This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choregraphed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a Page Kempner sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

We were thrilled when this returning client called with a new project! This time, they wanted to overhaul their family room, and they wanted it to really represent their style and personal interests, so we took that to heart. Now, this 'grown-up' Star Wars lounge room is the perfect spot for this family to relax and binge-watch their favorite movie franchise. This space was the primary 'hang-out' zone for this family, but it had never been the focus while we tackled other areas like the kitchen and bathrooms over the years. Finally, it was time to overhaul this TV room, and our clients were on board with doing it in a BIG way. We knew from the beginning we wanted this to be a 'themed' space, but we also wanted to make sure it was tasteful and could be altered later if their interests shifted. We had a few challenges in this space, the biggest of which was storage. They had some DIY bookshelf cabinets along the entire TV wall, which were full, so we knew the new design would need to include A LOT of storage. We opted for a combination of closed and open storage for this space. This allowed us to highlight only the collectibles we wanted to draw attention to instead of them getting lost in a wall full of clutter. We also went with custom cabinetry to create a proper home for their audio- visual equipment, complete with speaker wire mesh cabinet fronts.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choregraphed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a Page Kempner sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

Positioned at the heart of the floorplan, the dining area is defined by a linear arrangement that runs parallel to the kitchen and hallway access, optimizing both movement and spatial efficiency. The table, built from pale natural wood with squared edges, sits on a tightly woven low-pile rug in a soft grey tone that buffers acoustics and anchors the space. Eight dining chairs with clean-profile upholstered frames are arranged symmetrically, offering ergonomic support within a restrained design language. Overhead, surface-mounted rectangular pendant lights in staggered alignment direct focused downlighting without cluttering the ceiling plane. The adjacent kitchen features flush cabinetry in matte beige with integrated lighting and slab-front finishes, paired with quartz surfaces and dual built-in ovens. Walls and floors remain neutral, using warm-tone porcelain tile in an offset layout to ensure visual continuity. A single abstract wall piece provides controlled contrast against the otherwise monochromatic palette.

Bathed in natural light and softened by a serene color palette, this Glencoe living room blends understated luxury with comfort-driven design. Expansive windows frame views of the outdoors while flooding the space with a warm glow, creating a seamless connection to nature. The open layout is anchored by a long, custom sectional and minimalist fireplace wall, offering a space equally suited for quiet afternoons or effortless entertaining. Soft textures, layered neutrals, and subtle curves work together to evoke calm and comfort. The design is free from clutter, yet never cold — each detail has been curated to serve both function and feeling. With no visual noise, the room becomes a retreat. New Explode Construction crafted this space as part of a whole-home design that celebrates scale, airiness, and livable beauty. It's a space where elegance feels effortless — and every corner supports the rhythm of daily life.

THE SETUP While the existing layout wasn’t inherently flawed, this primary bathroom felt outdated and lacked the desired aesthetic appeal for our client. The goal was to revitalize the space, catering to her refined taste while ensuring a bright, inviting ambiance. The client wanted a comfortable and classy gender-neutral design that would retain its updated look and have broad appeal for eventual resale. Design Objectives: Create a spacious, luxurious shower enclosure Incorporate ample storage for towels, linens and an extensive hair care collection Embrace a transitional design style that blends contemporary and classic elements Establish a harmonious color palette that complements the home’s new black window frames Ensure a future-proof design to maximize resale potential Design Challenges: Integrating a spacious shower within the existing layout Ensuring accessible towel and robe storage near the shower and tub areas Providing ample lighting and mirror space without cluttering the vanity area Finding dedicated storage for hair care essentials and accessories Maximizing linen storage while minimizing clutter Decluttering the tub niche area Tall angled ceiling almost too dramatic THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Frameless glass shower enclosure with a recessed niche (in the half wall) for body care products Strategically placed robe/towel hooks on shower glass facing shower and tub Illuminated, oversized mirrors with integrated lighting Multiple large pull-out drawers with electrical outlets in the vanity Dedicated base cabinet with countertop for towel/linen storage and decor Single, spacious tub niche for products and decorative accents Subtle horizontal trim lines at standard ceiling height to visually ground the space This primary bathroom remodel seamlessly blends style and functionality, catering to the client’s discerning taste while ensuring adaptability for future needs. The harmonious fusion of contemporary and classic design elements, coupled with innovative storage solutions and thoughtful lighting choices, creates a timeless sanctuary that exudes elegance and comfort.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

