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This Cape Cod home, was full of potential but stuck in the past. The original layout had just two bedrooms and a single bathroom upstairs, with oodles of attic space that went mostly unused. The challenge was clear: transform this underwhelming area into a vibrant, functional family retreat while leaning into the charm of the Cape Cod style. We engaged architect Meg Baniukiewicz of HB Designs. as soon as we purchased the home. As an interior designer, I had a strong vision for how the space should feel. The finishes, paneling profiles, furnishings, draperies and rugs were all dialed in at the outset. I knew generally how I wanted to use the space and the wish list of functional needs, but creating a buildable plan and having an understanding of what could and couldn’t work from a dimensional and structural standpoint were far beyond my skill set. We needed Meg's expertise to bring it to life on paper. Shortly after Meg started drawing, we engaged our builder, Labonte Construction, in a pre-construction agreement, which brought them into the planning stages on an advising level. This helped us stay focused on decisions that would keep us within our budget range and make design decisions that were executable from a builder's perspective. This home remodel, aside from gutting and remodeling the lower level ( BLOG POST ON FIRST FLOOR) included a full gut renovation of the second floor, turning cramped rooms and attic storage into a welcoming, multi-purpose living space. The outcome is a smartly designed second floor that holds all the functional and cozy features a family desires including a living room and coffee bar. Before: newly renovated second floor hallway into a cuddle space Reimagining the Layout: More Bedrooms and Functional Spaces The original second floor had two bedrooms and one very dated bathroom, which left all sorts of underutilized space. The attic was mostly storage, dark, and inaccessible. We decided to gut the entire second floor and attic, creating three new bedrooms, a laundry room, a walk-in linen closet, and a family living room that doubles as a cuddle space. Adding a walk-in laundry linen closet was a game changer. It keeps the laundry essentials organized and out of sight, making the space feel cleaner and more spacious. The laundry room itself was designed with efficiency in mind, featuring custom cabinetry and a layout that makes chores less of a hassle. I was very intentional about NOT wanting a stacked laundry machine in the hallway. Families spend a significant amount of time doing laundry and having space to move, hang, sort, stack, and fold is a true luxury. The new bedrooms include a guest room that feels warm and inviting, perfect for visitors or older kids. Each room benefits from the natural light pouring in through the dormers. One of the new bedrooms even includes a walkout to a deck with a beautiful new railing. Custom Details That Make a Difference One of the highlights of this renovation was the attention to detail in the custom cabinetry. The bath vanities feature beautiful oak vanities that bring warmth and texture to the bathrooms. The tile shower in the main bathroom was carefully selected to complement the oak vanity, creating a cohesive and elegant look. The coffee bar is another standout feature. Located in the family living area, it’s a perfect spot for morning routines or casual gatherings. Custom cabinets here provide ample storage for mugs, coffee supplies, and small appliances, keeping the space tidy and functional. Upstairs coffee bar for refreshments that guests and kids can manage themselves Wallpaper played a key role in adding personality to the rooms. We chose the Woodland wallpaper by Ferrick Mason for its subtle, nature-inspired pattern that fits perfectly with the Cape Cod aesthetic. It adds depth and interest without overwhelming the space. Flooring and Finishes That Tie It All Together The choice of white oak floors throughout the second floor was intentional. White oak brings a light, natural feel that brightens the space and complements the Cape Cod style’s classic look. The floors are durable and easy to maintain, perfect for a busy family home. The dormers, with their built-in window seats, are finished with the same white oak, creating a seamless flow. These seats not only provide extra storage underneath but also invite family members to relax and enjoy the view. Storage was a key focus during the renovation. In addition to the walk-in linen closet and laundry room cabinets, every bedroom features built-in closets optimized for space efficiency. This intentional design minimizes clutter and preserves the home's clean, open atmosphere. Creating a Family Retreat with a Cuddle Space The newly designed family living room upstairs offers more than just a place to sit. It’s a cuddle space crafted for comfort and connection. With plush seating, gentle lighting, and the warmth of oak floors, it’s an ideal spot for movie nights, reading, or simply relaxing together. Guests can enjoy watching the morning news and making their coffee exactly how they like it before interacting with their host. This area is enhanced by the natural light from the dormers and the inviting window seats, creating a genuine retreat within the home. It’s a place that encourages family members to relax and enjoy spending time together. Final Thoughts on the Renovation Journey This renovation of the second floor transformed a traditional Cape Cod home into a modern family retreat while preserving its original charm. The change is remarkable: from cramped and underutilized to spacious, functional, and welcoming. Key insights from this remodel include the benefits of reimagining attic space, the impact of custom cabinetry such as oak vanities and coffee bars, and the significance of thoughtful storage solutions like walk-in laundry linen closets. Adding wallpaper, like Ferrick Mason’s Woodland design, adds character, while white oak floors unify the space with warmth and durability. Follow along for more renovations and design details Carrie Lucke Designs www.carrieluckedesigns.com

When designing a kitchen, cabinetry often becomes the visual anchor of the entire space. The cabinet finish you choose impacts not only the style of the kitchen but also how timeless, warm, modern, or formal the room ultimately feels. While paint color often gets most of the attention, the application method, wood species, and even the way the wood is cut can dramatically change the final look. As a designer, I always encourage clients to look beyond just the color sample and think about the character, texture, and longevity of the finish itself. Here are a few of the most common cabinet finish directions I discuss with clients — and the pros and cons of each. Painted Cabinets Hand-Painted vs. Sprayed Finishes Painted cabinetry remains one of the most classic and versatile kitchen options. It can work beautifully in traditional homes, updated transitional spaces, and even more modern interiors depending on the detailing and color palette. With the ability to choose from thousands of paint colors, the options to impact the design direction of the entire home are limitless. But not all painted cabinets are created equal. Hand-Painted Cabinets Historically, cabinetry was painted by hand using brushes, which created subtle texture and visible brush strokes. Today, some custom cabinet makers still offer hand-painted finishes for clients looking for a more old-world or furniture-like appearance. While hand-painted cabinets cost a little more upfront, don't disregard the benefit of not only the beautiful look of hand-painted cabinets but also the ease of touch-up later on, which can be a worthwhile investment. If your cabinets are sprayed, the finish is so hard that it can chip. Those chips are much harder to "touch up." They require a specific process and skill set to properly touch up without the touch-up standing out worse than the original flaw. Pros Softer, more artisanal appearance Adds warmth and character Beautiful in historic or traditional homes Touch-ups will blend more naturally over time, and homeowners can manage the task on their own Brush marks are visible Cons Brush marks are visible - if that is not your thing. Often more labor-intensive and expensive upfront. Hand-painted cabinetry tends to feel more collected and European in style. It pairs especially well with inset cabinetry, unlacquered brass hardware, antique lighting, and natural stone with movement and patina. While its hard to see in the pictures, the hand painted finish offers the subtle texture of paint strokes. They add richness and charm and are so happily easy to touch up. Simply grab the reserved paint from the basement and brush it over any dings that appear over time. Sprayed Cabinet Finishes Most cabinetry today is factory sprayed or professionally sprayed in a finishing booth. This creates an ultra-smooth, consistent finish with little to no visible texture. Pros Extremely smooth and durable Clean, refined appearance Ideal for contemporary or transitional kitchens Perfectly consistent sheen and color coverage Cons Can sometimes feel too “perfect” or sterile Touch-ups may be more noticeable and expensive Shows dents and chips more clearly Tends to look amazing on delivery but does not age as well Sprayed finishes work especially well in homes seeking a cleaner architectural aesthetic. Deep paint colors like navy, olive, charcoal, or muddy taupes often look richer and more sophisticated when sprayed. This cabinet appears to have a perfect spray finish - stunning but what will it look like after 5 years and what a pain to call in a pro to touch it up Walnut Cabinetry Understanding Wood Cuts, Color, and Character Walnut has become increasingly popular in kitchens because of its warmth, richness, and timeless sophistication. Unlike painted cabinetry, walnut introduces natural movement and variation that can make a kitchen feel layered and organic. But walnut can look dramatically different depending on the cut of wood, stain tone, and grain selection. Walnut Color Variations A More Modern Walnut Look Modern walnut kitchens typically feature: Rift sawn or quarter sawn cuts Longer, straighter grain patterns Minimal knots or cathedral graining Cooler or more neutral brown tones This creates a cleaner, quieter appearance that feels architectural and refined. This kitchen has a more modern feel with the rift sawn oak walnut cut paired with a matte finish. A More Traditional Walnut Look Traditional walnut cabinetry often includes: Plain sawn lumber More cathedral grain movement Richer red-brown undertones Raised panel or detailed cabinet fronts These kitchens tend to feel warmer, heavier, and more formal. This more traditional kitchen island look is pairing a quarter sawn walnut with a dark finish offering more cathedral movement while still standing out from the light oak floor. The scale of the cathedrals is larger on the island vs the floor preventing it from getting too busy. White Oak Cabinetry Why I Prefer Rift Sawn and Quarter Sawn White Oak- and you should too! White oak has become one of the most requested cabinet materials in recent years — and for good reason. It offers warmth without excessive red undertones and works beautifully in both traditional and modern homes. But one of the biggest decisions within white oak cabinetry is the wood cut itself. As a designer, I always prefer rift sawn or quarter sawn white oak cabinetry, especially when the home already has plain sawn hardwood flooring. We want the cabinetry to have a proper contrast to the floor. If the floors are plain sawn (as they are in most cases), we need the cabinets to differentiate from the floor to look good. The stain color is one way to achieve this differentiation, but just as important is the cut of the wood. It's a subtle but super important decision that homeowners need some guidance on. The Problem with Mixing Too Much Cathedral Grain Most hardwood flooring is plain sawn. This means the flooring already contains a significant amount of cathedral grain and visual movement. When you pair plain sawn oak cabinetry with plain sawn oak floors, the room can quickly start to feel visually chaotic. The competing grain patterns fight for attention rather than complement each other. This is one of the most common reasons some oak kitchens can feel overwhelming or overly rustic. The use of plain sawn oak cabinets in the '80s - '90s is why we all have an aversion to oak cabinets, but