Photography by Patrick Wong 2013
Elegant kitchen photo in Austin

Inspiration for a 1950s bedroom remodel in Austin

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change.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.”

Photography by Patrick Wong 2013
Elegant bedroom photo in Austin

The iHarmony® Zoning System allows you to precisely manage the temperatures of specific areas in your home. Combined with Lennox® wi-fi enabled thermostats, iHarmony® zoning provides smarter, more enhanced comfort by giving you ultimate control of every room in your home with ultimate ease. On top of all of this, the iHarmony® Four-Zone System is extremely energy efficient. By redirecting heating and cooling away from unused or little-used rooms, you aren’t wasting energy or money on comfort nobody will feel.

Photography by Patrick Wong 2013
Bedroom - traditional bedroom idea in Austin

A couple living in the Central West End in St. Louis wasn’t enjoying cooking in their kitchen very much. The reason soon became clear to them: It wasn’t their galley kitchen, it was their parents’- or at least a clone of their parents’ kitchen, complete with vintage 1980s cabinetry, floors, fixtures and finishes. They needed something bigger, something smarter, and something from the 21st century. The biggest challenge was figuring out how to move walls to bring their vision to life. When they called Aleto to help them make their vision a reality, they worked with our designers to find a smart solution in the removal of the wall between kitchen and dining room. The new open space felt natural and connected, the perfect place to rebuild the perfect modern kitchen. With the space obstacles overcome, the clients were free to dream big and Aleto helped turn their ideas into a practical kitchen work triangle configuration. With the expanded space, a large island with sink and dishwasher was added, with space for kitchen seating. The addition of floating shelves over bright, charming wallpaper provided both storage and showcasing opportunities for the dry bar. Stately, modern blue cabinetry and top-shelf appliances put the perfect finish on this new center of the house. The dramatic focus of the stainless range hood, as well as the refined look of the broad stone backsplash, give the kitchen an interest – and a functionality – that the clients’ parents could only have dreamed of.

This teen bathroom renovation transformed a tired, outdated space into a bright, thoughtfully designed retreat with timeless appeal—and far smarter storage. The homeowners’ goal was simple: refresh the look of the bathroom while adding more functional storage to make the room work better for everyday life. Every design decision focused on maximizing both style and practicality within the existing footprint. The shower immediately draws the eye with its rich, deep blue scalloped tile for dramatic impact. Subtle variation in the tile glaze adds depth and movement, while the soft arch pattern introduces character without overwhelming the room. A custom recessed niche, framed in crisp white, provides convenient storage for bath essentials while maintaining clean lines. The oversized light hex tile keeps the room feeling open and airy. A new white shaker vanity adds generous drawer and cabinet storage, topped with a seamless, low-maintenance countertop. To further increase storage without crowding the room, a wall-mounted cabinet with reeded glass was added above the vanity—offering additional space for daily essentials while keeping the design light and airy. The wallpapered accent wall adds personality and warmth in a subtle, sophisticated way that will grow with the family. The result is a bathroom that balances statement design with everyday practicality—turning a once tired space into a fresh, functional retreat that finally works for the homeowners’ teenagers. If your bathroom no longer works for your family, we can help reimagine it. Contact N Sabella to start planning your renovation.

Talk about bringing a kitchen up to date! Little details like the bin pulls and farmhouse sink give a nod to the distant past, but the general tone for this Hood River kitchen is "today." The white on white palette leaves the homeowner free to accessorize at will, but is grounded by the wood accents and beadboard texture of the cabinetry. The dining nook with beautiful distressed table brings people into the kitchen to enjoy time together and gives the area a homey feeling. Medallion Cabinetry will stand up to many years of use and preserve the look of this lovely kitchen for countless meals and gatherings. As always, the design was carefully curated by Allen's Fine Woodworking to ensure the space allows the homeowner to work smarter, not harder.

The detailed plans for this bathroom can be purchased here: https://www.changeyourbathroom.com/shop/sophisticated-sisters-bathroom-plans/ Sisters share a Jack and Jill bathroom converted from 1 toilet and shared space to 2 toilets in separate vanity areas with a shared walk in shower.