"Do It Right or Do It Twice: A Luxury Rebuild Done the Right Way Two years ago, this client invested in what they hoped would be a dream bathroom. But what they got was a disaster in disguise — poor workmanship, structural shortcuts, and a layout that never lived up to the space’s potential. Disappointed but determined, they called us in with one goal: make it right. Not just aesthetically, but fundamentally. We began by stripping the room back to its bones — removing the poorly installed shower, repairing water-damaged trim, and rebuilding everything with precision and care. The new layout centers around a striking walk-in shower, crafted with full-height marble tile and grounded by a custom pony wall that adds both visual structure and everyday functionality — no need for glass, no clutter, just clean, timeless lines. To unify the space, we built a new wall next to the vanity, rerouted electrical, and installed a tailored filler strip for a seamless, furniture-like fit. Fresh drywall, expertly painted walls, and flawless trim work brought cohesion and polish to the room. Every detail — from the matte black fixtures to the soft oak flooring — was selected to reflect the homeowners’ taste and trust in long-lasting quality. The result isn’t just a bathroom; it’s a statement. One that says: luxury is not just how something looks — it’s how well it’s built to last."

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choregraphed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a Page Kempner sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This custom home office design in Shorewood, IL was created to give our client a workspace that is both highly functional and inspiring. The homeowners wanted a room that supported productivity while still feeling connected to the rest of their home’s style, so we designed a modern home office remodel that balances organization, comfort, and personality. The focal point of the room is a wall of luxury built-in cabinetry, finished in a rich charcoal tone. Arched shelving, brass hardware, and integrated lighting highlight family photos and curated décor, while closed cabinetry keeps the space clutter-free. The combination of display shelving and hidden storage makes this a functional home office design tailored to everyday use. The desk was strategically positioned to take advantage of natural light while facing the feature wall, creating both efficiency and visual impact. A contemporary ring chandelier and under-shelf LED lighting layer illumination, ensuring the office works as well in the evening as it does during the day. Warm wood floors and soft neutral walls balance the darker cabinetry, giving this Shorewood, IL remodeling project a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The result is a custom workspace in Chicagoland that not only elevates productivity but also reflects the client’s lifestyle — a home office designed to be as practical as it is personal.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choregraphed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a Page Kempner sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This custom home office design in Shorewood, IL was created to give our client a workspace that is both highly functional and inspiring. The homeowners wanted a room that supported productivity while still feeling connected to the rest of their home’s style, so we designed a modern home office remodel that balances organization, comfort, and personality. The focal point of the room is a wall of luxury built-in cabinetry, finished in a rich charcoal tone. Arched shelving, brass hardware, and integrated lighting highlight family photos and curated décor, while closed cabinetry keeps the space clutter-free. The combination of display shelving and hidden storage makes this a functional home office design tailored to everyday use. The desk was strategically positioned to take advantage of natural light while facing the feature wall, creating both efficiency and visual impact. A contemporary ring chandelier and under-shelf LED lighting layer illumination, ensuring the office works as well in the evening as it does during the day. Warm wood floors and soft neutral walls balance the darker cabinetry, giving this Shorewood, IL remodeling project a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The result is a custom workspace in Chicagoland that not only elevates productivity but also reflects the client’s lifestyle — a home office designed to be as practical as it is personal.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

This Glencoe kitchen embodies a calm, intentional approach to minimalist living. Designed with natural light, natural materials, and natural flow in mind, the space is grounded by warm wood cabinetry and a striking full-height quartz slab backsplash that brings both visual texture and modern refinement. The marble island acts as both centerpiece and gathering hub, surrounded by seamless built-in appliances that keep the look clean and purposeful. Custom millwork runs from floor to ceiling, providing elegant storage solutions while enhancing the architectural rhythm of the space. Thoughtful lighting, integrated ovens, and restrained hardware contribute to the serene, clutter-free feel. Whether prepping weekday meals or hosting weekend guests, this kitchen delivers ease, sophistication, and soulful simplicity. New Explode Construction brought this space to life with its signature craftsmanship and curated elegance — designing a kitchen that feels not only beautiful, but meaningful to live in.