if you change the cut of the wood, it is an entirely different look. Why Rift Sawn White Oak Looks Better in Kitchens Rift sawn white oak has a much straighter, tighter grain pattern. It is the cleanest, most "quiet" cut of oak. It is the most expensive, but it has a very clean, beautiful look no matter what the color range you choose for your stain. Benefits include: Cleaner visual lines Less grain competition with flooring More refined and elevated appearance Better consistency across cabinet fronts A timeless look that bridges modern and traditional styles It allows the cabinetry to feel calm and architectural while still maintaining the warmth and texture of real wood. This rift saw white oak has a clean quiet look Quarter Sawn White Oak Quarter sawn white oak offers similar benefits but with slightly more visible figuring and character. It offers a middle option. It has more movement than rift sawn but is still calm enough to pair over a plain sawn floor. I often love quarter sawn oak in kitchens where clients want: Warmth and texture A collected, timeless aesthetic Slightly more traditional character Less stark minimalism Quarter sawn white oak can feel especially beautiful in homes that blend traditional architecture with cleaner furnishings and updated lighting. This quarter sawn vanity looks like a piece of furniture and has more graining than a rift sawn yet does not compete with the cathedrals on the flooring Final Thoughts Cabinet finishes are about far more than just color. The paint application method, wood species, and grain cut all influence how a kitchen feels and functions visually over time. Some clients are drawn to the crisp refinement of spray-painted cabinetry. Others love the warmth and authenticity of walnut or white oak. Neither is inherently better — it simply depends on the architecture of the home and the feeling you want the kitchen to evoke. Visit me at www.carrieluckedesigns.com

With a focus on the first floor of this whole home renovation, this blog will walk you through the considerations that went into revamping this essential area of the house. The first floor serves as the heart of the home, often where families gather, entertain guests, and create lasting memories. Therefore, it is crucial to approach its renovation with a clear vision and a strategic plan. Final Design Review: A Seamlessly Connected Main Floor Every successful renovation begins with a clear vision. This home aimed to transform a compartmentalized main floor into a cohesive, functional living space for daily life and entertaining. We wanted to drop the outdated 1950s wood paneling and other dated features like a deep TV built-in for an earlier era of TV technology. The layout hindered space connectivity. The kitchen was isolated from the family room and only connected to the dining room by a long, skinny butler's pantry with a narrow doorway. Additionally, the kitchen was too large, and we were able to carve space from it to add a walk-in pantry and a mud hall that never existed. We moved the laundry from the first to the second floor to help accomplish this and dropped the eat-in area, opting for a spacious island to sit at. This renovation focused on redefining the home's functionality, not just updating finishes. "before" video for per renovation peek of a 1950's cape cod on the shores of Lake Michigan Newly remodeled Kitchen, Dining Room and Living room images Reimagining the Layout: Opening, Widening, Connecting Opening the kitchen to the family room was a transformative design decision, enhancing energy, improving sightlines, and allowing natural light to flow freely. The kitchen became a central gathering space rather than just a work zone. With the new openings, the sunlight and sightlines from the backyard can be enjoyed from the kitchen, family room, and dining room. Removing an old, no longer used chimney that ran from the basement to the second floor in the center of the home helped accomplish this as well as some of the design goals for the second floor. Before the renovation and post Demo The new island, oriented towards the family room, fosters conversation, supervision, and entertainment, connecting the spaces while maintaining their distinct identities through material shifts and layered lighting. Instead of removing the boundary between the kitchen and dining room, we widened the opening to improve flow and frame views, preserving the dining room’s character and architectural structure. This approach creates an expansive yet grounded feel. The dining room feels like its own space while maintaining sight lines into adjacent spaces. The newly open family room with Bar and wider entrance to the Dining room Elevated Function: The Mud Hall and Walk-In Pantry Functionality is key to a renovation that transforms daily life. A dedicated mud hall provides organization with custom built-ins for concealed storage. Durable yet pretty Chicago thin brick flooring in the mud hall provides a practical floor for a hardworking space. The small but very useful drop zone provides a spot for dog supplies, dropping keys and gloves, as well as storage for things like envelopes, stamps, tape measure, mail, etc. The walk-in pantry, designed as part of the kitchen, offers ample shelving, appliance storage, and a secondary prep zone, keeping bulk storage out of the main kitchen to maintain a clean aesthetic. The extra counter space is a dream when entertaining, and the open shelves on top allow the homeowner the ability to see exactly what they have. Unsightly and less-used appliances and large pots and bowls are stored under the curtains. The curtains are pretty but also provide easy in-and-out access to what is needed. The book-matched pantry units look like furniture, and the grass cloth wallpaper carried from the family room and through the kitchen and pantry adds warmth and a luxurious feel while still being understated. Small but hardworking mud hall and pantry spaces are 2 key success to this remodel The Wet Bar: Entertaining with Intention To further enhance the home’s entertaining capabilities, we incorporated a wet bar positioned strategically between gathering spaces. This addition creates a natural hosting station separate from the primary cooking zone. Dedicated bars with an undercounter fridge and alcohol storage make guests feel comfortable making or grabbing their own drinks, and it also gets guests out of your kitchen when entertaining. Cabinet detailing and material selections were chosen to complement the kitchen while introducing contrast with the paint called Denimes Blue from Farrow and Ball Paints. Layered lighting and brass mesh grate elements provide dimension and visual interest. The bar not only improves functionality during gatherings but also acts as a transitional design moment between rooms. It looks like a beautiful piece of furniture. This beautiful wet bar sits right between the kitchen and dining room The Kitchen: The Anchor of the Home At the heart of the renovation is a fully reimagined kitchen — designed to be timeless, highly functional, and visually balanced. The layout prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing openness. Appliance placement supports an intuitive workflow, and the expanded island anchors the space with a generous prep surface and seating. Deep drawers, integrated storage solutions, and thoughtful cabinet configurations ensure everything has a place. Material selections were guided by longevity and warmth. Classic cabinetry profiles, carefully chosen hardware, and a refined backsplash create texture without overwhelming the space. Lighting was layered intentionally — combining task, ambient, and decorative fixtures — to ensure the kitchen feels inviting at all hours of the day. The finished result is a space that feels both elevated and entirely livable. This neutral but richly textured kitchen packs a real design punch but remains supremely functional and easy to cook in Architectural & Decorative Enhancements Beyond structural changes, we focused heavily on architectural detailing to bring depth and cohesion throughout the main floor. In the dining room, the addition of wallpaper from Schumacher called Etched Fern and panel molding introduces texture and tailored sophistication. These details elevate the room from a pass-through space to a purposeful destination — one that feels intimate and refined while still connected to the broader layout. The foyer received a similar treatment, with wallpaper and millwork creating a layered, welcoming first impression. Because an entry sets the tone for the entire home, investing in these details ensures a sense of intention from the moment one walks inside. The foyer wallpaper is called Sutton in color Vintage from Inchyra. In the living room, exposing the beamed ceiling revealed architectural character that had previously been hidden. The beams add warmth, scale, and dimension, grounding the space and reinforcing the home’s overall design language. What was once flat now feels rich and considered. The spacious foyer just got cosmetic touches, but the large living room gained a foot of ceiling height due to the exposed and painted ceiling that was revealed as a design touch. A Unified Design Language Cohesion was central to every decision. Details repeat subtly from space to space. The color palette flows intentionally across rooms. Material finishes complement rather than compete. Each area has its own personality, yet the transitions feel seamless. Three guiding principles shaped the renovation: Visual continuity  to create harmony between spaces with a thread of blue and plum/pink through the moody neutral color palette. Functional zoning  to support real life and entertaining while reserving a level of separation with a distinct formal living room and a wide opening to a separate dining space. Layered architectural detail  to add depth and timeless character with V-groove paneling and furniture-like cabinetry. The result is a main floor that feels expansive but not cavernous, refined but not precious. The Final Result: A Home That Lives Beautifully Today, the home functions entirely differently than it once did. Morning routines unfold smoothly between the pantry, kitchen, and mud hall. Family members gather around the island while meals are prepared. Guests move easily between the dining room, wet bar, and family room without congestion. What was once a series of disconnected rooms has become a cohesive environment designed for both daily life and meaningful moments. This renovation demonstrates what thoughtful planning and architectural intention can accomplish. It is not simply a visual transformation — it is a shift in how the home supports the people who live within it. And ultimately, that is the true measure of successful design. www.carrieluckedesigns.com

