Professional wallpaper installation transformed this Evanston sunroom into a stunning focal point. Evanston's diverse architecture, from historic homes to contemporary residences, requires specialized expertise to ensure wallpaper installation complements existing design elements. Materials and Products We utilized premium moisture-resistant wallpaper specifically designed for sunroom environments, paired with professional-grade adhesives from trusted manufacturers like Roman and Zinsser for superior bonding and longevity. Installation Process First, thorough surface preparation including cleaning and priming. Second, precise measurements and pattern planning for seamless alignment. Third, careful adhesive application using professional tools. Fourth, meticulous installation with attention to corners and edges. Chicago Home Challenges Evanston properties face unique challenges including temperature fluctuations, humidity variations, and aging surfaces. Our wallpaper installation process addresses these concerns through proper surface preparation and climate-appropriate materials. Results Achieved The finished sunroom showcases flawless wallpaper installation with perfect pattern matching, smooth application, and professional-quality results that will withstand years of use and seasonal changes. H2 Professional Tips Always prime surfaces before wallpaper installation, choose moisture-resistant papers for sunrooms, and hire experienced professionals familiar with Chicago's climate challenges and building characteristics. See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com. Q: What type of wallpaper works best for Evanston sunrooms? / A: Moisture-resistant vinyl or fabric-backed wallpaper handles humidity and temperature changes better than standard paper in sunroom wallpaper installation projects. Q: How long does professional wallpaper installation take? / A: Most sunroom wallpaper installation projects require 1-2 days depending on room size, pattern complexity, and surface preparation needs. Q: Can you install wallpaper over existing paint? / A: Yes, wallpaper installation over painted surfaces is possible after proper cleaning, priming, and surface preparation to ensure adhesion. Q: Do you remove old wallpaper before installation? / A: Professional wallpaper installation often includes complete removal of existing coverings and thorough surface preparation for optimal results. Q: What preparation is needed for wallpaper installation? / A: Wallpaper installation requires clean, smooth, primed surfaces with all imperfections filled and sanded for professional results. Q: How do you handle wallpaper seams and patterns? / A: Expert wallpaper installation includes precise measuring, cutting, and alignment to create invisible seams and perfect pattern matching. Q: Is wallpaper installation suitable for high-humidity areas? / A: Yes, proper wallpaper installation using moisture-resistant materials and techniques works excellently in sunrooms and humid environments. Q: What warranty do you provide on wallpaper installation? / A: Windy City Painters backs all wallpaper installation work with comprehensive warranties covering materials and workmanship for customer peace of mind. Q: Can wallpaper installation be done in winter? / A: Professional wallpaper installation can be performed year-round with proper climate control and material handling for optimal adhesion. Q: How do you ensure wallpaper installation quality? / A: Our wallpaper installation process includes thorough preparation, premium materials, professional techniques, and detailed quality inspection for lasting results.

The Homeowner of this custom home in Highland Park wanted privacy from the road adjoining the side of his home. Because the house was not pre-wired for window coverings, and they wanted a 'wireless' finish, we installed Texton manufactured Somfy battery operated 1% screen fabric roller shades. Rolled up, the shades are practically invisible. Harsh light from both the South and West makes work in the office a challenge A link to the video of their operation: https://youtu.be/zyfjsVCjG5Y

In some older Parisian apartment buildings, the bathroom may feature a unique and unusual element known as a "sanibroyeur." This is a type of macerating toilet that is designed to grind waste into a fine slurry that can be easily transported through the building's plumbing system. Sanibroyeurs are often used in older Parisian apartment buildings where the plumbing system is not designed to handle modern toilets, and they are a popular choice for those who seek a practical and convenient solution to their bathroom needs. Despite their unique design, sanibroyeurs continue to be a functional and essential element of many Parisian apartment bathrooms, embodying the city's commitment to finding practical solutions to the unique challenges posed by its architecture and infrastructure.

