After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

Bathe your bathroom in beautiful details and luxurious design with floating vanities from Dura Supreme Cabinetry. With Dura Supreme’s floating vanity system, vanities and even linen cabinets are suspended on the wall leaving a sleek, clean look that is ideal for transitional and contemporary design themes. Floating vanities are a favorite look for small bathrooms to impart an open, airy and expansive feel. For this bath, painted and stained finishes were combined for a stunning effect, with matching Dura Supreme medicine cabinets over a floating shelf. This double sink basin design offers stylish functionality for a shared bath. A variety of vanity console configurations are available with floating linen cabinets to maintain the style throughout the design. Floating Vanities by Dura Supreme are available in 12 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks) or individual cabinets that can be combined to create your own unique look. Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed form the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

We’ve come across this particularly where twin’s share a room, and the immediate question is: should we double up on everything or give them their own unique items? Well, the answer (for once) is you can do both! Take a minute to think what characteristics each child displays and slot in favorite colors, tendencies toward frills or no-frills, introvert, extrovert, tomboy, girlie and combine with any functional needs you’ll need to accommodate. Dream up the style you’d like to portray the space in, and then divide and conquer with variations in PALETTE.

The best kitchen showroom in your area is closer than you think. The four designers there are some of the most experienced award winning kitchen designers in the Delaware Valley. They design in and sell 6 national cabinet lines. And their pricing for cabinetry is slightly less than at home centers in apples to apples comparisons. Where is this kitchen showroom and how come you don’t remember seeing it when it is so close by? It’s in your own home! Main Line Kitchen Design brings all the same samples you select from when you travel to other showrooms to your home. We make design changes on our laptops in 20-20 CAD with you present usually in the very kitchen being renovated. Understanding what designs will look like and how sample kitchen cabinets, doors, and finishes will look in your home is easy when you are standing in the very room being renovated. Design changes can be emailed to you to print out and discuss with friends and family if you choose. Best of all our design time is free since it is incorporated into the very competitive pricing of your cabinetry when you purchase a kitchen from Main Line Kitchen Design. Finally there is a kitchen business model and design team that carries the highest quality cabinetry, is experienced, convenient, and reasonably priced. Call us today and find out why we get the best reviews on the internet or Google us and check. We look forward to working with you. As our company tag line says: “The world of kitchen design is changing…”

At the heart of Organized Living, freedomRail is its functionality and its ability to adjust, and readjust, for you and your family’s changing needs. This award-winning home organization system can be customized for every area of your home and changed to suit every stage of your life. Create your own closet here: https://designer.organizedliving.com/

You can bring the sensual magic of Africa to your own four walls, and give your home a truly outstanding look. Trust your hands, because you certainly won't believe your eyes when they see these perfect replicas. These exotic prints will make your rooms feel alive and add variety to your space. Discover for yourself how beautiful these imitations look – and feel – on walls.

Italian Wall Unit Logika LK16 by Spar Made in Italy Spar Arreda gets into contemporary homes with collections for everyday living. Logika by Spar is an italian modular wall unit line that could be an excellent design solution for any modern or contemporary styled interior, especially if the space is limited. This italian entertainment center will complement your home and the areas of your daily life, not only as an aesthetic, but also as a functional addition, featuring an abundance of storage space, both hidden and exposed. A fine design with a strong innovation creates new furnish solutions where charm of materials and their great choice joins the seduction of the forms: essential, clean and effective in defining modern lifestyles. The Logika Wall Unit Composition LK16 is shown in the next colors/finishes: Structure - White Ash and Tobacco Oak finishes; Front - White Gloss lacquer. PLEASE NOTE: The Logika is a modular wall unit line offering a wide variety of units in different sizes. You can order this wall unit either as a complete composition, as shown in the main picture, or build your own composition according to your own dimensions and preferences. Please contact our office about details on the customization of this wall unit. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure: Made with particle board of wood, covered with E1 melamine finishes or high gloss lacquer Drawers: Made with panels of wood particles in E1-coated finish PVC beech. Metal runners with fine race to fall Glass: 4mm glass The starting price is for the Logika Wall Unit Composition LK16 as shown in the main picture. Dimensions: Wall Unit Composition: W106.3" x D22.8" x H74.6"

