Search results for "Unique challenges" in Home Design Ideas

This project involved installing millwork in a few different locations throughout the apartment. Each space called for an individual approach and presented unique challenges.
An extensive hallway closet had to provide ample storage for shoes and closing and hosting an AV unit, hidden circuit breaker, and some access to communications panels.
The smaller closet needed access to AC units.
The walk-in closet needed some particular storage solutions.
The TV unit was unique by design.

For this vacation home, a complete gut job was needed in order to fit the lifestyle and needs of this young family of four and their guests. The narrow floor plan created unique challenges, but we maximized its full potential. The result was a warm but modern design with plenty of storage and seating.
One of the biggest challenges was making sure everyone had a place to sit in the kitchen. The space between the kitchen and staircase was limiting, but with sleek modern chairs that tuck away, we were able to allow for traffic patterns and seat all of the children.
To accommodate any vacation extras, an extra wide space near the kitchen and bathroom was transformed into additional shelving. We installed floor-to-ceiling cabinets that offer plenty of space for everyone’s belongings.
A clean design was a must, so we opted for a more modern look. We used Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" as the foundation, putting it on the walls and cabinets, and coordinating the countertops and backsplash. To make the home more welcoming, we used natural wood on the island and floating shelves. The wood was coordinated with the floor, creating a cohesive interior.
Project designed by Star Valley, Wyoming interior design firm Tawna Allred Interiors. They also serve Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Painter Near Me Chicago - Professional Painting Services by Windy City Painters
Finding a skilled painter near me in Chicago is easier when you know what to look for, and Windy City Painters delivers the craftsmanship Chicago homeowners trust for greystones, vintage two-flats, classic bungalows, and modern condos throughout the city.
Project Overview
This project showcases Windy City Painters completing professional interior and exterior painting services for a Chicago-area client. The building's vintage character called for careful color selection and precise application to honor original architectural details while refreshing every surface.
Materials and Products Used
Windy City Painters selects premium paints from trusted manufacturers including Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, chosen specifically for Chicago's climate demands. Primers, fillers, and caulks are all professional-grade for lasting adhesion and durability.
Our Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 - Prep and Repairs: All surfaces are cleaned, sanded, and patched. Cracks in plaster or drywall are filled and feathered smooth before any painting begins.
Step 2 - Priming: A quality primer is applied to ensure proper adhesion, uniform sheen, and long-term durability across all surfaces.
Step 3 - Paint Application: Multiple coats are applied using the right tools for each surface - brushes, rollers, and sprayers where appropriate.
Step 4 - Final Inspection: Windy City Painters conducts a detailed walkthrough with the homeowner to confirm every detail meets our high standard.
Chicago-Specific Challenges
Older Chicago homes present unique challenges including lead paint layers, aging horsehair plaster, moisture from harsh winters, and intricate vintage millwork. Windy City Painters is trained to handle all of these safely and professionally.
Results
Clients consistently report dramatic improvements in curb appeal, interior atmosphere, and overall home value after working with Windy City Painters.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Always test for lead paint in homes built before 1978. Budget for surface prep - it determines final quality. Choose paints rated for Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles for exterior projects.
See more work and request a free estimate at windypainters.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find a reliable painter near me in Chicago? / A: Look for licensed, insured contractors with strong local reviews. Windy City Painters is a trusted painter near me in Chicago with a proven track record serving greystones, bungalows, and vintage buildings throughout the city.
Q: What surfaces can a painter near me in Chicago handle? / A: Windy City Painters handles drywall, plaster, wood trim, cabinets, brick, and metal surfaces, making us a comprehensive painter near me in Chicago for any project large or small.
Q: How important is surface preparation? / A: Proper preparation is the foundation of any quality paint job. As your painter near me in Chicago, Windy City Painters dedicates significant time to prep work ensuring flawless, long-lasting results every time.
Q: Do you handle lead paint safely in older Chicago homes? / A: Yes, Windy City Painters follows all safety protocols for lead paint in older homes, making us the responsible painter near me in Chicago for vintage and pre-1978 buildings.
Q: What paint brands does Windy City Painters recommend? / A: As a professional painter near me in Chicago, Windy City Painters recommends Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore for their durability, color accuracy, and performance in Chicago's demanding climate.
Q: Can you paint exterior surfaces in Chicago winters? / A: Exterior painting requires temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Windy City Painters, your painter near me in Chicago, schedules exterior projects during appropriate seasonal windows for best results.
Q: How many coats of paint are typically needed? / A: Most projects require two finish coats over primer. Your painter near me in Chicago at Windy City Painters assesses each surface individually to determine the right number of coats.
Q: Do you offer color consultation services? / A: Yes, Windy City Painters provides color guidance as part of our painter near me in Chicago service, helping you select shades that complement your home's architecture and style.
Q: Can Windy City Painters match existing paint colors? / A: Absolutely, as your skilled painter near me in Chicago, Windy City Painters uses professional color-matching technology to seamlessly blend new paint with existing finishes throughout your home.
Q: How do I get a free estimate from a painter near me in Chicago? / A: Simply visit windypainters.com or call us directly. Windy City Painters makes it easy to connect with a professional painter near me in Chicago for a no-obligation estimate.
Find the right local pro for your project

