The Chandelier

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Jennifer Stonebreaker

I love an interesting chandelier.

It’s like a piece jewelry for a room and it can add flair like no other accessory.  I’m a bit choosy when it comes to picking out the right piece but thanks to Currey & Company, a line Stonebreaker now carries at the showroom, I don’t have to look far.  They have some of the prettiest pieces I’ve seen.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Lanterns are wonderful. I use them in foyers, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.  I’m using the red one below  in a client’s foyer.  I love the simplicity of these. Colored glass beads and crystals make quite a statement and they’re not just for the dining room anymore.  A pair of small crystal chandeliers are lovely hanging over a kitchen island.  I’m using the green chandelier below over a kitchen table.  I’ve used one similar to the white crystal chandelier below in a bedroom.  I’m trying to figure out how I can make use of the pink one, but in a house full of boys I don’t think I can get away with it. I love the natural qualities of a chandelier with wood accents. They’re simple yet elegant Any of these would be appropriate in a dining room and work equally as well in the kitchen or family room. I have several Currey & Company pieces on display at our showroom. We’re open Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 to 4 and any time by appointment. Our address is 40W320 Suite C La Fox in St. Charles.

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Pergola Remodel

Posted on May 28, 2011 by Scott Stonebreaker

Here’s a current project of a remodeling project on a Pergola deck for the McCue residence.

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Five Trends in Kitchen Design

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Jennifer Stonebreaker

No. 1 For Art’s Sake!

If you can find a spot or reduce a cabinet width, make room for an original piece of art in your kitchen. This is a great way to add color and interest and break up that sea of cabinetry. A kitchen is a functional room in the house with appliances and a purpose, but it is also the heart of any home and should feel that way.

No. 2  Ensconce Yourself.

Recessed, under-counter, and pendant lighting are expected. Change it up by flanking a hood or window with a pair of sconces. Have you ever noticed how great a lamp looks sitting on a kitchen counter? Sconces give the same cozy effect without taking up counter space.

No. 3  Have a Seat and Stay a While.

A banquette is a good solution for a small space but it also works great in a large kitchen by breaking the room into definitive areas. You’re also adding fabric and softening a hard surfaced area. It is essentially a sofa in your kitchen so guests are likely to plop down and stay awhile.

No. 4  A Functional Illusion.

Install shelves on iron brackets or build an upper cabinet that have a contrasting paint or stain on the shelves and inside the cabinet. This makes for an interesting punctuation along the wall, particularly when there’s only one cabinet color.

No. 5  A Piece All Your Own

If you need all of your wall space for storage, opt for a custom made piece of furniture or give a new purpose to a found piece. It will break up that run-on cabinet feel by introducing a new and interesting finish. This piece should reflect your personality and blend in with the general style of your home.

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Mudrooms Are Essential

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Jennifer Stonebreaker

The mudroom  has become an essential part of the home. I realize just how essential it is when the first snow hits and my children repeatedly come in and out of the house all day long.  Custom built-in lockers and storage solutions are one of the most popular requests we get from our clients.  Here are some of my favorite mud room ideas:

OK, I had to include one of Stonebreaker’s custom  mudrooms in my favorite list.  See below.  I’ve found a mudroom just can’t ever be big enough!

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Builder Magazine Top 20 Kitchen Design Tips

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Jennifer Stonebreaker

1. Prepare for prep. Sinks aren’t just for doing dishes anymore. As core prep areas, they are best when accessorized with trash and composting within reach, adjacent work surfaces, and motion sensor faucets for dirty hands. When it comes to functionality, large single bowls are more versatile than double wells. And if the budget allows, provide more than one sink. “As we go up in size, the first thing we want two of in the kitchen is sinks,” Peterson said. “That allows two cooks to work simultaneously in the space.”

2. Design for all. Baby boomers may not like being reminded of their age and may bristle at the term “accessible design,” but they will love you for creating a kitchen that simply feels better and works better. Consider making universal design features such as right-height appliances, ergonomic hardware, user-friendly task lighting, and reachable storage part of your standard practice. At the end of the day, universal design is simply a synonymn for good, smart design that benefits every user. And when it’s done well, it’s transparent.

