A bento box is more than just a lunch container—it’s a reflection of Japanese culture, mindful eating, and balanced nutrition. Traditionally used in Japan, bento boxes have gained global popularity due to their practicality, aesthetic appeal, and ability to promote healthy eating habits. What Is a Bento Box? A bento box is a single-portion packed meal, neatly arranged in a compartmentalized container. The word “bento” originates from the Chinese term meaning convenient, which perfectly describes its purpose. A typical bento includes rice or noodles, protein like fish, meat, or tofu, and a variety of vegetables or side dishes, all placed in separate sections to maintain flavor and presentation. Cultural Significance of Bento Boxes In Japan, bento boxes represent care, effort, and balance. Parents often prepare bento meals for their children as a symbol of love, while office workers rely on them for nutritious meals during busy days. Special versions like ekiben (railway station bento) and character bento (decorated meals shaped like animals or cartoons) highlight the creativity and cultural importance of bento-making. Health Benefits of Using a Bento Box One of the biggest advantages of a bento box is its role in portion control and balanced nutrition. Since the box has fixed compartments, it encourages variety without overeating. A well-prepared bento typically follows the principle of: 40–50% carbohydrates 30–40% vegetables 20–30% protein This balance helps maintain energy levels, supports digestion, and reduces the reliance on unhealthy fast food. Modern Bento Boxes and Their Uses Today’s bento boxes are designed to suit modern lifestyles. They are available in microwave-safe, leak-proof, and eco-friendly materials such as stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and bamboo fiber. Many come with insulated layers, sauce containers, and cutlery, making them ideal for: Office lunches School meals Travel and picnics Fitness and meal-prep routines With the rise of sustainable living, reusable bento boxes also help reduce single-use plastic waste. Bento Boxes in Everyday Life Bento boxes are no longer limited to Japanese cuisine. People worldwide use them to pack Indian, Western, vegan, or keto meals. From chapati and sabzi to pasta and salads, bento boxes adapt easily to different food preferences while keeping meals fresh and organized. Why Bento Boxes Are So Popular Today The popularity of bento boxes is driven by busy schedules, health awareness, and social media trends. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest showcase beautifully arranged bento meals, inspiring people to eat better and enjoy the process of food preparation. They combine functionality, aesthetics, and mindfulness, making meals more enjoyable. Conclusion A bento box is a smart and stylish way to enjoy homemade meals while staying healthy and organized. Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, save money, or reduce environmental impact, a bento box offers a simple yet effective solution. With its deep cultural roots and modern versatility, the bento box continues to be a timeless companion for everyday meals.

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

The redwood planter boxes are designed to make the difference in your garden, given its durability and classic design. Our planter boxes line has a variety of designs and sizes, using first class quality redwood. 100% solid redwood. Your choice of premium stained or transparent sealant. Features plenty long-term benefits, such as light weight, reliability, strength and resistance to decay, rot and weather elements. No assembly required. Home delivery. Drain holes. We offer the most popular measures here, however if you are looking for a custom size, please let us know, we customize the dimensions upon request as well. Best Redwood offers 4 types of Redwood Finishes. Here are images showing the different types of redwood sealant options applied. From left to right: 1912 -Mission Brown, 1905 -Super Deck, 1910 -Super Deck and Clear No Stain finish. California residents see Prop 65 WARNINGS. If you have any questions, special requests or looking to create your custom redwood product please contact us via email to info@best-redwood.com or give us a call at (619) 391-9913 or toll free to 1800-393-4128.

The Cellular Advantage Graber CrystalPleat® Cellular Shades are a stylish way to boost the energy efficiency of your home. An attractive closed cell design creates pockets of air that insulate windows from heat and cold to lower your energy bills year round. Offering excellent sound absorption, cellular shades also reduce noise in rooms with hard flooring. Outfitted with the same benefits on a grander scale, Graber Slide-Vue™ Cellular Shades are specially designed to accompany larger windows and patio doors.

The Cellular Advantage Graber CrystalPleat® Cellular Shades are a stylish way to boost the energy efficiency of your home. An attractive closed cell design creates pockets of air that insulate windows from heat and cold to lower your energy bills year round. Offering excellent sound absorption, cellular shades also reduce noise in rooms with hard flooring. Outfitted with the same benefits on a grander scale, Graber Slide-Vue™ Cellular Shades are specially designed to accompany larger windows and patio doors.