For this vacation home, a complete gut job was needed in order to fit the lifestyle and needs of this young family of four and their guests. The narrow floor plan created unique challenges, but we maximized its full potential. The result was a warm but modern design with plenty of storage and seating.
One of the biggest challenges was making sure everyone had a place to sit in the kitchen. The space between the kitchen and staircase was limiting, but with sleek modern chairs that tuck away, we were able to allow for traffic patterns and seat all of the children.
To accommodate any vacation extras, an extra wide space near the kitchen and bathroom was transformed into additional shelving. We installed floor-to-ceiling cabinets that offer plenty of space for everyone’s belongings.
A clean design was a must, so we opted for a more modern look. We used Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" as the foundation, putting it on the walls and cabinets, and coordinating the countertops and backsplash. To make the home more welcoming, we used natural wood on the island and floating shelves. The wood was coordinated with the floor, creating a cohesive interior.
Project designed by Star Valley, Wyoming interior design firm Tawna Allred Interiors. They also serve Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

For this vacation home, a complete gut job was needed in order to fit the lifestyle and needs of this young family of four and their guests. The narrow floor plan created unique challenges, but we maximized its full potential. The result was a warm but modern design with plenty of storage and seating.
One of the biggest challenges was making sure everyone had a place to sit in the kitchen. The space between the kitchen and staircase was limiting, but with sleek modern chairs that tuck away, we were able to allow for traffic patterns and seat all of the children.
To accommodate any vacation extras, an extra wide space near the kitchen and bathroom was transformed into additional shelving. We installed floor-to-ceiling cabinets that offer plenty of space for everyone’s belongings.
A clean design was a must, so we opted for a more modern look. We used Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" as the foundation, putting it on the walls and cabinets, and coordinating the countertops and backsplash. To make the home more welcoming, we used natural wood on the island and floating shelves. The wood was coordinated with the floor, creating a cohesive interior.
Project designed by Star Valley, Wyoming interior design firm Tawna Allred Interiors. They also serve Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This spec home investor came to DSA with a unique challenge: to create a residence that could be sold for 8-10 million dollars on a 2-3 million dollar construction budget. The investor gave the design team complete creative control on the project, giving way to an opportunity for the team to pursue anything and everything as long as it fit in the construction budget. Out of this challenge was born a stunning modern/contemporary home that carries an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. The residence features a first floor owners’ suite, study, glass lined wine cellar, entertainment retreat, spacious great room, pool deck & lanai, bonus room, terrace, and five upstairs bedrooms. The lot chosen for the home sits on the beautiful St. Petersburg waterfront, and Designers made sure to take advantage of this at every angle of the home, creating sweeping views that flow between the exterior and interior spaces. The home boasts wide open spaces created by long-span trusses, and floor to ceiling glass and windows that promote natural light throughout the home. The living spaces in the home flow together as part of one contiguous interior space, reflecting a more casual and relaxed way of life.

For this vacation home, a complete gut job was needed in order to fit the lifestyle and needs of this young family of four and their guests. The narrow floor plan created unique challenges, but we maximized its full potential. The result was a warm but modern design with plenty of storage and seating.
One of the biggest challenges was making sure everyone had a place to sit in the kitchen. The space between the kitchen and staircase was limiting, but with sleek modern chairs that tuck away, we were able to allow for traffic patterns and seat all of the children.
To accommodate any vacation extras, an extra wide space near the kitchen and bathroom was transformed into additional shelving. We installed floor-to-ceiling cabinets that offer plenty of space for everyone’s belongings.
A clean design was a must, so we opted for a more modern look. We used Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" as the foundation, putting it on the walls and cabinets, and coordinating the countertops and backsplash. To make the home more welcoming, we used natural wood on the island and floating shelves. The wood was coordinated with the floor, creating a cohesive interior.
Project designed by Star Valley, Wyoming interior design firm Tawna Allred Interiors. They also serve Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