Inspiration for a rustic kitchen remodel in Seattle

This 3,850-square-foot single-family home in New Jersey exemplifies modern design and architectural ingenuity. Built on a tight lot with stringent zoning regulations, the project posed unique challenges that were met with innovative solutions to deliver a truly remarkable residence tailored for modern home enthusiasts. The home’s design embraces open spaces filled with natural light, creating a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor living. A thoughtful combination of materials—concrete, stucco, wood, and glass—come together to craft a sleek yet inviting aesthetic. Each material was carefully selected and positioned to enhance the overall structure and functionality of the house while contributing to its contemporary appeal. One of the standout architectural features includes impressive cantilevers that not only enhance the home’s visual impact but also address complex structural challenges with sophistication. These bold design choices create a feeling of weightlessness and add to the dynamic character of the residence. Despite the tight lot constraints, the layout maximizes every corner of the space without compromising comfort or style. A practical yet elegant floor plan ensures a sense of openness and fluidity throughout, providing ample areas for family living, entertaining, and relaxation. This project demonstrates that thoughtful design and strategic engineering can overcome restrictive site limitations and zoning challenges to deliver a home that is both functional and stunningly modern. It is a testament to the possibilities of modern architecture and a celebration of creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship.

A rear porch created a unique challenge with a change in ceiling height that could not be changed. The design embraced the ceiling height difference and accented the ceiling lines. New French doors replaced a small window allowing light to flood in. The old kitchen was closed off from the living room with a small swinging door. The opening was widened and new glass pocket doors installed that could close off the kitchen when needed. Thought was given to every detail for function and storage. Stacked white Shaker cabinets with glass doors add charm to what was a dark and outdate space. PHOTOS: Photo Design and Designer's Edge Kitchen & Bath

PROJECT SCOPE & OBJECTIVES The homeowners are avid admirers of the Versace lifestyle and aesthetic and challenged our team to create a highly personalized primary suite that embodied the drama, sophistication, glamour, and artistic expression associated with the iconic fashion house. The objective was not simply to renovate an aging bathroom, but to completely reimagine the entire primary suite experience—including both the bathroom and adjoining walk-in closet—as a luxury wellness and dressing retreat. The existing bathroom and closet featured traditional finishes, compartmentalized spaces, builder-grade storage solutions, and a dated design vocabulary that no longer reflected the homeowners’ tastes or lifestyle. The scope of work included a complete demolition and redesign of the primary bathroom and custom walk-in closet, encompassing all finishes, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, lighting, architectural details, decorative elements, custom storage systems, and specialty millwork. The design intent centered on creating a bold, immersive environment utilizing dramatic monochromatic tones, custom fabricated elements, statement lighting, oversized stone applications, curated artwork, and a sophisticated interplay of texture and materiality. Every component was carefully selected to contribute to a cohesive luxury experience where the bathroom and closet function as a unified extension of one another. The resulting design transformed a conventional primary suite into a highly customized sanctuary that reflects the owners’ passion for fashion, art, luxury, and contemporary design. PROJECT CHALLENGES One of the primary challenges was translating the essence of the Versace brand into a residential environment without creating a literal or themed interpretation. The goal was to capture the emotion, elegance, and drama associated with high fashion while ensuring the spaces remained timeless, refined, and highly functional. Another significant challenge involved balancing a predominantly dark color palette throughout both the bathroom and dressing room environments. Dark materials can easily feel heavy or oppressive if not carefully executed. Particular attention had to be given to lighting design, material selection, visual layering, and texture to ensure the spaces remained inviting while maintaining their dramatic character. The walk-in closet presented its own unique design challenge. The owners desired a dressing room that would function as an extension of the luxury bathroom experience rather than a separate utilitarian storage area. The challenge was to transform a standard builder-grade closet into a sophisticated fashion-inspired environment capable of displaying clothing, handbags, accessories, and collectibles in a manner consistent with the overall design vision. Additionally, the project required the successful integration of numerous statement elements—including oversized stone surfaces, custom lighting installations, decorative mirrors, artwork, architectural wall treatments, bespoke cabinetry, and specialty storage systems—while maintaining visual harmony and preventing the space from feeling overly busy or cluttered. PROJECT SOLUTIONS To achieve the desired aesthetic, our team developed a comprehensive design strategy centered around contrast, texture, craftsmanship, and visual drama. A sophisticated palette of charcoal, black, graphite, and metallic gold tones was employed throughout the suite, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of luxury hospitality environments and haute couture fashion houses. The focal point of the bathroom became the sculptural freestanding soaking tub positioned on a custom stone platform with LED lighting and framed by an oversized feature wall clad in dramatically veined stone. This installation establishes an immediate sense of luxury and serves as the visual anchor of the entire suite. The walk-in closet was reimagined as a boutique-inspired dressing room featuring custom-designed black oak cabinetry, integrated LED lighting, specialty display shelving, illuminated storage niches, custom accessory organization, and a central dressing vanity. The design intentionally blurs the line between residential closet and luxury retail environment, allowing fashion, accessories, and personal collections to become part of the overall design composition. To offset the darker finishes throughout both spaces, layered lighting was incorporated using recessed illumination, integrated LED accents, decorative fixtures, display lighting, and reflective surfaces. These elements create depth and dimension while highlighting the richness of the materials and craftsmanship. Custom fabricated cabinetry, oversized stone surfaces, designer mirrors, curated artwork, architectural wall treatments, and carefully selected decorative elements were utilized throughout the suite to create a fully immersive environment where every detail contributes to a unified design narrative. The completed project successfully transformed a dated primary suite into an extraordinary luxury retreat that merges the worlds of fashion, hospitality, wellness, and residential design. The result is a highly personalized environment that reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle while demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design thinking, and meticulous execution.

