Park Ridge, IL Exterior Remodeled Home by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Boothbay Blue and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White.

Communicating with a past era, this multilevel house sits just below a knoll top and spreads like a modern prairie style. With long roof overhangs and projecting spaces reaching out to the native landscape, the building embraces and focuses on its views. V-shaped, the two wings, living and sleeping, are connected by a sandblasted grey block masonry entry turret that modulates the split levels of each wing. The center court is occupied by a trapezoidal infinity pool and deck that connects all of the homes levels in a way that has a closeness, yet private juxtaposition. The materials combine in an honest way using metal, glass, masonry and plaster that allow the power of the building forms to speak. Photography by Christopher Gilliland

Inspiration for a rustic family room remodel in Miami

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck remodel in Los Angeles with no cover

This 1960s split-level has a new stone paver patio with benches, corner accents, fire pit, and steps to above-ground pool. Access to the yard is through a sliding-glass door at the kitchen, with views from the garden window at kitchen sink. Photography by Kmiecik Imagery.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

A complete exterior transformation brings new life to this split-level home, blending classic materials with updated architectural details.
Mid-sized arts and crafts green split-level mixed siding and board and batten gable roof photo in Minneapolis with a mixed material roof and a brown roof

Park Ridge, IL Exterior Remodeled Home by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Boothbay Blue and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White.

Example of a tuscan home design design in Miami

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped ceramic tile and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Montreal with a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white appliances and an island

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Miami

Sandy Agrafiotis
Eat-in kitchen - traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Portland Maine with light wood cabinets, beige backsplash, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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Assen Emilov
Trendy floating staircase photo in London

This 1960's property was totally renovated. The bricks were spray painted and the siding painted. After all the renovations, we staged it and it immediately had an offer. If you are interested in staging your home, give us a call. We work with home owners, investors, realtors and house 'flippers'. Call us at 514-222-5553. We have been in business since 2006.

Bruce Glass Photography
Example of a tuscan kitchen design in Houston with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

It's all about the elements.
Alcove shower - large contemporary 3/4 beige tile and mosaic tile pebble tile floor and gray floor alcove shower idea in New York with a wall-mount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, wood countertops, a hinged shower door and brown countertops

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Miami

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.