I'm a Chicago Realtor who does home staging for my clients. Before I listed this home on the market, I knew the kitchen needed help. The goal of this kitchen was to turn it from blah to wow with as little money as possible. This kitchen was dull, having essentially cream colored flooring and countertops, light maple cabinets and yellow wall color. Nothing stood out ... even the beautiful backsplash didn't stand out. By painting the cabinets a cocoa brown and the walls a gray/blue color, all of a sudden you have a beautiful color combo and nice contrast. And notice how the new silver hardware pops against the cabinetry? And that backsplash now looks so elegant! This home was originally listed by another agent 3 separate times for a total of 526 days and over 50 showings but not one offer. The sellers switched to me and listened to my suggestions and as a result, it SOLD TO THE 1ST BUYER(S) who walked through the door! Small change = huge impact! CONTACT: For more information, call Carla at 847.962.2250 or email her at carla.mcconkey@bairdwarner.com. In addition to her real estate website, check out her personal site which includes everything she does (www.carlamcconkey.com). *Property Address: 1243 Meadow Path, Manteno, IL

"We have remodeled our kitchen previously with Taylor Pro, and we were so delighted we booked Kerry again to do our bathroom. Most major remodels are a few weeks of construction h***, and this was no exception, but Kerry kept the focus on the schedule and the results. The project was planned for 6 weeks and all work (except punch list) was completed in 7. The result is wonderful! We are delighted with the beauty and functionality of our bathrooms, and we receive complements from our friends. When I showed construction photos to friends at work, some who knew the business praised our constructor and his subs, saying the work was done right and he knows his stuff. Description of work: Major remodel of master bathroom. Changed floor plan, moving fixtures to other side. Removed 3 doors (!) from old bathroom and added one door, turning a shared mess into a high end master bath. Added a powder room." ~ Mary Ann H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

This project incorporated the main floor of the home. The existing kitchen was narrow and dated, and closed off from the rest of the common spaces. The client’s wish list included opening up the space to combine the dining room and kitchen, create a more functional entry foyer, and update the dark sunporch to be more inviting. The concept resulted in swapping the kitchen and dining area, creating a perfect flow from the entry through to the sunporch. A double-sided stone-clad fireplace divides the great room and sunporch, highlighting the new vaulted ceiling. The old wood paneling on the walls was removed and reclaimed wood beams were added to the ceiling. The single door to the patio was replaced with a double door. New furniture and accessories in shades of blue and gray is at home in this bright and airy family room.

"We have remodeled our kitchen previously with Taylor Pro, and we were so delighted we booked Kerry again to do our bathroom. Most major remodels are a few weeks of construction h***, and this was no exception, but Kerry kept the focus on the schedule and the results. The project was planned for 6 weeks and all work (except punch list) was completed in 7. The result is wonderful! We are delighted with the beauty and functionality of our bathrooms, and we receive complements from our friends. When I showed construction photos to friends at work, some who knew the business praised our constructor and his subs, saying the work was done right and he knows his stuff. Description of work: Major remodel of master bathroom. Changed floor plan, moving fixtures to other side. Removed 3 doors (!) from old bathroom and added one door, turning a shared mess into a high end master bath. Added a powder room." ~ Mary Ann H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

A modern country home for a busy family with young children. The home remodel included enlarging the footprint of the kitchen to allow a larger island for more seating and entertaining, as well as provide more storage and a desk area. The pocket door pantry and the full height corner pantry was high on the client's priority list. From the cabinetry to the green peacock wallpaper and vibrant blue tiles in the bathrooms, the colourful touches throughout the home adds to the energy and charm. The result is a modern, relaxed, eclectic aesthetic with practical and efficient design features to serve the needs of this family.

"We have remodeled our kitchen previously with Taylor Pro, and we were so delighted we booked Kerry again to do our bathroom. Most major remodels are a few weeks of construction h***, and this was no exception, but Kerry kept the focus on the schedule and the results. The project was planned for 6 weeks and all work (except punch list) was completed in 7. The result is wonderful! We are delighted with the beauty and functionality of our bathrooms, and we receive complements from our friends. When I showed construction photos to friends at work, some who knew the business praised our constructor and his subs, saying the work was done right and he knows his stuff. Description of work: Major remodel of master bathroom. Changed floor plan, moving fixtures to other side. Removed 3 doors (!) from old bathroom and added one door, turning a shared mess into a high end master bath. Added a powder room." ~ Mary Ann H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

"We have remodeled our kitchen previously with Taylor Pro, and we were so delighted we booked Kerry again to do our bathroom. Most major remodels are a few weeks of construction h***, and this was no exception, but Kerry kept the focus on the schedule and the results. The project was planned for 6 weeks and all work (except punch list) was completed in 7. The result is wonderful! We are delighted with the beauty and functionality of our bathrooms, and we receive complements from our friends. When I showed construction photos to friends at work, some who knew the business praised our constructor and his subs, saying the work was done right and he knows his stuff. Description of work: Major remodel of master bathroom. Changed floor plan, moving fixtures to other side. Removed 3 doors (!) from old bathroom and added one door, turning a shared mess into a high end master bath. Added a powder room." ~ Mary Ann H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

This project incorporated the main floor of the home. The existing kitchen was narrow and dated, and closed off from the rest of the common spaces. The client’s wish list included opening up the space to combine the dining room and kitchen, create a more functional entry foyer, and update the dark sunporch to be more inviting. The concept resulted in swapping the kitchen and dining area, creating a perfect flow from the entry through to the sunporch. A double-sided stone-clad fireplace divides the great room and sunporch, highlighting the new vaulted ceiling. The old wood paneling on the walls was removed and reclaimed wood beams were added to the ceiling. The single door to the patio was replaced with a double door. New furniture and accessories in shades of blue and gray is at home in this bright and airy family room.

