The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

Custom face-frame cabinets and Caesarstone countertops. French door double ovens from American Range.
Arts and crafts u-shaped enclosed kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and white walls

Ed Gohlich
Photo of a craftsman landscaping in San Diego.

Limestone counter needed to be replaced due to stains. Perfect compliment to existing bathroom was Blue Louise granite. Needed a boneyard piece (difficult to find) and after calling over 20 showrooms, located a coffee table for sale in showroom. Had it custom cut to fit new counter and pony wall top.

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space. photos by Stonepocket, Inc

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

David Duncan Livingston
Inspiration for a large coastal medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with open cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again. Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done. Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed. When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself. What Do Chimney Repairs Involve? Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician. Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible. Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced. Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs. Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney. Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases. When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for. • Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling • A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not. • Crumbling or missing mortar • If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it • A leaning or visibly shifting chimney • A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue • White staining on the brick (efflorescence) • Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick • Rusted damper or firebox components • Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present • Debris in the fireplace • Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair? This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349. Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use. According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill. Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics. When you call, be sure to ask: Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification? Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work? Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair? At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions. How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used. Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area. Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints. Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not. So Finally… Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.

When Joe Germann founded Motorhead Extraordinaire in 2005, his shop was your typical motorhead shop – lots of hand-me-downs, "way too many" piles of junk, and always too much work going on. Joe used the shop for full frame-up restorations that involved engine work, body work, painting, etc. – your typical hard-core home based restoration shop. The shop was a 24' x 32' building with a cathedral ceiling and was carved up into two car bays (one with a lift), and a bay for the workshop area. The office was located in a spare room in the house, only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Typical of 15 year old shops, it had a collection of everything in every corner – "your basic junk shop." Joe knew he needed a shop and home office to better meet his needs and to be a reflection of his business philosophies. His goals were simple: 1. Upgrade the workshop to the 21st century and make it more efficient for the space he had and the type of work he likes to do in there 2. Add a new office to run the business out of 3. Make it an enjoyable place to hang out to swill a few beers and smoke a few good cigars! Mission accomplished. Joe added a 12' x 22' office addition and remodeled the existing garage/workshop area. (Trying to simultaneously work on restorations – a '71 Corvette and a Raven – as well as doing engine work on his Wild Child drag car was a challenge, to say the least.) Both the new shop and office are fully furnished with a host of Lista storage and workspace products. “ The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. ” Joe raves, "The Lista workspaces are simply awesome and work out so well for us. The desks are at a 35-1/2" workbench height so they are comfortable to use either standing up or sitting down in a Lista work chair. My workspace uses a Nexus frame system with 16" overhead cabinets and a large double hinged door storage cabinet with roll-out trays, which we use to store product catalogs and other heavy stacks of literature. In my wife Isabelle's work area, we used 12' of standard overhead cabinets fastened directly to the wall and a large 12' long double workspace. She has two heavy-duty Lista file cabinets, and believe me they are loaded up and work flawlessly!" Joe is a big fan of Lista products, which he sells through his business. "Well-thought-out is an understatement. Lista workspace solutions are among the most functional, highest quality, and best value available today. There is nothing as sturdy and long lasting as Lista workspace products."

Reminiscent of a villa in south of France, this Old World yet still sophisticated home are what the client had dreamed of. The home was newly built to the client’s specifications. The wood tone kitchen cabinets are made of butternut wood, instantly warming the atmosphere. The perimeter and island cabinets are painted and captivating against the limestone counter tops. A custom steel hammered hood and Apex wood flooring (Downers Grove, IL) bring this room to an artful balance. Project specs: Sub Zero integrated refrigerator and Wolf 36” range Interior Design by Tony Stavish, A.W. Stavish Designs Craig Dugan - Photographer

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

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