It’s tempting to find a fantastic picture on Houzz – one that sums up your Chicago kitchen remodeling fantasy – and say, “There! That’s it! That’s exactly what I want.” In the world of design, that’s like giving a big, huge answer without ever hearing the question(s). Sure, there may be things you appreciate visually, stylistically and even functionally – but you aren’t seeing all the ins-and-outs that make that kitchen work for you (or not).

Bamboo and hardwood floors share many of the same characteristics – a warm, high-quality look, a smooth surface and multiple finish options. However, for all that it might look like hardwood, bamboo is actually a reedy plant, and that makes it notably different than its woody, tree-based counterpart.

The kitchen island is a versatile feature. It can stand alone, with a relatively bare countertop surface, waiting to be used as an expansive food prep area and/or dine-in eating spot. Or, it can serve as a prep area/dish washing station, armed with a sink and dishwasher.

Having a kitchen that opens up to the home’s busy family room is ideal on many counts. It allows parents to keep tabs on little ones (and/or bigger ones hanging out with friends), and it’s desirable for those who entertain on a regular basis.

Vessel sinks make a definitive statement in a Chicago bathroom remodel because - in addition to a more physical, vertical visual on the countertop – there are so many styles and “personalities” to choose from.

Porcelain tiles were a kitchen mainstay throughout the 80s and 90s, and then they were swept away by the wave of luxury kitchen designs that heavily promoted natural stone slabs.

Important to note, however, is that porcelain tiles were popular for a reason – porcelain is extremely durable, nearly impervious to staining and is available in a wide range of colors.

Are you designing a luxury Chicago bathroom design that accommodates your needs both now and well into the future? If so, walk-in tubs offer a wonderful middle-ground for gaining a deep soak tub option that remains safe and accessible regardless of back, joint or mobility issues.

Walk-in tub designs continue to improve as increasing numbers of American homeowners opt to design homes in which they can age-in-place. That being said, not all brands are created equal, the reason we’ve assembled this list of brands that carry the best walk-in tubs.

The majority of the visuals in your Chicago kitchen remodel are vertical or horizontal. Of the horizontal planes – ceiling, countertops and flooring – countertops are the most notable because they take up the middle, closer to eye-level plane.

And, because countertops also serve such an important utilitarian function, choosing the right one for the long-haul is critical to the success of your new kitchen.

You’d think the bathroom would remain exempt from the world of technology – but not so!

Now that bathroom's are no longer viewed as utilitarian spaces, the spa-like evolution of both master and hall baths has allowed vendors and manufacturers of bathroom features to get as creative as they want to be.

We’ve written in the past that function trumps form in kitchen design – and that’s true in many ways. When it comes to the form aspect of the puzzle, we think of the kitchen in terms of an artistic composition, and this composition includes things like a united, harmonious theme, focal point(s) balance, symmetry, contrast…and texture!