dramatic impact. The variety of small and large waterfalls helps provide scale and interest, along with making different sounds as the water crashes over the rocks to fill the air with a fabulous ambiance. The character of the weathered limestone helps the feature appear seamless and as if it is naturally eroding out of the hillside. A variety of evergreens punctuate the landscape, and perennial natives and grasses blend into the native prairie grass establish beyond the waterfall. This waterfall feature's Aquascape products and LED lighting. Built to run in all four seasons, but with the ease of being shut of for vacations and quickly started upon returning with no need to fill the reservoir and with no hassle. Running the feature on a timer and the addition of an IonGen helps keep this feature free from algae. A similar project built in the Omaha Metro Area would have a budget around $30,000 and would take 2-3 weeks to create. Neptune's Water Gardens is the premier water feature design and installation company in the #Omaha Metro area. Our naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem ponds work with Mother Nature, not against her. We pride ourselves in creating water features that appear to have always existed in their surrounding landscape. Whether you choose an ecosystem #pond, decorative #fountainscape, #Pondless® #Waterfall or the new #RainXchange™ System that pairs a rainwater harvesting system with a #decorative water feature – you'll be thrilled with the sight and sound that water brings to your #landscape. From #trees to #shrubs; #patios to retaining walls, the experienced #designers and #craftsman at #Neptune's Water Gardens will be able to bring all of your #outdoor living ideas to reality . For more information and inspiration visit our website http://www.neptuneswatergardens.com/pondless.html Serving the Omaha Metro Area and Eastern #Nebraska and Western #Iowa . Services include pond help, pond cleaning and repair, pond and water feature maintenance, boulder bubblers and fountains, water garden and koi pond design and installation, pondless and disappearing waterfall design and installation, landscape design installation and maintenance, Stone and paver patios and retaining walls . #neptuneswatergardens #ncn #cac #aquascape #pondstars Design, Installation, And Photographs By Jason Heller and Neptune's Water Gardens

It’s fairly common for owners of older properties – especially houses those that are over 100 years old or more – to find original Victorian tiled flooring hidden underneath carpet. It can wait years for the tiles to be discovered, by which time they have amassed huge amounts of dirt and dust. Such was the case at this property in Bridlington, a Yorkshire town through which a stream known as the ‘Gypsey Race’ runs, before emptying in the North Sea at the Bridlington Harbour. Interestingly enough, folklore says that when the stream is flowing, bad fortune is at hand. The stream must not have been running on the day that we restored this Victorian hallway, as we managed to achieve some truly fantastic results!! The hallway had been severely dulled after going years without professional care. We set about giving it the thorough clean and fresh seal that I’d des partly needed. Here’s how we did it. Our first task was to remove any old, no longer effectual sealer. We did this by liberally applying a strong dilution of our alkaline-based Tile a Doctor Pro Clean, which doubles as a reliable cleaner and a stripper capable of stripping away old sealer. The product was worked into the tiles using a black stripping pad fitted to a 17″ rotary machine, and the process was repeated three times. I noticed that there was still some stubborn dirt and old sealer around the edges of the hallway, so I used some of our handheld diamond encrusted burnishing blocks to grind it away. To finish the cleaning process, we washed the floor with Tile Doctor pH Neutral Tile Cleaner, leaving it fresh and ready to be sealed once left to dry overnight. Upon our return to the property the next day, we ran some quick tests to check for any excess moisture (even a small amount could have damaged the performance of the new sealer). Once satisfied with the the condition of the floor, we proceeded to see it with an impregnating sealer, meaning a sealer that penetrates into the pores of the tile to fill them and therefore prevent trapped dirt and ingrained stains. Our impregnating sealer, Tile Doctor Colour Grow, has the added benefit of being colour intensifying, which really highlights the unique colourful patterns of the tiles. To give the floor a durable sheen finish, as requested by the customer, we also added a coat of Tile Doctor Seal and Go sealer. The result was a complete transformation of the condition and appearance of this great Victorian tiled hallway. Our customer is very pleased – the floor is now a complete asset to any property, and will now be easier to keep looking great in future. Ronnie Phipps East Yorkshire Tile Doctor

**Project Overview** This new construction home built next to a serene lake features a gorgeous, large-scale kitchen that also connects to a bar, home office, breakfast room and great room. The homeowners sought the warmth of traditional styling, updated for today. In addition, they wanted to incorporate unexpected touches that would add personality. Strategic use of furniture details combined with clean lines brings the traditional style forward, making the kitchen feel fresh, new and timeless. **What Makes This Project Unique?* Three finishes, including vintage white paint, stained cherry and textured painted gray oak cabinetry, work together beautifully to create a varied, unique space. Above the wall cabinets, glass cabinets with X mullions add interest and decorative storage. Single ovens are tucked in cabinets under a window, and a warming drawer under one perfectly matches the cabinet drawer under the other. Matching furniture-style armoires flank the wall ovens, housing the freezer and a pantry in one and custom designed large scale appliance garage with retractable doors in the other. Other furniture touches can be found on the sink cabinet and range top cabinet that help complete the look. The variety of colors and textures of the stained and painted cabinetry, custom dark finish copper hood, wood ceiling beams, glass cabinets, wood floors and sleek backsplash bring the whole look together. **Design Challenges* Even though the space is large, we were challenged by having to work around the two doorways, two windows and many traffic patterns that run through the kitchen. Wall space for large appliances was quickly in short supply. Because we were involved early in the project, we were able to work with the architect to expanded the kitchen footprint in order to make the layout work and get appliance placement just right. We had other architectural elements to work with that we wanted to compliment the kitchen design but also dictated what we could do with the cabinetry. The wall cabinet height was determined based on the beams in the space. The oven wall with furniture armoires was designed around the window with the lake view. The height of the oven cabinets was determined by the window. We were able to use these obstacles and challenges to design creatively and make this kitchen one of a kind. Photo by MIke Kaskel

Living room - transitional living room idea in Orange County

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.”

