This renovation for a young family with two boys truly reflects the essence of thoughtful design that balances aesthetics with practicality. The decision to remove two walls and replace them with beams covered in red oak veneers speaks to the family’s need for an open floor plan, ensuring important sight lines while the boys play—a perfect solution for parents who want a balance between modern living and supervision. The arch in the range hood becomes a focal point, introducing elegance and architectural sophistication to the space, while the black gloss "handmade" herringbone backsplash tiles add a layer of dynamic texture that elevates the kitchen's design. These touches show that this renovation wasn’t just about creating a functional space, but one with character and style. Functionality was clearly top of mind, with the focus on ample storage, modern appliances, and smart layouts. These elements allow the kitchen to meet the demands of a busy family, whether it’s for everyday meals or special gatherings. The seamless flow between the kitchen, dining room, and great room makes this space ideal for entertaining and family interaction, further enhanced by the clean, open lines. This renovation serves as a great example of how thoughtful design can transform a home, making it not only more beautiful but also more enjoyable and efficient for day-to-day living.

This renovation for a young family with two boys truly reflects the essence of thoughtful design that balances aesthetics with practicality. The decision to remove two walls and replace them with beams covered in red oak veneers speaks to the family’s need for an open floor plan, ensuring important sight lines while the boys play—a perfect solution for parents who want a balance between modern living and supervision. The arch in the range hood becomes a focal point, introducing elegance and architectural sophistication to the space, while the black gloss "handmade" herringbone backsplash tiles add a layer of dynamic texture that elevates the kitchen's design. These touches show that this renovation wasn’t just about creating a functional space, but one with character and style. Functionality was clearly top of mind, with the focus on ample storage, modern appliances, and smart layouts. These elements allow the kitchen to meet the demands of a busy family, whether it’s for everyday meals or special gatherings. The seamless flow between the kitchen, dining room, and great room makes this space ideal for entertaining and family interaction, further enhanced by the clean, open lines. This renovation serves as a great example of how thoughtful design can transform a home, making it not only more beautiful but also more enjoyable and efficient for day-to-day living.

This renovation for a young family with two boys truly reflects the essence of thoughtful design that balances aesthetics with practicality. The decision to remove two walls and replace them with beams covered in red oak veneers speaks to the family’s need for an open floor plan, ensuring important sight lines while the boys play—a perfect solution for parents who want a balance between modern living and supervision. The arch in the range hood becomes a focal point, introducing elegance and architectural sophistication to the space, while the black gloss "handmade" herringbone backsplash tiles add a layer of dynamic texture that elevates the kitchen's design. These touches show that this renovation wasn’t just about creating a functional space, but one with character and style. Functionality was clearly top of mind, with the focus on ample storage, modern appliances, and smart layouts. These elements allow the kitchen to meet the demands of a busy family, whether it’s for everyday meals or special gatherings. The seamless flow between the kitchen, dining room, and great room makes this space ideal for entertaining and family interaction, further enhanced by the clean, open lines. This renovation serves as a great example of how thoughtful design can transform a home, making it not only more beautiful but also more enjoyable and efficient for day-to-day living.

This renovation for a young family with two boys truly reflects the essence of thoughtful design that balances aesthetics with practicality. The decision to remove two walls and replace them with beams covered in red oak veneers speaks to the family’s need for an open floor plan, ensuring important sight lines while the boys play—a perfect solution for parents who want a balance between modern living and supervision. The arch in the range hood becomes a focal point, introducing elegance and architectural sophistication to the space, while the black gloss "handmade" herringbone backsplash tiles add a layer of dynamic texture that elevates the kitchen's design. These touches show that this renovation wasn’t just about creating a functional space, but one with character and style. Functionality was clearly top of mind, with the focus on ample storage, modern appliances, and smart layouts. These elements allow the kitchen to meet the demands of a busy family, whether it’s for everyday meals or special gatherings. The seamless flow between the kitchen, dining room, and great room makes this space ideal for entertaining and family interaction, further enhanced by the clean, open lines. This renovation serves as a great example of how thoughtful design can transform a home, making it not only more beautiful but also more enjoyable and efficient for day-to-day living.

