Unparalleled Craftsmanship:

We’ve been talking in the office about some of our favorite projects. The day we photographed this space was one of several visits to a standout Benvenuti & Stein project. What always catches me is the combination of excellent design and old‑world workmanship — that attention to detail shows up in moments like the one pictured here.

Take a close look at the joinery and the material transitions; you don’t see this level of craftsmanship every day. The precision in the millwork, the careful alignment of seams, and the thoughtful way light plays across surfaces all speak to a meticulous build process. It’s a reminder that great design is not only about concept but also about execution.

We also loved the pop of color in these shots — a subtle, well‑placed accent that enlivens the composition without overwhelming the space. Below are some favorites from the shoot that highlight both the craft and the color moments that made this project memorable. To see more of our work, please visit our website.  www.normansizemore.com

Cottage Remodel - Master Bath:

Highlighting the master bath suite from the Cottage Remodel by Benvenuti and Stein, this project demonstrates a thoughtful, modern approach to spatial transformation. Walls and attic access points were opened to maximize volume and daylight, allowing the bedroom and bath ceilings to be vaulted and giving the suite an airy, expansive feel.

Two full vanities anchor the composition, providing balanced symmetry and generous storage. The space is framed by custom cabinetry finished in a butter-smooth, high-gloss surface that reads almost mirror-like—reflecting light and amplifying the sense of scale. Clean lines and restrained material choices keep the palette calm while the reflective finishes add subtle luxury without overwhelming the space.

Details such as recessed lighting, carefully placed mirrors, and coordinated fixtures contribute to a cohesive, serene environment that feels both modern and timeless. Below are a few favorite images that capture the clarity of the design, the play of light on glossy surfaces, and the newly realized openness of the master suite. To see more of our work, please visit our webiste. www.normansizemore.com

Cottage Remodel - Kitchen Area:

We’ve shared shots from this project before, but here are a few new perspectives of the Cottage Remodel by Benvenuti and Stein. This kitchen is a standout—an expertly executed blend of cottage charm and contemporary durability. The design adheres to the cuttable motif while introducing modern, long-lasting countertops, tailor-made cabinetry, high-end appliances, vaulted ceilings, and wide plank hardwood flooring.

The layout reads beautifully from multiple vantage points: the kitchen opens to the foyer and dining room, then flows seamlessly into the family room, creating an inviting, cohesive sequence of spaces. Light and material choices are restrained but thoughtful, allowing details—the joinery, hardware, and the proportions of the vaulted ceiling—to carry the visual story.

This is, without exaggeration, one of our favorite small kitchens of all time. Highlighted below are a few images that capture the room’s balance of warmth, function, and refined restraint. To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Cottage Remodel - Laundry Remodel:

Continuing with the Cottage Remodel, we wanted to show a space that is often overlooked in an architectural shoot, the laundry room.  Here though, a closet area was repurposed, and a wall moved to create a spacious tidy space to attend to a necessary home task.  Durable bespoke cabinets, with practical  work and storage space add to the charm and functionality.  To see more of our work, please visit our website.  www.normansizemore.com

Heirloom Quality Cabinetry:

There is something to be said about quality cabinetry. You can see it — the way doors and drawers align perfectly. You can feel it — a hand-rubbed finish, the reassuring weight when a pull meets your hand, the smooth, solid motion of a perfectly hung door. You know it when fine design and proportion read as heirloom quality.

A couple of frames from a Chicago condo shoot a few years back that capture those moments. More to come. To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Cottage Remodel:

The homeowners wanted a room addition and an update, so they called Geno Benvenuti. By moving walls, vaulting the ceiling, and rethinking the layout, Geno uncovered more space than anyone expected and transformed the house into a warm, cottage-like retreat. The result is inviting, comfortable, and quietly refined.

Benvenuti & Stein handled architecture, building, and design—and added master cabinet- and furniture-making to their list of talents. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident throughout. Below are some favorite images from the project. We’ll share more photos from this home in the next few posts—stay tuned; it’s remarkable what a skilled team can do. To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Shooting Retail:

Shooting retail interiors demands two complementary strengths: the ability to render the overall architectural layout with clarity and scale, and the skill to isolate and flatter smaller displays and products without breaking the visual continuity of the set. For a recent Canada Goose retail shoot, the brief called for seamless consistency between wide interior views and tighter display/product images so the full gallery reads as one cohesive story.

