This newly constructed home featured a pressure treated deck overlooking a rear yard with a ton of potential. The client asked us to develop a space for outdoor living that included a fire pit, a shaded lounge area, and room for a dining table. One of the challenges was the deck that loomed high above, so we designed and built a custom PVC lattice enclosure with access doors on 2 sides. Not only did this detail improve the appearance, it gave the client useful storage underneath while at the same time brought the structure down visually. We chose a Canal Street Flash paver laid in a herringbone pattern with a double row border in a running bond pattern as our patio. The custom cedar trellis provides shade and adds a vertical element that helps enclose the space. A granite fire pit surrounded by rustic adirondack chairs with a nearby firewood holder rounds out this space very nicely.

This newly constructed home featured a pressure treated deck overlooking a rear yard with a ton of potential. The client asked us to develop a space for outdoor living that included a fire pit, a shaded lounge area, and room for a dining table. One of the challenges was the deck that loomed high above, so we designed and built a custom PVC lattice enclosure with access doors on 2 sides. Not only did this detail improve the appearance, it gave the client useful storage underneath while at the same time brought the structure down visually. We chose a Canal Street Flash paver laid in a herringbone pattern with a double row border in a running bond pattern as our patio. The custom cedar trellis provides shade and adds a vertical element that helps enclose the space. A granite fire pit surrounded by rustic adirondack chairs with a nearby firewood holder rounds out this space very nicely.

Traditional Kitchen Renovation & Design Of A First Floor Ranch. See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: It went as smooth as it possibly could go. The only bumps in the road was with what we found during demolition, you never know what your gonna run into when all the walls,floors and fixtures come out. Paul had explained to us that depending on what we found under all the out dated stuff it might take a little longer. Paul was there doing the work with his workers he showed up on time and finished on schedule. It was no problem being in touch with Paul because he answered his phone or got back to us in a timely fashion. He has an excellent sense of design he knows what goes well together and makes the house flow with comfort and usability. (R)Haw Ron

This newly constructed home featured a pressure treated deck overlooking a rear yard with a ton of potential. The client asked us to develop a space for outdoor living that included a fire pit, a shaded lounge area, and room for a dining table. One of the challenges was the deck that loomed high above, so we designed and built a custom PVC lattice enclosure with access doors on 2 sides. Not only did this detail improve the appearance, it gave the client useful storage underneath while at the same time brought the structure down visually. We chose a Canal Street Flash paver laid in a herringbone pattern with a double row border in a running bond pattern as our patio. The custom cedar trellis provides shade and adds a vertical element that helps enclose the space. A granite fire pit surrounded by rustic adirondack chairs with a nearby firewood holder rounds out this space very nicely.

This charming upstairs reading nook features a long built in window seat with striped cushions, a cozy bookshelf, and a wall of windows overlooking the trees outside. Reclaimed Wood Trim frames the windows, Reclaimed Wood Paneling covers the ceiling, and Reclaimed Wood Flooring runs throughout the space, bringing natural texture and warmth into this inviting cabin retreat. Every piece of reclaimed wood at Manomin Resawn Timbers is salvaged from 19th and early 20th century barns, factories, and warehouses, structures built during the Industrial Revolution from old growth hardwoods that grew slower and denser than the trees available today. Through our detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, that history is preserved and prepared for a new life in modern homes. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, a homeowner, or a designer planning a space like this one, Manomin Resawn Timbers has reclaimed wood trim, paneling, and flooring to fit your vision. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood.

Example of a transitional mosaic tile floor bathroom design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets and multicolored walls

Master bath skylights are reflected here in a full-height, full-width mirror. This master bathroom is a full renovation of a compact existing bath. All materials and fixtures were replaced, and the existing ceiling was removed to create a tower-like feeling under a high, sloped ceiling where two skylights were added. Expansive mirrors and tile that runs from floor to wall in both the main room and the shower add to the clean feeling of the overall space. Clear lucite knobs on the custom walnut vanity add a touch of 70's modern glamour. A very large mirror runs to the ceiling, and dramatically expands the overall feeling of the space.

Traditional Kitchen Renovation & Design Of A First Floor Ranch. See what our client say about this project: It went as smooth as it possibly could go. The only bumps in the road was with what we found during demolition, you never know what your gonna run into when all the walls, floors and fixtures come out. Paul had explained to us that depending on what we found under all the out dated stuff it might take a little longer. Paul was there doing the work with his workers he showed up on time and finished on schedule. It was no problem being in touch with Paul because he answered his phone or got back to us in a timely fashion. He has an excellent sense of design he knows what goes well together and makes the house flow with comfort and usability.