This renovation for a young family with two boys truly reflects the essence of thoughtful design that balances aesthetics with practicality. The decision to remove two walls and replace them with beams covered in red oak veneers speaks to the family’s need for an open floor plan, ensuring important sight lines while the boys play—a perfect solution for parents who want a balance between modern living and supervision. The arch in the range hood becomes a focal point, introducing elegance and architectural sophistication to the space, while the black gloss "handmade" herringbone backsplash tiles add a layer of dynamic texture that elevates the kitchen's design. These touches show that this renovation wasn’t just about creating a functional space, but one with character and style. Functionality was clearly top of mind, with the focus on ample storage, modern appliances, and smart layouts. These elements allow the kitchen to meet the demands of a busy family, whether it’s for everyday meals or special gatherings. The seamless flow between the kitchen, dining room, and great room makes this space ideal for entertaining and family interaction, further enhanced by the clean, open lines. This renovation serves as a great example of how thoughtful design can transform a home, making it not only more beautiful but also more enjoyable and efficient for day-to-day living.

This renovation for a young family with two boys truly reflects the essence of thoughtful design that balances aesthetics with practicality. The decision to remove two walls and replace them with beams covered in red oak veneers speaks to the family’s need for an open floor plan, ensuring important sight lines while the boys play—a perfect solution for parents who want a balance between modern living and supervision. The arch in the range hood becomes a focal point, introducing elegance and architectural sophistication to the space, while the black gloss "handmade" herringbone backsplash tiles add a layer of dynamic texture that elevates the kitchen's design. These touches show that this renovation wasn’t just about creating a functional space, but one with character and style. Functionality was clearly top of mind, with the focus on ample storage, modern appliances, and smart layouts. These elements allow the kitchen to meet the demands of a busy family, whether it’s for everyday meals or special gatherings. The seamless flow between the kitchen, dining room, and great room makes this space ideal for entertaining and family interaction, further enhanced by the clean, open lines. This renovation serves as a great example of how thoughtful design can transform a home, making it not only more beautiful but also more enjoyable and efficient for day-to-day living.

Example of a large classic u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