3. Work with what you’ve got. Don’t fall for the “gotta have it” mentality and feel obligated to cram certain features into a kitchen space that can’t accommodate them. Be mindful of the room dimensions. If the kitchen is a skinny one, a peninsula may work better than a puny island, and a thoughtfully appointed pantry with French doors will feel less cramped than a walk-in. Maximize all available cavities with pull-out shelves, racks, and drawers that are easy to access–preferably at the point of use when possible.
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Banquette Seating

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Jennifer Stonebreaker

Lately I’ve been dreaming about ripping out my kitchen and building a fabulous banquette. I just love the idea of waking up in the morning and slipping into a cozy, almost couch-like banquet with a cup of coffee and gazing at a crackling wood burning fire. However, there are so many options when it comes to a custom banquette that I’m not sure I could decide on just one style.

Banquettes are a space-savvy option for small kitchens and can also be a stylish option for large kitchens. They naturally evoke a cozy feel and make for a more interesting space over the traditional table and chairs. A custom built-in banquette offers an endless array of design ideas left only to one’s imagination.

Check these out….

I’ll start with my very favorite. I love everything about this. It’s a great example of how banquettes can work in a large kitchen. This offers a ton of seating but it’s still cozy enough for two.

Another example of a large kitchen…..

This is a clever use of space.

Here are some great space saving ideas…..

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New Video Uploaded!

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Scott Stonebreaker

We’ve uploaded a new video montage of the Lake Home in Wisconsin on YouTube.  Great way to see a tour of the home!

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Window Safety Basics

Posted on April 26, 2010 by Scott Stonebreaker

Brush Up on Window Safety Basics as Summer Approaches

By Scott Stonebreaker

It’s not surprising that after a cold winter, getting a chance to open up the windows and let some fresh air into your home is a long awaited pleasure. As spring approaches, keep in mind that in addition to letting in a refreshing breeze, windows also play an essential role in home safety.

Your windows can serve as secondary escape routes from your home and are invaluable in case of emergency; every member of your family should know how to take advantage of a window exit during a fire. However, it is equally as important for homeowners to understand that open windows can be hazardous, especially to young children, and to be familiar with the important steps you can take to prevent accidental falls.
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The Art of Model Home Shopping

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Scott Stonebreaker

By Scott Stonebreaker

Buying a new home is an exciting, and sometimes daunting task. Carefully shopping model homes before you buy can relieve the pressure of the selection process and alleviate concerns, before you begin building. The model home is one of your greatest assets in choosing floor plans and upgrades and visualizing your furnishings in the home. After walking through a model home, you will learn much more than you could have gleaned from a floor plan.

Use the Sales Center As a Resource
 Before you walk through any model homes, stop by the builder’s sales center. Here you will find detailed information about the builder, homes, community and neighborhood.
The sales center will have the overall site plan, and many times the builder will display a topographical map to give you a perspective of the entire community. From these resources you can determine the finished size of the community, which lots are available, and what amenities and community features are offered.
In the sales center you also will find floor plans and elevations, and a list of available upgrades. Look through this information and study the floor plans before you select which model homes to visit. Determine the square footage and compare it to your current living space.
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Transforming Your Basement

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Scott Stonebreaker

Transforming Your Basement from Bleak to Chic

by Scott Stonebreaker

The days of the dark and dank basement, strewn with boxes, dusty exercise equipment and tangled holiday decorations are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, replaced instead by luxurious media and game rooms, European-style pub rooms, second kitchens, wet bars and guest rooms.  Homeowners by the droves are reinventing their formerly stodgy basements in search of more livable living space and are finding that basements are just too valuable to leave rough and unfinished.  Creating an “upscale downstairs” is a burgeoning trend. Among new-home buyers the two things they typically want to do immediately are install a deck and finish the basement.  While basements are not the top remodeled space—kitchens and baths remain the leaders—they are a sizeable chuck of the $215 billion U.S. remodeling industry. Not bad when you take into account that only 68 percent of all U.S. homes even have basements.
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