Located in one of the Ritz residential towers in Boston, the project was a complete renovation. The design and scope of work included the entire residence from marble flooring throughout, to movement of walls, new kitchen, bathrooms, all furnishings, lighting, closets, artwork and accessories. Smart home sound and wifi integration throughout including concealed electronic window treatments. The challenge for the final project design was multifaceted. First and foremost to maintain a light, sheer appearance in the main open areas, while having a considerable amount of seating for living, dining and entertaining purposes. All the while giving an inviting peaceful feel, and never interfering with the view which was of course the piece de resistance throughout. Bringing a unique, individual feeling to each of the private rooms to surprise and stimulate the eye while navigating through the residence was also a priority and great pleasure to work on, while incorporating small details within each room to bind the flow from area to area which would not be necessarily obvious to the eye, but palpable in our minds in a very suttle manner. The combination of luxurious textures throughout brought a third dimension into the environments, and one of the many aspects that made the project so exceptionally unique, and a true pleasure to have created. Reach us www.themorsoncollection.com Photography by Elevin Studio.

“Greensboro’s Grandest House” was recently selected as the 2013 ShowHouse presented by the Junior League of Greensboro and national media sponsor Traditional Home. Among the local and national design talent featured in this special fundraising event was design duo Patti Allen and Stephanie James of Furnitureland South, who transformed the estate’s patio into a classic, colorful and cozy space. Built in the early 1920s, the Adamsleigh estate is more than 15,000 square feet and covers 13.5 acres that include pools, a lake, tennis courts, a stone gazebo and a five-car garage. The 30×60 patio presented a special design challenge – the space was in disrepair and sat unevenly on a downward slope. Rising to the challenge, Patti and Stephanie partnered with Outer Space Landscapes to change the elevation of the patio in order to draw attention to the focal point and inspiration of the project: a beautiful canopy sofa by Century Furniture. The addition of 6 tons of landscaping material included Pennsylvania blue stone, pebbles, sand, cherry trees, azaleas and geraniums all blooming in the colors of the latest Sunbrella fabrics featured in the outdoor furnishings: crisp, sandy white, fuchsia and tangerine. Patti and Stephanie wanted to showcase clean and classic outdoor style with an edge of color and unexpected elements. Playful ottomans by Baker float in the space for multiple functions, adding an extra pop of color to the sophisticated setting which includes a dining table by Oscar de la Renta, organic spot tables from Phillips Collection, and daybeds and seating from Century Furniture. Combining their passion for interior spaces with signature designs, Allen and James Designs gave this outdoor space the comfort, color and style it deserved. Patti and Stephanie, co-founders of Allen and James Designs, are committed to inspire and influence unique spaces for home, work, play and relaxation. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to client relationships, their infusion of international inspiration with style, color, texture and vision make Patti and Stephanie a creative duo capable of exceeding the expectations of any client’s design project. By forming over 400 connections with key manufactures such as Henredon, Century, Lillian August, Dovetail, Maitland Smith and Huntington House, Allen and James Designs can provide a broad range of options that virtually meet any need a client has to create their dream home.

