Luxury Dining Room:

Updating and enhancing an older home presents unique challenges, particularly when the homeowner desires luxurious elements such as silk wallpaper, bespoke window treatments, fine hardwood flooring, custom furniture, and fine art. While integrating these features into a brand new home can be relatively straightforward, achieving harmony within a mid-century residence requires not only vision but a keen understanding of design.

Enter Lauren Coburn, an interior designer known for her ability to tackle complex projects with grace and creativity. Her recent total home makeover exemplifies her commitment to transforming spaces into reflections of sophistication and style. Today, we focus on the dining room, a space that perfectly embodies the exquisite elements that characterize this renovation.

The dining room showcases silk wallpaper that adds a touch of elegance, enveloping the space in richness and warmth. Bespoke window treatments frame the windows beautifully, allowing natural light to filter in while maintaining privacy. The selection of fine hardwood flooring sets the stage for the room, blending the old with the new seamlessly.

Custom furniture pieces, designed specifically for the space, contribute to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Each piece is carefully curated to enhance the visual narrative while ensuring the room remains livable and inviting. Completing the look, carefully chosen fine art adorns the walls, creating focal points that draw the eye and spark conversation.

The final result is nothing short of breathtaking—a dining room that marries luxury with timeless design, all within the context of a mid-century home. Lauren Coburn’s exceptional talent shines through in this transformation, demonstrating that with the right vision, challenges can be turned into stunning realities.








Shooting Empty Retail Spaces:

When a commercial builder completes a retail space, capturing high-quality photographs before the client moves in is essential for showcasing their capabilities. These images serve as a powerful marketing tool, highlighting not only the interior build-out but also the builder's expertise in designing product display areas, checkout counters, and service stations.

Professional photography can convey the aesthetics and functionality of the space. It illustrates how products are elegantly displayed and creates an inviting atmosphere for potential clients to envision their own brands thriving in the space. Through careful composition, lighting, and attention to detail, the final images reflect the builder’s skill in merging design with practicality.

Additionally, these photographs can enhance promotional materials, portfolios, and websites, setting the commercial builder apart in a competitive market. By presenting retail environments that are not only visually appealing but also strategically designed, builders can attract new clients seeking innovative solutions for their retail spaces.










 

Chicago Beach Home, 2013:

Flashback Friday: January 2013, Chicago. I met Christina Pascente  on-site to capture an exquisite home interior. Our goal was to photograph the space both day and night, showcasing its versatility. Christina meticulously staged each scene.


One of my favorite views was this main level hall, featuring an elaborate wine rack that commands attention. The meticulous woodworking flows seamlessly into the family room, which offers a stunning overlook of the lake. The family room ceiling, finished in Venetian plaster, adds a layer of sophistication. The drag marks from the plaster evoke a sense of being at the beach, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the space. Over the coming months, we will flash back to this home, showcasing its masterful construction and execution. Each detail tells a story, reflecting both artistry and craftsmanship that elevate the overall design. 







Timeless Kitchen by Lauren Coburn & Mobili Mobel:

We photographed this kitchen designed by Lauren Coburn, featuring cabinetry by Mobili Mobel, a few years back. The design exemplifies a timeless aesthetic, showcasing Lauren's ability to create spaces that remain relevant and striking. This kitchen could easily be mistaken for a recent project, highlighting the enduring quality of her work. In interior design, timelessness is a vital consideration, and Lauren excels in delivering designs that not only meet but surpass expectations. The elegance and functionality of this kitchen remind us why investing in such thoughtful design is essential.











Custom Estates by Hank Haff:

H&H Homes, led by master builder Hank Haff, consistently delivers some of the finest estates in the Midwest. Renowned for their timeless design and exceptional execution, each residence not only stands as a testament to architectural craftsmanship but also reflects a deep understanding of the surrounding environment.

These estates not only showcase Hank Haff's commitment to quality but also his ability to create spaces that resonate with beauty and tranquility. Each project is a unique blend of vision and craftsmanship, making H&H Homes a standout in the building industry.  A few favorites below.








Take Advantage of Summer Months!:

While it might be a bit overcast outside today, this is the perfect time to schedule your exterior photography. Spring and early summer yield the best results, offering vibrant colors, lush landscapes, and optimal lighting conditions for showcasing your residential properties. 

The homes featured here, designed by architect Michael Buss, exemplify the harmony between aesthetic appeal and functional design. Capturing their essence through photography not only highlights their architectural features but also creates an inviting atmosphere for prospective buyers and admirers alike. Reach out today to discuss how we can beautifully present your residential exteriors during this ideal season.














Secluded Getaway Home, by Peter Scherrer:

By popular demand, here are some exterior photos of the home designed by Peter Scherrer. The house is beautifully secluded, perched on a slight hill that enhances its striking design. To capture the ideal angles for these images, I had to climb atop my Bronco for many of the shots, with my business partner Mary Beth at the wheel. We photographed this back in 2013, so high quality drones were not yet available.  We made the most of what we could get with camera, tripod and Bronco. Despite the challenges, I am pleased with the results we achieved. In another post, I will highlight some specific exterior elements of this extraordinary home.