In the world of interior design, it's often the unique, unexpected pieces that give a space its soul. While big-box retailers have their place, some of the most character-rich elements are best sourced from beyond the usual suspects. Enter Etsy: a designer’s secret weapon for finding one-of-a-kind items, handcrafted treasures, and vintage gems that help a home feel truly lived-in and collected over time. 1. Artisan Hardware - Swapping out generic knobs and pulls for handcrafted hardware instantly adds depth to cabinetry and furniture. Think aged brass handles from Eastern Europe, ceramic knobs from India, or forged iron hooks from independent U.S. makers. These small details can quietly transform a kitchen, bathroom, or built-in from basic to bespoke. my favorite Etsy seller for solid un lacquered brass is   Country Hardware my favorite Etsy seller for reclaimed hardware is JB Antiqueshardware co 2. Textiles & Indian Batik Quilts Etsy is a goldmine for globally sourced textiles. Vintage kantha quilts, block-printed Indian bedspreads, or handwoven African mudcloths can be layered on beds, used as wall hangings, or turned into one-of-a-kind throw pillows. These pieces often come with subtle imperfections and rich histories—exactly what gives a room warmth and personality. Genuine Fabric World 3. Vintage Accessories When you want a space to feel collected, vintage is non-negotiable. On Etsy, you’ll find everything from 1970s Italian alabaster bookends to French brass candlesticks, antique oil portraits, and sculptural mid-century vases. These finishing touches add charm and prevent a home from feeling too staged. CuriobyColette French Vintage By Manue This vintage Veuve Clicquot dish can be used as a small tray or catch all or a wine coaster. this cute little dish was most likely an advertising trinket given to bistro's in France 4. Large Ottoman Trays A common styling dilemma: oversized ottomans or coffee tables that need a tray large enough to anchor accessories, books, or drinks. For some reason fining large substantial trays is ellusive on most common retails sites and when I do find one the cost is sky high. Etsy sellers often offer custom or extra-large trays in wood, lacquer, or rattan finishes—sizes that are rarely stocked in traditional retail stores. The pricing is much more reasonable than what I have found for similar quality at this vendor linked below found on Etsy Future Milestones Etsy Shop This walnut ottoman tray was just the right size for this room. 5. Cost-Effective Decorative Pillows and textiles and custom Lamp shades Designer pillows can cost a small fortune, but Etsy allows you to source the same high-end fabrics—often in small quantities or remnants—at a fraction of the price. You can find covers in Schumacher, Pierre Frey, or vintage textiles, and support small-scale makers while you’re at it. One shortcut Etsy pillow makers use is to use plain linen to back a pillow with the more expensive face fabric. It's not a "never"—but it's not my favorite. It feels like a shortcut. Like wallpapering one wall and not the other three... But having said that, if you message the seller, they will usually give you a price for the double-sided version of the same pillow. If one-sided is in your budget—don't fret, just get a beautiful pillow you love. I also like to source unique small print fabrics on Etsy and then send them to Cruel Mountain to have them made into the more most beautiful hand made fabric lamp shades. These custom shades, when the perfect fabric is selected will bring soul and personality into your room and make a statement that no one else will have. My favorite shops are VividHues - pillows etsy shop GarnFaktur - indian textiles for pillows or lamp shades etsy shop Cruel Mountain - custom lamp shades etsy shop KnobThornHome - pillows etsy shop 6. Custom Utility Pieces Need a space-saving laundry drying rack? A spice rack tailored to your cabinet height? Etsy excels at beautiful, utilitarian items you can’t get off the shelf. Many makers offer customizable dimensions, wood finishes, and design tweaks—especially helpful for historic homes or oddly shaped spaces. Wooden Roots Colorado - Custom Dog bowls and spice racks etsy shop Custom laundry rod or Shower Rods this custom size chrome trying rod was sourced on Etsy. The length and middle support were all custom specified for this space Frame TV frames Frame TVs are sleek and beautiful. They are so slim they appear to be a large piece of art when the TV is not on. You can change your art as much as you like, and a massive variety of frames are available both from the Samsung website and from Etsy if you want more options. Examples below show the various frames you can source from Etsy. Walnut Frame TV frame Samsung Frame TV with a walnut frame OR White Oak Frame TV frame https://www.etsy.com/listing/1886996275/oak-tv-frame-for-samsung-the-frame?ref=yr_purchases Samsumg frame TV with a white oak frame Final Thoughts Sourcing from Etsy isn’t just about finding something different—it’s about curating a home with intention. The handmade, the storied, and the personal pieces are what make a space feel truly yours. So when you hit a sourcing wall or want something with a little more soul, give Etsy a look. You might be surprised by what you find.

What is visual clutter and why does it matter? In today's homes, we need items such as heat registers, air returns, smoke detectors, outlets and switch plates, speakers and TVs, as well as thermostats and control panels. These elements contribute to a significant amount of visual clutter that disrupts your carefully chosen design elements like paint colors, wallpaper, and tile. As a designer, I've faced these challenges in renovation projects. Solutions can range from affordable to costly, but they all significantly help reduce visual clutter, giving your home a more cohesive and upscale appearance. Sometimes, what you don't notice is more crucial than what you do. While you should certainly take steps to use these products I will mention below, one of the easiest things you can do in your home renovation to reduce visual disruptions is to work with the tradespeople throughout your project to identify the best placement for these items at the rough in stages. Without a homeowner or designer looking over their shoulder, most trades will place these items for maximum effectiveness, or where their job is the easiest. However, you may prefer them placed in a less obvious place. For example, in a recent renovation we had to place heat vents in several rooms. The HVAC guy was placing when I walked onto the job site. I was not pleased with the seeminly random locations that did not make visual sense. We worked together and tweake the locations. In one case he was about to place the vents haphazardly throughout hte room when it did not sacrifice efficiency but looked much better to have each vent centered over a dormer window. Having these small but noticibale items in 'off" placement - not centered in a room or over a window can make the room feal builder quality vs well designed. Let's break it down! Category 1 - Switches and Outlets There are numerous options available in this category. For rooms with wallpaper, you have two alternatives. The most economical choice is to have your wallpaper installer cover the plate with paper. Alternatively, for a more premium option, you can choose a lucite switch plate, such as those offered by Forbes and Lomax. For rooms with paint on the walls the solution is super easy and in expensive - we want paintable switch plate covers. You can easily get them on Amazon. Outlets, much like switches are abundant in our homes and with some thought and planning you can help make them look better. Here a a few options 1) Simple paintable plate covers from Amazon This ....... Becomes ..... This 2) Artist painted covers for tile and stone surfaces With the hand of a good artist, these outlets blend into the stone and tile in my kitchen. I use the Artist's Studio.   Clive does a fantastic job! This trick can add up in cost, but I choose to only have the artist paint the most important switches. this..... Becomes This!!! This .... Becomes This!!! 3)  Use of beautiful outlets that coordinate with adjacent design elements In this mud hall, I specified these decorative brass plate covers for the heat register and outlets. I upgraded to Forbes and Lomax switches for the light switches. They are costly, but the click they make and the old-world charm are unbelievably satisfying for these high-touch features. Budget constraints did not allow them to be placed throughout the home; however, I used them sparingly, choosing to place them in spaces that had painted paneling where the plastic paintable covers were just not going to be enough of an effort to reduce the visual cheapness of plastic in an elevated space. Brass outlets and brass custom size vent covers are from Rejuvenation Hardware  and the brass switches are Forbes and Lomax Recently hitting the market is another British outlet company called Corston  that is just recently UL listed for the USA. Their switches run about half the cost of the Forbes and Lomax for an identical look in my estimation. Category 2 - air registers and air returns For heating and cooling vents, the aim is to have them seamlessly integrated into the floor. This is typically achieved during a major renovation when an HVAC professional is available to relocate the venting, and a flooring expert is present to complete the aesthetic. Floor vents can be custom-made tiles that sit flush with the floor. It's impressive! For wood floors, flush vents made from the same wood species can be purchased, stained, and installed by your hardwood flooring team. Alternatively, a brass metal vent cover can be used for a classic and vintage look. In painted rooms, I prefer painting wood vents to match the wall color so they blend in, unlike a white metal vent that stands out. For wallpapered walls, white metal vents can be covered with wallpaper, and having your wallpaper installer do this can help conceal them, making them less noticeable. What we don't want : Category 3 - Technology Technology offers so many ways to make our homes function smoothly and reduce visual clutter. The three best advances that home technology has made to help designers reduce visual clutter are: 1) The Frame TV from Samsung The Frame TV from Samsung is the sleekest, lowest profile TV to date. It sits flush on the wall. Plugs and connections are recessed into the wall, allowing for this sublime flush mounting. You can even select various art to display when the TV is not in use. If you select from one of the various frame options on Samsung or Etsy websites, you can make it look like a real piece of art. Select a wood frame that suits your decor and voila... 2) - hidden speakers This is such incredible technology. Can you imagine having speakers in the wall that sound great? You can have these. They are placed in the framing at the rough stage. They get walled over, and yet they sound fabulous. I recommend taking a photo for later knowledge of the exact placement—but once the walls are up, you can place pictures and wallpaper as you normally would. No ugly large circle in the ceiling! Amazing. 3) - control pads when there are just too many switches Over the past few decades, as advancements in lighting technologies have proliferated and increasingly intricate layers of illumination have been integrated into our homes, the landscape of home lighting control has evolved significantly. One notable innovation is the option to hire a professional integrator who specializes in creating sophisticated control centers. These control centers are often accessed via a keypad installed in your home, providing a streamlined interface that allows residents to manage all their lighting switches from a single, user-friendly location. This modern approach to home lighting control not only enhances convenience but also elevates the overall aesthetic of the living space. In my experience, if you find yourself needing to manage more than four switches in a particular area, it is highly advisable to consider the implementation of a control panel instead of relying on traditional switch configurations. When you have more than four switches grouped together in a single gang, it can lead to a significant amount of visual clutter. This clutter not only detracts from the visual appeal of your space but also creates a confusing environment for users trying to remember which switch operates which light fixture. The challenge of developing muscle memory becomes even more pronounced in such scenarios, as the proximity of multiple switches can cause uncertainty and frustration during use. By opting for a centralized control panel, you can simplify the user experience dramatically. These panels often come equipped with customizable buttons that can be labeled according to your specific lighting needs, allowing for easy identification and access. Furthermore, many modern control systems offer the ability to integrate with smart home technology, enabling you to control not only your lighting but also other elements such as temperature and security systems from the same interface. This level of integration can significantly enhance the functionality of your home, providing a seamless and cohesive living experience. In conclusion, as our homes become more technologically advanced and our lighting needs grow more complex, the choice between traditional switching and a centralized control panel becomes increasingly significant. Embracing this shift not only reduces visual clutter but also enhances usability and comfort within your living spaces. For those considering a renovation or simply looking to upgrade their home lighting systems, this modern solution presents a compelling option that aligns with contemporary lifestyle demands. This ... Becomes This! Use these tips and products in your next renovation to improve your home's value and make it much more visually relaxing. These moves take you from builder grade to elevated and intentional. They require extra thought and effort but are mostly affordable. Thank you for following!! Leave a comment or a like if you have learned something from this post!!