design by Pulp Design Studios | http://pulpdesignstudios.com/
This Dallas high-rise project presented a unique challenge for Pulp Design Studios. Working around standard builder finishes and a specified budget, Pulp incorporated vintage finds, rustic wooden and modern accents, and pops of color to personalize the space. For these music lovers, a collection of concert posters and fun art in custom framing creates a unique focal point in the kitchen.

design by Pulp Design Studios | http://pulpdesignstudios.com/
This Dallas high-rise project presented a unique challenge for Pulp Design Studios. Working around standard builder finishes and a specified budget, Pulp incorporated vintage finds, rustic wooden and modern accents, and pops of color to personalize the space. For these music lovers, a collection of concert posters and fun art in custom framing creates a unique focal point in the kitchen.

This project involved installing millwork in a few different locations throughout the apartment. Each space called for an individual approach and presented unique challenges.
An extensive hallway closet had to provide ample storage for shoes and closing and hosting an AV unit, hidden circuit breaker, and some access to communications panels.
The smaller closet needed access to AC units.
The walk-in closet needed some particular storage solutions.
The TV unit was unique by design.

For this vacation home, a complete gut job was needed in order to fit the lifestyle and needs of this young family of four and their guests. The narrow floor plan created unique challenges, but we maximized its full potential. The result was a warm but modern design with plenty of storage and seating.
One of the biggest challenges was making sure everyone had a place to sit in the kitchen. The space between the kitchen and staircase was limiting, but with sleek modern chairs that tuck away, we were able to allow for traffic patterns and seat all of the children.
To accommodate any vacation extras, an extra wide space near the kitchen and bathroom was transformed into additional shelving. We installed floor-to-ceiling cabinets that offer plenty of space for everyone’s belongings.
A clean design was a must, so we opted for a more modern look. We used Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" as the foundation, putting it on the walls and cabinets, and coordinating the countertops and backsplash. To make the home more welcoming, we used natural wood on the island and floating shelves. The wood was coordinated with the floor, creating a cohesive interior.
Project designed by Star Valley, Wyoming interior design firm Tawna Allred Interiors. They also serve Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The Setup
For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners wanted to transform their large, T-shaped bathroom into a functional, multi-purpose sanctuary. The existing layout was inefficient, with a bulky built-in tub, a closed-off shower, and an awkward footprint that limited practical use.
This remodel also presented a unique challenge – the homeowners wanted to use the space for workouts as well. The design needed to maximize the large open area in the middle of the T, providing enough room for yoga and light free-weight exercises while maintaining the bathroom’s aesthetic and functionality.
Design objectives:
Expand and brighten the shower area without major layout changes
Replace the oversized built-in tub with a sleek freestanding alternative
Create a flexible space for workouts while maintaining the bathroom’s design integrity
Address cold flooring with added comfort solutions
Enhance lighting for both beauty and functionality
Incorporate storage for workout equipment and everyday essentials
Integrate natural elements to accommodate the homeowners’ love of plants
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
Shower Expansion – The homeowners want a more open, spa-like shower but don’t want to dramatically alter the footprint.
Workout Integration – Balancing fitness functionality with a serene bathroom design will require creative layout adjustments.
Storage Solutions – With workout gear to stow away, the space needs discrete and versatile storage options.
Lighting – Enhancing both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the large space.
Cold Floors – Positioned above the garage, the bathroom tends to feel colder than the adjacent primary bedroom. A solution is needed to add warmth and comfort during use, without the need to reconfigure the home’s overall heating system.
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Spa-Like Shower Expansion – Removing a wall and replacing it with glass transformed the shower into an open, airy retreat, allowing natural light to flow freely through the space. A curved black river rock floor and neutral linear wall tiles add warmth and texture, while carefully placed niche lighting enhances the tranquil, luxurious atmosphere.
Workout-Friendly Layout – A custom full-length mirror was strategically placed to accommodate multiple uses, creating a fitness studio-like experience for yoga or light weight training. The mirror’s size and positioning allow for clear visibility during workouts, while also enhancing the room by adding light and a greater sense of depth.
Custom Storage Solutions – A custom cabinet with a wood top was crafted to discreetly store workout equipment, preserving the clean, open feel of the space. Its design not only enhances functionality but also creates a sense of symmetry, bringing visual balance and cohesion to the overall layout.
Enhanced Lighting – Replacing the shower wall with glass, installing a full-length mirror, and incorporating vanity mirrors with built-in lighting dramatically brighten the space. LED strip lighting under the cabinets, along the tub half wall, and in both the side and shower niches adds layered illumination, enhancing both function and ambiance.
Heated Floors – Installing heated flooring provides consistent warmth and comfort year-round, enhancing the space for both workouts and daily routines. A European-style towel warmer brings additional warmth and a touch of luxury, elevating the overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
This transformed bathroom blends luxury with intentional design. By addressing the homeowners’ needs – from workout flexibility to spa-inspired details – the space now serves multiple purposes without compromise. The warm cabinetry, black accents and thoughtful lighting tie the design together, while the curved textures and plant-friendly ledge add a personalized touch. This bathroom is now a bright, welcoming sanctuary for daily routines and mindful moments.