It’s no surprise these Hanover clients reached out to Cathy and Ed of Renovisions for design and build services as they wanted a local professional bath specialist to turn their plain builder-grade bath into a luxurious handicapped accessible master bath. Renovisions had safety and universal design in mind while creating this customized two-person super shower and well-appointed master bath so their clients could escape to a special place to relax and energize their senses while also helping to conserve time and water as it is used simultaneously by them. This completely water proofed spacious 4’x8’ walk-in curb-less shower with lineal drain system and larger format porcelain tiles was a must have for our senior client –with larger tiles there are less grout lines, easier to clean and easier to maneuver using a walker to enter and exit the master bath. Renovisions collaborated with their clients to design a spa-like bath with several amenities and added conveniences with safety considerations. The bench seat that spans the width of the wall was a great addition to the shower. It’s a comfortable place to sit down and stretch out and also to keep warm as electric mesh warming materials were used along with a programmable thermostat to keep these homeowners toasty and cozy! Careful attention to all of the details in this master suite created a peaceful and elegant environment that, simply put, feels divine. Adding details such as the warming towel rack, mosaic tiled shower niche, shiny polished chrome decorative safety grab bars that also serve as towel racks and a towel rack inside the shower area added a measure of style. A stately framed mirror over the pedestal sink matches the warm white painted finish of the linen storage cabinetry that provides functionality and good looks to this space. Pull-down safety grab bars on either side of the comfort height high-efficiency toilet was essential to keep safety as a top priority. Water, water everywhere for this well deserving couple – multiple shower heads enhances the bathing experience for our client with mobility issues as 54 soft sprays from each wall jet provide a soothing and cleansing effect – a great choice because they do not require gripping and manipulating handles yet provide a sleek look with easy cleaning. The thermostatic valve maintains desired water temperature and volume controls allows the bather to utilize the adjustable hand-held shower on a slide-bar- an ideal fixture to shower and spray down shower area when done. A beautiful, frameless clear glass enclosure maintains a clean, open look without taking away from the stunning and richly grained marble-look tiles and decorative elements inside the shower. In addition to its therapeutic value, this shower is truly a design focal point of the master bath with striking tile work, beautiful chrome fixtures including several safety grab bars adding aesthetic value as well as safety benefits.

The custom designed 5’ x 10’ spa is nestled into the corner to provide users with a pleasing view across the pool. The six powerful spa jets ensure maximum enjoyment and therapeutic benefit. The spa was constructed using special insulated underground plumbing which allows for year-round use.

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

This beautiful 11,000 square foot playground area at the Child Development Center of Natrona County was installed by ForeverLawn Central Wyoming, featuring Playground Grass™ Ultra by ForeverLawn®. This project is made up of three separate playgrounds, each designed with a specific age group in mind. The playgrounds were previously surfaced with rubber tiles that were beginning to curl, and the facility was looking for the perfect solution with plenty of benefits. Some of the children in the care of this child development center have special needs, so the playgrounds are required by the county to have fall height protection. Playground Grass meets the ASTM 1292 fall specifications as well as the ASTM 1951 ADA accessibility specifications. In addition, some of the children have electronic medical devices, making Playground Grass Ultra the perfect fit for these playgrounds because of the XStatic™ antistatic technology.

This beautiful 11,000 square foot playground area at the Child Development Center of Natrona County was installed by ForeverLawn Central Wyoming, featuring Playground Grass™ Ultra by ForeverLawn®. This project is made up of three separate playgrounds, each designed with a specific age group in mind. The playgrounds were previously surfaced with rubber tiles that were beginning to curl, and the facility was looking for the perfect solution with plenty of benefits. Some of the children in the care of this child development center have special needs, so the playgrounds are required by the county to have fall height protection. Playground Grass meets the ASTM 1292 fall specifications as well as the ASTM 1951 ADA accessibility specifications. In addition, some of the children have electronic medical devices, making Playground Grass Ultra the perfect fit for these playgrounds because of the XStatic™ antistatic technology.

Ameriside removed the old rotten patio cover and replaced it with a duralum patio cover. The duralum has the look of wood and the strength of metal. It never needs paint is virtually maintenance free. With a lifetime warranty, this customer can rest easy by the pool. Photo by Jeremy Sharrock

Experience the natural beauty of Best Redwood Pacific Redwood Double Beam Premium Pergola. Create the perfect spot for lounging, dining, and relaxation in your outdoor patio. Make this Pacific Redwood Double Beam Premium Pergola your own. 100% solid wood. Your choice from Douglas Fir or Redwood. Features plenty long term benefits, such as reliability, strength, and resistance to decay, rot, and weather elements. Post sizes will be built at 6 in. x 6 in. with decorative trims and rafters at 2 in. x 6 in. Standard height of pergola is 8ft. (If you are looking for a higher roof, contact us for a custom request). Standard separation between rafters is 18" approximately. (looking for more shade? contact us and we can accomodate your needs). Assembly instructions and hardware are included. Anchors are not included. Your choice of premium sealant applied. Your choice of end rafter design. Please contact us to choose rafter design. Includes 4 double bottom of posts trim boxes. Special designed arched support braces. Excellent craftsmanship and quality. Home Delivery.