Who wouldn’t feel at home in this beautiful eat-in kitchen? The open layout, classy white cabinets, and the sunshine streaming through the window combine to form a kitchen that’s functional and welcoming—the kind where you can easily imagine the delightful odors of fresh herbs and fragrant spices mingling with the laughter and chatter of friends and family. A closer look reveals a number of design ideas that might be useful if you’re looking to create a similar ambiance in your own home. This design takes advantage of natural sunlight by pairing a large window with a light color scheme that makes the space bright and airy. No detail has been overlooked, as evidenced by the glass hexagon backsplash that serves as an accent. The interlocking glass tiles create a lovely pattern of varying neutral tones that gives just the right amount of energy to the space. The cabinets are equally as tasteful, finished with an elegant crown molding. The gray cabinet island with white cabinets creates a stylish two-tone look and adds a splash of contrast, and the spacious island includes both an impressive cooktop and a bar—adding more seating and extra workspace. Of course, the countertop is an essential part of any kitchen, but it’s especially important to choose the right one in a design that includes such a large work surface. The kitchen countertop has to look good—after all, it’s the element that ties the rest of the design together—but it also needs to be a functional surface that can handle the tomato sauce or red wine spill, whatever might be on the kids’ sticky fingers, and the wear and tear of everyday use. A quartz kitchen, like this one, doesn’t have to sacrifice its looks to be practical. This luxurious white quartz countertop with delicate, swirling gray veins ties the color palette together and glitters in the sun—but it’s also a durable work space. The engineered stone used here is a Calacatta Verona Quartz, one of many choices that Sky Marble offers as part of our extensive quartz selection. Calacatta Verona Quartz has all the classic beauty of marble, doesn’t require ongoing maintenance, and can stand up to many, many years of family dinners or cocktail parties. And it’s an excellent choice for this kitchen’s color scheme, maximizing the natural lighting and seamlessly uniting the gray of the island and the white of the other cabinets. Altogether, this contemporary kitchen style strikes the perfect balance between elegance and warmth. At Sky Marble in Sterling, VA, we can help you find just the right look to make your kitchen ideas for make your new build or renovation project a similar success.

A kitchen with your own taste. The kitchen is the most important part of the home. Let us design a custom kitchen that you will fall in love with every day, using attractive shapes, unusual textures, and the greatest quality in the market. Our designs reflect comfort, functionality and versatility. Compose Decor Team understand that each project is unique and customized to the customer’s specific tastes. Architects, builders, designers, real states agents, and homeowners trust us to bring their concepts to life, on time and within budget. Bring us your ideas and dreams and we’ll turn it into reality. Interior Designers: ID design for all

Bathroom cabinets are about more than storage. In the hands of a Wood-Mode trained designer, they set the mood for your own personal space. Custom vanities, tub surrounds and linen cabinets are only the beginning. See how Wood-Mode bathroom designs turn cabinets into functional art.

What’s your interpretation of a cottage floor plan? Take a look at this eye-catching home and imagine how you and your family can live your dream in a rustic cottage with all of the modern conveniences. Stone, shake, multiple metal roofs and gables all combine for a truly unique exterior. At almost 3500 square feet, this home is stunning inside and out. Entertaining is a breeze with the open kitchen, dining and great room, as well as on the screen porch with fireplace, cathedral ceiling and grill. A flexible bedroom/study has its own bath and is an ideal guest suite. The master bedroom is positioned in the rear of the home and features a window seat, built-in shelves and a vaulted ceiling. His-and-her walk-in closets and a dressing room add special touches. A luxurious master bath completes the master suite. Downstairs, the basement level includes two guest rooms, each with their own full bath and a wine cellar. A large storage area and rec room complete the basement.

Sarah Dorio
Inspiration for a timeless u-shaped open concept kitchen remodel in New York with blue backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Build Your Own Pool, LLC
Minimalist pool photo in Phoenix

Modern Wall Unit Exential Y16 by Spar Made in Italy Exential by Spar is an italian modular wall unit line that could be an excellent design solution for any modern or contemporary styled living room, especially if the space is limited. Individual units allow to make a large TV area and functionally organize only those areas you need, which is impossible to do with the joint wall unit compositions. This italian entertainment center will complement your home and the areas of your daily life, not only as an aesthetic, but also as a functional addition, featuring an abundance of storage space, both hidden and exposed, to aid you with the organization of all your belongings, bringing the elegance into your interior. An original modern look of this wall unit composition is also achieved by a different depth of the wall mounted units. The Wall Unit Composition Exential Y16 is shown in the next colors/finishes: Structure - White and Gray Smoke Gloss, Blue and Gray Smoke Matt lacquers; Front - White and Gray Smoke Gloss, Blue Matt lacquers. PLEASE NOTE: The Exential is a modular wall unit line offering a wide variety of units in different sizes. You can order this wall unit either as a complete composition, as shown in the main picture, or build your own composition according to your own dimensions and preferences. Please contact our office about details on the customization of this wall unit. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure: Made with particle board of wood, covered with E1 melamine finishes or high gloss lacquer Drawers: Made with panels of wood particles in E1-coated finish PVC beech. Metal runners with fine race to fall Glass: 4mm glass The starting price is for the Exential Wall Unit Composition Y16 as shown in the main picture. Dimensions: Wall Unit Composition: W136" x D17.7" x H72"

Build Your Own Pool, LLC
Trendy pool photo in Phoenix

Build Your Own Pool, LLC
Pool - contemporary pool idea in Phoenix

Build Your Own Pool, LLC
Pool - contemporary pool idea in Phoenix

Build Your Own Pool, LLC
Inspiration for a contemporary pool remodel in Phoenix