A custom home builder in Chicago's western suburbs, Summit Signature Homes, ushers in a new era of residential construction. With an eye on superb design and value, industry-leading practices and superior customer service, Summit stands alone. Custom-built homes in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and other western suburbs.

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

Design: Charlie & Co. Design | Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Interiors & Photo Styling: Lucy Interior Design | Susan Gilmore Photography
Trendy dark wood floor great room photo in Minneapolis with white walls

A Modern Farmhouse set in a prairie setting exudes charm and simplicity. Wrap around porches and copious windows make outdoor/indoor living seamless while the interior finishings are extremely high on detail. In floor heating under porcelain tile in the entire lower level, Fond du Lac stone mimicking an original foundation wall and rough hewn wood finishes contrast with the sleek finishes of carrera marble in the master and top of the line appliances and soapstone counters of the kitchen. This home is a study in contrasts, while still providing a completely harmonious aura.

This Transitional Farmhouse Kitchen was completely remodeled and the home is nestled on the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena. Our goal was to keep the original charm of our client’s home while updating the kitchen in a way that was fresh and current. Our design inspiration began with a deep green soapstone counter top paired with creamy white cabinetry. Carrera marble subway tile for the backsplash is a luxurious splurge and adds classic elegance to the space. The stainless steel appliances and sink create a more transitional feel, while the shaker style cabinetry doors and schoolhouse light fixture are in keeping with the original style of the home. Tile flooring resembling concrete is clean and simple and seeded glass in the upper cabinet doors help make the space feel open and light. This kitchen has a hidden microwave and custom range hood design, as well as a new pantry area, for added storage. The pantry area features an appliance garage and deep-set counter top for multi-purpose use. These features add value to this small space. The finishing touches are polished nickel cabinet hardware, which add a vintage look and the cafe curtains are the handiwork of the homeowner. We truly enjoyed the collaborative effort in this kitchen. Photography by Erika Beirman

Tamaran N Bardwell OOO probably the favorite part of my home, Okay the big box on the floor is what I am putting Mckynlee sunlight core A curriculum back in since we are almost done. I also have a extra sunlight binder and I have put everything she has done in that binder worksheets poems, printables and I will add her attendance work sheet when we finish then this box will be put up for when kainen is old enough, On the floor is a organizer for craft supplies, then the next shelf from the bottom is mckylees Beads It has beads and string and stuff to make jewelry with. then the diaper box covered in blue fabric is things she has made for school this year that she plays with. like the can phone, tornado in a jar, etc. and her house she made the next shelf with Green and blue baskets which come from the dollar tree the Green has yarn and paper plates and the pink basket has tons of color paper, the big purple tote is play doh, and a play mat and tools for the play doh also a dry eraser covers with play doh printables tucked into them, The pink shower caddy comes in handy during homeschool crafts it holds are glue gun, glue sticks, scissors, and we fill it up with the things we need for the craft and take it to the kitchen table, the top shelf starting from the bottom left is a purple box of craft supples from popsicles sticks to pipe cleaners and glitter, the top purple box is a science box it has magnets and goggles and tongs, magnifying glasses rubber bands, etc, the big box is a build your own fort kit in the middle is paint and paint brushes, then the beloved board games,!

Inspiro 8 Studios
Example of a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, paneled appliances, an island, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

The heart of this house was boxed in with a divided kitchen, living and dining room. It also felt dated with faux finished paint and worn out tile counter tops. We successfully opened up the space and freshened every square inch. An all new layout with island, granite counter tops done in a leather finish and all new cabinetry were just the start. Ample pantry shelving, custom spice drawers, appliance garages, pull out racks and glass display cabinets make this kitchen an organizers dream! The pantry even got a unique flair with an antique door installed as a pocket door. This space has definitely gone from drab to eclectic cool! Design by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got. It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall. The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland. The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to match the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is. I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces. Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation. For those who cannot live tiny, I offer the Tiny-ish House. Photos by Ryan Gamma Staging by iStage Homes Design Assistance Jimmy Thornton

From Oak cabinets to an off white painted finish with glaze lines/pin striping. Island refinished to a black painted finish. Protective topcoat applied for the highest level of durability. Top Knobs cabinet pulls added to update cabinets. (CCFF is a distributor for Top Knobs cabinetry hardware.)