Few materials capture timeless elegance like marble. From grand European kitchens to minimalist modern homes, marble has a natural beauty that feels luxurious. Its organic veining and color depth can elevate a space — but it’s not without its quirks. If you’ve ever dreamed of a marble kitchen, it’s important to understand what living with it really means — and when a quartz alternative might be a better fit. Let’s break down the pros, cons, maintenance, and the best marble-look quartz options available today. The Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops Why We Love It Marble is beloved for its organic beauty and timeless appeal. It looks amazing in both modern and traditional settings. Each slab is one-of-a-kind, with natural veining that tells a geological story millions of years in the making. Its cool surface makes it a baker’s dream, and its soft luster brings a sense of sophistication you simply can’t fake. This marble top is called Vermont Maple. The cool tones dominate this variety but there are warm tones in it as well Over time, marble develops a patina — a subtle sheen and character that designers often describe as “perfectly imperfect.” It gives the stone soul, making each kitchen unique. This honed imperial danby kitchen showcases a laminated profile on the island making it stand out from the more basic perimeter profile. The Challenges Marble, however, isn’t going to suit you if you expect it to look the same in year 10 as it did the day it was installed. It’s soft and porous, which means it can scratch, stain, and etch (we’ll explain those terms shortly). It also needs regular sealing and gentle care to look its best. For some, this upkeep is a dealbreaker; for others, it’s supremely worth it, and for others yet, they forgo the constant sealing and embrace the patina fully. If you’re someone who wants a pristine surface that always looks brand-new, marble may frustrate you. But if you love materials that age gracefully, you might find its imperfections part of the story. Maintenance: What Marble Really Requires- but even the best maintenance will result in etching To keep marble looking beautiful, you’ll need to adopt a few good habits. Seal regularly: Most fabricators recommend sealing your marble once or twice a year, depending on how heavily you use your kitchen. A sealant helps prevent staining but won’t make marble completely impervious. I recommend sealing before you go on vacation. Clear your tops off and spray it on for a long dry time when you are out of the house. It also makes it easier to recall when to do it. Or do it every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend if you don’t leave town at least twice per year. Clean carefully: Wipe spills quickly, especially anything acidic — like lemon juice, vinegar, or tomato sauce. Always use a pH-neutral cleaner (no bleach, no vinegar, no harsh sprays). Protect the surface: Use trivets for hot pans and cutting boards for food prep. Marble can scratch and scorch if you’re careless. It’s not high-maintenance — it’s just a material that asks you to slow down and care for it. A good marble sealer - Stone Tech Bullet Proof Sealer A great option for sealing your stone! Etching vs. Staining: What’s the Difference? These two terms often get confused, but they’re not the same. Etching is related to the way acid mars the surface of the stone Etching happens when acid — even something as mild as citrus or wine — reacts with the calcium carbonate in marble, dulling its polish. The result is a soft, matte spot you can feel when the light hits just right. It’s not a stain; it’s a chemical reaction. Honed finishes hide etching better than polished ones. Staining is related to colors penetrating into the marble Stains occur when liquids soak into marble’s porous surface and darken the stone. Think red wine, oil, or coffee. Sealing helps, but spills should still be wiped up promptly. I feel like people freak out about staining — and it just simply never happened on our countertops. Understanding the difference between etching and staining helps you know what kind of “imperfections” you’ll see over time — and whether you’ll tolerate, love, or loathe them. In my experience with Imperial Danby, staining was not an issue at all. I did not maintain my marble with sealer and found that it didn’t really make a huge difference. Staining never seemed to be a concern, but etching happened immediately, leading me to feel that for Danby, the upkeep of sealing would not make a big difference anyway. I believe that the Vermont marble, because it's harder than Italian marbles, tends to be stain resistant. But etching was definitely something we lived with. The first few cup rings from a kid's apple juice or splash marks from lemon juice were a little heartbreaking and stood out to us; however, over time, the etching became more evenly distributed and became more like a patina or an expected character of the marble. At the end of the day, for me, even the most etched-up Imperial Danby was as pretty as anything else I could imagine picking in my kitchen, so I made a decision to just let it go and embrace the imperfections. Can You Live with a Patina? The “patina” is marble’s signature — a record of life lived in your kitchen. Over time, it softens, dulls slightly, and develops faint marks that reflect years of meals and memories. If you love vintage furniture or the way leather ages, you’ll probably appreciate marble’s evolving beauty. But if you prefer things to look brand new forever, it may drive you crazy. Pro tip: Visit a showroom or ask to see a marble countertop that’s been installed for a few years. Seeing real-life patina is the best way to decide whether it’s your style or not. Quartz: The Best Marble Alternatives If you adore the look of marble but not the upkeep, quartz is your new best friend. Engineered quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant, and maintenance-free, making it ideal for busy households. And thanks to advances in design, today’s quartz options mimic marble remarkably well. I will share with you what I look for in good marble fakes. Top Picks for Marble-Look Quartz as of Fall 2025. New ones are being refined every year, and I can't wait to see what is to come in this market. MSI Calacatta Premata Stone X Calacatta Ocean Quartz Silestone Eternal Statuario Stone X Eltham Gold What to Look For in a Quartz Alternative Realistic veining: Choose slabs where the veining feels organic, not repetitive or printed. If you can see the “pattern repeat,” run, don’t walk. It’s not going to look anything like real stone. Finish: Honed quartz looks more like natural marble, while polished versions are glossier and easier to clean. However, I don’t mind the polished quartz slabs as they are not as shiny as a polished marble - sort of a mid look between honed and polished. It’s a yes for me. This Quartz Slab from Stone X in West Allis has a tremendous level of depth and sophisticaiton. It is very quiet avoiding sweeping veins yet the level of interest and variety of color tones makes it look VERY natural Undertones: Pay attention to the base color — cooler whites pair well with grays, while warmer tones suit wood cabinetry. Look for background color depth. If the white areas in the foreground of the slab are a flat cool white, the slab lacks the depth required to look like real stone. There should be a lot of micro color variations in the slab to be a good dupe for real stone. Quartz manufacturers have gotten really good in the past few years at making quartz that actually looks like stone. Ask your designer or fabricator to seek out these characteristics in the slab you select for your kitchen. Most of them will offer a polished and a honed option as well as a cool (gray) or warm (gold) color tone. Even better is a slab that has both warm and cool tones in it. This makes a better fake and a prettier, more interesting stone to decorate around. I love this slab from Stone X in Wet Allis WI. Its has an unpredictable veining pattern and depth in the background What you don’t want ………. The quartz below has no depth and predictable veining pattern that has too much contrast with white background. Avoid this!!! Too white and the veins are awkward and forced appearing Avoid this - you are not fooling anyone with this quartz Final Thoughts Choosing between marble and quartz comes down to lifestyle. Marble is for the romantic — someone who loves natural materials, embraces imperfection, and sees beauty in evolution. Quartz is for the pragmatist — someone who values low maintenance, consistency, and durability. If quartz is for you, be sure to look for 1) color variation and depth 2) warm and cool tones in the same slab 3) avoid any pattern repeating at all costs! Either way, both options can deliver a stunning, timeless kitchen. The key is knowing which one fits your rhythm of life — and your tolerance for patina.