These elevations are the backbone of a seamless renovation process. Here's why they matter: 1. For Trades: Every inch is accounted for—elevations give electricians, plumbers, tile setters, and millworkers exact placement, height, and alignment details. No guesswork means fewer mistakes, no back-and-forth, and smoother scheduling. 2. For Pricing Accuracy: Clear elevations eliminate the “it depends” from vendor bids. You get real, fixed quotes instead of vague estimates. Every finish, fixture, and feature is detailed upfront for smarter budgeting and better scope control. 3. For the Client Experience: It’s hard to envision a design from words or even moodboards alone. These elevations show your space—exactly how it will feel and function. Clients can confidently sign off on layout, storage, lighting, and flow because they can see it. TL;DR: Want peace of mind and precision at every phase? This is how we build intelligently. And don’t worry—you don’t have to know every detail. We got you.

We create kitchens with smarter cabinets. This means each cabinet is created with a purpose in mind.
Example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen design in Raleigh with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

Photography by Tim Schultz
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Seattle

For years, this family felt like their main floor was working against them. The kitchen was a tight galley where only one person could comfortably stand at a time. An old addition felt disconnected and awkward, making everyday life a struggle. Rethinking the Space They thought the only solution was a big, expensive addition. But after walking through the home and completing a feasibility study, we found that the square footage was already there. It just needed a smarter plan. Designing a Floor That Works We reimagined how the home works day to day. The kitchen became a bright, open hub with a generous island perfect for cooking, homework, and family time. Awkward corners were given clear and useful purposes. A long steel span replaced an exterior wall that could not carry the load, opening the space safely and effectively. Personal Touches We made sure the house reflected the family. A custom basement door with a built-in cat door adds charm and function, and cat-shaped handles in the laundry room bring personality throughout the home. Even the piano room feels warm, inviting, and easy to live in. A Home That Flows Now, multiple people can cook together comfortably. The rooms feel connected and welcoming. The previously awkward addition feels fully integrated. Daily life flows naturally, and the house finally supports the family instead of working against them. Discover the Potential in Your Home If your kitchen does not work or a space feels off, there may be more potential than you realize. Sometimes the right solution is already within your walls. Reach out to us, and see what your home could become! Sosna Incorporated 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 Phone: 416-888-7366 extension 1 Email: contact@sosna.ca

Bamboo ecologically sound and stunning. Bamboo makes for an incredible alternative to using trees for flooring and is a popular green building choice. As a fast-growing grass, bamboo regenerates after harvesting and regrows within a few years. Not only is bamboo an ecologically sound choice but it offers many of the same qualities as hardwood – durability, strength and beauty. Bamboo, when allowed to mature, has a hardness greater than many woods. In addition, it absorbs less moisture than traditional wood floors making it smarter choice for areas where moisture content may vary. At Flooring Lane we have a wide variety of choices and experts ready to help you find the bamboo floor that works for you.

Talk about bringing a kitchen up to date! Little details like the bin pulls and farmhouse sink give a nod to the distant past, but the general tone for this Hood River kitchen is "today." The white on white palette leaves the homeowner free to accessorize at will, but is grounded by the wood accents and beadboard texture of the cabinetry. The dining nook with beautiful distressed table brings people into the kitchen to enjoy time together and gives the area a homey feeling. Medallion Cabinetry will stand up to many years of use and preserve the look of this lovely kitchen for countless meals and gatherings. As always, the design was carefully curated by Allen's Fine Woodworking to ensure the space allows the homeowner to work smarter, not harder.

Custom cabinetry that helps you work smarter, not harder!?? The key to a productive home is adding custom storage solutions where you actually need them. Just like this custom built stove storage, you can easily access your most used items while keeping them tucked away & organized. Click the link in our bio to view even more Trim Tech Designs built-in storage solutions!

This office tenant improvement project includes an open bullpen area, reception area, large conference/training facility featuring an interior garage door to open increased space. The facility boasts a world class data infrastructure system enabling state agencies and international providers to create a smarter and more efficient credentialing exchange. This project was completed on budget and on time

Photography by Patrick Wong 2013
Example of a classic home office design in Austin