You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

What appears to be an ordinary brick wall conceals the entrance to your very own speakeasy. Position the six bourbon bottles in the correct order to crack the code, and a hidden door seamlessly swings open, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Every detail of this designer-crafted retreat evokes the elegance and intrigue of the era, from rich dark wood paneling and a handcrafted maple bar to aged, distressed cabinetry and a striking copper-tin ceiling. Glass shelving illuminated by warm LED lighting beautifully showcases your favorite bourbon, whiskey, wine, and glassware collections. Luxurious black velvet drapes frame the oversized picture window, blocking the light while creating an intimate atmosphere filled with warmth and mystery. Just when you think you've discovered every secret, another awaits. The bookcase appears completely ordinary, but moving the antique cigar boxes triggers a hidden latch with an audible click. Swing the bookcase open to reveal a concealed wine cellar, adding yet another layer of surprise to this extraordinary space. Blending mystery, craftsmanship, and timeless Prohibition-era charm, this one-of-a-kind speakeasy offers an immersive experience that leaves every guest feeling as though they've stepped into another era—and never wanting to leave.

What appears to be an ordinary brick wall conceals the entrance to your very own speakeasy. Position the six bourbon bottles in the correct order to crack the code, and a hidden door seamlessly swings open, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Every detail of this designer-crafted retreat evokes the elegance and intrigue of the era, from rich dark wood paneling and a handcrafted maple bar to aged, distressed cabinetry and a striking copper-tin ceiling. Glass shelving illuminated by warm LED lighting beautifully showcases your favorite bourbon, whiskey, wine, and glassware collections. Luxurious black velvet drapes frame the oversized picture window, blocking the light while creating an intimate atmosphere filled with warmth and mystery. Just when you think you've discovered every secret, another awaits. The bookcase appears completely ordinary, but moving the antique cigar boxes triggers a hidden latch with an audible click. Swing the bookcase open to reveal a concealed wine cellar, adding yet another layer of surprise to this extraordinary space. Blending mystery, craftsmanship, and timeless Prohibition-era charm, this one-of-a-kind speakeasy offers an immersive experience that leaves every guest feeling as though they've stepped into another era—and never wanting to leave.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

What appears to be an ordinary brick wall conceals the entrance to your very own speakeasy. Position the six bourbon bottles in the correct order to crack the code, and a hidden door seamlessly swings open, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Every detail of this designer-crafted retreat evokes the elegance and intrigue of the era, from rich dark wood paneling and a handcrafted maple bar to aged, distressed cabinetry and a striking copper-tin ceiling. Glass shelving illuminated by warm LED lighting beautifully showcases your favorite bourbon, whiskey, wine, and glassware collections. Luxurious black velvet drapes frame the oversized picture window, blocking the light while creating an intimate atmosphere filled with warmth and mystery. Just when you think you've discovered every secret, another awaits. The bookcase appears completely ordinary, but moving the antique cigar boxes triggers a hidden latch with an audible click. Swing the bookcase open to reveal a concealed wine cellar, adding yet another layer of surprise to this extraordinary space. Blending mystery, craftsmanship, and timeless Prohibition-era charm, this one-of-a-kind speakeasy offers an immersive experience that leaves every guest feeling as though they've stepped into another era—and never wanting to leave.

What appears to be an ordinary brick wall conceals the entrance to your very own speakeasy. Position the six bourbon bottles in the correct order to crack the code, and a hidden door seamlessly swings open, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Every detail of this designer-crafted retreat evokes the elegance and intrigue of the era, from rich dark wood paneling and a handcrafted maple bar to aged, distressed cabinetry and a striking copper-tin ceiling. Glass shelving illuminated by warm LED lighting beautifully showcases your favorite bourbon, whiskey, wine, and glassware collections. Luxurious black velvet drapes frame the oversized picture window, blocking the light while creating an intimate atmosphere filled with warmth and mystery. Just when you think you've discovered every secret, another awaits. The bookcase appears completely ordinary, but moving the antique cigar boxes triggers a hidden latch with an audible click. Swing the bookcase open to reveal a concealed wine cellar, adding yet another layer of surprise to this extraordinary space. Blending mystery, craftsmanship, and timeless Prohibition-era charm, this one-of-a-kind speakeasy offers an immersive experience that leaves every guest feeling as though they've stepped into another era—and never wanting to leave.

Large trendy open concept light wood floor and brown floor family room photo in DC Metro with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv

What appears to be an ordinary brick wall conceals the entrance to your very own speakeasy. Position the six bourbon bottles in the correct order to crack the code, and a hidden door seamlessly swings open, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Every detail of this designer-crafted retreat evokes the elegance and intrigue of the era, from rich dark wood paneling and a handcrafted maple bar to aged, distressed cabinetry and a striking copper-tin ceiling. Glass shelving illuminated by warm LED lighting beautifully showcases your favorite bourbon, whiskey, wine, and glassware collections. Luxurious black velvet drapes frame the oversized picture window, blocking the light while creating an intimate atmosphere filled with warmth and mystery. Just when you think you've discovered every secret, another awaits. The bookcase appears completely ordinary, but moving the antique cigar boxes triggers a hidden latch with an audible click. Swing the bookcase open to reveal a concealed wine cellar, adding yet another layer of surprise to this extraordinary space. Blending mystery, craftsmanship, and timeless Prohibition-era charm, this one-of-a-kind speakeasy offers an immersive experience that leaves every guest feeling as though they've stepped into another era—and never wanting to leave.

What appears to be an ordinary brick wall conceals the entrance to your very own speakeasy. Position the six bourbon bottles in the correct order to crack the code, and a hidden door seamlessly swings open, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Every detail of this designer-crafted retreat evokes the elegance and intrigue of the era, from rich dark wood paneling and a handcrafted maple bar to aged, distressed cabinetry and a striking copper-tin ceiling. Glass shelving illuminated by warm LED lighting beautifully showcases your favorite bourbon, whiskey, wine, and glassware collections. Luxurious black velvet drapes frame the oversized picture window, blocking the light while creating an intimate atmosphere filled with warmth and mystery. Just when you think you've discovered every secret, another awaits. The bookcase appears completely ordinary, but moving the antique cigar boxes triggers a hidden latch with an audible click. Swing the bookcase open to reveal a concealed wine cellar, adding yet another layer of surprise to this extraordinary space. Blending mystery, craftsmanship, and timeless Prohibition-era charm, this one-of-a-kind speakeasy offers an immersive experience that leaves every guest feeling as though they've stepped into another era—and never wanting to leave.

What appears to be an ordinary brick wall conceals the entrance to your very own speakeasy. Position the six bourbon bottles in the correct order to crack the code, and a hidden door seamlessly swings open, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Every detail of this designer-crafted retreat evokes the elegance and intrigue of the era, from rich dark wood paneling and a handcrafted maple bar to aged, distressed cabinetry and a striking copper-tin ceiling. Glass shelving illuminated by warm LED lighting beautifully showcases your favorite bourbon, whiskey, wine, and glassware collections. Luxurious black velvet drapes frame the oversized picture window, blocking the light while creating an intimate atmosphere filled with warmth and mystery. Just when you think you've discovered every secret, another awaits. The bookcase appears completely ordinary, but moving the antique cigar boxes triggers a hidden latch with an audible click. Swing the bookcase open to reveal a concealed wine cellar, adding yet another layer of surprise to this extraordinary space. Blending mystery, craftsmanship, and timeless Prohibition-era charm, this one-of-a-kind speakeasy offers an immersive experience that leaves every guest feeling as though they've stepped into another era—and never wanting to leave.

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.