I never saw these budget busters coming. When we started our remodel, I was feeling pretty smug about our budget planning. We had money set aside for all the “big things” — cost overruns, landscaping, appliances, even kitchen hardware. We knew where the dollars were going, and we were ready for a few curveballs. What wasn’t I ready for? The slow trickle of “little things” that somehow turned into a flood. It all started innocently enough — a prettier doorknob here, a more stylish vent cover there — and before I knew it, my remodel spreadsheet had an entirely new column titled “Wait, We Forgot About This.” The Reality of the “Small Stuff” When you’re knee-deep in drywall dust, you’re not thinking about laundry rods or closet hooks. You’re picturing the big reveal: new floors, fresh paint, beautiful cabinets. But it’s the tiny, finish-level details that make the space truly livable and polished — and every single one of them comes with a price tag. Individually, these purchases seem minor. But add them together, and suddenly you’re staring at a number big enough to make you sit down (preferably on the one chair that isn’t covered in sawdust). The Surprise List Here’s what unexpectedly added to our budget, item by item: 1. Hinges and Door Knobs I assumed our doors would include hardware. They did… if you prefer shiny, hollow, “builder basic” knobs. We opted for something heavier and more stylish. Multiply that cost by every door in the house and, well, it’s not insignificant. 2. Upgraded Heat Returns and Registers The standard white stamped metal covers that are often used in home design simply did not align with the aesthetic vision we had for our space. These basic covers, while functional, lacked the elegance and style that we were aiming to achieve. They felt too generic and detracted from the overall appeal of our carefully curated interior design. After much deliberation, we decided to replace them with sleeker, clean looking integrated floor vents that will be stained with the rest of the flooring. The transformation was remarkable; the room felt instantly more cohesive and thoughtfully designed, reflecting our personal style and attention to detail. However, the financial aspect of this decision was not without its challenges. Each decorative cover came with a price tag of $90, which, when multiplied by the number we needed, quickly added up. Additionally, the installation required extra labor for the flooring, which further contributed to the overall cost. When we tallied up the expenses, it was clear that the total would make a noticeable dent in our budget. Despite the initial sting of the costs involved, I can confidently say that I would make the same choice again in a heartbeat. The impact these new covers have had on our space is invaluable. They not only improved the aesthetic appeal but also brought a sense of harmony and completeness to the design. The investment was undoubtedly worthwhile, as it elevated our home’s atmosphere and made it a more inviting and enjoyable place to be. In the end, the satisfaction derived from the enhanced beauty of our home far outweighs the financial considerations, reaffirming the importance of investing in quality design elements that truly resonate with our vision. integrated vent cover in white oak. We moved the vet outlet the wall to the floor by accessing it in the basement. it was an easy fix to remove the unsightly metal wall vent 3. Laundry and Shower Rods Turns out that flimsy tension rod wasn’t going to cut it in our main bath. Add a custom-length rod for the laundry room, and suddenly we’re in “fancy rod” territory. Then, when you prefer polished nickel to standard chrome, it will run you a few hundred dollars. It all adds up. these polished nickel 1" poles from Rejuvination Hardware clocked in at over $450 with shipping 4. Closet Organization Systems Closet shelving and rods were just not something I was thinking about when we were in the planning phases. However, as we started to see our space start to take shape and I could imagine using the closets and what would get stored in which space, closet systems became a priority. And while there is nothing urgent about closets, for me, I knew it would be the difference between being annoyed and truly settling in my space when the builder gave us our keys back to a clean, newly remodeled home. We used Inspired Closets . I worked with them in my former home and had a great experience. I found them to be more cost-effective than California Closets and more flexible in terms of what they could do to customize to my specific "old house" quirks. The closet designer came out and measured all my closets and talked me through the best options. I had a budget of $10,000 that she hit perfectly. Now, I did not do a fancy walk-in suite closet, but this did include 5 reach-in closets, a linen closet, a utility closet, and additional shelving for 2 other random closets in our house. I highly recommend Inspired Closets . 5. Mud Hall Hooks and Built-In Bookcase Hardware Simple hooks? Sure. But then I saw the gorgeous matte black ones that felt sturdy and intentional. The same with the hidden hardware for the built-in bookcases — invisible to guests, painfully visible on the invoice. I found these beautiful and very robust mud hall hooks from a vintage hardware seller on Etsy 6. Drapery Rods Because, of course, the ones I liked cost more, and, of course, every window needed a different length. I will admit - I did budget for drapery hardware - but not nearly enough. Not only have costs of items like drapery hardware skyrocketed in the past 5 years, but I did not take into account 3 windows in particular that required very custom double-layer rods for specific functional purposes. They will be worth it, and I will have them up in 30 years when I leave this house to 'go to the home'... but man... didn't see that coming. 7. Frames for the Frame TVs We splurged on Samsung Frame TVs, but didn’t think about the matching decorative frames. Spoiler: they’re sold separately. To be perfectly honest - I have not even started looking at these yet. This may just have to wait! I have no idea what they cost... and I don't even want to look yet. There are many options to purchase Frame TV frames - but this is the one I expect to browse through first Deco TV Frames. 8. Light Switches and Switch Plate Covers If you’re painting your walls a custom color, basic white plates stand out like a sore thumb. We upgraded some of our covers — small upgrade, big visual impact. This one is from Residence Supply and I think it's stunning. We used various solutions for light switch plate covers. Because I chose to wallpaper almost every inch of my house, I decided to wallpaper the switch covers to conceal them best. These are stunners with a very beautiful brass finish on the wall plates 9. Custom Cabinet Organizational Insert Pull-out spice racks, utensil dividers, vertical tray storage… all those nifty little upgrades you add during kitchen installation. I don’t regret a single one, but none were in the original budget. Whole House humidification system While we had all of our HVAC needs being updated and a new furnace being installed on our second floor, we also decided to add a whole-home humidification system. We wanted to ensure that our investment in custom cabinets, new solid hardwood flooring, and wood paneling on the walls and ceilings would stand the test of time. We know that with the four distinct seasons that Wisconsin experiences and our proximity to Lake Michigan, we would face gaps and potential cupping in our woodwork during the winter and summer months. We had not thought about it during the planning phase, but as we were in the midst of the project, we made the call to add this feature to our HVAC system. How It Adds Up Here’s the thing: none of these items were  essential  to make the house functional. But they were essential to make the house feel like  ours . The catch? A $40 upgrade here and a $75 purchase there adds up shockingly fast. By the time we finished, our “small stuff” category rivaled the cost of an entire appliance package. Lessons Learned Add a “Finishing Touches” Line Item  – Before you start, dedicate 5–10% of your budget to little upgrades and forgotten necessities. Ask What’s Included  – Builder-grade defaults aren’t always what you’ll want long-term. Shop Early & Keep a Running List  – That way, you’re not panic-buying rods, knobs, or inserts at the last minute. There will be things that you just could not think about or realize until you are in the middle of it all - just plan on that and save a bit of cash so you can get it right. Final Thoughts Yes, these little extras added to our budget stress, but they’re also some of the features I love most. They make the difference between a generic renovation and a home that feels custom, layered, and thoughtfully designed. It's nearly impossible to think of every cost at the outset of a project. The typical recommendation is 10-20% for cost overruns. This is not because of poor planning. Rather, we need these numbers available because remodeling projects are simply impossible to pinpoint a budget and stick to it. The home and process end up dictating that to us. For our project, we set aside 20% of the total cost of the project. We ended up needing 5% to the builder for costs that fell under their umbrella. This is fairly low - but I credit that to an excellent planning process with LaBonte Construction and HB Designs. I knew what level of finishes I wanted from the outset, so our allowances mainly hit spot on. This allowed us the funds to pay for all these little extras that I had not thought of. So if you’re planning your own remodel — don’t forget the hinges. Or the closet rods. Or the vent covers. Trust me, they’re coming for your budget whether you plan for them or not. www.carrieluckedesigns.com