Key objectives

• Preserve consistent color temperature and directional light between wide and tight shots.

• Maintain the same tonal balance, contrast, and shadow behavior so close-ups feel like natural extensions of the room.

• Show product detail and texture while keeping the brand’s elevated, premium aesthetic intact.

Below are some samples from the shoot. To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Elegant Food Court Dining:

The food court seating area felt bespoke at every turn. Custom wood paneling wrapped the space in warm, tactile detail, while solid hardwood recessed ceiling beams drew the eye upward and established a strong architectural rhythm. Matching hardwood window columns framed views outward and reinforced a cohesive material palette. Cafe tables with rich hardwood surfaces paired with comfortable leather chaises, balancing durability with understated luxury. Large, custom-made chandeliers hung as focal points—their scale and craftsmanship elevating the dining experience and casting a flattering, ambient light across the room. The combination of refined materials, careful joinery, and thoughtful lighting created an environment more akin to a boutique restaurant than a conventional market food court—an ideal subject for images that celebrate texture, form, and atmosphere. To see more of our work please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Charming Dinning Room:

We photographed this remodeled bungalow a couple years ago for an interior designer. My favorite space was the dining room. The designer raised and refashioned the fireplace so it could be easily seen from the dining table, turning a functional element into the room’s focal point. The cut Art Deco hardwood surround was painted white, as were the baseboards and crown molding, preserving the home’s original character while giving the space a fresh, updated feel. Bespoke wall coverings add texture and charm, completing a room that balances historic detail with contemporary sensibility. To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Fine Art & Interior Design:

In addition to fine custom furniture, the interior design features an extensive fine art collection that elevates the space with texture, form, and craftsmanship. Hand-blown glass pieces—each with unique color gradients and organic contours—catch and refract light, creating dynamic focal points throughout living and circulation areas. Sculptures and statues, carefully scaled to their settings, provide three-dimensional anchors that balance the room’s proportions and draw the eye along sightlines. Framed wall-relief art introduces tactile depth and subtle shadow play, offering a quiet, tactile counterpoint to smoother surfaces.

The fireplace is a central sculptural element: a mantel carved from black jade that reads as both monument and jewel. Its deep, polished surface absorbs and reflects light with a dense, lustrous quality, contrasting the warmth of flame and the lighter materials around it. Together, these art elements are integrated strategically—grouped, lit, and positioned—to reinforce architectural rhythm, define activity zones, and create a layered, cohesive composition that feels curated yet lived-in. To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Luxury Master Suite:

There is really no need to take time describing fine interior design. The shot of this master suite says it all very well.

Clean lines, layered textures, and a restrained palette come together to create a space that reads as both timeless and intimate. Natural light sculpts the room, highlighting handcrafted details and material contrasts—the soft weave of a wool rug against the crisp geometry of the custom painted millwork, the warm glow of colorful tones beside cool stone.

This image captures the room’s balance of function and sanctuary. The bed anchors the composition with understated luxury, while preserving serenity. Architectural rhythm—recessed ceilings, aligned sightlines, and proportioned openings—reinforces calm, while artful accents add character without competing. It’s just so well done. To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Chicago Condo Patio:

We photographed two near-North Side Chicago condos remodeled by JMD Builders. Beyond the meticulous interior renovations, JMD opened up an expansive patio designed for year‑round city living. The space is set up for sunbathing and late‑afternoon lounging, features a two built‑in fire element for crisp autumn evenings, and provides an intimate setting for twilight dinners in summer. Durable grilling space and comfortable seating make it easy to cook burgers and watch the game or a movie outdoors. Thoughtful landscaping and lush plantings surround the terrace, softening the urban backdrop and creating a private, garden‑like retreat. It’s a versatile, beautifully composed outdoor room—an ideal extension of condo living in the heart of the city. Some favorites below. To see more of our work please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Canada Goose - Oakbrook:

Just a couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to work with the staff at Canada Goose. This was, without question, one of the most pleasant and organized commercial shoots we have ever done. The team’s preparation, clear communication, and attention to detail made every step efficient and enjoyable — from lighting and wardrobe to timing and on-set coordination. Their professionalism was refreshing and allowed us to focus fully on capturing the clean, elevated images their brand deserves.

Below are just a few of our favorites from the shoot. Please visit our website to see more of our work. www.normansizemore.com