When it comes to home improvement projects, the contractor you choose can make all the difference. A skilled, reputable general contractor delivers quality work and a smooth experience, while a poor choice can lead to problems, frustration, and wasted money. For Chicago homeowners planning exterior improvements from siding to doors and beyond — understanding how to choose a good general contractor is essential. This guide covers what to look for and how to make a smart choice for your home improvement projects. The role of a general contractor A general contractor plays a central role in home improvement projects, overseeing and coordinating the work to bring a project to completion. For projects that involve multiple aspects or trades, a general contractor manages the process, ensuring the various pieces come together properly. This coordination and oversight are valuable, particularly for larger or more complex projects that involve numerous details and steps. Working with a good general contractor offers several benefits. It provides a single point of responsibility for a project, brings expertise and coordination to the work, and helps ensure the project is completed properly. For homeowners, a quality general contractor can make the difference between a smooth, successful project and a stressful, problematic one. Homeowners planning projects often look for a general contractor chicago near me to handle their improvements. Understanding the role a general contractor plays helps homeowners appreciate the value of choosing a good one for their home improvement projects, especially larger or more involved ones. Why the choice matters The choice of general contractor has an enormous impact on a home improvement project. From the quality of the work to the smoothness of the process to the ultimate result, the contractor shapes every aspect of the project. A skilled, reputable contractor delivers quality results and a professional experience, while a poor choice can lead to shoddy work, delays, cost overruns, and frustration. The stakes are significant, as home improvement projects represent substantial investments and affect a home that homeowners live in and value. A project done poorly can create problems that are costly to fix and diminish rather than enhance a home. This is why choosing the right contractor is so important — it's one of the most consequential decisions in any home improvement project. Homeowners do well to approach the choice carefully rather than simply hiring the first or cheapest option. Understanding why the choice of contractor matters helps homeowners give this decision the attention it deserves, recognizing its impact on the success of their project and their satisfaction with the result. What to look for in a contractor Choosing a good general contractor involves looking for several important qualities. Experience and a solid reputation are key indicators of a contractor's ability to deliver quality work. A contractor with a track record of successful projects and satisfied customers is generally a safer choice than an unknown quantity. Researching a contractor's reputation and past work helps in assessing their quality. Beyond experience and reputation, other important qualities include quality workmanship, clear communication, professionalism, and reliability. A good contractor communicates clearly, provides a clear understanding of the project and its costs, treats customers professionally, and follows through reliably. These qualities contribute to both a quality result and a positive experience. Homeowners considering exterior projects, such as new vinyl siding chicago installation, do well to evaluate contractors on these factors. Understanding what to look for in a contractor helps homeowners identify professionals likely to deliver quality work and a good experience for their projects. Considering the specific project When choosing a contractor, it's also important to consider the specific project and whether the contractor is well-suited to it. Different projects have different requirements, and a contractor experienced in the particular type of work is often a better choice. Whether the project involves siding, doors, a broader remodel, or other work, a contractor familiar with that type of project brings relevant expertise. For exterior projects in particular, experience with the specific work and the demands of the Chicago climate is valuable. Siding, doors, and other exterior improvements must withstand local conditions, so a contractor who understands these demands can deliver better results. Considering whether a contractor is well-suited to your specific project helps ensure a good outcome. Homeowners planning to update their exterior doors chicago or undertake other exterior work benefit from choosing a contractor experienced in that area. Understanding the importance of matching the contractor to the project helps homeowners make choices that lead to quality results for their specific improvements. Understanding the project scope and cost Before committing to a contractor, understanding the full scope and cost of a project is important. A reputable contractor should provide a clear explanation of what the project involves, the materials to be used, the timeline, and the total cost. Understanding these details upfront helps homeowners avoid surprises and make informed decisions. Vague estimates or a lack of clarity are warning signs worth heeding. Understanding the scope also means being clear about what you want and ensuring the contractor's proposal matches your needs and expectations. A clear, detailed understanding of the project protects both the homeowner and the contractor and sets the stage for a successful outcome. Taking the time to ensure you understand exactly what you're getting before work begins is worthwhile. Understanding the importance of clarity about scope and cost helps homeowners enter home improvement projects with confidence and avoid the misunderstandings that can lead to problems. Clear expectations are the foundation of a smooth, successful project. Making your decision With these considerations in mind the role of a general contractor, why the choice matters, what to look for, matching the contractor to the project, and understanding scope and cost homeowners are well-equipped to make a smart decision. The goal is to choose a contractor who combines experience, quality workmanship, clear communication, and reliability, and who is well-suited to the specific project, at a fair and clearly understood price. Taking the time to research and compare contractors, rather than rushing the decision, pays off in the quality of the work and the smoothness of the project. A home improvement project is a significant investment, and the right contractor makes all the difference to the outcome. Understanding how to evaluate and choose a general contractor empowers Chicago homeowners to make decisions that lead to successful projects and results they'll be happy with. The right choice is the foundation of a home improvement project that enhances a home for years to come. The bottom line Choosing the right general contractor is essential to successful home improvement projects, as the contractor shapes the quality of the work, the smoothness of the process, and the ultimate result. For Chicago homeowners undertaking exterior projects like siding, doors, and more, the key factors include experience and reputation, quality workmanship, clear communication, suitability to the specific project, and clarity about scope and cost. By evaluating contractors on these factors and taking the time to make an informed choice, homeowners can find a professional who delivers quality results and a positive experience. The right contractor is the foundation of home improvements that enhance a home for years to come.

With tall ceilings, an impressive stone fireplace, and original wooden beams, this home in Glen Ellyn, a suburb of Chicago, had plenty of character and a style that felt coastal. Six months into the purchase of their home, this family of six contacted Alessia Loffredo and Sarah Coscarelli of ReDesign Home to complete their home’s renovation by tackling the kitchen. “Surprisingly, the kitchen was the one room in the home that lacked interest due to a challenging layout between kitchen, butler pantry, and pantry,” the designer shared, “the cabinetry was not proportionate to the space’s large footprint and height. None of the house’s architectural features were introduced into kitchen aside from the wooden beams crossing the room throughout the main floor including the family room.” She moved the pantry door closer to the prepping and cooking area while converting the former butler pantry a bar. Alessia designed an oversized hood around the stove to counterbalance the impressive stone fireplace located at the opposite side of the living space. She then wanted to include functionality, using Trim Tech‘s cabinets, featuring a pair with retractable doors, for easy access, flanking both sides of the range. The client had asked for an island that would be larger than the original in their space – Alessia made the smart decision that if it was to increase in size it shouldn’t increase in visual weight and designed it with legs, raised above the floor. Made out of steel, by Wayward Machine Co., along with a marble-replicating porcelain countertop, it was designed with durability in mind to withstand anything that her client’s four children would throw at it. Finally, she added finishing touches to the space in the form of brass hardware from Katonah Chicago, with similar toned wall lighting and faucet.