This newly constructed home featured a pressure treated deck overlooking a rear yard with a ton of potential. The client asked us to develop a space for outdoor living that included a fire pit, a shaded lounge area, and room for a dining table. One of the challenges was the deck that loomed high above, so we designed and built a custom PVC lattice enclosure with access doors on 2 sides. Not only did this detail improve the appearance, it gave the client useful storage underneath while at the same time brought the structure down visually. We chose a Canal Street Flash paver laid in a herringbone pattern with a double row border in a running bond pattern as our patio. The custom cedar trellis provides shade and adds a vertical element that helps enclose the space. A granite fire pit surrounded by rustic adirondack chairs with a nearby firewood holder rounds out this space very nicely.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients came to us looking to do some updates to their new condo unit primarily in the kitchen and living room. The couple has a lifelong love of Arts and Crafts and Modernism, and are the co-founders of PrairieMod, an online retailer that offers timeless modern lifestyle through American made, handcrafted, and exclusively designed products. So, having such a design savvy client was super exciting for us, especially since the couple had many unique pieces of pottery and furniture to provide inspiration for the design. The condo is a large, sunny top floor unit, with a large open feel. The existing kitchen was a peninsula which housed the sink, and they wanted to change that out to an island, relocating the new sink there as well. This can sometimes be tricky with all the plumbing for the building potentially running up through one stack. After consulting with our contractor team, it was determined that our plan would likely work and after confirmation at demo, we pushed on. The new kitchen is a simple L-shaped space, featuring several storage devices for trash, trays dividers and roll out shelving. To keep the budget in check, we used semi-custom cabinetry, but added custom details including a shiplap hood with white oak detail that plays off the oak “X” endcaps at the island, as well as some of the couple’s existing white oak furniture. We also mixed metals with gold hardware and plumbing and matte black lighting that plays well with the unique black herringbone backsplash and metal barstools. New weathered oak flooring throughout the unit provides a nice soft backdrop for all the updates. We wanted to take the cabinets to the ceiling to obtain as much storage as possible, but an angled soffit on two of the walls provided a bit of a challenge. We asked our carpenter to field modify a few of the wall cabinets where necessary and now the space is truly custom. Part of the project also included a new fireplace design including a custom mantle that houses a built-in sound bar and a Panasonic Frame TV, that doubles as hanging artwork when not in use. The TV is mounted flush to the wall, and there are different finishes for the frame available. The TV can display works of art or family photos while not in use. We repeated the black herringbone tile for the fireplace surround here and installed bookshelves on either side for storage and media components. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Mike and Michelle of Lake Barrington knew they needed extra space. Their home was becoming too crowded for their family with blossoming teenagers, so a basement renovation offered the perfect solution for more space for the kids and more room to entertain for the adults. “Our project consisted of expanding our laundry room, putting in a first floor wet bar so we had adult space upstairs, while also renovating our basement for a family-friendly and teen-functional area as well,” Michelle says. They found Advance Design Studio through a neighbor who gave a glowing recommendation, giving Michelle and Mike the confidence they needed to move forward with a major home renovation. They felt like they knew Advance Design before they even worked together. When they met with the owner Todd Jurs and designer Nicole Ryan, Mike and Michelle knew they were getting a trustworthy, dependable team that could create the project they had been dreaming about for 7 years. Having virtually no natural light to work with, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a basement that did not feel dark and depressing. The Advance team got to work creating architectural archways and custom detailed dry-stack stone columns artfully designed into the space, adding a dramatic element that made the space feel less like a basement or more like a relaxing family room. Color 3D renderings were created to portray what the space would look like so Mike and Michelle could visualize the space in advance. Detailed trim and crown moldings grace the built in buffet and wet bar making for an amazingly functional space that lacks nothing in style and visual interest. Cherry wood cabinetry by Dura Supreme is featured in the space