The moment has finally arrived. After what felt like weeks of staring at white, dusty walls and navigating around ladders, we’ve officially moved past the drywall phase of our remodel. The joint compound is dry, the sanding is done, and the vacuums have never worked harder. Now, it’s time for what I like to call the “pretty stuff”—the layers that actually make a house start to feel like a home. And first up? Floors. We put down solid hardwood, white oak to be specific, in the main living spaces. The mud hall and two bathrooms are getting tile for practical reasons but aside from those small spaces the home will have the same white oak everywhere. Why Flooring Feels Like a Big Milestone Drywall marks the end of the structural work, but flooring is the start of the style work. This is the moment where the spaces will start to take on the personality and warmth I have had in my head for months. I can suddenly envision furniture placement, feel the comfort underfoot, and watch the tone of the space change instantly. Plus, once the floors are in, every other finish—from paint to cabinets—finally has context. For our home, we wanted the durability and timeless look of real wood, but the decision wasn’t straightforward. That led us to a little deep dive into solid hardwood vs. engineered hardwood before we committed. Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood: What You Should Know We started out thinking we wold have the picture on the left and ended up with the image on the right. Keep reading to find out why. Solid Hardwood Floors Construction:  Planks milled from a single piece of wood, usually ¾-inch thick. Lifespan:  Can last generations (50–100 years or more) if cared for, since you can sand and refinish many times. Look & Feel:  The “real deal” in terms of authenticity, warmth, and sound. Installation:  Typically nailed down over a wood subfloor. Not recommended for below-grade spaces or areas prone to moisture. Pros: Long-term investment Can change stain color in future Timeless appeal Cons: More susceptible to expansion/shrinkage from humidity changes Not ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements Engineered Hardwood Floors Construction:  A top layer of real hardwood bonded to multiple layers of plywood or fiberboard underneath. Lifespan:  20–40 years, depending on the thickness of the top veneer and how many times it can be refinished. Look & Feel:  Still real wood on top—visually, it’s hard to tell apart from solid hardwood. Installation:  More versatile—can be nailed, glued, or floated. Suitable for basements and concrete slabs. Pros: More stable in varying humidity Works well with radiant heating systems Often slightly more budget-friendly Cons: Limited refinishing potential Lower overall lifespan than solid wood Our Choice: how we landed on solid hard wood instead of Engineered. We opted for  solid hardwood  in the main living spaces for its long-term durability and the fact that we can refinish it down the road if we change our style. For the mud hall and bathrooms, we’re doing tile—because those areas see wet boots, dripping umbrellas, and splashes from morning routines. The solid hardwood will bring that warm, classic look through the heart of our home, while the tile will hold up beautifully to water and grit without losing style points. We went with white oak vs. red. While white costs a little more, it takes a neutral stain more easily at all color levels, and that was important to me. I have pulled out my hair on projects with clients trying to explain to homeowners the limits of what their red oak floors can look like. Red oak generally looks nice with a clear coat (runs a little pink if you study it) but looks pretty. It also looks good in dark stains. Going dark on red oak helps eliminate the wonky tones. Anywhere in the middle, you can get yellow or orange-looking floors. Additionally, we thought hard about using a wide plank rough sawn white oak in an engineered product. To say it made my heart go pitter-patter is an understatement. This is a very European look that mimics what the floors are like in the oldest properties in the UK and France. It mimics the type and cut of wood and offers a wide plank option that you simply can't get in 3 or 4" solid hardwoods. Due to humidity changes, wider planks can cup and buckle, but the stability of the engineered products helps to reduce this risk, allowing for the use of wider planks. Although I loved the wider plank look, I knew it would be irresponsible in a solid hardwood floor - if I was going wide... that would mean an engineered floor. Over the past few years, I have been obsessing over Devol kitchens just for this look they are famous for. You see this beautiful hardwood in IG design files and design magazines - now you know where it originated from and why we all love it so much. And the only way to get it without spending an insane amount of money on reclaimed wood boards from Europe, is to find an engineered hardwood product that mimics this style. Devol Kitchens is the authority is the UK working kitchen style. You can often see the original floors that are 7 or even 9 inch European Rough Sawn White Oak Here is the sample of the engineered product I originally wanted to use in my home. You can see how it mimics the look of the wider plank, rough and knotty. It's a very casual look—and very on-trend at the moment. But trends come and go, and while these floors are classic, the trend is being used in the United States as a means to reference some of the oldest European homes. So why did we opt to get solid hardwood instead? This was the Engineered flooring sample I originally fell in love with. We opted for solid hardwood floors instead for the 4 reasons listed below Why did we still opt for solid hardwoods? Let me tell you why - Longevity Simply put, we have lived in several old homes and have come to appreciate the longevity of solid hardwoods. We renovated 2 homes in which we were able to keep the flooring and simply sand and re-stain the floors to revive and bring them up to date. We wanted the same value in this home. Color trends change—in the early 2000s, every kitchen was white with dark oak floors. Now we are using color in our cabinets and walls, and light to mid tones work best. I want my floors to stand the test of time no matter what trends come and go. While at this moment my favorite look is the European wide plank, thinking long-term, solid white oak felt like an insurance policy. Flexibility Quite simply, white oak takes stain more neutrally than other woods. It gives me the option to go lighter on the second floor and mid-tone on the first floor without having different flooring. When we bought this home, it had different flooring in every room of the house. It was important to me that when we finished, aside from rooms that practically needed tile, I would have the same flooring material throughout the home. Color Control In addition to preferring the way white oak takes stain at all color levels, I also felt very vulnerable with the prospect of buying 4,000 sq feet of an engineered product and perhaps not liking the way it looked when I saw it over a larger space. Case in point - When I was evaluating the engineered product, I had more or less at one point decided that it was what I wanted. I fell in love with the sample board pictured above. Loved the way it looked with my main paint color choices. All the things. I went to the flooring company and requested a smaller sample that I could hold onto during the design process. They presented me with a sample board and... it looked green to me! I did not like that piece. It looked totally different - and not in a good way. I realized at that moment that when I order all this flooring and it gets shipped from Canada, there is no going back, no re-staining, no control or flexibility. I knew at that moment that this was not the product for me for this project. Future Proofing for Next Phase of Remodeling Finally, we have a primary suite area we are holding off on remodeling until a later date. We wanted to be able to match the flooring in this space with the rest of the house. This was paramount to the decision. The engineered product could change or be discontinued. I did not want to take this risk. Below is the white Oak 3.5" solid hardwood we installed - before any staining is applied What’s Next Now that we have our wood floors installed, over the next weeks we will finish up on tile work and looking forward to cabinet deliveries and eventually paint. Stay tuned for all these things to come. After months of working on the bones of the house, it’s incredibly satisfying to finally start adding the design layers that make it  ours . carrielucke75@gmail.com

Help Us Win “ Milwaukee Top Choice Community’s Choice Awards" Best Interior Designer” – Your Vote Means Everything! Vote for your top Choice We’re thrilled to share some exciting news – we’ve been nominated for  Best Interior Designer  in the 2025  Your Choice Awards Milwaukee ! It’s been an incredible journey turning houses into homes, offices into inspirations, and blank canvases into personal sanctuaries. None of this would be possible without YOU – our amazing clients, friends, and supporters who continue to trust us with your spaces. Now, we need your help to take it one step further. ✨  Will you take a moment to vote for us? Just click the link below and cast your vote under Services in the  Interior Design  category:👉  https://yourchoiceawards.com/milwaukee/ You can vote daily until May 15. It takes 1 min to vote and means the world to us. Every vote brings us closer to this honor and reminds us why we do what we do: creating beautiful, functional spaces that reflect your unique style and needs. Voting is quick, easy, and means the world to our small business. Feel free to share the link with friends and family too! Thank you for being part of our journey – let’s win this together! With gratitude, Carrie Lucke Designs www.carrieluckedesigns.com