Modern Retreat is one of a four home collection located in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The site, formerly home to the abandoned Kachina Elementary School, offered remarkable views of Camelback Mountain. Nestled into an acre-sized, pie shaped cul-de-sac, the site’s unique challenges came in the form of lot geometry, western primary views, and limited southern exposure. While the lot’s shape had a heavy influence on the home organization, the western views and the need for western solar protection created the general massing hierarchy. The undulating split-faced travertine stone walls both protect and give a vivid textural display and seamlessly pass from exterior to interior. The tone-on-tone exterior material palate was married with an effective amount of contrast internally. This created a very dynamic exchange between objects in space and the juxtaposition to the more simple and elegant architecture. Maximizing the 5,652 sq ft, a seamless connection of interior and exterior spaces through pocketing glass doors extends public spaces to the outdoors and highlights the fantastic Camelback Mountain views. Project Details // Modern Retreat Architecture: Drewett Works Builder/Developer: Bedbrock Developers, LLC Interior Design: Ownby Design Photographer: Thompson Photographic

**Project Overview** This new construction home built next to a serene lake features a gorgeous, large-scale kitchen that also connects to a bar, home office, breakfast room and great room. The homeowners sought the warmth of traditional styling, updated for today. In addition, they wanted to incorporate unexpected touches that would add personality. Strategic use of furniture details combined with clean lines brings the traditional style forward, making the kitchen feel fresh, new and timeless. **What Makes This Project Unique?* Three finishes, including vintage white paint, stained cherry and textured painted gray oak cabinetry, work together beautifully to create a varied, unique space. Above the wall cabinets, glass cabinets with X mullions add interest and decorative storage. Single ovens are tucked in cabinets under a window, and a warming drawer under one perfectly matches the cabinet drawer under the other. Matching furniture-style armoires flank the wall ovens, housing the freezer and a pantry in one and custom designed large scale appliance garage with retractable doors in the other. Other furniture touches can be found on the sink cabinet and range top cabinet that help complete the look. The variety of colors and textures of the stained and painted cabinetry, custom dark finish copper hood, wood ceiling beams, glass cabinets, wood floors and sleek backsplash bring the whole look together. **Design Challenges* Even though the space is large, we were challenged by having to work around the two doorways, two windows and many traffic patterns that run through the kitchen. Wall space for large appliances was quickly in short supply. Because we were involved early in the project, we were able to work with the architect to expanded the kitchen footprint in order to make the layout work and get appliance placement just right. We had other architectural elements to work with that we wanted to compliment the kitchen design but also dictated what we could do with the cabinetry. The wall cabinet height was determined based on the beams in the space. The oven wall with furniture armoires was designed around the window with the lake view. The height of the oven cabinets was determined by the window. We were able to use these obstacles and challenges to design creatively and make this kitchen one of a kind. Photo by MIke Kaskel

Located in one of the Ritz residential towers in Boston, the project was a complete renovation. The design and scope of work included the entire residence from marble flooring throughout, to movement of walls, new kitchen, bathrooms, all furnishings, lighting, closets, artwork and accessories. Smart home sound and wifi integration throughout including concealed electronic window treatments. The challenge for the final project design was multifaceted. First and foremost to maintain a light, sheer appearance in the main open areas, while having a considerable amount of seating for living, dining and entertaining purposes. All the while giving an inviting peaceful feel, and never interfering with the view which was of course the piece de resistance throughout. Bringing a unique, individual feeling to each of the private rooms to surprise and stimulate the eye while navigating through the residence was also a priority and great pleasure to work on, while incorporating small details within each room to bind the flow from area to area which would not be necessarily obvious to the eye, but palpable in our minds in a very suttle manner. The combination of luxurious textures throughout brought a third dimension into the environments, and one of the many aspects that made the project so exceptionally unique, and a true pleasure to have created. Reach us www.themorsoncollection.com Photography by Elevin Studio.