This project involved installing millwork in a few different locations throughout the apartment. Each space called for an individual approach and presented unique challenges.
An extensive hallway closet had to provide ample storage for shoes and closing and hosting an AV unit, hidden circuit breaker, and some access to communications panels.
The smaller closet needed access to AC units.
The walk-in closet needed some particular storage solutions.
The TV unit was unique by design.

This spec home investor came to DSA with a unique challenge: to create a residence that could be sold for 8-10 million dollars on a 2-3 million dollar construction budget. The investor gave the design team complete creative control on the project, giving way to an opportunity for the team to pursue anything and everything as long as it fit in the construction budget. Out of this challenge was born a stunning modern/contemporary home that carries an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. The residence features a first floor owners’ suite, study, glass lined wine cellar, entertainment retreat, spacious great room, pool deck & lanai, bonus room, terrace, and five upstairs bedrooms. The lot chosen for the home sits on the beautiful St. Petersburg waterfront, and Designers made sure to take advantage of this at every angle of the home, creating sweeping views that flow between the exterior and interior spaces. The home boasts wide open spaces created by long-span trusses, and floor to ceiling glass and windows that promote natural light throughout the home. The living spaces in the home flow together as part of one contiguous interior space, reflecting a more casual and relaxed way of life.

For this vacation home, a complete gut job was needed in order to fit the lifestyle and needs of this young family of four and their guests. The narrow floor plan created unique challenges, but we maximized its full potential. The result was a warm but modern design with plenty of storage and seating.
One of the biggest challenges was making sure everyone had a place to sit in the kitchen. The space between the kitchen and staircase was limiting, but with sleek modern chairs that tuck away, we were able to allow for traffic patterns and seat all of the children.
To accommodate any vacation extras, an extra wide space near the kitchen and bathroom was transformed into additional shelving. We installed floor-to-ceiling cabinets that offer plenty of space for everyone’s belongings.
A clean design was a must, so we opted for a more modern look. We used Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" as the foundation, putting it on the walls and cabinets, and coordinating the countertops and backsplash. To make the home more welcoming, we used natural wood on the island and floating shelves. The wood was coordinated with the floor, creating a cohesive interior.
Project designed by Star Valley, Wyoming interior design firm Tawna Allred Interiors. They also serve Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This spec home investor came to DSA with a unique challenge: to create a residence that could be sold for 8-10 million dollars on a 2-3 million dollar construction budget. The investor gave the design team complete creative control on the project, giving way to an opportunity for the team to pursue anything and everything as long as it fit in the construction budget. Out of this challenge was born a stunning modern/contemporary home that carries an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. The residence features a first floor owners’ suite, study, glass lined wine cellar, entertainment retreat, spacious great room, pool deck & lanai, bonus room, terrace, and five upstairs bedrooms. The lot chosen for the home sits on the beautiful St. Petersburg waterfront, and Designers made sure to take advantage of this at every angle of the home, creating sweeping views that flow between the exterior and interior spaces. The home boasts wide open spaces created by long-span trusses, and floor to ceiling glass and windows that promote natural light throughout the home. The living spaces in the home flow together as part of one contiguous interior space, reflecting a more casual and relaxed way of life.