In our Brampton project, we had the pleasure of working with a wonderful family full of energy and creativity. A big family means a big need for functionality — but never at the expense of character. Our design introduced a hidden appliance garage, ample storage, and warm brass accents that brought elegance to everyday living. The durable stainless steel appliances checked every box on their wish list. This renovation was also an engineering feat — we removed a structural weight-bearing column, replacing it with a custom metal bridge, and extended the kitchen across the full wall. The result? A beautiful, open-concept kitchen anchored by a spacious island — perfect for both cooking and family breakfasts.

A modern country home for a busy family with young children. The home remodel included enlarging the footprint of the kitchen to allow a larger island for more seating and entertaining, as well as provide more storage and a desk area. The pocket door pantry and the full height corner pantry was high on the client's priority list. From the cabinetry to the green peacock wallpaper and vibrant blue tiles in the bathrooms, the colourful touches throughout the home adds to the energy and charm. The result is a modern, relaxed, eclectic aesthetic with practical and efficient design features to serve the needs of this family.

A modern country home for a busy family with young children. The home remodel included enlarging the footprint of the kitchen to allow a larger island for more seating and entertaining, as well as provide more storage and a desk area. The pocket door pantry and the full height corner pantry was high on the client's priority list. From the cabinetry to the green peacock wallpaper and vibrant blue tiles in the bathrooms, the colourful touches throughout the home adds to the energy and charm. The result is a modern, relaxed, eclectic aesthetic with practical and efficient design features to serve the needs of this family.

In our Brampton project, we had the pleasure of working with a wonderful family full of energy and creativity. A big family means a big need for functionality — but never at the expense of character. Our design introduced a hidden appliance garage, ample storage, and warm brass accents that brought elegance to everyday living. The durable stainless steel appliances checked every box on their wish list. This renovation was also an engineering feat — we removed a structural weight-bearing column, replacing it with a custom metal bridge, and extended the kitchen across the full wall. The result? A beautiful, open-concept kitchen anchored by a spacious island — perfect for both cooking and family breakfasts.

A modern country home for a busy family with young children. The home remodel included enlarging the footprint of the kitchen to allow a larger island for more seating and entertaining, as well as provide more storage and a desk area. The pocket door pantry and the full height corner pantry was high on the client's priority list. From the cabinetry to the green peacock wallpaper and vibrant blue tiles in the bathrooms, the colourful touches throughout the home adds to the energy and charm. The result is a modern, relaxed, eclectic aesthetic with practical and efficient design features to serve the needs of this family.

In our Brampton project, we had the pleasure of working with a wonderful family full of energy and creativity. A big family means a big need for functionality — but never at the expense of character. Our design introduced a hidden appliance garage, ample storage, and warm brass accents that brought elegance to everyday living. The durable stainless steel appliances checked every box on their wish list. This renovation was also an engineering feat — we removed a structural weight-bearing column, replacing it with a custom metal bridge, and extended the kitchen across the full wall. The result? A beautiful, open-concept kitchen anchored by a spacious island — perfect for both cooking and family breakfasts.

In our Brampton project, we had the pleasure of working with a wonderful family full of energy and creativity. A big family means a big need for functionality — but never at the expense of character. Our design introduced a hidden appliance garage, ample storage, and warm brass accents that brought elegance to everyday living. The durable stainless steel appliances checked every box on their wish list. This renovation was also an engineering feat — we removed a structural weight-bearing column, replacing it with a custom metal bridge, and extended the kitchen across the full wall. The result? A beautiful, open-concept kitchen anchored by a spacious island — perfect for both cooking and family breakfasts.

In our Brampton project, we had the pleasure of working with a wonderful family full of energy and creativity. A big family means a big need for functionality — but never at the expense of character. Our design introduced a hidden appliance garage, ample storage, and warm brass accents that brought elegance to everyday living. The durable stainless steel appliances checked every box on their wish list. This renovation was also an engineering feat — we removed a structural weight-bearing column, replacing it with a custom metal bridge, and extended the kitchen across the full wall. The result? A beautiful, open-concept kitchen anchored by a spacious island — perfect for both cooking and family breakfasts.

McCurdy: Cedardale Modern Country A modern country home for a busy family with young children. The home remodel included enlarging the footprint of the kitchen to allow a larger island for more seating and entertaining, as well as provide more storage and a desk area. The pocket door pantry and the full height corner pantry was high on the client's priority list. From the cabinetry to the green peacock wallpaper and vibrant blue tiles in the bathrooms, the colourful touches throughout the home adds to the energy and charm. The result is a modern, relaxed, eclectic aesthetic with practical and efficient design features to serve the needs of this family.

A modern country home for a busy family with young children. The home remodel included enlarging the footprint of the kitchen to allow a larger island for more seating and entertaining, as well as provide more storage and a desk area. The pocket door pantry and the full height corner pantry was high on the client's priority list. From the cabinetry to the green peacock wallpaper and vibrant blue tiles in the bathrooms, the colourful touches throughout the home adds to the energy and charm. The result is a modern, relaxed, eclectic aesthetic with practical and efficient design features to serve the needs of this family.

A modern country home for a busy family with young children. The home remodel included enlarging the footprint of the kitchen to allow a larger island for more seating and entertaining, as well as provide more storage and a desk area. The pocket door pantry and the full height corner pantry was high on the client's priority list. From the cabinetry to the green peacock wallpaper and vibrant blue tiles in the bathrooms, the colourful touches throughout the home adds to the energy and charm. The result is a modern, relaxed, eclectic aesthetic with practical and efficient design features to serve the needs of this family.