Modern Retreat is one of a four home collection located in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The site, formerly home to the abandoned Kachina Elementary School, offered remarkable views of Camelback Mountain. Nestled into an acre-sized, pie shaped cul-de-sac, the site’s unique challenges came in the form of lot geometry, western primary views, and limited southern exposure. While the lot’s shape had a heavy influence on the home organization, the western views and the need for western solar protection created the general massing hierarchy. The undulating split-faced travertine stone walls both protect and give a vivid textural display and seamlessly pass from exterior to interior. The tone-on-tone exterior material palate was married with an effective amount of contrast internally. This created a very dynamic exchange between objects in space and the juxtaposition to the more simple and elegant architecture. Maximizing the 5,652 sq ft, a seamless connection of interior and exterior spaces through pocketing glass doors extends public spaces to the outdoors and highlights the fantastic Camelback Mountain views. Project Details // Modern Retreat Architecture: Drewett Works Builder/Developer: Bedbrock Developers, LLC Interior Design: Ownby Design Photographer: Thompson Photographic

The unique opportunity and challenge for the Joshua Tree project was to enable the architecture to prioritize views. Set in the valley between Mummy and Camelback mountains, two iconic landforms located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, this lot “has it all” regarding views. The challenge was answered with what we refer to as the desert pavilion. This highly penetrated piece of architecture carefully maintains a one-room deep composition. This allows each space to leverage the majestic mountain views. The material palette is executed in a panelized massing composition. The home, spawned from mid-century modern DNA, opens seamlessly to exterior living spaces providing for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. Project Details: Architecture: Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ // C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB // www.drewettworks.com Builder: Bedbrock Developers, Paradise Valley, AZ // http://www.bedbrock.com Interior Designer: Est Est, Scottsdale, AZ // http://www.estestinc.com Photographer: Michael Duerinckx, Phoenix, AZ // www.inckx.com

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Inspiration for a contemporary gray floor dining room remodel in Houston with gray walls

Located in one of the Ritz residential towers in Boston, the project was a complete renovation. The design and scope of work included the entire residence from marble flooring throughout, to movement of walls, new kitchen, bathrooms, all furnishings, lighting, closets, artwork and accessories. Smart home sound and wifi integration throughout including concealed electronic window treatments. The challenge for the final project design was multifaceted. First and foremost to maintain a light, sheer appearance in the main open areas, while having a considerable amount of seating for living, dining and entertaining purposes. All the while giving an inviting peaceful feel, and never interfering with the view which was of course the piece de resistance throughout. Bringing a unique, individual feeling to each of the private rooms to surprise and stimulate the eye while navigating through the residence was also a priority and great pleasure to work on, while incorporating small details within each room to bind the flow from area to area which would not be necessarily obvious to the eye, but palpable in our minds in a very suttle manner. The combination of luxurious textures throughout brought a third dimension into the environments, and one of the many aspects that made the project so exceptionally unique, and a true pleasure to have created. Reach us www.themorsoncollection.com Photography by Elevin Studio.

The unique opportunity and challenge for the Joshua Tree project was to enable the architecture to prioritize views. Set in the valley between Mummy and Camelback mountains, two iconic landforms located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, this lot “has it all” regarding views. The challenge was answered with what we refer to as the desert pavilion. This highly penetrated piece of architecture carefully maintains a one-room deep composition. This allows each space to leverage the majestic mountain views. The material palette is executed in a panelized massing composition. The home, spawned from mid-century modern DNA, opens seamlessly to exterior living spaces providing for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. Project Details: Architecture: Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ // C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB // www.drewettworks.com Builder: Bedbrock Developers, Paradise Valley, AZ // http://www.bedbrock.com Interior Designer: Est Est, Scottsdale, AZ // http://www.estestinc.com Photographer: Michael Duerinckx, Phoenix, AZ // www.inckx.com

Inspiration for a mediterranean master light wood floor bedroom remodel in Orange County