After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change.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

Bernard Andre
Photo of a huge traditional full sun landscaping in San Francisco.

Mid-sized elegant gray floor laundry room photo in DC Metro with white walls

Darrin Harris Frisby
Inspiration for a rustic open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Denver with brown walls and no fireplace

Eclectic medium tone wood floor dining room photo in New York with multicolored walls

Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
Living room - mid-sized craftsman open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in DC Metro with white walls

Country l-shaped dark wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam kitchen photo in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and brown countertops

Inspiration for a contemporary home office remodel in Salt Lake City

This Cobble Hill Brownstone for a family of five is a fun and captivating design, the perfect blend of the wife’s love of English country style and the husband’s preference for modern. The young power couple, her the co-founder of Maisonette and him an investor, have three children and a dog, requiring that all the surfaces, finishes and, materials used throughout the home are both beautiful and durable to make every room a carefree space the whole family can enjoy. The primary design challenge for this project was creating both distinct places for the family to live their day to day lives and also a whole floor dedicated to formal entertainment. The clients entertain large dinners on a monthly basis as part of their profession. We solved this by adding an extension on the Garden and Parlor levels. This allowed the Garden level to function as the daily family operations center and the Parlor level to be party central. The kitchen on the garden level is large enough to dine in and accommodate a large catering crew. On the parlor level, we created a large double parlor in the front of the house; this space is dedicated to cocktail hour and after-dinner drinks. The rear of the parlor is a spacious formal dining room that can seat up to 14 guests. The middle "library" space contains a bar and facilitates access to both the front and rear rooms; in this way, it can double as a staging area for the parties. The remaining three floors are sleeping quarters for the family and frequent out of town guests. Designing a row house for private and public functions programmatically returns the building to a configuration in line with its original design. This project was published in Architectural Digest. Photography by Sam Frost

Kitchen - transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

SERENE STEAM SHOWER SPA SENSORY SPLASH MODEL COMPLETE UNIT NO Generators - NO Electrical Required! Install the world’s first Eco Friendly Steam Spa in your home shower enclosure. The Sensory Splash model is our latest, signature spa system, including our exclusive steam/hot vapor feature, Bluetooth audio and an Essential Oils mechanism. This model also includes a full shower feature described as a pressure balanced, hot and cold mixing valve with a two function diverter for switching between a shower head and a hand held shower for regular shower use, and incorporates a pressure balanced mixing valve system for optimum performance. Steam/hot vapor is our patented, signature feature. Available finishes are: Brushed Satin - Polished Mirror An impressive alternative to regular steam generators With a Serene Steam system you can enjoy all the benefits of a personal spa in the comfort of your home. Rejuvenate your senses and relax with a hot and humid spa session. Most people would jump at an opportunity like this and Serene Steam has invented and designed innovative methods to create a complete wellness environment producing heat, steam/hot vapor infused with your choice of Essential Oils for the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation as an elegant stand-alone unit installed in your shower enclosure . Serene Steam is bringing innovation to the wellness culture. The way we perceive and gauge relaxation is about to change with a Serene Steam spa system. Now you have the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself in your personal shower enclosure with a beautifully designed spa system which produces a hot and humid spa environment. Benefits - A hot steam spa, or steam shower environment has a physiological effect on the body which is very similar to that of a sauna. The hot vapors and heat may open up the pores, increases the metabolism, elevates the heart rate, and the body begins to sweat. This can result in health benefits, especially when a hot steamy environment is used safely and frequently (please read precautions). Some spas have also introduced the use of Aromatherapy in their systems to provide additional health benefits and relax clients. Enjoy a Serene Steam Spa system in your own shower enclosure. Clearer skin - May improve the clarity of their skin over time. Stress relief - One of the most powerful benefits may be the ability to reduce both physical and mental stress. Metabolism and weight loss - In some instances, a hot steamy environment can even assist with weight management due to heavier perspiration. WHY CONSIDER A SERENE STEAM SPA SYSTEM? The fundamental reason among others, is that Serene Steam does not require any generators, nor any electricity at all. Rather, It is an impressive alternative to bulky electrical generators and has been certified by IAPMO for easy installation by a qualified plumber or contractor. A Serene Steam Spa system brings a moist heat, Essential Oils infused steam/Spa experience into your existing shower enclosure and generally requires basic installation. Unlike competitors who require generators and an electrical supply to create a hot spa environment, (also known as a steam shower, wet sauna and alike), Serene Steam only requires the two primary connections which already exist in every bathroom - A water supply, and a drain, that's it. There are also no extra "a la carte" expenses required (other than basic plumbing parts) after you have purchased a Serene Steam Spa system. Everything is ready out of the box and only requires basic off the shelf plumbing fittings to install. You may require an additional spa bench for your new spa (not included). All models are inclusive of our patented steam/hot vapor feature, a Bluetooth Audio system for music and phone calls, and a dedicated Aromatherapy feature for using Essential oils . When constructing a shower enclosure to use with any steam product, or alike, the type of wall materials which you use may also have an impact on the shower enclosure temperature and the time required to reach optimal comfort, please check with your local contractor. Remember, regardless of which steam system you use, all shower enclosures must be steam ready, and your local contractor or plumber should know how to seal your shower enclosure correctly to avoid the hot water vapors from exiting your shower enclosure during use. PREFERRED SHOWER SIZE: During use, Serene Steam provides an impressive amount of steam/hot vapor to occupy most standard shower enclosures, However, as with most steam shower enclosures, the smaller the area, the more effective the heat will feel. With Serene Steam there is no specific size shower required due to the way it functions, also bearing in mind that with a movable spa bench (not included) it is possible to position yourself within any desired location should you have an extra-large/nonstandard shower enclosure. The diagram below should be a good indication of the preferred size of your shower enclosure. Please note that not all shower enclosures will provide the exact same results. Certifications: cUPC - IAPMO certified, meets all local and federal ASTM standards ICG-54-2019 for shower panels and steam showers. Green Business Bureau Certified. Product Specifications Constructed from 16 gauge, 304 Stainless Steel. The main body panel and mixing valve panel are designed to appear as one-themed unit for a beautiful flush wall mount. Main hot & cold mixing valve Aromatherapy Feature Main body panel Height: 27 inches Width: 6 inches Depth: 3.5 inches - Flush mount Mixing valve panel Height: 9 inches Width: 6 inches Depth: based on construction parameters Total height and width of the installed unit is approximately: 38 x 6 inches (flush with wall). Patented and IAPMO certified. Disclaimer The content on this site is not a substitute for a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professionals. All content regarding benefits of a hot spa, or steam environment on this site is opinion, and is based entirely on ubiquitous publications supporting the opinion. Content is also gathered from public, & known sources & is as accurate as the general information provided & is opinion only, and not claimed by Serene Steam in any way whatsoever. MADE IN USA Join us at flooringsupplyshop.com for this product and many others Patent U.S.A. & INTERNATIONAL

Greg Premru Photography
Example of a beach style living room design in Boston with white walls

Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Orange County with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor reach-in closet remodel in Toronto with recessed-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

This is the original staircase and newel post. over the years the light was destroyed so we found a replacement that is a perfect match!
Large ornate wooden curved wood railing staircase photo in Other with wooden risers

Barry Grossman
Home yoga studio - mid-sized contemporary home yoga studio idea in Miami with gray walls

Example of a large farmhouse open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room design in Baltimore with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Boston

A Study in Calm Cheers to this peaceful home office that is full of champagne tastes and hues! I’d love to spend my day designing here; wouldn’t you?!