Located in the heart of Montreal, Binôme is an architectural urban densification project built by Modulor. Composed of two distinct buildings connected by an inner courtyard, this new five-unit development stands out through its unique layout, architecture, and exceptional attention to detail. The construction required rigorous planning and precise technical execution, particularly due to major excavation work and underpinning of adjacent buildings. Such interventions in a dense urban environment demand specialized expertise and tight project management at every phase of the build. Conceived as an income-generating property, the clients benefited from our strategic support to ensure the profitability, efficiency, and optimization of their investment. Modulor worked closely with the team at Appareil Architecture to bring to life a project of high architectural integrity. Binôme’s architecture draws inspiration from the area's industrial past: clean volumes, red brick, generous openings reminiscent of former workshops, and elegant brick colonnades form a refined and cohesive ensemble. The central courtyard, designed as a luminous and welcoming shared space, becomes the vibrant heart of the project. A colorful metal staircase, crafted by Atomic Soudure, connects both buildings and adds a distinctive, curated touch. As a finalist for the 2025 Ordre des architectes du Québec Awards of Excellence, Binôme stands as a model of successful urban revitalization. It illustrates how thoughtful, well-executed construction can elevate Montreal’s built environment while addressing today’s densification challenges.

Located in the heart of Montreal, Binôme is an architectural urban densification project built by Modulor. Composed of two distinct buildings connected by an inner courtyard, this new five-unit development stands out through its unique layout, architecture, and exceptional attention to detail. The construction required rigorous planning and precise technical execution, particularly due to major excavation work and underpinning of adjacent buildings. Such interventions in a dense urban environment demand specialized expertise and tight project management at every phase of the build. Conceived as an income-generating property, the clients benefited from our strategic support to ensure the profitability, efficiency, and optimization of their investment. Modulor worked closely with the team at Appareil Architecture to bring to life a project of high architectural integrity. Binôme’s architecture draws inspiration from the area's industrial past: clean volumes, red brick, generous openings reminiscent of former workshops, and elegant brick colonnades form a refined and cohesive ensemble. The central courtyard, designed as a luminous and welcoming shared space, becomes the vibrant heart of the project. A colorful metal staircase, crafted by Atomic Soudure, connects both buildings and adds a distinctive, curated touch. As a finalist for the 2025 Ordre des architectes du Québec Awards of Excellence, Binôme stands as a model of successful urban revitalization. It illustrates how thoughtful, well-executed construction can elevate Montreal’s built environment while addressing today’s densification challenges.

The redwood planter boxes are designed to make the difference in your garden, given its durability and classic design. Our planter boxes line has a variety of designs and sizes, using first class quality redwood. 100% solid redwood. Your choice of premium stained or transparent sealant. Features plenty long-term benefits, such as light weight, reliability, strength and resistance to decay, rot and weather elements. No assembly required. Home delivery. Drain holes. We offer the most popular measures here, however if you are looking for a custom size, please let us know, we customize the dimensions upon request as well. Best Redwood offers 4 types of Redwood Finishes. Here are images showing the different types of redwood sealant options applied. From left to right: 1912 -Mission Brown, 1905 -Super Deck, 1910 -Super Deck and Clear No Stain finish. California residents see Prop 65 WARNINGS. If you have any questions, special requests or looking to create your custom redwood product please contact us via email to info@best-redwood.com or give us a call at (619) 391-9913 or toll free to 1800-393-4128.

This beautiful 11,000 square foot playground area at the Child Development Center of Natrona County was installed by ForeverLawn Central Wyoming, featuring Playground Grass™ Ultra by ForeverLawn®. This project is made up of three separate playgrounds, each designed with a specific age group in mind. The playgrounds were previously surfaced with rubber tiles that were beginning to curl, and the facility was looking for the perfect solution with plenty of benefits. Some of the children in the care of this child development center have special needs, so the playgrounds are required by the county to have fall height protection. Playground Grass meets the ASTM 1292 fall specifications as well as the ASTM 1951 ADA accessibility specifications. In addition, some of the children have electronic medical devices, making Playground Grass Ultra the perfect fit for these playgrounds because of the XStatic™ antistatic technology.

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

Located in the heart of Montreal, Binôme is an architectural urban densification project built by Modulor. Composed of two distinct buildings connected by an inner courtyard, this new five-unit development stands out through its unique layout, architecture, and exceptional attention to detail. The construction required rigorous planning and precise technical execution, particularly due to major excavation work and underpinning of adjacent buildings. Such interventions in a dense urban environment demand specialized expertise and tight project management at every phase of the build. Conceived as an income-generating property, the clients benefited from our strategic support to ensure the profitability, efficiency, and optimization of their investment. Modulor worked closely with the team at Appareil Architecture to bring to life a project of high architectural integrity. Binôme’s architecture draws inspiration from the area's industrial past: clean volumes, red brick, generous openings reminiscent of former workshops, and elegant brick colonnades form a refined and cohesive ensemble. The central courtyard, designed as a luminous and welcoming shared space, becomes the vibrant heart of the project. A colorful metal staircase, crafted by Atomic Soudure, connects both buildings and adds a distinctive, curated touch. As a finalist for the 2025 Ordre des architectes du Québec Awards of Excellence, Binôme stands as a model of successful urban revitalization. It illustrates how thoughtful, well-executed construction can elevate Montreal’s built environment while addressing today’s densification challenges.