**Project Overview** This new construction home built next to a serene lake features a gorgeous, large-scale kitchen that also connects to a bar, home office, breakfast room and great room. The homeowners sought the warmth of traditional styling, updated for today. In addition, they wanted to incorporate unexpected touches that would add personality. Strategic use of furniture details combined with clean lines brings the traditional style forward, making the kitchen feel fresh, new and timeless. **What Makes This Project Unique?* Three finishes, including vintage white paint, stained cherry and textured painted gray oak cabinetry, work together beautifully to create a varied, unique space. Above the wall cabinets, glass cabinets with X mullions add interest and decorative storage. Single ovens are tucked in cabinets under a window, and a warming drawer under one perfectly matches the cabinet drawer under the other. Matching furniture-style armoires flank the wall ovens, housing the freezer and a pantry in one and custom designed large scale appliance garage with retractable doors in the other. Other furniture touches can be found on the sink cabinet and range top cabinet that help complete the look. The variety of colors and textures of the stained and painted cabinetry, custom dark finish copper hood, wood ceiling beams, glass cabinets, wood floors and sleek backsplash bring the whole look together. **Design Challenges* Even though the space is large, we were challenged by having to work around the two doorways, two windows and many traffic patterns that run through the kitchen. Wall space for large appliances was quickly in short supply. Because we were involved early in the project, we were able to work with the architect to expanded the kitchen footprint in order to make the layout work and get appliance placement just right. We had other architectural elements to work with that we wanted to compliment the kitchen design but also dictated what we could do with the cabinetry. The wall cabinet height was determined based on the beams in the space. The oven wall with furniture armoires was designed around the window with the lake view. The height of the oven cabinets was determined by the window. We were able to use these obstacles and challenges to design creatively and make this kitchen one of a kind. Photo by MIke Kaskel

When you discover an old Victorian tiled floor underneath carpet, the first question that will probably pop into your mind is: can it be restored? The answer, in the majority of cases, is yes. In fact, Tile Doctor has completed hundreds of Victorian tiled floor restorations. Victorian tiles have a timeless quality about them and are still popular for residential use even in the twenty first century. What you can usually expect upon lifting your carpet is for the tiles to be covered in carpet adhesives and grippers, as was the case with this particular example of a Victorian Tiles hallway floor at a property in Bedford. Sometimes you might also find paint splashes or other staining left over from decoration work. And, of course, the tiles will be dirty and in much need of a deep clean. These issues spoil the original appearance of the tiles, but with the right methods and products, a complete restoration can be achieved quickly and cost-effectively. My first task upon arriving at the proper was to carry out a site survey to address the condition of the tiles, before running a quick test clean on a small area of the floor. The result was good and so I was confident that I could achieve a high-quality restoration for the client. A quote was issued and accepted, and the work was booked in at a date that was convenient for the customer. Returning to the property, my first course of action was to mix a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean, which is a powerful alkaline cleaner safe to use on natural stone, with hot water. This cleaning solution was sprayed along all edges of the floor loosen the glue securing the carpet grippers. I then successfully removed the adhesive carefully using handheld tools to avoid damaging any tiles. Once this was done, I applied Tile Doctor Remove and Go, scrubbing it into the tiles with a rotary machine. This product is designed to remove heavy soiling, paint splashes and old waxes and sealers. The soiled solution was then extracted using a wet vacuum and stubborn areas re-treated until I was satisfied the floor was clean. The entire floor was then given a thorough rinse with water to remove any trace of cleaning products and extracted using a wet vax machine. The floor was allowed to dry for several days before I was able to return to seal the tiles. It’s always important to leave significant time for the floor to dry because any moisture left over can impact the performance of the sealer. The choice of sealer was Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra, which provides robust protection against dirt and stains, with a light sheen finish. I chose this sealer not only because the customer wanted a light sheen finish, but also because this particular sealer is fully breathable. Dampness can sometimes be an issue with old Victorian and Quarry tiles which were installed before damp proof membranes became standard. The transformation achieved within the space of a week was quite incredible and the colours in the tile have really come through. Another satisfied customer! David Vissian Bedfordshire Tile Doctor

This Brizo Kitchen Faucet Features: Finish: Stainless Length: 11.5 Height: 15.91 Width: 6.53 SmartTouch Technology with TempID – tap on/off functionality with temperature indicating LED light MagneDock Technology – magnetic docking system Diamond Seal Technology Euro-motion Diamond Valve with InnoFlex waterways Touch-Clean nozzles – swipe away mineral deposits Two-button, four-function wand: spray, stream, volume control and pause 1-hole installation Spout swivels 360° Accommodates up to 3" deck thickness Comes with standard fittings Optional A/C adapter EP73954 Maximum 1.8 gpm @ 60 PSI, 6.8 L/Min @ 414 kPa One, two, three, or four hole mount(escutcheon optional) Control mechanism shall be full-motion valve cartridge Rotating spout Red/blue indicator markings Four-function wand; Aerated stream, full spray, volume control, and pause (64003LF) Two-function wand; Aerated stream and full spray(64903LF) Dual integral check valves in sprayer LED indicator light signals on-off, water temperature and when batteries run low Uses 6 AA (included) or 6 C (optional) batteries Optional (EP73954) 120V AC adapter available(3 prong grounded outlet required) Quick connect hoses Note: See 63903LF-* for matching bar/prep