Home office - transitional home office idea in Chicago

Our design for the expansion and gut renovation of a small 1200 square foot house in a residential neighborhood triples is size, and reworks the living arrangement. The rear addition takes advantage of southern exposure with a "greenhouse" room that provides solar heat gain in winter, shading in summer, and a vast connection to the rear yard. Architecturally, we used an approach we call "willful practicality." The new soaring ceiling ties together first and second floors in a dramatic volumetric expansion of space, while providing increased ventilation and daylighting from greenhouse to operable windows and skylights at the peak. Exterior pockets of space are created from curved forces pushing in from outside to form cedar clad porch and stoop. Sustainable design is employed throughout all materials, energy systems and insulation. Masonry exterior walls and concrete floors provide thermal mass for the interior by insulating the exterior. An ERV system facilitates increased air changes and minimizes changes to the interior air temperature. Energy and water saving features and renewable, non-toxic materal selections are important aspects of the house design. Environmental community issues are addressed with a drywell in the side yard to mitigate rain runoff into the town sewer system. The long sloping south facing roof is in anticipation of future solar panels, with the standing seam metal roof providing anchoring opportunities for the panels. The exterior walls are clad in stucco, cedar, and cement-fiber panels defining different areas of the house. Closed cell spray insulation is applied to exterior walls and roof, giving the house an "air-tight" seal against air infiltration and a high R-value. The ERV system provides the ventilation needed with this tight envelope. The interior comfort level and economizing are the beneficial results of the building methods and systems employed in the house. Photographer: Peter Kubilus

This porch overlooking the yard's lovely pool is a great place to spend time outdoors and with the addition of custom designed outdoor and landscape lighting, it can be used both day and night. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives designed and installed this porch and poolside lighting system to increase its usability, safety, and beauty.

We design our Custom Closets for you and the way you live. Capacity can be increased two to three times and organization done in a way that makes everything easy to find. Enjoy the great benefits of a professionally designed closet.

We design our Custom Closets for you and the way you live. Capacity can be increased two to three times and organization done in a way that makes everything easy to find. Enjoy the great benefits of a professionally designed closet.

Our design for the expansion and gut renovation of a small 1200 square foot house in a residential neighborhood triples is size, and reworks the living arrangement. The rear addition takes advantage of southern exposure with a "greenhouse" room that provides solar heat gain in winter, shading in summer, and a vast connection to the rear yard. Architecturally, we used an approach we call "willful practicality." The new soaring ceiling ties together first and second floors in a dramatic volumetric expansion of space, while providing increased ventilation and daylighting from greenhouse to operable windows and skylights at the peak. Exterior pockets of space are created from curved forces pushing in from outside to form cedar clad porch and stoop. Sustainable design is employed throughout all materials, energy systems and insulation. Masonry exterior walls and concrete floors provide thermal mass for the interior by insulating the exterior. An ERV system facilitates increased air changes and minimizes changes to the interior air temperature. Energy and water saving features and renewable, non-toxic materal selections are important aspects of the house design. Environmental community issues are addressed with a drywell in the side yard to mitigate rain runoff into the town sewer system. The long sloping south facing roof is in anticipation of future solar panels, with the standing seam metal roof providing anchoring opportunities for the panels. The exterior walls are clad in stucco, cedar, and cement-fiber panels defining different areas of the house. Closed cell spray insulation is applied to exterior walls and roof, giving the house an "air-tight" seal against air infiltration and a high R-value. The ERV system provides the ventilation needed with this tight envelope. The interior comfort level and economizing are the beneficial results of the building methods and systems employed in the house. Photographer: Peter Kubilus

The goal in building this home was to create an exterior esthetic that elicits memories of a Tuscan Villa on a hillside and also incorporates a modern feel to the interior. Modern aspects were achieved using an open staircase along with a 25' wide rear folding door. The addition of the folding door allows us to achieve a seamless feel between the interior and exterior of the house. Such creates a versatile entertaining area that increases the capacity to comfortably entertain guests. The outdoor living space with covered porch is another unique feature of the house. The porch has a fireplace plus heaters in the ceiling which allow one to entertain guests regardless of the temperature. The zero edge pool provides an absolutely beautiful backdrop—currently, it is the only one made in Indiana. Lastly, the master bathroom shower has a 2' x 3' shower head for the ultimate waterfall effect. This house is unique both outside and in.

With its motorized swiveling blades, the AZUR S pergola is the ideal product for creating an outdoor living space that offers you and your guests comfort and protection against the elements. With its unique and modern design, durable aluminum structure, climate resistance and easy maintenance, the AZUR S pergola is a must for all high-end outdoor living spaces. The ECLIPSE is a robust mosquito screen or sun shade system ideal for covering large outdoor living spaces. Controlled with a wireless remote control, the ECLIPSE protects you from bugs, sun rays, wind and increases your privacy on demand, increasing your comfort and home value.

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface. Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment. A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface. Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment. A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

World Class Outdoor Lighting designs, installs & maintains outdoor lighting systems. Increase safety, security and your property value with a WCOL system.

Flat panel cabinetry and more drawers instead of lower cabinets increases the efficiency of your galley kitchen. Photo credits: Fauzi Anuar
Trendy galley eat-in kitchen photo in Singapore with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, granite countertops and no island

This beautiful home had an old, non functioning lighting system in place that was removed and replaced with a completely new, low voltage, LED lighting system with a completely new design which flattered the details of this cape cod style home in a far better way. We increased the curb appeal, safety around the walkways and stairs and enhanced the security with accent lighting around the doors and windows. The overall effect is a warm and elegant look that this home was begging for.

Outfit your entire kitchen with custom pull out shelves form ShelfGenie of Columbus. Keep your existing cabinets but increase visibility and accessibility to your stored items by replacing the shelves with full extension pull out shelves.

The ECLIPSE S is a compact motorized screen or sun shade system that is ideal for smaller spaces or openings with less height and width. Easily concealable, the system comes with a wireless remote control that allows you to control the desired degree of protection you want from bugs, sun rays and wind, all the while increasing your privacy.

With its motorized swiveling blades, the AZUR S pergola is the ideal product for creating an outdoor living space that offers you and your guests comfort and protection against the elements. With its unique and modern design, durable aluminum structure, climate resistance and easy maintenance, the AZUR S pergola is a must for all high-end outdoor living spaces. The ECLIPSE is a robust mosquito screen or sun shade system ideal for covering large outdoor living spaces. Controlled with a wireless remote control, the ECLIPSE protects you from bugs, sun rays, wind and increases your privacy on demand, increasing your comfort and home value.

World Class Outdoor Lighting designs, installs & maintains outdoor lighting systems. Increase safety, security and your property value with a WCOL system.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.