Custom Storage Solutions in Holland, Ohio was hired to design and build Berry a new bar to go with his awesome Man Cave. We made the bar a little over 6 feet long and 22 inches deep, 42 inches tall, just the right size for this space. It has a custom epoxy top, and some L.E.D. lighting that includes a remote to change colors anytime. We also used this same lighting behind the Pegasus sign behind the bar. We also installed our pvc flooring tiles by RaceDeck in a checkerboard pattern. Berry's man cave includes most of the essentials for a space like this, Bar number one, juke box, pool table, plenty of seating and lots of neon signs!

Custom Surface Solutions - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows a remodeled master bathroom with 12" x 24" tile on a vertical offset pattern used on the walls and floors. Includes glass mosaic accent band and shower box, and Fantasy Brown marble knee wall top and seat surface.

This Transitional Farmhouse Kitchen was completely remodeled and the home is nestled on the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena. Our goal was to keep the original charm of our client’s home while updating the kitchen in a way that was fresh and current. Our design inspiration began with a deep green soapstone counter top paired with creamy white cabinetry. Carrera marble subway tile for the backsplash is a luxurious splurge and adds classic elegance to the space. The stainless steel appliances and sink create a more transitional feel, while the shaker style cabinetry doors and schoolhouse light fixture are in keeping with the original style of the home. Tile flooring resembling concrete is clean and simple and seeded glass in the upper cabinet doors help make the space feel open and light. This kitchen has a hidden microwave and custom range hood design, as well as a new pantry area, for added storage. The pantry area features an appliance garage and deep-set counter top for multi-purpose use. These features add value to this small space. The finishing touches are polished nickel cabinet hardware, which add a vintage look and the cafe curtains are the handiwork of the homeowner. We truly enjoyed the collaborative effort in this kitchen. Photography by Erika Beirman

Alan Blakely, AIAP
Example of a large arts and crafts u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, soapstone countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

"Simple lines and a tight colour palette make a small space feel more spacious. Here, the horizontal lines of the house siding are echoed in the detached cottage’s window frame and decking. A colour palette of grey, blue and mahogany across all materials helps make the space feel calm and uncluttered." - Houzz Article "12 Ways to Wow With a Small Garden" 10.2.2016 www.marikoreed.com

Navy and yellow, navy and gold, navy and mustard, gold glass coffee table, tufted sofa, tufted couch, yellow tufted sofa, yellow tufted couch, mustard tufted sofa, gold chandelier, zanadoo chandelier, black granite fireplace, gold sconces, built in bookshelves, navy bookshelves, painting back of bookshelves, pull out bar top, navy rug, navy geometric rug, french doors, navy velvet chairs, barrel chairs, velvet sofa, navy and yellow pillows, window seat, boll and branch throw

Tommy White, Boone NC
Example of a mountain style living room design in Charlotte

Dimension: 66" L X 19" D X 78" H Furnish your home in the Old World splendor of our El Paso Rustic Solid Wood Dining Hutch with Glass Doors and revel in the stylish storage your home will glean! This rustic-sophisticate is a natural beauty clad in a handsome motif of natural grain work, complete in a rich medium espresso hue complemented by black metal hardware. This signature piece is a trophy for any kitchen or dining room with an outstanding variety of storage and display options. This two-piece hutch is grounded by two cabinets, each with shelf space to organize your essentials and make party or dinner prep a breeze. Three drawers center these cabinets for additional room for smaller etceteras or collections. The open middle shelf, or buffet top, offers ample room for setting out a nice salad or dessert bar when entertaining or to top with decorative accents any other time. Rounding off the look is an excellent array of display space for dinnerware or knickknacks, including two glass-front cabinets with interior shelving and three central open shelves. Even the top of the hutch provides extra space for anything from decorative garland to cookbook stacks or leaning photo frames. Handcrafted of solid rosewood, this quality built buffet and hutch set is a classic look for traditional, farmhouse, and modern styles. Special Features: • 100% Handcrafted • Made of solid rosewood • 2 Cabinets with solid doors and shelf space • 2 Cabinets with display glass and shelf space •Open shelf/buffet top • 3 Drawers • 3 Open shelves Note: Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

Organized Living freedomRail closet in white. Adjusts to fit the needs of a child from an infant to teen. Features drawers and shelves so you can free up valuable bedroom space. Available at http://organizedliving.com