Creative Spotlight: Benvenuti & Stein

We recently photographed another outstanding kitchen for one of the North Shore’s premier Design/Build companies Benvenuti & Stein.  If you are a follower of this blog, you’ve read about the exquisite quality and attention to detail in their work.  

We met with Benvenuti & Stein Interior Designer Megan Sokolowske on-site and she walked us through the challenges and make over of this project.  The client was commenting on how the new kitchen changed the character of her home, making it so much more functional and inviting.  We could really see how happy she was with the finished product.

 

As with all of Benvenuti & Stein's work, the finishes are extraordinary.  The paint work is luxurious and smooth to the touch, handmade cabinets open with ease and close with a substantial feel uncommon in most custom cabinet work today. Of course, the design work is exceptional.

 

Below are a few of our favorite images from the shoot.  

High-end Update

About 7 months ago I was doing a photo shoot for Marietta Calas of Expressive Interiors, and she mentioned that she was updating a project that we had photographed back in 2010.  I remember thinking to myself, ‘well how is she going to do that?’.

 

In 2010 this particular project was featured in several magazines and was even selected as a cover shot for two of them.  Well, below you see the results.  Wow! 

 

The update gives the homeowner that comfortable familiar feeling by retaining the original custom furnishing with new upholstery and room finishes. The result is a clean transitional design.  Stay tuned as we will feature more from this project in the future.  If you’re looking to give your home a fresh new look, Marietta should be on your short list of designers to call!

 

2021!

 

Wow!  What a year.  I am confident that I am not the only one who is happy that 2020 is behind us.

 

Everyone here has managed to avoid COVID, but I know many who haven't been as fortunate.  Having friends worldwide, I have been able to speak with them and share concerns and anxieties about having to work in the midst of a pandemic.  It has been interesting to say the least.

 

In 2020, we had the privilege of continuing to work with many long-term clients.  But we also had the opportunity to work with some wonderful new ones.  Letitia, Anthony, Giovonna, Emil, Vishal, Vibhuti, Ryan, Benjamin, and Patrick have all been wonderful. 

 

We have learned to be as safe as possible both in the workplace and on-location. 

 

Despite all the confusion, new protocols and a little fear on everyone's part, we managed to stay extremely busy.  I found that most were able to focus on growing their business and staying safe.  We found new ways to interface with one another.  Zoom, FaceTime and Google Duo have become part of our daily working routine now and it has really been okay.   A little bit of a learning curve, but that is to be expected. 

 

So here we are, in 2021.  Already we have many nice prospects, new projects and since this is what we love to do….an edge of excitement as to what the year will bring.

 

We are so looking forward to working with you all.  I've said it in the past, but having gotten through 2020, I know that we can make 2021 the best year ever!

 

Below are just a few shots of some of our favorite commercial projects of 2020! 

 

Best,

Norman

 

 

Creative Spotlight: Key Interiors - Katherine Ehninger - Designer

 

Back in July we got a call from Katherine Ehninger, Designer at Key Interiors, Inc.  Katherine had just finished a large professional space for a Chicago advertising studio and it was amazing!

 

The large studio front's large spacious windows, original ornate iron columns, wide-open spaces for a large bullpen work area.  Exposed lacquered brick adds to the character of the space which is complete with private offices, large conference rooms and theater bleachers and locker room area for company meetings.

 

The workspace is timeless and definitely would inspire the creative mind needed for working in advertising.  It is one of our favorite shoots of the year.

 

We have worked with Katherine now for a few years now and she is part of the superb design team at Key Interiors, Inc.  Should you be in need of updating or creating a new space for your business, you would be hard pressed to find a better design/build team.

 

Below are just a few of my favorites from this project.

 

 

Creative Spotlight: Gio Style Design

 

We had the privilege of shooting a project for Gio Style Design earlier this year.  Chicago based interior designer Giovanna Brunetti did a remarkable job of updating this 1930's home located on the far North Side.

 

Upon entering; the home depicts a cozy atmosphere though large and spacious.  Beautiful architecture is complimented by superb custom furnishings, exquisite hand made window treatments and fine carpets are seen throughout.

 

The home is pleasant, luxurious and practical.  One has the sensation that you could move right in without changing a single element of the design and feel right at home. To me, that is the highest compliment one can give an interior designer and what sets a fine home interior designer apart from the rest.

 

Every room in this home is an indulgence in luxury, without any nonessentials.  You never feel out of place or uncomfortable making this project a complete success.  For those seeking out an interior designer for a new home, or those wanting to bring a new elegance to their existing home, I highly recommend giving Giovanna a call.  Below are few of my favorites from this project.