Every new year brings a fresh wave of design inspiration—and 2025 is already shaping up to be bold, beautiful, and refreshingly cozy. I’ve been eyeing some of this year’s standout design threads, and I have to say: I’m here for it. There’s a richness and depth returning to interiors that feels like a long overdue exhale. Here’s a look at the 2025 interior design themes I’m currently loving—and some explanation of why the trend, for lack of a better word, works and how to do it in a classic, timeless way so that your home can stand the test of time and your investment lasts. In the broadest sense, these "trends" or let's call them themes... trend is not the right word, signify a return to what is authentic and classic. If applied in a way that reflects your personality, you are sure to not tire of your choices in the years to come. These design elements signify a return to what is timeless, real, from the earth. They bring warmth and texture. As consumers have more access to the images and design elements once only used by the world's top interior designers, the entire notion of "trend" can fade away. When we return to handmade materials or materials that come from the earth, we rest assured that our home's design schemes will be beloved for as long as possible. Think terra cotta tile, marble, linen and cotton, sisal and jute, wood. These design elements are here to stay. So let's dig in and discuss how these elements are being used. ✨ Themes I’m Loving 1. Wood Is Back in the Kitchen and I believe it's here to stay After years of painted cabinets and the all-white kitchen being the only kitchen, wood is making a serious comeback—and it’s about time. From warm white oak to rich walnut, natural wood cabinetry is bringing organic texture and soul back to kitchens. The look is timeless, earthy, and full of character. Bonus: it plays beautifully with both modern and traditional styles. Why do I think it's here to stay? Well, let's see... in the 90s, it was the "Tuscan kitchen." Think cherry cabinets. We got sick of it. We shifted in the opposite direction to the all-white kitchen. Okay... now we are worn out of that trend. (Having said that, I do think there is always a place for the all-white kitchen. I just don't think it's the ONLY kitchen.) Finally, enter the 2020s and beyond, and we have finally found a balance. We are using color, wood, and whites and taupes in our kitchens. It's so refreshing and so personal to each client and each space. Everything is possible as long as it's done well, with acknowledgment of the surrounding architecture and with overall balance. We are seeing wood base cabinets with painted tops, wood islands with painted perimeters, or all painted, and all wood as well. It's all up to you and what your space dictates. If your kitchen has a ton of light streaming in all day, you can go for a bold color paired with wood. If your kitchen lacks light, maybe a creamy painted cabinet is called for. Do what you like to look at, live with, and what your space requires. . This kitchen is all white with marble tops. There is no window directly to the outdoors in this kitchen which makes a bright white cabinet the perfect choice regardless of what a "trend "might dictate 2. Long Live Marble Countertops Marble is far from new, but its staying power in 2025 feels more intentional. The timeless elegance and luxurious appeal of veined marble countertops are increasingly evident as they make their way into various spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, and even unique furniture pieces. This resurgence can be attributed to a growing appreciation for natural materials and a desire to incorporate elements that convey sophistication and style. In the past the marble market was dominated by the white Italian Marbles like Carrera and Calcutta gold, however with the acceptance of bold color in the design world along come some stunning bold marble choices as well. Marble is equally comfortable in contemporary kitchen designs, as well as the most traditional settings. Marble countertops serve not only as functional surfaces but also as stunning focal points that elevate the overall aesthetic of the space. Homeowners and designers alike are embracing the rich textures and intricate patterns found in marble, which can vary dramatically from piece to piece, making each installation unique. Marble creates an inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of relaxation and indulgence. Marble is a fantastic choice in a bathroom as well as a kitchen. This powder room has a marble vanity top as well as a organic marble mosaic on the floor The timeless quality of marble means that it can withstand changing trends, making it a sound investment for homeowners looking to create enduring spaces that remain stylish for years to come. Hot Tip - if your marble is active or "busy", balance it will quieter elements that let the marble shine. Conversely, if your marble is quieter with less variation you can punch it up with bolder paint choices and more varied design elements surrounding it. False Marble: Quartz and Porcelain False marble, often designed to mimic the appearance of natural stones like quartz and porcelain, offers an attractive and cost-effective alternative for various applications. This material is crafted using advanced techniques that replicate the intricate veining and color variations found in authentic marble. The result is a surface that not only captures the elegance and sophistication of marble, but also boasts the durability and low maintenance of engineered materials. For purists who love natural materials from the earth that patina over time, quartz and porcelain will not suffice. That said, the makers of quartz have come a long way in their ability to mimic the texture and look of natural stone. In years past, the pattern was easily picked up by the eye, and you could tell quickly it was not natural stone. Currently, there are a few varieties that offer full slabs in which no patterning can be detected. The texture, while an impressive dupe, will not satisfy the customer who wants real stone. The texture, temperature, and weight are simply not the same. Yet, they offer a fantastic design solution for customers on a budget or who want something that will not stain or etch over time and does not require sealing. The options are useful, neutral, and pretty. While they may not make your heart go pitter-patter, they get the job done. False marble is particularly popular in interior design, where it can be used for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding, providing a luxurious look without the associated upkeep of natural stone. With a wide range of styles and finishes available, false marble can seamlessly blend into both modern and traditional aesthetics, making it a versatile choice for homeowners and designers alike. 3. Don’t Dismiss Brass—But Hello, Polished Nickel Brass is still very much a staple (and still stunning when done right), but I’m seeing polished nickel sneak back in—and I’m not mad about it. It offers a quieter, more refined take on metallics. It pairs beautifully with both warm and cool palettes and feels like a subtle nod to traditional elegance with a modern edge. The thing to think about when selecting a finish is not just whether it reads "gold" or "silver"—but is it pretty? There are brushed, satin, matte, and polished versions of brass and chrome. If you want to keep it timeless and beautiful forever, opt for a living finish like polished nickel. It has a warmth to it and it patinas over time, making it a perfect choice for plumbing or for cabinet colors that just don't look right with a yellow finish. In the early 2000s, everything was shown in a silver finish. Then, starting in the 2010s, brass made a comeback. We are now seeing polished nickel creeping back, and I LOVE it! But don't throw out the baby! Pretty brass will remain used and beautiful if the quality of the finish is high. I forecast in the future designers will continue to use both in various settings and mix and match strategically to create a collected-over-time feel in a home. 4. Zellige Tile Magic Zellige tiles continue to shine in 2025, and for good reason. The handmade, imperfect surface adds dimension, depth, and authenticity to any space. Whether it’s a softly gleaming backsplash or a bathroom wall full of texture, these Moroccan-inspired tiles bring a sense of history and craftsmanship that feels just right. These tiles are hand-glazed terra cotta. They come in a limited selection of traditional colors that are all stunning. There is so much color variation that you need to lay out the pattern to ensure an even balance of the various lighter and darker tiles... even though they are all the "same color." Think mother of pearl vs. flat white tile. Using Zellige is not for the faint of heart. You need to bring your A-team tile installer on board. They are delicate and can chip. The edges are variable. The tiles are thick. There are no trim tiles available, and mitering them is a nightmare. So, you need to know what you are dealing with and use them in the right applications with some thought in advance about grout thickness and how things will be trimmed—but in the right place, they are absolutely stunning! HOT TIP: Where to get authentic Zellige Tile from Moracco My favorite manufacturers of Zellige tile are Zia Tile and Otto Tile . I have not found a tile vendor locally that offers real terra cotta Zellige tile. Most offer a similar look, but not the real deal. 5. Saturated Colors Are Having a Moment and we are in love with color washing Soft neutrals will always have their place, but saturated tones are definitely taking center stage this year. Think deep olive, ochre, merlot, and marine blue. These colors feel moody, cozy, and surprisingly versatile. They create rooms that feel enveloping and expressive—and I’m all in. For the best inspiration, go to Farrow and Ball . Farrow and Ball is a storied paint maker from England that is the world leader in color creation and color theory. Their paints, which are made up of 30% pigment (compared to roughly 5% for your typical American paint manufacturer), are outstanding in terms of depth and luminosity. Think velvet vs. cotton? A can of Farrow and Ball can cost almost double that of a standard can of high-quality paint... but once you "know," you "know". Use bold colors to color wash a smaller confined room such as a dining room, study, or a den. You can also go for a bold color in a walk-in pantry or mud hall cabinetry if you don't want to commit to bold cabinets in your kitchen. You can also achieve a stunning and sophisticated textural color washed look with sisal wallpaper, as illustrated in the image below. This type of wallpaper is made from natural fibers, specifically the sisal plant, which is known for its durability and unique texture. The intricate weave of the sisal creates a tactile surface that adds depth and character to any room. The color washed effect can be achieved by applying a subtle wash of color over the natural tones of the sisal, enhancing its organic appearance while providing a contemporary twist. This combination not only brings warmth to your space but also introduces an element of sophistication that is both inviting and stylish. The versatility of sisal wallpaper means it can complement various design styles, from rustic to modern, ensuring that it can fit seamlessly into your decor scheme. Sisal wall covering in this cozy den hits the mark for enduring texture and warmth Final Thoughts 2025 is all about embracing warmth, authenticity, and materials that tell a story. Whether it’s a slab of marble or a hand-glazed tile, the spaces we create this year are meant to feel intentional and full of soul. Out with the cold, in with the cozy—I'm excited to see where this new chapter takes us. Which trends are you loving (or leaving) this year?