Duette and Applause Honeycomb blinds are fully operational in this application. Window Quilt (Muskoka) exclusively custom fits Hunter Douglas Energy Efficient blinds to any sized angled or specialty shaped windows. Keep the glare of the sun out of your eyes and save money heating your home in the winter and cooling it off in the summer. Energy saving Honeycomb blinds are designed to make life more comfortable during all four seasons. Reduce enegy costs by keeping the heat in during the cold winters and radiant heat out in the summer.
One of our exclusive innovations allows these angle shades to be fully operational manually. A patented honeycomb construction dramatically reduces heat gain and UV radiation while retaining natural light.
Duette, the most energy efficient and versatile of the Hunter Douglas product line. This great room utilized angled shades operated from below.
Common in contemporary homes, angled windows bring up some unique challenges in providing privacy and light control and keeping your home energy efficient. Hunter Douglas has taken on these challenges, offering you a wide selection of products that help to enhance the beauty of your angled windows whether the shade is open or closed. Angled windows come in many variations including right triangles, isosceles triangles and top/bottom sloped windows with specific minimums and maximums for each brand.
As with all specialty shapes, you should consult with your local Hunter Douglas dealer Window Quilt (Muskoka) in Huntsville, when deciding which product will work best for your angled window application.
Angled Window Treatments are available on these Hunter Douglas products:
Applause® honeycomb shades
Duette® honeycomb shades
Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades
EverWood® Distinctions™ blinds
EverWood® Renditions™ blinds
EverWood® TruGrain® blinds
Heritance® hardwood shutters
Nantucket™ window shadings
NewStyle® hybrid shutters
Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ shutters
Parkland® Ash Wood blinds
Parkland® Classics™ Wood blinds
Parkland® Scenic™ Wood blinds
Parkland® Textures Wood blinds
Parkland® Weathered Wood blinds
Pirouette® window shadings
Provenance® Woven Wood Shades
Silhouette® window shadings
Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds
The Alustra® Collection of Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades
The Alustra® Collection of Pirouette® window shadings
The Alustra® Collection of Silhouette® window shadings
The Alustra® Collection of Vignette® Modern Roman Shades
The Alustra® Collection of Woven Textures®
Vertical Solutions®
Vignette® Modern Roman Shades
Visit Window Quilt (Muskoka)'s Show Case Showroom in Huntsville, Ontario to see how they exclusively custom fit angled windows with fully operational blinds by Hunter Douglas. Its is simply amazing!! x

This spec home investor came to DSA with a unique challenge: to create a residence that could be sold for 8-10 million dollars on a 2-3 million dollar construction budget. The investor gave the design team complete creative control on the project, giving way to an opportunity for the team to pursue anything and everything as long as it fit in the construction budget. Out of this challenge was born a stunning modern/contemporary home that carries an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. The residence features a first floor owners’ suite, study, glass lined wine cellar, entertainment retreat, spacious great room, pool deck & lanai, bonus room, terrace, and five upstairs bedrooms. The lot chosen for the home sits on the beautiful St. Petersburg waterfront, and Designers made sure to take advantage of this at every angle of the home, creating sweeping views that flow between the exterior and interior spaces. The home boasts wide open spaces created by long-span trusses, and floor to ceiling glass and windows that promote natural light throughout the home. The living spaces in the home flow together as part of one contiguous interior space, reflecting a more casual and relaxed way of life.

This spec home investor came to DSA with a unique challenge: to create a residence that could be sold for 8-10 million dollars on a 2-3 million dollar construction budget. The investor gave the design team complete creative control on the project, giving way to an opportunity for the team to pursue anything and everything as long as it fit in the construction budget. Out of this challenge was born a stunning modern/contemporary home that carries an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. The residence features a first floor owners’ suite, study, glass lined wine cellar, entertainment retreat, spacious great room, pool deck & lanai, bonus room, terrace, and five upstairs bedrooms. The lot chosen for the home sits on the beautiful St. Petersburg waterfront, and Designers made sure to take advantage of this at every angle of the home, creating sweeping views that flow between the exterior and interior spaces. The home boasts wide open spaces created by long-span trusses, and floor to ceiling glass and windows that promote natural light throughout the home. The living spaces in the home flow together as part of one contiguous interior space, reflecting a more casual and relaxed way of life.

The tight tolerance of the large curved lift and slide door with curved windows above proved to be especially challenging. Close coordination between the architecture and in-house engineering at MWA made it possible to meet the unique challenges. Photos: Jon M Photography
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