with a “Cocoa Brown” finish and includes beautiful mirrored glass doors embellished with unique elliptical mullion details. A built-in microwave, dishwasher and mini fridge add practicality to the ample entertainment mecca. An under mounted sink finishes the space joined with a intricate mosaic tile backsplash and “Ventisca Polished” quartz countertops. The basement is absolutely perfect for hosting friends and family with expertly designed key areas such as a game space for the kids, a movie area for the family, an ample workout room with luxurious full bath, and even built in wine storage. The family absolutely loves the new basement living space, and has already enjoyed numerous family movie nights and sleep-overs with friends. While custom cabinets made by Dura Supreme were used to create unique spaces that lived up to Mike and Michelle’s expectations., heated flooring under the 16”x16” “Mongolian Spring” tile was installed giving all tiled areas of the basement a much cozier feel, eliminating that cold hard surface most of us hate in our basements! The new basement must-have requirement list included a new bath space, which was incorporated adjacent to the work out room. The sleek shower door and cabinets in the new bathroom make guests and family feel like they are in an elegant hotel. The new guest bath features 4”x36” “Silver Screen” honed marble tile in a brick pattern on the shower walls and 2”x2” “Chenille” limestone tile in a hexagon mosaic pattern on the shower floor. “I came in with very specific requirements for our three project areas,” Michelle says. “There was not one time that I felt like I was asking for something that was not going to turn out how I anticipated.” Tying in multiple rooms during a renovation if you have can do it makes a lot of sense and saves money in the long run. A fully functional laundry room as well was a must on this family’s wish list. Michelle wanted to add space to the existing cramped and awkward laundry room, and Mike wanted to make sure they could still park a car in the garage. Reconfiguring interior walls required borrowing unused space cleverly from the garage in order to enlarge the laundry room space. Drawers under the stairs added beautiful hidden storage created almost magically out of dead space. White painted Dura Supreme cabinets bring additional light into the small space; while the 16”x16” cleft slate tile flooring provides excellent contrast and the naturally earthy feel Michelle wanted. Quartz countertops with a 3”x12” “Debut Dew” subway tile backsplash add elegance to the now upliftingly bright laundry room. The extra space makes doing laundry much more pleasurable and the added storage is a great for all those little things like winter hats and gloves, umbrellas and the like. “The Advance Design project team was phenomenal to work with,” Michelle says. “They came in, shared the plans with us and walked us through the expectations. We always knew what was coming next.” Converting an existing closet space, the wet bar upstairs was challenging because they wanted a functional area that didn’t look or feel like cabinets just sticking out of a closet. So the Advance team transformed this ordinary closet space into a stunning wet bar that architecturally appears as if it’s always been there. Traditional, elegant hand carved custom molding matching the adjacent fireplace ties the new entertainment bar area in nicely with the existing family room and kitchen area. Featuring a built in wine refrigerator, Dura Supreme cabinetry in deep cherry wood elegantly displays wine bottles and etched glass mullion doors that fill with soft light in the evening hours. Cambria “Windermere” quartz countertops with a sophisticated hammered copper sink and a glimmering backsplash round out the stunning wet bar. Hosting parties and family functions has become much more enjoyable now that they have a dedicated beverage serving area large enough to include hors devours. All three projects were designed and constructed together at the same time, making for a cohesive project that was administered smoothly and easily both for the design team and for the family. Disruption to the home was minimal as each phase was completed in each project conclusively, and design and meeting time for the homeowner was efficient and organized making for an enjoyable process. “Advance Design was great to work with,” Michelle says. “I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a home improvement project. They took the time at the beginning to understand our needs, our budget, and our vision for our home. The field team was great, attentive, on time, cleaned up each day and made the overall experience very positive. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.” With the help of our talented, award winning design team you can create the basement, laundry room, or any other home renovation that you have been dreaming of. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating you home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about that kitchen remodeling project. Joe Nowak