The Dallas Builders Association Home of the Week features a chic French Country design located at 129 Old Bridge Rd in Waxahachie. This lovely 1-story home offers 2550 square feet of comfortable and elegant open interior space including 4 bedrooms, an Office Space, 3 full baths, and 2 oversized -car garages with 10’ Cedar doors. This home is in gated Estates of Garden Valley, a sought-after community located in Waxahachie. Just 30 minutes from downtown Dallas, this location offers easy access to Hwy 287 and Interstate 35E. Estates students attend Waxahachie ISD schools. CRUX offers keen attention to details of style and function matched with the integrity of our brand, and superior customer care. Being a spec custom home builder, we take very seriously the trust invested in us, to make decisions and selections for our home buyers. President Siyan Fayiga is a professional engineer and has a great understanding of the science behind building a house and an outstanding sense of taste and fashion. Priced at $714,900, this home possesses incredible curb appeal and is on a generously sized water-front lot. The double mahogany doors open to a comfortable living space with an open layout. The large windows offer an abundance of natural light and unobstructed views of the water from several rooms. Finishes include engineered hardwood and tile. A gorgeous owner’s retreat features a frameless glass shower, a freestanding bathtub with jacuzzi prewiring, and a large walk-in closet with a built-in granite-topped chest of drawers. The color scheme is inspired by travertine, white accents, dark wood stain and bronze hardware. Other features include a spacious rear porch wired and plumbed for an outdoor kitchen and the potential for a second-floor bonus room. The home is prewired for security and entertainment, with surround sound speakers in the living room and porch. Smart home features include a tankless water heater with recirculation, Honeywell Smart Thermostats, connected smart appliances, and a Rain Bird Smart Irrigation Controller. To visit this home, take Hwy 287 S from I35E; exit Brown Street; turn Left at the light; right onto Garden Valley Pkwy; left onto Cascade St., turn right onto Old Bridge Rd. Open house scheduled for October 7th 3-7pm and October 8th 12-4pm. For more information, contact Angelia Rubendall, Indwell Real Estate, at 469-908-0077 or acrubendall@gmail.com or visit www.BuiltByCrux.com. This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

DAVID CANNON
Country medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room photo in Atlanta with gray walls

AV Architects + Builders Location: Great Falls, VA, USA Our modern farm style home design was exactly what our clients were looking for. They had the charm and the landscape they wanted, but needed a boost to help accommodate a family of four. Our design saw us tear down their existing garage and transform the space into an entertaining family friendly kitchen. This addition moved the entry of the home to the other side and switched the view of the kitchen on the side of the home with more natural light. As for the ceilings, we went ahead and changed the traditional 7’8” ceilings to a 9’4” ceiling. Our decision to approach this home with smart design resulted in removing the existing stick frame roof and replacing it with engineered trusses to have a higher and wider roof, which allowed for the open plan to be implemented without the use of supporting beams. And once the finished product was complete, our clients had a home that doubled in space and created many more opportunities for entertaining and relaxing in style. Stacy Zarin Photography

Alcove shower - small contemporary 3/4 gray tile, white tile and matchstick tile porcelain tile and beige floor alcove shower idea in New York with a one-piece toilet

The team at Frontier Custom Builders, Inc. believes in the value of expertly trained Interior Decorators. Making use of these design services is a smart decision if you’ve invested a good bit of money into your home and want to be able to showcase it to look its best. Decorators truly serve a purpose for everyone. Whether you have no idea where or how to begin to decorate your home, or whether you have an idea but need help tying pieces together, or you simply haven’t the time to execute your style and desires due to your busy day to day schedule, Frontier can help. We have on staff at your disposal a group of highly trained, expert Decorators to help give your home those finishing touches that make it truly a unique work of art.