This image is our "before" for the front exterior. We are adding a dormer over the garage and a large dormer in the back of the house to facilitate the addition of 3 new bedrooms The broad goal of this home remodel is to create a fully updated, functional first-floor living space with a primary suite on the first floor. Additionally, we added capacity for kids and guests on the upper level. The home will go from 3,500 sq ft to 4,500 sq ft with no change to the footprint of the home. We started with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. We will end up with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The home will be fully gutted, re-framed, and remodeled to update all the bedrooms and baths, as well as opening the kitchen to the family and dining spaces and bringing the home from a dated 1950s vibe to a modern family home with modern amenities like a 55" range, double dishwashers, mud hall, walk-in pantry, second-floor laundry, second-floor cuddle space and coffee bar, and a walk-in linen closet. The overall feel is casual, traditional, and comfortable with a layered decor. We are not quite midway through the project. Labonte Construction estimated the project to take roughly 8-9 months, and as I write this update, we are sitting at month 3. We are currently on track. Whoo hoo!!! Let's pray it can stay that way. Exterior Project Scope To accomplish these goals, we added a dormer over the garage to bring more light and windows to a newly created bedroom/office above the garage. We also added a large dormer off the back of the house, which adds two good-sized bedrooms. We utilized untapped attic space to gain a second-floor laundry room and a walk-in linen closet as well. Full-home overhaul including: New roof and windows Framing and structural updates to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems Addition of dormers and a walk-out patio door to the flat roof at the back of the house. We moved and updated the second-floor furnace with three zones for flexible use and efficiency. Windows and siding of existing dormers, adding fascia to improve the overall look and match the newly built dormers well. The house will get a fresh coat of paint in a new color scheme, a new garage door, fresh Azek decorative railing on the rear flat roof, and exterior lighting - stay tuned for those project details in future posts! This new dormer over the garage creates space, light and a view of Lake Michigan Progress Highlights - First 3 Months Framing complete for the dormers as well as interior framing. Rough-ins for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and Tech nearly finished. New roof installed. Installation of new windows brings in beautiful natural light and a Lake Michigan view from the new dormer on the front of the home. Dormers are a Small Cost with Big Impact Generally speaking, remodeling costs are sky-high these days. What we loved about this project is the value efficiency for money spent. By adding bedrooms without digging a new foundation and cannibalizing our city lot-sized yard, we are able to improve our real estate value in a way that allows us to spend our project dollars on the upgrades that we are most excited about while gaining the space and bath/bedroom count we desire. As you can see from the photos below, the impact of this dormer on opening up this space, bringing in light, a Lake Michigan view, and architectural interest both inside and on the exterior is massive. Yet the relative cost of adding a dormer of this size is quite reasonable. Structural Considerations and the Budgeting process Our home was built in 1950, and there was never an intention to have living space above the garage. We learned this when embarking on our renovation plans. We engaged Labonte Construction as our builder and HB Designs as our architect as we began planning roughly 8 months prior to project initiation. In that process, Meg Baniukiewicz and Dave Labonte devised a plan and ensured the structural changes needed would not only fit into our budget but also make financial sense. They brought in a structural engineer to confirm their suspicions of what was required, and we were able to move forward in our planning. There was an option to build a smaller dormer above the garage matching the size of the 2 original dormers to save money. There was a concern that the cost of making that dormer larger might result in a high structural engineering requirement that may make it cost prohibitive. However that happily was not the case. The lesson learned here is twofold. First - take your time planning a large-scale renovation and make sure you have a trusted team in place. It's definitely a game of "pay me now" or "pay me later." If we had not invested in the expertise of our builder in advance to work alongside our architect, we would not have had the right budgeting in place for our project. Knowing upfront as early in the project as possible what the non-negotiable costs will be allows you to move forward with other decisions, like knowing whether you have the budget available for your beloved selection and finish wish lists. This helped us to not only plan our project details but also make a financial plan and decide where to spend our money and what aspects of the home renovation we could push for a later phase. Below the images show the structural work needed to facilitate the living space above the garage. You can see in the last photo that the entire garage ceiling was rebuilt from scratch. Rear Dormers We are very happy with the way this pair of bedrooms turned out. They feel very spacious and large with good-sized closets. They could accommodate a king-size bed if needed, but we plan to put queens in both rooms. In part because I like the idea of all three bedrooms upstairs having the same size bed and hence the same size bedding. Is there anything worse than unfolding your sheets to find out you grabbed the queen set when you really need the king size? Ugh... the worst. All the upper-level beds will have queen beds and the same white sheets! This makes preparing for guests and swapping sheets a breeze. It's the simple things that make me happy . Below are some photos of the newly created bedrooms out of one large dormer. Looking Forward Next, I will walk you through the project updates inside and show you how things are coming along as we continue to work on plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and technology updates prior to inspection and drywall. So much good stuff yet to come! Thank you for following along, and I hope you will continue as we get into the pretty stuff in the coming months. www.carrieluckedesigns.com

As summer rolls in along the shores of Lake Michigan, we're excited to share the latest update on our remodeling journey of a classic 1950s Cape Cod home nestled in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. This phase marks a major milestone in the project: the  rough-in stage  — the unsung hero of every renovation that lays the groundwork for comfort, safety, and function. We passed rough inspection this week!!! Yeah!! And hats off to LaBonte Construction and all their incredible employees and subcontractors who played a part in making it happen on time. What is the Rough-In Stage? For those unfamiliar with construction lingo, the “rough-in” refers to the installation of essential systems within the walls, ceilings, and floors — HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical wiring, and tech infrastructure. While it’s not the most glamorous part of a renovation, it’s absolutely foundational. Once drywall goes up, all of this work is hidden, so it's critical to get it right the first time. This is definitely not the "pretty" or "fun" phase for a designer like me or a homeowner - and in this project, I am wearing both hats. But - it's also a very important stage as it lays the foundation for everything that follows. It's imperative to get the locations and specifications correct. Hot Tip - Make sure you have a full set of specs on hand, both digital and printed. Keep the printed set onsite for your tradespeople to reference. Stop by daily and give them your cell in case they have questions . No matter how good your plans are, things come up. You or your designer or architect need to be available to direct what you want, or you will be at the mercy of their best guess. Just the reality! They would prefer you to be there and tell them what you want. They don't want to guess... but they will if you are not there! As a designer, we help your builder with a complete set of specs and site visits to make sure everything is going as desired. Trades will have questions about locations of sconces, the height of your shower head, and the space needed for your recessed medicine cabinet. This is your chance to make every light switch do what you want it to, the height of your TV just the way you like it, and the hood vent work as well as possible. It may seem boring, but this is the phase that lays the foundation for the rest of the renovation you have dreamed of. HVAC Rough-In Older homes like this Cape Cod often have dated systems that can’t keep up with today’s standards of efficiency or comfort. We’ve replaced much of the original ductwork and rerouted airflow to better serve the reimagined floor plan. Zoning has been added for more targeted heating and cooling, which is especially helpful in a house with dormers, nooks, and varying ceiling heights. Given the home’s proximity to Lake Michigan, we also focused on humidity control and air quality — ensuring that every season is comfortable without overtaxing the system. We added humidification for winter comfort and a dehumidifier in the main first-floor furnace for comfort in the summer and better consistency in humidity levels to maintain the woodwork and prevent excessive cupping or cracking. Lessons Learned - To be honest, this was a renovation failure on our part as homeowners. We planned for a new relocated furnace to service the second floor. Anticipating uneven usage of various rooms, my husband wanted multiple zones. We chose the zones without enough thought. Then, when I made a site visit to work with the electricians on decorative lighting placement, I saw the walls marked for thermostats in odd places—not visually considered at all! I had not even given thought to the idea that 3 zones meant 3 thermostats on my walls! YUCKY!... no thank you. Yet it was too late. I was committed to 3 zones. What could I do? First, I talked to the HVAC contractor, and we thoughtfully relocated the thermostats so they would be less visually impactful and in the most useful locations. Next, I upgraded the thermostats from what was standard and "included" to providing a set of Nest thermostats that are prettier, smaller, and can be controlled from my phone. Hot Tip - you can still get the older Nest thermostat that is NOT AI integrated. The newer AI versions try to learn your habits and adjust automatically. No thank you! We had one and hated it. In particular, in a situation like this where we are never going to have consistent activity in the 3 zones of our second floor, it would be useless. We opted for the older Nest that just does what you tell it to by your schedule or iPhone app control. 2020 NES T Plumbing Rough-In From aging cast iron to undersized supply lines, the existing plumbing needed a comprehensive overhaul. We took the opportunity to install new PEX lines throughout the house and reconfigure runs to support the relocated kitchen and bathrooms. Some exciting options include prep for a second-floor laundry, a high-efficiency tankless water heater, and outdoor plumbing stubs for a future garden faucet and potential outdoor shower. We also adjusted drain placements to optimize future cabinetry and fixture layouts. Lessons Learned - It looks better to have your pot filler offset and not in the middle. Depending on your oven or range top, you may have a spot intended for a wok or very large stock pot. You will want to work with your plumber to make sure you have the pot filler placed in a manner that allows it to reach the largest burner easily and be of a height that clears your tallest stock pot (usually about 16" tall). Electrical Rough-In Rewiring an older home is never without surprises — but we were ready. We did not find outdated knob-and-tube wiring, which saved us significantly. The electrical panel has been upgraded to handle today’s power demands. Literally miles of wire were run for all the new lights and features. We’ve added more outlets, updated switch locations to reflect the new layout, and incorporated modern safety standards including GFCI and AFCI protection. A layered lighting plan is now roughed in, allowing for recessed lights, statement fixtures, and task lighting throughout the home. Hot Tip - In the bedrooms, it's a nice feature to have a switch for the bedside lamps that is right at the bedside. If you make it a 3-way, the lamps can be turned on and off from the entryway and the bedside. When you read yourself to sleep, you won't have to get out of bed to turn both lamps off at the same time. Amazing! Tech + Smart Home Infrastructure While the original 1950s build didn’t envision home automation, we made sure to future-proof the space. During the rough-in, we added low-voltage wiring for: Whole-home Wi-Fi coverage In-ceiling speakers Security cameras and doorbell Smart lighting zones Thermostat and climate controls PLUS Wiring to the garage for an electric vehicle- when that day comes All of this tech prep ensures the homeowners can integrate the smart features they want now — or easily add them later. Our tech planning started with a conversation about having a "dumb home." We were not interested in lights being turned on and off via cell phone or fancy apps to run our home. Maybe this is just because we are middle-aged? Or maybe it's just something about switching a light on and off with your hands and physically dialing your dimming request. I spend enough of my life looking for my phone... we just didn't want any of that. However, there were still some really great technologies that we did want to invest in. We are using the FRAME TV to create a clean, artful appearance of our TVs without having to build expensive and permanent cabinetry around them. We also are very excited about the invisible speakers we selected. They sit behind the drywall. Crazy??? Yeah. Now, to a true music or sound junkie who loves the perfect sound quality, this would not be the solution. But we prioritized having a clean, uncluttered ceiling and overall look to the home - yet having some speakers was nice. I can't wait to report on how they perform - and just how invisible they are. Future locations for Frame TV over the fireplace flanked by a pair of invisible speakers What’s Next? With rough-in inspections passed, we’re ready to move forward to the next big phase: insulation and drywall. Soon, the framing will give way to real walls, and the home will start to look and feel whole again. After that comes cabinetry, millwork, and finishes — the fun part! Closing Thoughts Though it may be hidden from view once completed, the rough-in stage is the silent backbone of a successful remodel. In this Whitefish Bay Cape Cod, we’ve taken great care to balance historic character with modern living — and we can’t wait to show you more as the project continues to take shape. Follow along for more updates as we transform this lakeside gem! Let me know if you'd like to include specific photos, trade quotes, or a call-to-action at the end (e.g., for newsletter sign-ups or consultations).