Color: Mayorca
Example of a mid-sized trendy home design design in Chicago

Pondless Waterfalls allow you to enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. The Pondless Waterfall has made many Kentucky water-lovers who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water, very happy. It’s a great alternative for those who are trying to get their feet wet, or looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, then a Pondless Waterfall is perfect you! If you live in Kentucky (KY) Contact us to get started with your Pondless Waterfall design. Photos By H2O Designs Inc. Lexington Kentucky

To achieve an open kitchen, dining-living room and entertaining space, this small Upper East Side apartment required a gut renovation. We had to get very creative to answer the design dilemmas in this open kitchen, even working to an 1/8 of inch, dealing with a structural column and moving the sink. Removing or reducing barriers helped add light and create a better flow between the spaces. To tie in the upgraded lighting fixtures we created a soffit allowing us to run the pendants below a beam. Featuring an open eat-in counter, beautiful finishes, and enviable stainless steel appliances, we created a beautiful, yet highly functional contemporary apartment that gives our client the lifestyle of she wanted - to be able to entertain both glamorously and comfortably!

Traditional Kitchen Renovation & Design Of A First Floor Ranch. See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: It went as smooth as it possibly could go. The only bumps in the road was with what we found during demolition, you never know what your gonna run into when all the walls,floors and fixtures come out. Paul had explained to us that depending on what we found under all the out dated stuff it might take a little longer. Paul was there doing the work with his workers he showed up on time and finished on schedule. It was no problem being in touch with Paul because he answered his phone or got back to us in a timely fashion. He has an excellent sense of design he knows what goes well together and makes the house flow with comfort and usability. (R)Haw Ron

This newly constructed home featured a pressure treated deck overlooking a rear yard with a ton of potential. The client asked us to develop a space for outdoor living that included a fire pit, a shaded lounge area, and room for a dining table. One of the challenges was the deck that loomed high above, so we designed and built a custom PVC lattice enclosure with access doors on 2 sides. Not only did this detail improve the appearance, it gave the client useful storage underneath while at the same time brought the structure down visually. We chose a Canal Street Flash paver laid in a herringbone pattern with a double row border in a running bond pattern as our patio. The custom cedar trellis provides shade and adds a vertical element that helps enclose the space. A granite fire pit surrounded by rustic adirondack chairs with a nearby firewood holder rounds out this space very nicely.

When a young professional couple approached us to decorate the main floor of their brand new modern townhouse in Port Coquitlam, we were very excited. Having moved from a Gastown condo, the couple was eager to infuse this suburban location with a funky yet sophisticated downtown vibe. They were also looking for a neutral backdrop with some hits of colour and asked us to incorporate wallpaper. The statement artwork that we selected above the fireplace set the tone for this project. We started with a pair of sleek neutral leather sofas to maximize seating in the small living space and layered them with a variety of toss pillows in blues, teals & turquoise then added a few pops of orange. We defined the front entrance and dining area with a stunning marbleized grey and white wallpaper by Graham and Brown. The dark wood furniture in the dining area adds contrast and sophistication balancing the dark stained kitchen cabinets opposite. The resulting look is clean, modern and playful. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography. Floor Plans/ Drawings by ZakCreative.

Mumford & Wood has designed and manufactured beautiful windows and doors for Kylemore House on the Coombe Estate, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. This is an exclusive 9,000 sq ft new-build house which has recently been awarded winner of the ‘Best Out of London Home’ and runner-up of the ‘Best Luxury Home’ at the 2014 Evening Standard New Homes Awards. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty Coombe Park is within 10 minutes of Wimbledon Village, the Common and Richmond Park. Designed by Hoban Design, Kingston upon Thames (www.hobandesign.co.uk) for main contractor Epsom Builders, a family run business in Surrey, the property has been designed to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency with an ‘A’ EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) Energy Rating and Code 4 Sustainable Homes. Mumford & Wood Conservation™ timber fenestration products are highly energy efficient and play their part in this overall achievement. Kylemore is one of only 0.01% of homes built to achieve this standard in England. Photography by Chris Snook.

Our pioneer project, Casita de Tierra in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, showcases the natural building techniques of a rubble trench foundation, earthbag construction, natural plasters, earthen floors, and a composting toilet. Our earthbag wall system consists of locally available, cost-efficient, polypropylene bags that are filled with a formula of clay and aggregate unearthed from our building site. The bags are stacked like bricks in running bonds, which are strengthened by courses of barbed wire laid between each row, and tamped into place. The walls are then plastered with a mix composed of clay, sand, soil and straw, and are followed by gypsum and lime renders to create attractive walls. The casita exhibits a load-bearing wall system demonstrating that thick earthen walls, with no rebar or cement, can support a roofing structure. We, also, installed earthen floors, created an indoor dry-composting toilet system, utilized local woods for the furniture, routed all grey water to the outdoor garden, and maximized air flow by including cross-ventilating screened windows below the natural palm frond and cane roof. Casita de Tierra exemplifies an economically efficient, structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally kind, and socially responsible home.