Inspiration for a craftsman home office remodel in DC Metro

With tall ceilings, an impressive stone fireplace, and original wooden beams, this home in Glen Ellyn, a suburb of Chicago, had plenty of character and a style that felt coastal. Six months into the purchase of their home, this family of six contacted Alessia Loffredo and Sarah Coscarelli of ReDesign Home to complete their home’s renovation by tackling the kitchen. “Surprisingly, the kitchen was the one room in the home that lacked interest due to a challenging layout between kitchen, butler pantry, and pantry,” the designer shared, “the cabinetry was not proportionate to the space’s large footprint and height. None of the house’s architectural features were introduced into kitchen aside from the wooden beams crossing the room throughout the main floor including the family room.” She moved the pantry door closer to the prepping and cooking area while converting the former butler pantry a bar. Alessia designed an oversized hood around the stove to counterbalance the impressive stone fireplace located at the opposite side of the living space. She then wanted to include functionality, using Trim Tech‘s cabinets, featuring a pair with retractable doors, for easy access, flanking both sides of the range. The client had asked for an island that would be larger than the original in their space – Alessia made the smart decision that if it was to increase in size it shouldn’t increase in visual weight and designed it with legs, raised above the floor. Made out of steel, by Wayward Machine Co., along with a marble-replicating porcelain countertop, it was designed with durability in mind to withstand anything that her client’s four children would throw at it. Finally, she added finishing touches to the space in the form of brass hardware from Katonah Chicago, with similar toned wall lighting and faucet.

With tall ceilings, an impressive stone fireplace, and original wooden beams, this home in Glen Ellyn, a suburb of Chicago, had plenty of character and a style that felt coastal. Six months into the purchase of their home, this family of six contacted Alessia Loffredo and Sarah Coscarelli of ReDesign Home to complete their home’s renovation by tackling the kitchen. “Surprisingly, the kitchen was the one room in the home that lacked interest due to a challenging layout between kitchen, butler pantry, and pantry,” the designer shared, “the cabinetry was not proportionate to the space’s large footprint and height. None of the house’s architectural features were introduced into kitchen aside from the wooden beams crossing the room throughout the main floor including the family room.” She moved the pantry door closer to the prepping and cooking area while converting the former butler pantry a bar. Alessia designed an oversized hood around the stove to counterbalance the impressive stone fireplace located at the opposite side of the living space. She then wanted to include functionality, using Trim Tech‘s cabinets, featuring a pair with retractable doors, for easy access, flanking both sides of the range. The client had asked for an island that would be larger than the original in their space – Alessia made the smart decision that if it was to increase in size it shouldn’t increase in visual weight and designed it with legs, raised above the floor. Made out of steel, by Wayward Machine Co., along with a marble-replicating porcelain countertop, it was designed with durability in mind to withstand anything that her client’s four children would throw at it. Finally, she added finishing touches to the space in the form of brass hardware from Katonah Chicago, with similar toned wall lighting and faucet.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, FINALIST AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BATH UNDER $30,000 A colonial home recently built in the suburb of Leesburg had a run of the mill 10’x11’ bathroom connected to the seating room of the master suite. The clients disliked both the builder grade soaking tub and small shower, in fact, preferring to sacrifice the tub for a much bigger spa-like shower stall. In general, they wanted more space and more storage. To increase the footprint for the remodel, a decision was made to “steal” some space from the seating room. The new layout features a large, walk-in shower with a frameless glass enclosure. A rain shower, body sprays and bench seating meet all of the homeowners’ desires. Large linen cabinets surround a large new vanity, touting a granite top, vessel sinks and wall-mounted faucets. Mirrored, embedded medicine cabinets are wrapped in glass tile and illuminated by hanging lights. The opposite wall features floating dressing cabinets which serve as a new make-up area. Smart use of lighting, such as pendants, sconces, and recess lights has made the space brighter than ever. Designers at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes used large, light color porcelain tiles and enhanced the look with complementary glass tiles on accents walls, niches and other areas.